What to do with kids in southern Sweden? 14 fun day trips

A holiday in Sweden with kids? That might sound like endless walks through forests, swimming in lakes and keeping an eye out for moose. And let's be honest, those are wonderful activities. But southern Sweden has so much more to offer families!

From toboggan runs and exciting caves to alpacas, trolls, safari parks and historic trains. There are surprisingly many fun places where kids can marvel, run wild and discover new things.

We live in southern Sweden ourselves and are still amazed at how many special outings this region has to offer. We don't have kids of our own, but we regularly come across places along the way that make us think: wouldn't this be perfect for kids?

That's why we've put together fourteen fun outings for families exploring southern Sweden with children. Whether you're travelling with young kids or slightly older adventurers, there's bound to be something here for your holiday!

1. Tobogganing at Kungsbygget Adventure Park

For those who love a bit of speed and adventure!

Who says you can only go tobogganing in Sweden in winter? At Kungsbygget Adventure Park, you can also zoom down a toboggan run in summer.

The run winds its way through the landscape, with plenty of bends and changes in height along the way. You largely decide your own speed, which makes it fun for kids who prefer to take it a bit slower too.

But Kungsbygget has more to offer than just tobogganing. The park is known for various outdoor activities and adventurous challenges, such as climbing and other activities where you can push your limits.

A great destination for families who like to be active. Check beforehand which activities are open during your visit and whether there are any age or height requirements.

2. Underground at Tykarpsgrottan

A special adventure in a world beneath the surface.

Do you have kids who are fascinated by caves, tunnels and mysterious passages? Then Tykarpsgrottan near Hässleholm makes for a great outing.

This historic limestone quarry consists of an extensive network of passages that used to be dug out by hand. Today, you can visit part of the cave and discover what it looks like underground.

During a guided tour, you'll learn more about the history of the quarry and the people who once worked here, while walking through dark passages and past striking rock formations.

A visit to Tykarpsgrottan is not only fun, but also a little thrilling. Do wear warm clothing: it's much colder underground than outside. Also check the tour schedule and availability in advance.

3. Meeting alpacas at Alpaca Ekofarm Hultet

For animal lovers big and small.

There's something special about alpacas. With their big eyes, soft fur and curious nature, they're irresistible to many kids.

At Alpaca Ekofarm Hultet, you can admire these special animals up close. A visit to an alpaca farm is a great way to introduce kids to animals they might not encounter every day.

Depending on what the farm offers, you can learn more about the animals and their care. Some alpaca farms also offer special activities or meet-and-greets.

A lovely outing for families who enjoy watching animals. Check in advance what's on offer and whether you need to book a visit.

4. Ziplining through the air at Multilevel Zipline Sandåkra

For real daredevils!

Want to do something a bit different from a regular walk or playground visit? A zipline might just be an unforgettable experience.

At Multilevel Zipline Sandåkra, you can head out on an adventure among the trees. On a zipline, you glide along a cable from one point to another, moving through the landscape above the ground.

It's an exciting activity that lets you experience the forest from a completely different perspective. For kids who love climbing, scrambling and taking on new challenges, this can be a fantastic outing.

Just keep in mind: not every course is suitable for all ages. So check the minimum age, height and other safety requirements beforehand.

5. Hunting for fossils at Åsens fältstation

An outing for curious little researchers.

Some kids can spend hours with stones, shells and anything else they find outside. For them, a visit to a place where you can learn more about fossils makes for a special outing.

At Åsens fältstation, you can get acquainted with the world of fossils and geology. It's a fun way to discover together what the landscape looked like millions of years ago and what traces from that time can still be found today.

The idea that you can find something that's millions of years old suddenly makes history feel a lot more tangible.

Check in advance which activities or options are available at the time of your visit, as not every location offers the same activities all season long.

6. Troll hunting in Trollparken Gärdes Vänner

A magical walk for imaginative explorers.

In Sweden, you can run into them in the most unexpected places: trolls! Scandinavian folklore is full of stories about these mysterious creatures said to live deep in the forests.

At Trollparken Gärdes Vänner, you can go looking for special trolls and other imaginative sculptures yourself. The park is a great destination for kids who love using their imagination and discovering something new throughout the walk.

Instead of simply walking a loop through the forest, the walk turns into a little treasure hunt. Who knows how many trolls you'll be able to find along the way?

A lovely outing to experience nature in a playful way.

7. On safari at Eriksberg

Spotting wild animals from the car.

A safari might sound like something you'd have to travel all the way to Africa for, but you can also go on safari in southern Sweden!

At Eriksberg Safari Park in Blekinge, you can explore a large nature reserve that's home to various wild animals, such as red deer, fallow deer, European bison and other animals you might come across in the Swedish landscape.

What makes Eriksberg special is that the animals live in a large, natural area. You drive through the park and keep an eye out for animals among the trees and in the open landscape along the way.

Of course, spotting all the animals is never guaranteed. But that sense of searching is exactly what makes a safari exciting, especially for kids.

Eriksberg is a special way to learn more about the nature and wildlife of southern Sweden. Check the options and current visitor conditions in advance.

8. An afternoon full of games at Smålands Spelhall

Also great when the weather isn't cooperating.

A holiday in Sweden naturally means spending a lot of time outdoors, but sometimes you just feel like doing something different. Or maybe it rains all afternoon.

In that case, a visit to an arcade is a fun change of pace.

At Smålands Spelhall, you'll find various arcade games and other games. A place where kids (and, let's be honest, grown-ups too) can have a great time with games and challenges.

From classic old-school arcade games to other games, it's a fun activity to do together and a nice change from all the nature.

Check in advance which games and facilities are available and when the arcade is open.

9. Horse riding through nature at Söderåsens Turridning

Discover the Swedish landscape from the back of a horse.

For kids who are crazy about horses, a trail ride can be an unforgettable experience.

At Söderåsens Turridning, you can explore the area around Söderåsen on horseback. You ride through the beautiful landscape and experience nature in a completely different way than on a walk.

The area around Söderåsen is known for its forests, hills and beautiful nature, making a horseback ride a special way to explore this area.

Depending on the rides on offer and the experience level of the participants, there are various options. Ask in advance about the minimum age, experience requirements and available rides.

10. Rail biking at Glimminge station

Cycling along a railway line: you don't see that every day!

One of the most fun ways to discover the Swedish landscape is with a so-called rail bike, a kind of pedal cart that you ride along an old railway line.

At Glimminge station, you can try out this special way of cycling. You pedal along the tracks and discover the landscape from a completely different perspective along the way.

What's fun about it is that you're not cycling along regular roads, but along a railway line that used to be used by trains. That naturally makes it extra special for kids.

A rail bike is also a fun activity to do together. You can take your time enjoying the surroundings along the way and set the pace yourself.

Check availability, the distance of the route and the options for kids in advance.

11. A glimpse into the Viking age at Eketorps borg

Discover how people used to live.

How did the Vikings actually live? And what did a village look like hundreds of years ago?

At Eketorps borg on Öland, you can get a glimpse of life in the past. This special historic fort is built around the remains of old settlements and gives you a sense of how people lived here during the Iron Age and the Middle Ages.

You walk through the reconstructed buildings and discover how people used to live, work and get by. Depending on the season, there are also activities and demonstrations where visitors can learn more about old crafts and customs.

For kids, history experienced this way is often a lot more fun than just reading about it in a book. You're right in the middle of it!

12. Spotting moose in a moose park

A meeting with the king of the Swedish forest.

You can of course drive through the Swedish forests for hours hoping to spot a moose. But the chances of actually seeing one aren't always that high.

Want to be sure of a meeting with these impressive animals? Then a visit to a moose park is a fun activity for the whole family.

At various moose parks in southern Sweden, you can see moose up close. You'll learn more about these special animals, their habitat and their behaviour. Depending on the park's rules, you may even be able to feed them or get a very close look.

For kids, finally seeing a real moose is of course a special moment. They're a lot bigger than you might expect!

There are several moose parks scattered across southern Sweden. See which one fits best with your route and check the opening hours in advance.

13. A historic steam train through Småland at Ohsabanan

A nostalgic train journey through the Swedish landscape.

Trains have something magical about them for many kids. And a ride on a real historic steam train only makes that feeling bigger.

At Ohsabanan, you can take a ride on a historic narrow-gauge railway in Småland. The old locomotives and carriages give you the feeling of stepping back in time.

As the steam locomotive slowly makes its way through the landscape, you can enjoy the views and the special atmosphere on board. It's a completely different way to discover the surroundings than by car.

For young train enthusiasts, this is of course a fantastic outing, but it's also a lovely experience for adults who enjoy history and nostalgia.

The trains run on specific days and during certain seasons, so check the Ohsabanan timetable in advance.

14. A day full of adventure at Astrid Lindgrens Värld or High Chaparral

Two special theme parks, each with its own world.

Want to set aside a whole day for an outing during your holiday? Then Astrid Lindgrens Värld and High Chaparral are two special destinations worth considering.

Astrid Lindgrens Värld

In Vimmerby, the birthplace of author Astrid Lindgren, you'll find a theme park entirely devoted to her famous stories.

Here you can discover the worlds of Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga, Ronia the Robber's Daughter and other beloved characters. The different settings are based on the stories, and shows are performed in which the characters come to life.

It's a special place for kids who know the books or films, but also for parents who grew up with these stories themselves.

High Chaparral

Prefer to discover the Wild West? Then High Chaparral is a completely different experience.

This theme park is entirely devoted to cowboys, native Americans and life in the Wild West. You'll find reconstructed western towns, shows and various attractions.

Here, kids can fully immerse themselves in the world of cowboys and adventurers. It feels as if you've stepped into a western film for a while.

Both parks are quite different, but each offers plenty to fill a whole day. Keep in mind that opening hours and what's on offer vary by season.

Southern Sweden with kids: more than just nature

As you can see, there's absolutely no need to be bored on a holiday in southern Sweden with kids. Nature, of course, remains one of the biggest draws. But besides swimming in lakes, walking through forests and enjoying the Swedish outdoors, there are also plenty of special outings to be had.

From an exciting toboggan run and a visit to a cave to meeting alpacas or riding on a historic steam train. There's plenty to discover for different ages and interests.

Our tip? Try not to pack every single day full of activities. It's exactly that mix that makes a holiday in Sweden so enjoyable. One day you head out to an attraction or special sight, the next you relax at a quiet spot by a lake.

Want to discover even more special places during your holiday? With the Swedespots map of southern Sweden, you'll find hundreds of locations spread across the region. From nature reserves and fun outings to hidden gems you might not find on your own.

That way, planning your next adventure becomes a whole lot easier!

Discover southern Sweden with Swedespots and make the most of your holiday.

A holiday in Sweden with kids? You might picture endless walks through forests, swimming in lakes and keeping an eye out for moose. And fair enough: those are wonderful things to do. But southern Sweden has so much more to offer families!

From toboggan runs and exciting caves to alpacas, trolls, safari parks and historic trains. There are a surprising number of great places where kids can marvel, let off steam and discover new things.

We live in southern Sweden ourselves and are still amazed by how many special outings this region has to offer. We don't have kids of our own, but on our travels we often come across places and think: wouldn't this be amazing for children?

That's why we've put together fourteen fun outings for families exploring southern Sweden with kids. Whether you're travelling with young children or slightly older adventurers, there's bound to be something here for your trip!

1. Tobogganing at Kungsbygget Adventure Park

For anyone who loves a bit of speed and adventure!

Who says you can only go tobogganing in Sweden in winter? At Kungsbygget Adventure Park you can zoom down a toboggan run in summer too.

The run winds its way through the landscape, with plenty of bends and changes in height along the way. You largely control your own speed, which makes it fun for kids who prefer to take it a bit easier too.

But Kungsbygget has more to offer than just tobogganing. The park is known for various outdoor activities and adventurous challenges, such as climbing and other activities where you can push your limits.

A great destination for families who love to be active. Check in advance which activities are open during your visit and what age or height requirements apply.

2. Underground at Tykarpsgrottan

A unique adventure in a world beneath the surface.

Do your kids love caves, tunnels and mysterious passageways? Then Tykarpsgrottan near Hässleholm makes for a memorable outing.

This historic limestone quarry consists of an extensive network of passages that were once dug out by hand. Today you can visit part of the cave and discover what it looks like underground.

During a guided tour you'll learn more about the history of the quarry and the people who used to work here, as you walk through dark passages and past striking rock formations.

A visit to Tykarpsgrottan is not just fun, but a little thrilling too. Do wear warm clothing: it's a lot colder underground than outside. Check tour times and availability in advance.

3. Meet the alpacas at Alpaca Ekofarm Hultet

For big and small animal lovers alike.

There's something special about alpacas. With their big eyes, soft fur and curious nature, kids find them hard to resist.

At Alpaca Ekofarm Hultet you can admire these special animals up close. A visit to an alpaca farm is a lovely way to introduce kids to animals they might not come across every day.

Depending on what the farm offers, you can learn more about the animals and their care, and some alpaca farms also offer special activities or encounters.

A wonderful outing for families who love watching animals. Ask in advance about the options and whether you need to book a visit.

4. Zip-lining through the air at Multilevel Zipline Sandåkra

For real thrill-seekers!

Fancy doing something a bit different from a regular walk or playground visit? A zip line could be an unforgettable experience.

At Multilevel Zipline Sandåkra you can head off on an adventure among the trees. A zip line lets you glide along a cable from one point to another, moving through the landscape high above the ground.

It's an exciting activity that lets you experience the forest from a completely different perspective. For kids who love climbing, scrambling and taking on new challenges, this can be a fantastic outing.

Do note that not every course is suitable for all ages, so check the minimum age, height and other safety requirements in advance.

5. Hunting for fossils at Åsens fältstation

An outing for curious young researchers.

Some kids can spend hours looking at stones, shells and anything else they find outside. For them, a visit to a place where you can learn more about fossils makes for a special outing.

At Åsens fältstation you can discover the world of fossils and geology. It's a fun way to explore together what the landscape looked like millions of years ago and what traces from that time can still be found today.

The idea that you can find something that's millions of years old suddenly makes history feel a lot more tangible.

Check in advance what activities or options are available at the time of your visit, since not every location offers the same activities all season.

6. Troll hunting at Trollparken Gärdes Vänner

A magical walk for imaginative explorers.

In Sweden, you come across them in the most unexpected places: trolls! Scandinavian folklore is full of stories about these mysterious creatures said to live deep in the forests.

At Trollparken Gärdes Vänner you can go looking for curious trolls and other imaginative sculptures yourself. The park is a great destination for kids who love using their imagination and discovering something new at every turn during a walk.

Instead of simply strolling through the forest, the walk turns into a little treasure hunt. Who knows how many trolls you'll spot along the way?

A lovely outing for experiencing nature in a playful way.

7. On safari at Eriksberg

Spot wild animals from the car.

A safari might sound like something you'd have to travel all the way to Africa for, but you can go on safari in southern Sweden too!

At Eriksberg Safari Park in Blekinge you can explore a large nature reserve where various wild animals live, such as red deer, fallow deer, European bison and other animals found in the Swedish landscape.

What makes Eriksberg special is that the animals live in a large, natural area. You drive through the park, keeping an eye out for animals among the trees and in the open landscape along the way.

Of course, there's never a guarantee you'll see every animal, but that very search is part of what makes a safari exciting, especially for kids.

Eriksberg is a wonderful way to learn more about the nature and wildlife of southern Sweden. Check the options and current visiting conditions in advance.

8. An afternoon of games at Smålands Spelhall

Great for when the weather doesn't cooperate too.

A holiday in Sweden naturally means a lot of time outdoors, but sometimes you just fancy something different. Or maybe it's raining all afternoon.

That's when a visit to an arcade makes for a fun change of pace.

At Smålands Spelhall you'll find all kinds of arcade games. A place where kids (and, let's be honest, grown-ups too) can happily entertain themselves with games and challenges.

From classic old-school arcade games to other games: it's a fun activity to do together and a nice change from all that nature.

Check in advance which games and facilities are available and when the arcade is open.

9. Horse riding through nature at Söderåsens Turridning

Discover the Swedish landscape from the back of a horse.

For kids who are mad about horses, a ride through the countryside can be an unforgettable experience.

At Söderåsens Turridning you can explore the Söderåsen area on horseback, riding through the beautiful landscape and experiencing nature in a completely different way than on foot.

The area around Söderåsen is known for its forests, hills and beautiful scenery, making a horse ride a special way to explore it.

Depending on the rides on offer and the riders' experience, there are various options. Ask in advance about the minimum age, experience requirements and available rides.

10. Rail biking at Glimminge station

Cycling along a railway line: not something you see every day!

One of the most fun ways to discover the Swedish landscape is with a so-called draisine, a kind of pedal cart that runs along an old railway line.

At Glimminge station you can try out this unique way of cycling. You pedal along the tracks and discover the landscape from a whole new perspective along the way.

The fun part is that you're not cycling along ordinary roads, but along a railway line once used by trains, which of course makes it extra special for kids.

A draisine is also a great activity to do together. You can take your time enjoying the surroundings and set your own pace.

Check availability, the length of the route and the options for children in advance.

11. A glimpse of the Viking age at Eketorp Fort

Discover how people lived in the past.

What was life really like for the Vikings? And what did a village look like hundreds of years ago?

At Eketorp Fort on Öland you can get a glimpse of life in the past. This remarkable historic fort is built around the remains of old settlements and gives you a picture of how people lived here during the Iron Age and the Middle Ages.

You walk through the reconstructed buildings and discover how people used to live, work and go about their daily lives. Depending on the season, there are also activities and demonstrations where visitors can learn more about old crafts and customs.

For kids, history often feels a lot more fun this way than just reading about it in a book. You're standing right in the middle of it!

12. Moose spotting at a moose park

A meeting with the king of the Swedish forest.

You could spend hours driving through Swedish forests hoping to spot a moose, but the chances of actually seeing one aren't always that high.

Want a better chance of meeting these impressive animals? Then a visit to a moose park is a fun activity for the whole family.

At several moose parks in southern Sweden you can see moose up close. You'll learn more about these remarkable animals, their habitat and their behaviour, and depending on the park's rules, you may even be able to feed them or admire them from very close by.

For kids, it's always special to finally see a real moose. They're a lot bigger than you might expect!

There are several moose parks spread across southern Sweden. Check which one best fits your route and check the opening hours in advance.

13. A historic steam train through Småland at Ohsabanan

A nostalgic train journey through the Swedish landscape.

Trains have something magical about them for many kids, and a ride on a genuine historic steam train only adds to that feeling.

At Ohsabanan you can ride a historic narrow-gauge railway through Småland. The old locomotives and carriages give you the feeling of stepping back in time.

As the steam locomotive slowly makes its way through the landscape, you can enjoy the views and the special atmosphere on board. It's a completely different way to explore the surroundings than by car.

For young train enthusiasts this is of course a fantastic outing, but it's also an enjoyable experience for adults who love history and nostalgia.

The trains run on specific days and during certain seasons, so check the Ohsabanan timetable in advance.

14. A day of adventure at Astrid Lindgren's World or High Chaparral

Two special theme parks, each with its own world.

Want to set aside a full day for an outing during your holiday? Then Astrid Lindgren's World and High Chaparral are two special destinations to consider.

Astrid Lindgren's World

In Vimmerby, the birthplace of author Astrid Lindgren, you'll find a theme park entirely devoted to her beloved stories.

Here you can discover the worlds of Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga, Ronia the Robber's Daughter and other much-loved characters. The various sets are based on the stories, and shows bring the characters to life.

It's a special place for kids who know the books or films, but also for parents who grew up with these stories themselves.

High Chaparral

Prefer the Wild West? Then High Chaparral offers a completely different experience.

This theme park is entirely devoted to cowboys, Native Americans and life in the Wild West. You'll find reconstructed western towns, shows and various attractions.

Here kids can fully immerse themselves in the world of cowboys and adventurers. It feels like stepping into a western film for a day.

Both parks are quite different, but each offers plenty to fill a full day. Keep in mind that opening hours and offerings vary by season.

Southern Sweden with kids: more than just nature

As you can see, there's no need to worry about boredom on a family holiday in southern Sweden. Nature remains one of the biggest draws, of course. But besides swimming in lakes, walking through forests and enjoying the Swedish outdoors, there are plenty of special outings to enjoy too.

From an exciting toboggan run and a visit to a cave to meeting alpacas or riding a historic steam train, there's plenty to discover for different ages and interests.

Our tip? Try not to pack every single day with activities. It's the variety that makes a holiday in Sweden so enjoyable. One day you head out to an attraction or special sight, the next you relax at a quiet spot by a lake.

Want to discover even more special places during your holiday? With the Swedespots map of southern Sweden, you'll find hundreds of locations spread across the region, from nature reserves and fun outings to hidden gems you might never have found on your own.

That makes planning your next adventure a whole lot easier!

Discover southern Sweden with Swedespots and make the most of your holiday.