Saaremaa · With kids

The castle at Lossihoov 1/1 opens daily 10:00–18:00 with last entry at 17:30 and tickets at €9–13, but the water-filled moat, the ramparts and the surrounding park cost nothing and are the part small children take to. Easily an hour either side of the museum.

A complete thatched farm complex built up by eight generations of one family, in Viki village on the west of the island. Open Tue–Sat 10:00–17:00 with the ticket office until 16:30 and tickets from €6. Outbuildings, farm tools and room to run about.

Shallow sandy beach backed by pine forest about 10 km west of Kuressaare, with campsites strung along it. The water stays waist-deep a long way out, which is exactly what you want with small children. Free; bring your own food, as there is little on site.

Tallinna 15 in Kuressaare, open to day visitors Sun–Thu 09:00–21:00 and Fri–Sat 09:00–22:00. The dependable wet-weather option in a town that does not have many; check prices and availability through the hotel's spa booking before turning up.

For most children the Virtsu–Kuivastu ferry is the best part of the day: open decks, gulls and the mainland sliding away. Foot passengers and cyclists board without a booking, and if you are in a car it is worth getting out and going up top.