Family Breaks

Away from the hum-drum for a family holiday that sparkles
West Sweden is wonderfully child-friendly and welcomes families with open arms. Not only do the Swedes adore children, but there's oodles of open space and exquisite landscapes to be enjoyed - crowds are rarely, if ever, a problem. From the simple pleasures of swimming in clear blue waters around the archipelago to watching open-mouthed when an elk is spotted on safari, there is no shortage of activities through which to enjoy it all. And don’t forget the indoor and outdoor attractions of Gothenburg and towns across the region, too.

Liseberg in Gothenburg is Sweden's largest amusement park and can give you family-sized thrills There’s something for everyone at this attractive park, from Kiddie Bumpers for the little ones to Balder, Scandinavia's biggest and most thrilling wooden roller coaster, for the older, bolder, more intrepid ones.
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Universeum, the science and discovery centre in Gothenburg, is all about interaction. Learn about the natural world and technology hands-on – you’ll have to drag the kids away. Everything from sharks and a piece of rainforest to building towers with a crane is within this mini-universe.
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Discover the curious beavers of the Dalsland wilderness area by canoe with a guided tour along its serene, silent waterways in early evening.
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About an hour and a half north of Gothenburg in a stunning area of Dalsland wilderness lies Stenebynäs. This secluded, 200-acre family-run estate is found at the end of a peninsula on Lake Iväg and provides a beautiful setting for a wholesome family holiday. Four traditional houses have been painstakingly refurbished to accommodate families to the highest standard. See elk in the wild on a safari, boat or kayak across gentle waters or sink a line for a spot of fishing in this wonderful area.
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Nordens Ark is a nature park for endangered species with a magnificent West Coast setting about one and a half hours north of Gothenburg, near Hunnebostrand. Get better acquainted with some 60 different species of endangered Scandinavian and exotic animals, including wolves, lynx and owls, and spend the night at the on-site hotel.
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Crab fishing is a popular option for youngsters all along the West Coast. Introduce your young ones to the thrill of pulling up a clawed crustacean from the jetties, cliffs and rocks along the coastline.

Visit a seal colony amidst the striking rocky landscape and captivating coastline. Take a half-day boat trip from one of many small fishing villages north of Gothenburg, including Grebbestad and Fjällbacka.

Pedal your way quietly into the wilderness, where you can spot the local wildlife - including moose and beaver - on a railway inspection trolley near Bengtsfors, about two hours north of Gothenburg. It’s good exercise as well as fun!
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Marvel at a slice of Africa in Sweden during a visit to Borås Zoo where you can see the continent’s iconic animals including tigers, lions, elephants, zebras, rhinos and giraffes. Irresistible whatever your age, Borås Zoo offers 40 hectares of natural wilderness and animal enclosures, as well as a playground and places to picnic. Borås is located approximately one hour east of Gothenurg.
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For out and out fun in the sun, and the water, visit Skara Sommarland waterpark with more opportunities for thrills and excitement than you can shake a stick at. From the high-flying Tranan ride to kart racing and a host of water attractions, there is plenty to entertain the whole family.
Overnight stays are available too.
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Vitlcyke Bronze Age Rock carvings is on the UNESCO list of world heritage. They have a lot of family activities including a Bronze Age village and archaeological school for children in summer (once a week in English).
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Contemporary art in an ancient cultural landscape - Sculpture at Pilane on the island of Tjörn is a great experience for everyone, young and old alike. Pilane is one of the most beautifully situated historical sites in Sweden with some 90 judgment circles, raised stones and other stone circles dating from the Iron Age. The ancient remains are surrounded by a cultural landscape that traces back to the Stone Age. Sculpture at Pilane is an annual exhibition of contemporary sculpture by some of the world's leading artists. In Pilane the sheep graze freely as they have done for thousands of years and from the mountaintops you have a breathtaking view over the sea and the beautiful archipelago north of Gothenburg. Walk around, enjoy the scultures and have a picnic at the area.

Havets Hus is a salt water aquarium where you can see around 100 different species from the Gullmar Fjord and the sea outside Lysekil. The aquarium offers lots of exciting experiences, Havets Hus has a total of 40 tanks. From the biggest tunnel aquarium, which contains 140,000 litres of salt water, to the smallest 70-litre tanks. You can walk through the tunnel aquarium without getting your feet wet, surrounded by water, among piked dogfish, cod and congers.