Big adventures for little explorers – family-friendly nature experiences across Sweden

Make a day trip to a city-near farm

With around 60 4H farms across the country, Sweden gives city-based families easy access to rural life. These farms, often located close to major cities, offer children hands-on experiences with animals and nature. The name “4H” stands for head, heart, hands and health – and in Sweden, the farms provide a safe and fun way for kids to discover life on the farm through a learning-by-doing approach.

Here are three popular 4H farms worth visiting:

• Stora Skuggans 4H-gård, Stockholm – An old-fashioned farm where kids can meet sheep, goats, rabbits and cows, enjoy pony rides and explore the nearby parklands.
• Kättilsröds 4H-gård, Gothenburg – A working farm with cows, horses, rabbits and chickens, among other animals. Children can help care for the animals and try a pony ride.
• Almviks 4H-gård, Malmö – A family-friendly farm where children can meet traditional Swedish farm animals. On certain days, kids aged four and up are welcome to help feed them.

Explore Sweden by bike

Sweden is a fantastic destination for a family cycling holiday. The country boasts a vast network of well-maintained national and regional cycling routes, particularly in the south. Further north, many popular ski resorts transform into action-packed bike parks during the warmer months, offering thrilling cycling adventures in scenic mountain landscapes.

Here are four family-friendly cycling experiences to suit different interests:

• Göta Canal cycling route – This path along the iconic Swedish waterway was named 'European Cycle Route of the Year' 2025. With many car-free sections, fun locks to watch and plenty of cafés along the way, it’s perfect for families looking for a slow-paced holiday on two wheels.
• Treasure hunt on Visingsö – Take the ferry from Gränna and explore the historic island of Visingsö by bike while following an interactive treasure hunt. Choose between two routes, both around 11 kilometres long. The map is available in English, and the adventure is suitable for children aged 5 to 13 – a great option for nature activities for kids with a playful twist.
• Åre Bike Park – Ride downhill trails in Scandinavia’s largest bike park, featuring 39 tracks for various skill levels. Rental bikes and lift access are available, and younger riders can join Bike Kids Camp – a fun and safe cycling camp for children aged 8 to 11.
• Färjestaden Runt – This scenic circular trail on Öland, an island off Sweden’s southeast coast, is approximately 18 kilometres long and mostly flat. The route includes coastal stretches and entertaining stops, such as a chocolate factory, several ice cream shops, an MTB track and a mini-golf course.

All-in-one adventures

For families craving action-packed days combined with easy overnight stays, Sweden offers several destinations where adrenaline, nature and convenience go hand in hand. These three spots feature a broad mix of activities all in one place – from biking and paddling to climbing and ziplining.

• Isaberg Mountain Resort, Småland – A multi-activity haven with mountain biking trails, a summer toboggan run, treetop climbing courses and an adventure playground, to name a few highlights. Accommodation ranges from camping pitches to cosy cabins.
• Kungsbygget Adventure Park, Halland – Zoom down the summer toboggan track, fly through the forest on a zipline, tackle high-ropes courses or pedal through the bike park. Spend the night in a cabin or on the campsite to make the most of your visit.
• Säfsen Resort, Dalarna – Especially excellent for families with younger children, Säfsen features a nature playground, easy-going trails, a BMX track, kayak rental and even a cycling-themed bingo game. Choose between comfortable cottages or spacious apartments.

Family-friendly hiking trails

Hiking with children in Sweden is a fantastic way to enjoy nature together. Thanks to an extensive network of accessible signature trails, national parks, and nature reserves, it’s easy for families to find hiking routes that match their pace and interests. If you're well prepared and choose a section that suits your ability, you can explore many areas freely.

For families curious about mountain hiking, the Swedish Tourist Association (STF) offers free summer introductions called Fjällintro Family at selected mountain stations. These sessions teach basic mountain safety, how to cook outdoors, and how to use a map and compass – helping you feel confident heading out on your own adventure.

Here are some great hiking trails for families, listed from south to north:

• Fulltofta, Skåne – A vast natural area with short and longer trails, suitable for children of all ages. Near the visitor centre, little ones can play on an imaginative wooden stump (‘Sagostubben’) and enjoy a fun obstacle course. Equipment such as balls, rock rings and challenge-themed backpacks are available to borrow.
• Folhammar Nature Reserve, Gotland – Sweden’s largest island is known for its ‘raukar’ – dramatic limestone sea stacks sculpted by wind and waves. The main rauk field at Folhammar stretches 500 metres, with sea stacks up to six metres tall. The trail is firm and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, with adapted picnic areas – perfect for curious little explorers.
• Tiveden National Park, Örebro County – Stenkällerundan is a 2.2-kilometre forest loop in Tiveden Nature Reserve, filled with mossy boulders, narrow passages and caves that feel lifted from a fairytale. It’s ideal for adventurous children aged six and up who love to climb, crawl and explore. Not suitable for strollers.
• Monsterstigen in Sorunda, Södermanland – Follow a two-kilometre woodland trail dotted with some 30 colourful monster sculptures, forest creatures and trolls created by artist Maggi Nurm. This floodlit path is suitable for children around 2 years old and offers a fun and creative hike that sparks the imagination.
• World Heritage Trail, The High Coast – Borrow a themed backpack (available in English) from Hotell Höga Kusten near the High Coast Bridge and head out on this 1.5-kilometre trail, filled with educational challenges. Slightly hilly but not too demanding, it’s best suited for children around 8 years old.
• Trollstigen in Åre, Jämtland – This 1.3-kilometre adventure trail is designed to engage young hikers with stories, surprises and a fairy-tale atmosphere. Look out for trolls, giants and goblins along the path. You can start in Åre Square and walk up, then take the funicular railway Åre Bergbana back down – or vice versa.
• Kungsleden, Swedish Lapland – Experience a section of one of the world’s most famous hiking trails. The stage between Abisko and Abiskojaure is a relatively easy round trip of 13 kilometres, offering spectacular views of the Lapporten valley, a rushing river and the chance to dip into a (chilly!) mountain lake. It’s best suited for children aged seven and up with some hiking experience.

Stay at a countryside retreat

Consider spending a few days on a farm for an authentic Swedish getaway. Farmstay Sweden (Bo på Lantgård) brings together over 100 rural accommodations across the country – many located on working farms. Their website lets you filter by region or theme to find your ideal countryside stay.

Other rural retreats worth checking out:

• Siggesta Gård, Stockholm archipelago – A stylish countryside escape with farm animals, forest playgrounds and a range of family-friendly activities. Stay in a boutique hotel room or a cosy glamping tent. Try pony riding, feed an alpaca by hand, tackle the adventure golf course or follow the swamp troll path.
• Farmlodge, Bohuslän – Set in peaceful surroundings between Lysekil and Brastad, this charming farm is home to horses, goats, ducks, rabbits, cats and guinea pigs. It’s also an excellent base for exploring the nearby Coastal Trail (Kuststigen) or visiting the conservation-focused wildlife park Nordens Ark.
• Fallängetorp, Västmanland – A tranquil organic farm offering B&B and cottage accommodation surrounded by forests and fields. Families can join in on activities like “be a farmer for a day” or cook outdoors with locally sourced ingredients. In spring, you might even get the chance to cuddle newborn lambs.
• Sun Dance Ranch, Värmland – This western-style ranch, set beside Sweden’s longest river, offers a unique mix of relaxation and adventure. Stay in a cottage or pitch a tent and participate in various horse-related activities. You can also hike, cycle, canoe, or fish in the surrounding countryside.

Water adventures for families

With thousands of lakes, a long coastline and more islands than anywhere else, Sweden is a paradise for families who love the water. Whether planning to spend the day at a beach, island-hopping in an archipelago or heading out on a boat trip, there are plenty of places to dive into fun.

• Paddle the Dalsland Canal, West Sweden – Discover one of Europe’s most beautiful waterways by canoe or kayak and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. You can also combine paddling with cycling along the canal’s edge for an active day out.
• GKSS Sailing Camps, Gothenburg – Gothenburg’s Royal Yacht Club (GKSS) runs sailing schools and pirate-themed camps for children aged 4 to 16. Courses are available in English, ranging from single-day camps to multi-day sailing adventures.
• Snorkelling trails in Kosterhavet National Park, Bohuslän – Dive into Sweden’s only marine national park and follow unique underwater trails at Rörvik or Hasslebukten, where signs beneath the surface guide your way.

Animal adventures in Sweden

Sweden’s forests, mountains and coastal waters are home to some truly remarkable animals – and there are several places around the country where families can meet them up close, safely and respectfully.

• Reindeer safari in Kalix, Swedish Lapland – Embark on a guided excursion to observe and feed free-roaming reindeer in their natural habitat near the Torne River.
• The Muskox Centre, Härjedalen – Learn about these ancient creatures and see them up close in their mountainous habitat. Guided tours offer fascinating insights into their biology and history.
• Avesta Bison Park, Dalarna – Visit a conservation centre dedicated to the European bison – a species once extinct in the wild. It’s a fun and educational outing for the whole family.
• Gårdsjö Elk Park in Heby, Uppland – Near the Dalarna border, this forest enclosure offers guided safaris where you can meet moose roaming freely in the wild.
• Whale safari in Kullaberg, Skåne – Head out on a boat tour to spot harbour porpoises off the dramatic Kullaberg coast. It’s a rare chance to encounter these shy marine mammals in their natural environment.
• Eriksberg Wildlife Park, Blekinge – One of northern Europe’s largest safari parks, home to red deer, wild boar, European bison and mouflon sheep. Go on a self-drive safari, observe the animals up close – and if you're not ready to leave, stay overnight and wake up surrounded by grazing animals.

Whether you're travelling with toddlers or teens, Sweden’s nature has something for every kind of family. And with so much of it easy to reach – even from the big cities – planning your nature-filled holiday has never been simpler.

So pack your backpacks, bring your curiosity, and come to explore Sweden’s great outdoors together.