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.

A child wearing a red jacket rides an attraction at an amusement park together with a person dressed in a rabbit costume. — Credit: Maja Härnqvist/Liseberg AB

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.

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Amusement park

Liseberg amusement park

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The stairwell at the Liseberg Grand Curiosa hotel in Gothenburg.

ISO-certified family hotel for the adventurous

Liseberg Grand Curiosa

A mother with kids at Universeum — Credit: Peter Kvarnström/Göteborg & Co

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.

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Children looking at an aquarium at Universeum in Gothenburg.

Science museum

Universeum

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Sweden’s largest visualisation dome

Wisdome

A kid playing at Alfie Atkins Culture centre — Credit: Peter Kvarnström/Göteborg & Co

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.

A child is playing at Alfie Atkin's cultural centre in Gothenburg.

Children’s Cultural Centre

Alfie Atkins’ Cultural Centre

In the Garden Society of Gothenburg you will find a whole house dedicated to Alfie Atkins. Here, children can play, learn and enjoy theatre.

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

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Tips for travelling to Gothenburg with teenagers

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!

Sightseeing

Ocean Bus

Explore Gothenburg’s gems on land and then splash into the river with the amphibious bus sightseeing tour. Ocean Bus provide sightseeing tours on land and on the river Göta älv, all in one go.

In Slottsskogen you can watch elks, deer, sheep and more.

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).

A wooden bridge over a small stream in Azaleadalen.

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Slottsskogen city park

Slottsskogen is a place for relaxation, recreation, and outdoor life – a wonderful spot for everything from jogging to cosy picnics.

A playground with a large wooden blue whale.

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.

A playground with a large wooden blue whale.

Playground in Slottsskogen

Plikta playground

A large destination playground in Slottsskogen with a giant wooden whale, water play, climbing, long slides, sports courts and picnic areas.

A child uses an excavator made for children at a museum. — Credit: Klara Hammerth/Göteborg & Co

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.

Brand Experience Center

World of Volvo

Explore Volvo in a new context. World of Volvo is an experience centre in central Gothenburg, filled with inspiration, knowledge, and entertainment.

The boat Paddan travels through a canal in Gothenburg. Colorful flowers are visible in the foreground. — Credit: Klara Hammerth/Göteborg & Co

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.

A boat with passengers traveling on a canal in a city.

Sightseeing

Paddan

Experience Gothenburg from the water on a guided boat tour. The classic Paddan boats take you under low bridges and through the city’s canals.

A child points to an information screen at the aquarium at the Maritime Museum in Gothenburg. — At the Maritime Museum and Aquarium, you can dive into the marvellous world of the sea. Credit: Kristin Lidell

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.

Maritime museum

The Maritime Museum and Aquarium

Explore the world of the sea, above and below the surface. The Maritime Museum and Aquarium offers exhibitions, aquariums and activities all year-round.

Two children stand with black and white polka dot capes in a black and white polka dot room. — Credit: Klara Hammerth/Göteborg & Co

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

Two people appear to be aboard a spaceship and are walking around in a white, illuminated cube that rotates.

Museum

Paradox Museum Gothenburg

A museum of fascinating paradoxes, illusions and interactive experiences.

A blue and white tram travels through a green city. — Credit: Klara Hammerth/Göteborg & Co

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.

Getting around in Gothenburg

We’ve gathered information on tickets, apps, maps and much more that you as a visitor might find useful when travelling in Gothenburg.

Children climbing on colourful boxes painted as high-rise buildings — At the Children’s Museum you can climb, play and discover Gothenburg in miniature. Credit: Kristin Lidell

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.

A boat in Gothenburg — Credit: Happy Visuals

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.

A family on a boat trip in the canal in Gothenburg.

Electric boat rental

Let's Boat

Steer your own electric boat through the historic canals and moat of Gothenburg.

A girl sits at a table doing crafts. On the wall behind her is the words "World Lab" in big white letters. — Credit: Klara Hammerth/Göteborg & Co

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.

Historical, contemporary museum

The Museum of World Culture

Meet the world in the heart of Gothenburg. The Museum of World Culture offers exhibitions, contemporary art and activities for curious minds of all ages.

A colorful slide on a playground — Credit: Elvira Sandell/Göteborg & Co

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.

A colourful playground with a swing outside the Museum of World Culture in Gothenburg. An adult and a child are playing on the swing.

A colourful playground for everyone

The "A World of play" playground

The playground A World of play is located outside the Museum of World Culture and reflects the children’s exhibition Together. Here, children explore and play with others, learning through body, heart, and mind.

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.

A red, sightseeing train with passengers on a street.

Sightseeing

Stinsen Sightseeing

Explore Gothenburg with Stinsen Sightseeing, a guided city tour by tourist train through the city center. A comfortable way to see the city.

Two children are eating the large cinnamon bun at Café Husaren. — Credit: Peter Kvarnström/Göteborg & Co

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!

Café

Café Husaren

Café famous for their enormous cinnamon buns.

A woman holds a child in her arms and looks out a window on a ferry. — Credit: Happy Visuals/Göteborg & Co

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.

Getting to the Gothenburg archipelago

Whether you want to visit car-free swimming islands or explore the range of services on the larger islands, there are several easy ways to get out into the Gothenburg’s archipelago.

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.

one of the fighter planes inside the subterranean hangar at Aeroseum.

Aviation museum

Aeroseum

Aeroseum is an experience-based activity centre located inside a declassified Swedish Air Force bunker.

Two girls with helmets on climning a high altitude trail.

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.

Two girls with helmets on climbing a high altitude trail

High-altitude trails in Gothenburg

Upzone Adventure Park

An adventure with ziplines and high-altitude trails for the whole family!

A person with a child goes to a museum and looks at animals. — Credit: Peter Kvarnström/Göteborg & Co

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.

Museum

Göteborg Natural History Museum

Collections of animals from all over the world. See the world’s only mounted blue whale and a huge African elephant, birds and fish from the entire planet and much more.

A bunch of boats and ships of various kinds are lying in the water at a harbor. — Credit: Peter Kvarnström/Göteborg & Co

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.

A bunch of boats and ships of various kinds are lying in the water at a harbor.

Maritime museum

Maritiman

A floating maritime museum in central Gothenburg, where you can set sail without casting off. Explore and learn about Gotheburgs maritime history.

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.

Three girls playing an interactive game.

Activity centre

Activate Nordstan

Activate Nordstan is an interactive game and activity centre in Gothenburg where physical and digital challenges meet in exciting game experiences.

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!

Winter Break in Gothenburg

Enjoy the winter holidays in Gothenburg with adventurous activities, relaxed walks, and exciting excursions. Discover the city’s museums or go skiing in Alebacken! Here is a selection of the wide variety of activities for the whole family.

A summer day at Liseberg amusement park. People are sitting on an outdoor terrace next to the water and carousels are visible in the background.

Summer in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is an amazing summer city! Come here and explore idyllic archipelago islands, freshly caught seafood, salty swims and a vibrant atmosphere. Here you’ll find guides about everything from family activities, ice cream and swimming spots, to outdoor bars, events and sightseeing.

The attraction Slänggungan at the Liseberg amusement park in Gothenburg.

Autumn break in Gothenburg

There is an awful lot of fun and excitement that happens during the autumn in Gothenburg! In this guide, we collect some of our best tips for the whole family – welcome to autumn holidays in Gothenburg.

Christmas break in Gothenburg

There are many fun and exciting activities in Gothenburg during the Christmas holidays! We have put together some of our best tips for the whole family – welcome to Christmas break in Gothenburg!

A child rides an attraction at an amusement park and holds a person dressed in a rabbit costume in his hand.

Celebrate Easter in Gothenburg

Easter break or spa weekend? Easter in Gothenburg offers both excitement and relaxation. Enjoy the city’s restaurants, experiences and springtime atmosphere, from thrilling rides and family activities to shopping, museums and nature excursions.

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