A Family-Friendly Journey of Discovery
A holiday in Sweden doesn't have to mean expensive hotels or long car journeys. It can just as well be a week in the forest, by the sea, or at a small campsite with the caravan.
Here we share our best tips for families who want to experience Swedish nature, togetherness and adventure without leaving the country.
Holiday food – simple recipes for summer adventures
During the summer holidays, many people spend more time outdoors – camping, at the summer cottage, on the beach or out on trips in nature. That's when food that's easy to cook, easy to bring along and loved by the whole family is perfect.
Here you'll find recipes and tips for holiday food that work just as well at the campsite as in the cabin or out on a day of adventure.
To Holiday Food →
Our Favorite Swedish Spots to Start With
Southern Sweden:
- Stenshuvud National Park (Skåne) Lush deciduous forest, sandy beach and easy trails – perfect for families who want to combine forest adventures with a swim.
- Tiveden National Park (Västergötland/Närke)
Mysterious forests, caves and blueberry bushes. There are both family-friendly trails and campsites close to nature here. Tiveden is also known for its great fishing – read more about it in our guide to sport fishing in Tiveden. - Skrea Camping
A classic west coast holiday with beach, play and easy days with kids. - Björkängs Camping
Family-friendly camping close to swimming spots and outings in Halland. - Varberg
- Varberg is a lovely coastal town on the west coast that's perfect for families who want to combine sea, history and kid-friendly experiences. Here you'll find Varberg Fortress – an impressive attraction full of history, a fantastic view over Kattegat and an easy walking route that works well with kids too. A short way outside the town center is also Varberg Tropical Aquarium, a popular indoor attraction where you can see reptiles, tropical animals and, in some cases, pet tortoises and feed monkeys – perfect as a rainy-day activity or a break from the beach.
Central Sweden:
- Leksand
A classic Dalarna destination for families who want to combine camping, swimming and playful experiences. Leksand Sommarland – a popular family park with a water park, rides and activities for all ages. Rättvik Camping – classic campsite feel on Lake Siljan close to swimming, nature and outings around the Siljan area. - Leksand Sommarland – a popular family park with a water park, rides and activities for all ages.
- Rättvik Camping – classic campsite feel on Lake Siljan close to swimming, nature and outings around the Siljan area.
- Falun
A destination where nature, culture and history meet – perfect for families who want to mix experiences above and below ground. Falu Koppargruva – one of Sweden's best-known World Heritage Sites and a fascinating attraction. - Falu Koppargruva – one of Sweden's best-known World Heritage Sites and a fascinating attraction.
- Gävle
A family-friendly coastal town close to both fun and nature. Furuviksparken – zoo, amusement park and swimming all in one, often a full day's adventure for families. Färnebofjärden National Park – river landscape, birdlife and great waterways for paddling and calm days in nature. - Furuviksparken – zoo, amusement park and swimming all in one, often a full day's adventure for families.
- Färnebofjärden National Park – river landscape, birdlife and great waterways for paddling and calm days in nature.
- Ängsö National Park A small but magical island with short walks, smooth rocks and easily accessible nature. The boat trip there becomes an extra adventure for the kids.
Northern Sweden:
- Skuleskogen National Park Dramatic views, cliffs and trails that feel adventurous without being difficult. A fantastic introduction to "big nature" for kids.
- Fulufjället National Park
Big nature, clear trails and experiences that feel like a real adventure – without the planning having to be hard. Our experience: - Åre
A favorite for families who want to mix mountain atmosphere with comfort, activities and easy outings. Our experience: - Western Vindelfjällen One of Europe's largest protected mountain areas – with everything from easy day trips to a real wilderness feel for those who want to try tenting.
- The Umeälven Delta and Lake Nydala Close to the city but with an instant feel of nature: swimming, bike paths, walking trails and grill spots perfect for a spontaneous family day.
- Stekenjokk
Vast open mountain, easy trails, magical mountain trout fishing and stunning views – perfect for families who want to experience the mountains without demanding hikes. - Hudiksvall
A charming coastal town close to sea, forest and kid-friendly outings. Here you'll find, among other things, Mulle Meck in Glada Hudik, a playful attraction where kids can explore vehicles, technology and creativity.
From coast to inland – other gems:
- Böda Sand Camping (Öland) Perhaps Sweden's most famous family campsite – with a long shallow beach, kids' club and close to nature reserves.
- Funäsfjällen (Härjedalen)
Mountains for beginners! Easy trails, fishing lakes, Sami huts and the option of a caravan, tent or mountain cabin – all year round. - Sälen
An "easy-start" mountain destination that works well with kids – especially if you want clear activities and simple logistics.
Holiday in Gothenburg?
Experiences you can't miss!
Planning a family holiday and want to find activities that suit both big and small?
Then we recommend our guide Gothenburg with kids – 10 experiences you shouldn't miss or our guide to school holidays in Gothenburg and on the West Coast. Here we've gathered the city's most kid-friendly experiences, from museums and rainforest environments to seaside beaches and playgrounds. The guide is perfect for anyone who wants to combine nature, culture and easily accessible adventures during a holiday in Sweden.
Practical Tips for a Successful Family Holiday
We share our experience of how to pack smart, plan meals over an open fire and make everyday life easier when traveling with small kids. Bonus: our checklists for camping, tenting and caravan trips – perfect to save or print.
To the Family Holiday Tips →
First aid on the holiday trip – safer adventures for the whole family
Small accidents can happen when you're out on an adventure – whether it's camping, hiking, a ski trip or a day at the beach. That's why we've gathered guides and practical advice on first aid, gear and how to handle common injuries and situations when traveling with kids.
To First Aid on the Trip →Explore Our Holiday Adventures
Join us on our own trips – from a tent in a storm to crab fishing by the sea, mountain hiking, camping and unforgettable family moments at amusement parks and out in the woods. We share our experiences just as they are – with joy, challenges and everything in between.
To Our Holiday Adventures →Want to see what a holiday in Sweden can actually look like?
Final thoughts
Sweden offers countless opportunities for memorable experiences – whether you prefer a tent under the stars, a caravan holiday by the sea or family-friendly outings close to home. By holidaying in nature, you get not just rest, but also closeness, togetherness and adventure. We hope this page has given you inspiration to plan your own holiday – your way, at your own pace, so you create your own great memories for life.












