Fun attractions for kids in Gothenburg

In Gothenburg you’ll find some of Sweden’s most loved attractions for children and families: the Liseberg amusement park, numerous museums with exhibitions and programs for the whole family, imaginative playgrounds and activities for all interests.

1. Liseberg – Europe’s best amusement park

The Liseberg amusement park opened in 1923 and is Sweden’s most popular tourist destination, as well as Europe’s best amusement park 2023. The park is a given family favourite with two large areas for the youngest children – the Rabbit land (Kaninlandet) and Luna Park. Bring the children and enjoy the rides, playgrounds and of course the huggable Liseberg rabbits that live here.

The amusement park opens for the season in April and is open until September. The park then dresses up and reopens for Halloween and the fall holidays, and one last time from November to January when the park is decorated for Christmas and hosts its annual, celebrated Christmas market.

For the youngest, Kaninlandet, the park’s children’s area, is also open during the winter holidays and both during sports and Easter holidays.

The family hotel Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel is open all year round and is right next to the park.

2. Experience the rainforest and space at Universeum and Wisdome

The Universeum science centre is a popular family destination with lots of exciting and clever activities all year round. At the centre, you can go on a rainforest safari, travel into space, do exciting experiments and learn about the human body – all under one roof.

At Universeum you will also find the 3D cinema Wisdome, which offers grand adventures for the whole family. It’s Sweden’s largest visualization dome with a 443 square meter “movie screen” that envelops the audience as you travel into space, back in time and to other places that humans can otherwise not reach.

3. Play around at Alfie Atkins’ cultural centre

Alfie Atkins’ creator, Gunilla Bergström, was born in Gothenburg and here you’ll also find Alfons’ very own cultural center. Here you can play, frolic and discover his world – climb Alfies’ high-rise building, shop in the store, explore the scary monster and take a ride in the yellow helicopter. You can also go to daily theater performances and music sessions or cosy up in the reading corners. The cultural center is open every day, and children up to one year old have free admission.

Are you travelling with toddlers or teenagers? These Gothenburg guides are for you:

4. Experience Gothenburg from an amphibious bus

In the port city of Gothenburg, you’re never far from water, and a sightseeing tour on the Göta Älv river and in the canals is a fun way to learn more about the city, and see it from a new perspective. The amphibious bus Ocean Bus alternates sightseeing on the streets of Gothenburg with driving down the Göta River and continuing the tour from the water, a truly unique experience!

5. Slottsskogen city park and Barnens Zoo

Slottsskogen city park is the place where Gothenburgers gather to walk, have picnics, have coffee, experience Midsummer, Walpurgis and music festivals in the green. Slottsskogen also has a zoo with domestic and wild Nordic animals, such as elk, deer, sheep and seals. Many of the breeds are endangered and are part of conservation programmes. There is also “Barnens Zoo” (Children’s Zoo) where you can meet different Swedish land breeds in an animal-friendly way (the animals choose for themselves whether they want to be in the pastures).

6. The playground Plikta

While you’re at Slottsskogen, we think you should take the opportunity to visit Gothenburg’s perhaps most popular playground, “Plikta”. Here you’ll find the large and climber-friendly blue whale, a soooo long slide, lots of swings, climbing frames, water play and lots of fun play and sports equipment to try out.

7. World of Volvo experience centre

All children and adults interested in vehicles and technology should not miss the World of Volvo experience centre. Here you can see all the iconic Volvo cars through the ages, test new and interactive technology and try digging with a real (!) excavator.

8. Take a tour with the classic sightseeing boat Paddan

Gothenburg’s classic sightseeing boat Paddan (“The Toad”) takes you at a leisurely pace through Gothenburg’s winding canals and moat. The tour shows historic Gothenburg from the water with a knowledgeable and fun guide, taking you under 20 bridges and all the way out into the harbour among ferries, shipyards and shuttle boats.

9. Learn about the sea at the Maritime Museum and Aquarium

The Maritime Museum and Aquarium offers six exhibitions – two of which are special children’s exhibitions – Knattegatt and The Big Blue. In addition, you can meet the animals of the sea in a brand new underground aquarium building.

10. Illusions and interactive experiences at Paradox

Challenge your mind with illusions, upside-down perspectives and immersive experiences. At Paradox Museum, you’ll discover fun and educational experiences for all ages

11. Take the tram! (and ping your way through Gothenburg)

For Gothenburgers, it’s a natural part of public transport, but for many of our younger visitors, a tram ride is super exciting! Take the opportunity to jump on a tram when you’re here and discover Gothenburg along the tracks. Don’t forget to ping! Read more about how to buy a ticket in the guide below.

12. Play at The Museum of Gothenburg

There is a lot to explore in the children’s exhibition at The Museum of Gothenburg! Climb high-rise buildings, crawl through tunnels, build a castle, swing in the Eriksberg Crane or why not take grandpa on a tram ride? The exhibition is most popular with ages 0-5, but older children are also warmly welcome.

13. Rent your own electric boat and sail through Gothenburg

If you are keen to discover Gothenburg’s waterways on your own, and also steer yourself, you can rent an electric boat with Let’s boat. The rental is easily done on their website and the boats are then picked up at the square Brunnsparken in central Gothenburg. No license or driver’s license is needed to rent the boat and you can be as many as 12 people.

14. The Museum of World Culture’s playful exhibitions

The Museum of World Culture has both family-friendly activities and playful exhibitions. At the permanent exhibition Tillsammans, children and families can explore the wonderful and difficult things about being together. Don’t miss the exhibition A World of Games, which runs until May 2026.

15. Energy to spare? Head to the “A World of play” (Världens lek)

Just outside the Museum of World Culture is the colorful playground Världens lek, inspired by the main exhibition Together (Tillsammans). The playground is designed so that people in wheelchairs can also enjoy the place.

16. Travel through Gothenburg on the Stinsen sightseeing train

Gothenburg’s cutest train is called Stinsen (“The Staionmaster”) and takes you on a pleasant tour through the city (or through the city park Slottsskogen if you want a shorter ride). The only risk is that the kids will want to ride again and again and again.

17. Eat what may be the world’s largest cinnamon bun at Café Husaren

At Café Husaren in the old neighbourhood Haga you can munch on what is said to be the world’s largest cinnamon bun. The gigantic bun is an experience in itself, perfect to gather around after a walk in the cosy neighbourhood. A sweet break that is guaranteed to impress both children and adults!

18. Discover the river and archipelago

Taking the public transport boats across the river Göta Älv is a fun, sustainable and cheap way to see Gothenburg from the water. You can also take public transport all the way out into Gothenburg’s beautiful and cosy archipelago – all on one ticket.

19. The “secret” aviation museum Aeroseum

Aeroseum is a must for anyone with an interest in technology. This aviation museum is located 30 metres underground in a former top-secret defence facility. At Sweden’s largest flight experience centre, you’ll find a wide range of aircraft and helicopters, as well as exhibitions exploring fascinating themes.

20. Experience high-altitude courses at Upzone Adventure Park

In the lush green outdoor area of Skatås, you’ll find Upzone Adventure Park, an activity park where visitors move high above the ground. The park features several high-rope courses set among the treetops, focusing on balance, height and movement. Along the way, zip lines carry participants between platforms, creating a seamless experience through the forest. Upzone is suitable for both children and adults, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to combine physical activity with a nature experience.

21. Explore the development of life at the Gothenburg Museum of Natural History

At the Gothenburg Natural History Museum you can see the world’s only mounted blue whale and a diversity of small and large animals from all over the world. The museum houses both the main exhibition The History of the Earth and The Evolution of life and the family exhibition Animals in the city based on Sarah Sheppard’s popular children’s books.

22. Go to sea at Maritiman

Gothenburg is known as a port city with a rich maritime heritage. At the floating museum Maritiman, you can experience Gothenburg’s maritime history by stepping aboard a number of vessels – everything from lighthouses to submarines.

23. Interactive games at Activate Nordstan

Activate Nordstan combines gaming with active play. From climbing and brain-teasing challenges to laser tag, it offers an interactive experience for visitors of all ages.

Bonus: Extra fun during the school break!

Gothenburg is a fantastic destination for families and children all year round, and there are also lots of extra fun activities during the school holidays. Check out our guides to autumn holidays, Christmas holidays, sports holidays, Easter holidays and summer in Gothenburg to get inspired for your next family holiday!