Sweden with Kids
Tips for the perfect family adventure
Family Friendly?
Great for families
School Holidays & Travel Time
Most families travel during summer holidays (July/August). Plan early and book in advance – expect higher prices and more tourists during this time.
Kid-Friendly Infrastructure
Good facilities for families (changing rooms, childcare, etc.)
Planning a family trip to Sweden? Here are valuable tips, kid-friendly activities, and everything you need for an unforgettable journey.
Recommended Routes for Families
Discover the best round trips and routes in Sweden that are perfect for families with children.
Kid-Friendly Places & Regions
These places and regions in Sweden are particularly well-suited for families with children.
Älmhult
Vänersborg
Nynäshamn
Travel Climate for Families
Important information about climate, weather, and the best travel time for your family vacation in Sweden.
Seasons
Das Klima in Schweden variiert stark zwischen dem Norden und dem Süden des Landes. Der Norden, insbesondere Lappland, erlebt lange, kalte Winter mit Temperaturen, die oft unter den Gefrierpunkt fallen, und kurze, milde Sommer. Der Süden hat mildere Winter und wärmere Sommer. Die Niederschläge sind über das ganze Jahr verteilt, wobei die Sommermonate tendenziell etwas feuchter sind.
- Nördliches Schweden: Lange, schneereiche Winter und kurze Sommer. Geeignet für Winteraktivitäten wie Skifahren und Nordlichter-Beobachtung.
- Südliches Schweden: Mildere Winter und wärmere Sommer. Ideal für Städtetrips und Erkundung der Küste.
Die beste Zeit für einen Besuch in Schweden hängt stark von den geplanten Aktivitäten ab. Für Winteraktivitäten sind die Monate Dezember bis März ideal, während die Sommermonate Juni bis August sich am besten für Outdoor-Aktivitäten wie Wandern und Radfahren eignen.
▶Show detailed monthly data
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Sun (h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -3.0 | 50 | 2.0 |
| February | -3.0 | 40 | 3.0 |
| March | 1.0 | 40 | 5.0 |
| April | 6.0 | 35 | 7.0 |
| May | 12.0 | 40 | 8.0 |
| June | 16.0 | 50 | 9.0 |
| July | 18.0 | 70 | 8.0 |
| August | 17.0 | 70 | 7.0 |
| September | 13.0 | 60 | 5.0 |
| October | 7.0 | 60 | 3.0 |
| November | 2.0 | 55 | 2.0 |
| December | -1.0 | 50 | 1.0 |
Consider School Holidays
The main travel times for families often fall during school holidays (July/August in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). Plan early and book in advance, as higher prices and more tourists are expected during this time.
Summer Holidays
Summer holidays are the most popular travel time for families. In Sweden, it can get very warm during this time – make sure to have enough shade, sun protection, and cool activities for the children.
Warning: In the winter months, it can get very cold. Make sure children are dressed warmly and plan indoor activities.
Videos & Reportages
Get inspired by these videos and reportages about Sweden and get a first impression of kid-friendly activities and sights.
Astrid Lindgren Welt | Treffen mit Pippi Langstrumpf
Dieses Video zeigt einen Besuch in der Astrid Lindgren Welt, einem Themenpark in Vimmerby, Schweden, wo Besucher Charaktere wie Pippi Langstrumpf treffen können.
"Stockholm und Schärengarten: Mittsommer in Schwedens Hauptstadt"
Das Video zeigt die Mittsommerfeierlichkeiten in Schwedens Hauptstadt Stockholm und erkundet die einzigartige Natur des umliegenden Schärengartens, wo Einheimische die Zeit mit Familie und Freunden verbringen.
Family Tips for Sweden
Sweden proves to be an exceptionally child-friendly travel destination, offering families optimal conditions with its combination of nature, safety, and a welcoming culture. The country is geared towards making travel with children pleasant and uncomplicated.
General Suitability
Sweden places a strong focus on family and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for travellers with children. Society is open and tolerant towards children in public spaces.
- Culture: Swedish culture is very family-centric. Children are welcome almost everywhere, and there are often special facilities for them.
- Safety: The country is considered very safe with a low crime rate, which further enhances the relaxed nature of family travel.
- Climate: Summers are mild and offer ideal conditions for outdoor activities. In winter, you can enjoy the snowy landscape for activities like sledging or ice skating, provided you are appropriately dressed.
Activities
The range of activities for children in Sweden is wide, extending from urban experiences to extensive nature explorations.
- Nature: With the Allemansrätten (the Right of Public Access), you and your children have the freedom to explore Sweden's vast nature. Hikes in the countless forests, picnics by the numerous lakes, or strolls along the coastlines are all excellent options. In summer, many lakes and coastal sections invite you for a swim.
- Parks & Playgrounds: Swedish cities and municipalities are abundant with well-equipped playgrounds. Many city parks are also ideal for walks or for children to let off steam.
- Museums & Culture: Numerous museums are designed to be interactive and child-friendly. The famous Junibacken in Stockholm, dedicated to Astrid Lindgren's characters, is a highlight. Many other museums, including technology or natural history museums, also offer special children's programmes.
- Wildlife Parks & Amusement Parks: For example, visit Kolmården Wildlife Park or one of the amusement parks like Liseberg in Gothenburg or Gröna Lund in Stockholm.
Practical Information
For the basic needs of babies and toddlers, Sweden offers excellent infrastructure.
- Baby Food & Diapers: In all larger supermarkets (e.g., ICA, Coop, Hemköp), baby food, diapers, and other child-related items are readily available. Product quality is high, even if the brands may differ from those in Central Europe.
- Medical Care: Sweden has an excellent healthcare system. As an EU citizen, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers medically necessary treatments. Pharmacies (Apotek) are well-stocked. In an emergency, dial the Europe-wide emergency number 112.
- Changing Facilities: Changing tables are widespread and easily accessible in public toilets, restaurants, shopping centres, and museums.
Accommodation & Food
Most accommodations and restaurants are set up to cater for families with children.
- Accommodation: Many hotels offer family rooms, cots, and high chairs. Vandrarhem (hostels) and Stugor (holiday homes/cabins) are often an affordable and flexible option for families, as they frequently come with kitchens for self-catering.
- Food: Restaurants are generally child-friendly and have high chairs. Many offer special children's menus (barnmeny). The Swedish Fika culture (coffee and pastries) is ideal for short breaks and often offers something tasty for children too. It is common for children not to have to sit still in restaurants.
Mobility
Travelling with children in Sweden is straightforward in most aspects concerning mobility.
- Stroller-Friendliness: Cities, with their well-maintained pavements and accessible public transport, are mostly very stroller-friendly. In more rural areas or on hiking trails, the terrain can be more challenging.
- Child Seats: The use of child seats is legally required in Sweden. When renting a car, you must book child seats in advance, as they are not provided as standard. In taxis, you can often request child seats, but this should also be arranged beforehand to avoid waiting times.
- Public Transport: Buses, trains, and subways in larger cities are well-developed and generally offer sufficient space for strollers and are often accessible.
General Tips
Planning Activities
Plan varied activities that are interesting for both adults and children.
Timing Your Trip
Keep school holidays, climate, and local events in mind.
