By
Sweden is a fantastic destination for families seeking a safe, relaxing, and culturally rich holiday. Its beautiful landscapes, welcoming atmosphere, and abundance of family-friendly activities make it ideal for creating lifelong memories.
When planning family holidays in Sweden, traveling with a rental campervan adds a layer of freedom and flexibility, letting your family explore diverse attractions at your own pace, stay close to nature, and enjoy the comfort of having your accommodation on wheels.
Family Holidays in Sweden: An Overview
Sweden is not just a country to visit; it's a place to experience with all senses, especially for families. It offers educational museums, lush nature parks, and a commitment to sustainability that’s visible in every corner. Sweden is an exemplary destination for families looking to bond over shared experiences and discover new perspectives.
Things to Do With Kids in Sweden
With the freedom of a campervan, families can customize their itinerary based on their children’s interests and energy, making spontaneous stops whenever something sparks curiosity. But don’t worry, if you’re short on time or prefer some inspiration, we’ve prepared a list of 15 exciting activities that make Sweden family holidays an unforgettable experience:
1. Chase the Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland
The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are a mesmerizing natural wonder that fascinates children and adults alike from late September to early April. The best viewing spots lie far from city lights, deep in Lapland’s wilderness. Renting a campervan lets your family drive to secluded locations like Abisko National Park or near Kiruna, avoiding crowds and tour buses.
You can stay overnight under the stars, warm up in your cozy camper, and step outside whenever the sky lights up. This flexibility significantly increases your chances of seeing the auroras and creates intimate family moments away from the hustle and bustle.
2. Step into Storybook Magic at Astrid Lindgren’s World (Vimmerby)
This theme park brings the beloved characters of Astrid Lindgren’s books, like Pippi Longstocking, to life with colorful sets, live actors, and interactive activities. Kids can run through Pippi’s iconic Villa Villekulla, ride horses, and enjoy theatrical shows that blend education with entertainment.
Staying nearby in your campervan means early access before the crowds and the freedom to leave late, perhaps after enjoying a calm lakeside picnic or a walk through the surrounding forests.
3. Enjoy a Moose or Beaver Safari
Sweden’s vast forests are home to impressive wildlife, including majestic moose and elusive beavers. Guided safaris offer safe, educational encounters, with expert guides sharing facts about animal behavior and conservation.
While Sweden allows wild camping, we recommend staying in nearby campsites and national parks, as they provide a safer environment to fully immerse yourselves in the soothing sounds and sights of nature overnight, away from city noise.
4. Dive into Universeum Science Center (Gothenburg)
Universeum is a multi-level science museum featuring a lush rainforest exhibit, a massive ocean tank teeming with marine life, and hands-on experiments covering space, technology, and ecosystems. It’s designed to captivate children’s curiosity, making learning fun and interactive through immersive displays, live demonstrations, and workshops.
Families can easily spend several hours exploring everything from exotic animals to cutting-edge scientific concepts in a vibrant, engaging environment. You will also appreciate the on-site café and restaurant, perfect for enjoying a traditional Swedish fika or a relaxing meal while the kids continue their adventures.
5. Discover Swedish Heritage at Skansen Open-Air Museum (Stockholm)
Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum and zoo, combining history and nature in one unique experience. It showcases traditional Swedish houses, crafts, and festivals, giving visitors a glimpse into Sweden’s cultural heritage.
Kids can see native Nordic animals such as bears, lynx, and moose, watch artisans like glassblowers and bakers at work, and participate in seasonal celebrations including Lucia and Christmas markets.
6. Explore the Vasa Museum (Stockholm)
The Vasa Museum houses the impressive 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage and was salvaged intact centuries later. This colossal ship, nearly 69 meters long and adorned with over 700 intricately carved wooden sculptures, captivates children and adults alike with its grandeur and the fascinating stories of life aboard during Sweden’s naval heyday.
The museum features interactive exhibits and hands-on workshops designed especially for families, making history come alive through engaging activities.
7. Hike Family-Friendly Trails in Tyresta National Park
Just outside Stockholm, Tyresta National Park offers well-maintained trails through ancient pine forests, mossy rocks, and clear lakes. The paths are suitable for kids, featuring birdwatching spots and picnic areas.
While camping inside Tyresta National Park is regulated, families can set up tents and light small fires only at designated wind shelters and fire/resting places around lakes Årsjön, Långsjön, and Lanan. In Tyresta village itself, families can camp on a meadow at the end of the village road, enjoying stunning sunsets over grazing pastures and the historic Tyresta Farm.
8. Splash Around at Lost City Water Park (Örebro)
The Lost City is one of Sweden’s largest indoor water parks, perfect for rainy days or high-energy afternoons. It offers slides for all ages, wave pools, lazy rivers, and toddler zones with gentle features.
Nearby campsites like Gustavsvik Camping and Åråshult Camping provide family-friendly facilities and easy access to both the water park and the city center, allowing families to enjoy a convenient blend of urban attractions and natural surroundings.
9. Wander the Medieval Streets of Visby (Gotland)
Gotland, Sweden’s largest island in the Baltic Sea, offers families a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and a wealth of outdoor activities far from the busy mainland. Its main town, Visby, is surrounded by ancient stone walls that tell stories of medieval times, inviting children to imagine knights and castles as they explore winding streets filled with colorful homes, local artisan shops, and cozy cafés.
Beyond the UNESCO World Heritage site, Gotland’s coastline boasts peaceful beaches ideal for paddling and building sandcastles. During summer, the waters warm enough to provide safe and enjoyable swimming spots for families, making it a perfect seaside escape.
10. Visit Fenomenalen Science Center (Visby, Gotland)
Fenomenalen is a vibrant science center designed to spark curiosity and creativity in children through interactive experiments, hands-on workshops, and engaging exhibitions. Kids can explore concepts in physics, biology, and technology in a fun, approachable way, making it an educational highlight of any trip to Gotland.
11. Cycle Safe Bike Paths in Malmö
Malmö is known for its extensive, safe cycling infrastructure. Rent bikes and cruise along coastal trails, city parks, and vibrant neighborhoods with your family. The flat terrain and well-marked paths are ideal for kids learning to ride or for family rides with little ones in trailers.
With a campervan as your base, you can carry your own gear, picnic supplies, and ride at your own pace, returning easily when the little legs need a rest.
12. Picnic and Play in Kungsparken (Malmö)
We don’t leave Malmö off the list because Kungsparken is a must-visit green oasis in the heart of Skåne’s capital. This beautifully landscaped urban park is free to enter and boasts an impressive collection of trees and plants, some towering over 30 meters tall!
During the summer, Kungsparken comes alive with the Sommarscen festival, featuring circus acts, acrobatics, and alternative theater performances specially designed for children, turning a simple park visit into a magical cultural experience for the whole family.
13. Tour Kalmar Castle
Kalmar Castle, one of Sweden’s most magnificent Renaissance fortresses, stands proudly on the shores of the Baltic Sea, offering families a captivating journey through centuries of history alongside stunning panoramic views of Kalmar’s old town and the shimmering sea beyond.
Throughout the year, the castle brings history to life with interactive exhibitions and lively reenactments led by costumed guides, providing children with a fun and immersive way to learn about medieval life, knights, and royal ceremonies.
14. Celebrate Midsummer Festivals
Swedish Midsummer is one of the country’s most cherished celebrations, marking the arrival of summer with vibrant flower wreaths, joyful maypole dancing, traditional folk music, and an abundance of festive food like pickled herring, new potatoes, and strawberries. You’ll be dancing and eating nonstop until you’re completely worn out!
Traveling on your own means your family can stay close to these authentic celebrations, whether in small rural communities or larger towns, avoiding late-night drives and allowing you to soak up the atmosphere from start to finish with ease and comfort.
15. Relax on Sandhammaren Beach (Skåne)
Who says Sweden doesn’t have quality beaches to enjoy summer and good weather? Sandhammaren is famous for its soft, white sand and shallow, calm waters—making it an ideal spot for families with young swimmers and little sandcastle architects.
Larger campervans with plenty of storage are ideal for families heading to the beach, letting you pack all your gear hassle-free. This means you can enjoy long, relaxed days on Sandhammaren’s sands and shallow waters, then unwind comfortably in your spacious campervan at sunset.
Your Perfect Family Holiday in Sweden Awaits
Sweden offers families a perfect blend of safety, natural beauty, rich culture, and family-friendly amenities. Its mild climate, welcoming communities, and slower pace encourage meaningful connections and discovery.
If you’re unsure which rental campervan suits your family size and planned adventures, contact us directly. We’re ready to help you find the perfect match to make your family holidays to Sweden smooth and memorable.
