The Baltic countries—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—and their neighboring Poland offer a lot of opportunities for enriching school trips. From diving into the region’s deep historical roots to exploring cutting-edge science centers, each country offers unique ways to inspire and educate young minds. In this article Estravel recommends science discoveries that will ensure unforgettable moments and lasting memories during the next school trip.

Science Island in Kaunas, Lithuania

The newly opened Science Island in Kaunas is an exciting destination for young learners. ocated on the island in the Nemunas river, this modern science and innovation center focuses on sustainability, technology, and future-focused themes. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits that explore renewable energy, robotics, and environmental conservation.

• What to expect: Interactive exhibits focusing on sustainability, technology, and future innovations.
• Suitable for: All age groups, with exhibits designed to engage both children and adults.
• Visit duration: Approximately 2–3 hours, depending on engagement level.
• How it stands out: Emphasis on sustainability and future technologies in a modern setting.

AHHA Science Center in Tartu, Estonia

Tartu’s AHHA Science Center is the largest science center in the Baltics, featuring a planetarium, a science theater, and hundreds of interactive exhibits. Students can experience the wonders of physics, chemistry, and biology in an engaging way. From exploring human anatomy to testing physics principles, AHHA brings science to life.

• What to expect: Interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and science theater performances.
• Suitable for: All age groups, with specific programs tailored for different educational levels.
• Visit duration: Approximately 3–4 hours.
• How it stands out: As the largest science center in the Baltics, it offers a wide range of scientific experiences.

PROTO Invention Factory in Tallinn, Estonia

Step into a world of imagination and innovation at Tallinn’s PROTO Invention Factory, where students can interact with virtual reality (VR) exhibits and explore historic inventions. Located in an old submarine factory, PROTO combines the charm of industrial heritage with cutting-edge technology.

• What to expect: Virtual reality experiences combined with historical inventions in an interactive setting.
• Suitable for: Recommended for ages 6 and up.
• Visit duration: Approximately 2–3 hours.
• How it stands out: Unique combination of VR technology with historical inventions in a former industrial space.

Riga Motor Museum in Riga, Latvia

The Riga Motor Museum is a haven for automobile enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Housing an impressive collection of vintage cars, including Soviet-era vehicles and unique prototypes, the museum offers insights into the evolution of automobile technology.

• What to expect: Extensive collection of vintage vehicles, interactive exhibits, and historical insights into automotive development.
• Suitable for: All age groups, with educational programs available for students.
• Visit duration: Approximately 2 hours.
• How it stands out: Largest antique vehicle museum in the Baltics, featuring unique and rare automobiles.

Copernicus Science Center in Warsaw, Poland

The Copernicus Science Center in Warsaw is one of Europe’s top science museums. With over 400 interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and laboratories for conducting real experiments, this center is a centre for curiosity and innovation.

• What to expect: interactive exhibits, workshops, and a planetarium (note: the planetarium is currently under renovation and is expected to reopen in the first quarter of 2025).
• Suitable for: All age groups, with diverse exhibits catering to various interests.
• Visit duration: Approximately 4–5 hours.
• How it stands out: One of the largest and most modern science centers in Europe, offering a comprehensive educational experience.

Creating Tailored Itineraries

One of the best ways to explore the region is by combining destinations into a multi-country itinerary. Estravel specializes in creating customized school trips full of wonder and discovery. Here’s an example of a combined Lithuania and Poland itinerary:

1. Arrive in Vilnius. City tour and visit to Lukiškės Prison (known as the filming site of the 4th season of the TV series “Stranger Things”)  or the Museum of Energetics (with a great example of the Tesla experiment).
2. Explore Trakai Castle and participate in culinary workshops where you will be making traditional “meat pastries” – kibinai.
3. Travel to Kaunas, stopping at the Open-Air Museum in Rumsiskes to discover ancient traditions and local cuisine. Visit Science Island in Kaunas for scientific experiments. Optional stops at:
   – M. K. Čiurlionis Museum, who was the most renowned Lithuanian composer and painter of the late 19th century. In 2025, Lithuania celebrates the 150th birth anniversary of this great artist.
   – IX Fort in Kaunas which was a defensive fort in the 19th century but later used as a prison and a concentration camp during World War 2.
   – The Folk Music Branch of the Kaunas City Museum, where traditional folk music comes to life.
4. Proceed to Warsaw. Visit the Copernicus Science Center, for scientific discoveries and experiments.
5. Optional continuation to the south of Poland, Krakow, the Royal Capital of Poland. Explore deeper: tour the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, an important historical site of WW2, and end the trip with a day of fun at Energylandia, Poland’s largest amusement park.

This example itinerary can be further tailored to meet the needs and interests of each group, ensuring a balance of education, culture, and fun.

Estravel team understands the importance of creating unforgettable experiences for students. Our tailored school trips ensure an enriching blend of history, science, and culture, designed to inspire and educate the students as well as the teachers. Start planning your next school trip today – because the best learning is done through discovery!