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.
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 and Luna Park. Bring the children and enjoy the rides, playgrounds and of course the huggable Liseberg rabbits that live here. The amusement park is open during three seasons – summer, Halloween, and Christmas. The family hotel Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel is open all year round and is right next to the park.
Experience the rainforest and space at Universeum
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. In the newly opened Wisdome, Sweden’s largest visualization dome, exciting 3D films are shown for everyone in the family.
Explore Gothenburg from the water
Gothenburg’s public transport company Västtrafik is at the forefront of sustainable transportation. To take the electric ferries Elvy and Eloise between the stops Stenpiren, Lindholmen and Lundbystrand, is a fun, sustainable and cheap way to see the city from the river Göta älv. You can also take public transport all the way out to Gothenburg’s beautiful and scenic archipelago.
The amphibious sightseeing bus Ocean Bus alternates guides tours through Gothenburg, with driving down the river Göta älv and continuing the tour from the water. From March to October, you can go on a trip with Gothenburg’s classic sightseeing boat Paddan, which takes you around the city’s canals and moat.
At Brunnsparken, you can rent an electric boat with Let’s boat. No license or driver’s license is needed to rent the boat and you can be as many as up to 12 people. There are also many operators who rent out kayaks and canoes, including Point 65 Kayak Center, which is centrally located in Lilla Bommens harbour by the Gothenburg Opera.
Slottsskogen city park and the playground Plikta
In the middle of the beautiful city park Slottsskogen, is a zoo with Swedish forest and farm animals. Here you will meet elk and deer, and old country breeds of pigs and birds that the park works to preserve. Visiting Slottsskogen’s zoo is free and there are a handful of kiosks and cafés nearby.
When in Slottsskogen, you should also take the opportunity to visit the immensely popular playground, Plikta.
Ice cream in and from Gothenburg
Triumfglass, Lejonet och Björnen and Råda Gelato – these are some of Gothenburg’s local ice cream brands. Do as the locals and head to ice cream hotspots at Linnégatan (Råda Gelato), Karl Johansgatan (Triumfglass) or Danska Vägen (Lejonet och Björnen).
Experience Gothenburg’s port history
Gothenburg is a port city with a rich maritime heritage. At the floating museum Maritiman, you will experience Gothenburg’s history by boarding a number of ships. Everything from military fighters to lightships and submarines.
The Maritime Museum and Aquairum re-opened in 2022 with no less than six new exhibitions – two of which are special children’s exhibitions – and a brand new underground aquarium building. Here you can explore the sea with all your senses!
Explore Gothenburg from a cute little train
Gothenburg’s cutest train is called Stinsen and will take you on a pleasant tour through the city (or through Slottsskogen city park if you want a shorter trip). The only risk is that the children will want to go again and again and again.
Visit the home of Alfie Atkins
The creator of the popular children’s book character Alfie Atkins, Gunilla Bergström, was born in Gothenburg. Just a stone’s throw from the central station, and even closer to the beautiful park Trädgårdsföreningen you’ll find Alfies own cultural centre where you can watch performances, experience Alfon’s fantasy world and play for hours.
Inside the park there is also a very good playground.
World of Volvo and Aeroseum
For children interested in cars and planes – and their parents – there are two museums especially worth a visit in Gothenburg. Aeroseum is located 30 meters under ground in a former super-secret defense facility. World of Volvo is an experience center with Volvo exhibitions, cultural events and much more.
