Sweden with Kids: Our Tips & Route for Southern Sweden

Is Southern Sweden Worth It with Kids?

Yes, absolutely! A family vacation in Southern Sweden is perfect if you love nature, freedom, and relaxed family travel.

The region offers endless forests, crystal-clear lakes, pristine coastlines, and charming little towns – and all of it just a ferry ride away.

Our take: Sweden feels instantly familiar. The people are incredibly friendly, life moves at a more relaxed pace, and so much is geared toward families. Whether it’s a café, a campground, or a restaurant, kids are welcome everywhere.

Summer temperatures are pleasantly mild, usually around 68–77°F. Perfect for outdoor adventures, canoeing, bike rides, and short hikes.

For families with a baby, Sweden is just as well-suited, by the way. Almost all paths are stroller-friendly, and changing rooms are everywhere too.

Check out our full Sweden guide too!

Planning Southern Sweden with Kids: What Matters?

Before the hikes and exploring comes the planning. Here’s our info and tips:

Best Time to Visit Southern Sweden with Kids

The best time for a family trip to Sweden is between May and September. Around Midsummer in June and during school holidays it’s the most crowded – many campgrounds are fully booked during that period.

If you can, it’s better to travel in August or early September. The weather is still lovely, but the sites suddenly open up.

Vaccinations and Health

For a family vacation in Southern Sweden, no special vaccinations are required. Still, it’s worth checking your vaccination records. Standard vaccinations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, and measles) should be up to date.

Particularly important during the summer months is protection against ticks – especially if you’re spending a lot of time in forests or tall grass. In Southern Sweden, TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) can occasionally occur, which is why that vaccination is genuinely recommended.

Safety in Sweden

Sweden is considered one of the safest travel destinations in Europe – especially for families.

The crime rate is low and trust between people is high. We felt genuinely comfortable everywhere, whether in cities, at rest stops, or at small campgrounds in the middle of nature.

Getting to Southern Sweden: How to Get There

You can travel to Sweden either by camper van or RV, or by car.

Both options have their appeal: with a camper van you have maximum flexibility, while with a car you can comfortably stay in vacation rentals or Airbnbs. We’ll show you routes and accommodation options for both camper van travelers and drivers in this article.

Anyone who doesn’t have their own camper van can easily rent one – compare camper van and rental car deals on Discovercars.

The easiest route is by ferry from Rostock to Trelleborg. The crossing takes about six hours and makes for a pleasantly relaxed start to the trip.

We traveled on the TT-Line Tinkerbell. It has an indoor playground, a mini movie theater, and even a treasure hunt on deck – so the kids are fully entertained the whole way.

TT-Line offers daily ferry crossings from Rostock and Travemünde to Trelleborg, which you’re best off booking online in advance.

Book your ferry crossing with TT-Line

Alternatively, you can drive across the Øresund Bridge from Denmark to Malmö, or use the Puttgarden–Rødby ferry and then continue overland.

Our tip: A great stopover before the ferry crossing is Karls Erdbeerhof in Rövershagen – an amusement park all about strawberries, with playgrounds, rides, and a pancake house.

Vacation with Kids in Sweden: What Does It Cost?

Sweden isn’t a budget destination, but you get incredible quality in return. Here’s what you can expect to pay:

Accommodation (per night for 2 adults + 2 kids)

• Good & affordable: approx. $30–50 (basic campgrounds, small private sites, farms)
• Better: $50–120 (modern campgrounds with family amenities, small vacation rentals, Airbnbs)
• Luxury: from $130–180 (resort-style accommodations, larger cabin complexes, or glamping)

Food (per person)

• Self-catering: approx. $5–8 (grocery shopping & cooking in the camper or at the campground)
• Local restaurants/cafés: approx. $10–15
• Upscale restaurants: from $20

Getting Around

• Camper van/RV: approx. $90–210 per day (find the best deal on Discovercars)
• Ferry Rostock/Trelleborg: approx. $200 incl. RV
• Gas/Diesel: roughly $2–3 / liter
• Tolls & bridges: only small fees (e.g., Øresund Bridge)

Excursions & Activities (per person)

• Museums, wildlife parks & leisure attractions: $10–35
• Special experiences (e.g., Astrid Lindgren Värld, moose park): $20–40

The estimated total daily cost for a family of two adults and two children – depending on travel style and comfort level – is between $120 and $300.

Camping & Accommodation in Southern Sweden

Camping is honestly the best way to explore Southern Sweden with kids. Sweden has a fantastic infrastructure with clean, family-friendly campgrounds, often right on lakes or by the sea.

Many offer playgrounds, communal kitchens, and small beaches. In addition to official sites, there are also countless private spots on farms or fruit meadows.

Sweden does have the “right to roam” – which allows overnight stays in nature – but this should be done with consideration for the environment and local residents.

Our tip: The Park4Night app is worth its weight in gold. You can also pay at many sites via Swish (Sweden’s version of PayPal) – it’s best to set that up before you leave home.

Our Favorite Family Campgrounds in Southern Sweden

1. Dragsö Camping (Karlskrona): huge family campground right on the lake with playgrounds and a troll forest
2. Kalmar Camping (Läckeby): spacious sites among pine trees, a private beach, and a playroom
3. Halens Camping (Olofström): modern, peaceful, right on the lake with a dock, diving tower, and canoe rental
4. Tosteberga Hamn Camping (Fjälkinge): small, idyllic waterfront site with a mini beach and wild horses
5. Borstahusen Mötesplats (Skåne): on the west coast, large playground & the sea within walking distance

Our Recommendations for Vacation Rentals in Southern Sweden

Want to do more than just camp and spend a night in a classic Swedish wooden house? Then check these out:

Tobishirdgård (Simrishamn): Lovingly renovated farmhouse on the Österlen coast, surrounded by apple orchards

Brygghuset, Solviken (near Kalmar): Charming little vacation house right on the water, just a few kilometers from Kalmar

Månsarps skogs (Vimmerby/Mariannelund): A vacation house straight out of Bullerby – a dream for young (and not-so-young) Astrid Lindgren fans!

Mooi! Gula Huset (Lidhult): Warm, cozy, and colorful – with breakfast included

Family Road Trip Through Southern Sweden: Our Camper Van Route

Our Southern Sweden road trip with kids started in Trelleborg and took us through the entire south in two weeks:

Day 1

• Arrival by ferry in Trelleborg
• First leg to Ystad (approx. 45 min.)
• Ystad Camping
• Alternative: Camping Skateholm

Day 2

• Continue to Simrishamn (approx. 1.5 hrs.)
• Walk through the harbor & old town
• Olaols Gelato Österlen (farm ice cream shop with a play garden)
• Visit the apple hills near Brösarp
• Tosteberga Hamn Camping

Days 3 & 4

• Continue to Karlskrona (approx. 3 hrs.)
• Bike ride or walk into Karlskrona city center
• Naval Museum
• Blomlöfs Fish & Chips (fresh fish right by the sea)
• Dragsö Camping & Troll Forest

Days 5 & 6

• Continue to Kalmar (approx. 1.5 hrs.)
• Castle, old town & city garden of Kalmar
• Kalmar Camping

Day 7

• Continue to Kosta (approx. 1 hr.)
• Visit the glassworks & Magma Glass Art
• Private campsite with Anja & Tom

Day 8

• Continue to Moose Park Målilla (approx. 2 hrs.)
• Campground Vimmerby Nossen

Day 9

• Day trip by bike to Astrid Lindgren Värld

Day 10

• Michel filming location Katthult Farm (approx. 30 min.)
• Continue to Bullerby (Sevedstorp)
• Stop at the Småland film village (Filmbyn)
• Private campsite with Tobias in Mariannelund

Day 11

• Kleva Gruva (approx. 45 min.)
• Continue toward Bolmen (approx. 2.5 hrs.)
• Bolmen Camping

Days 12 & 13

• Continue to Lidhult (approx. 1 hr.)
• Alpaca farm Lidhult
• Halens Camping

Day 14

• Drive to Skåne Djurpark (approx. 2 hrs.)
• Borstahusen Mötesplats

Days 15 & 16

• Return journey via the island of Fehmarn (approx. 4 hrs. driving + ferry time)
• Stopover at Campground Flüggerteich
• Back across the Fehmarn Sound Bridge and homeward

We’ve mapped out all the locations and campgrounds for you on a map:

Family Road Trip Through Southern Sweden: Our Car Route

Traveling to Sweden by car and looking for a route with suitable accommodations? Then we’ve got just the thing for you:

Days 1–4

• Arrival by ferry in Trelleborg
• Continue to Simrishamn
• Check in at Tobishirdgård (approx. 1.5 hrs.)
• Olaols Gelato Österlen
• Apple hills near Brösarp

Days 5–7

• Continue to Karlskrona (approx. 3 hrs.)
• Naval Museum
• Check in at Brygghuset Solviken
• Day trip to Kalmar with old town & castle
• Day trip to the glass kingdom of Kosta

Days 8–11

• Continue to Vimmerby (approx. 2.5 hrs.)
• Stopover at Moose Park Målilla (feeding & grilling with moose)
• Check in at Månsarps skogs
• Astrid Lindgren Värld
• Katthult Farm & Bullerby
• Day trip to Kleva Gruva

Days 12–14

• Continue to Lidhult (approx. 2.5 hrs.)
• Check in at Mooi! Gula Huset
• Alpaca farm
• Skåne Djurpark
• Return to Trelleborg (approx. 2.5 hrs.) and head home

We’ve mapped out the car route through Southern Sweden for you as well:

The Best Sights in Southern Sweden with Kids

Southern Sweden is a seriously wonderful place for families. The gentle landscapes, charming towns, and countless kid-friendly attractions make the region ideal for a family vacation in Sweden. Don’t miss these:

Astrid Lindgren Värld (Vimmerby)

Astrid Lindgren Värld is an absolute standout for families and a must on any Southern Sweden family road trip. Here, Pippi, Emil, Madicken, and more come to life.

Throughout the day there are shows featuring singing, dancing, and theater on various stages. Kids can explore Villa Villekulla, climb around on the Katthult Farm, or discover Madicken’s world.

There are small playgrounds, hands-on activities, and hidden details everywhere – it’s clear how much love went into this place. Adults enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere and the attention to detail in the sets.

Make sure to buy tickets online in advance – that way you can dive right in and skip the long lines.

Buy Astrid Lindgren Värld tickets online

Katthult Farm & Bullerby

For anyone who’s always wondered what Emil’s farm or Bullerby really looked like, this is pure magic.

The original filming locations sit in idyllic, peaceful surroundings – perfect for a walk with the whole family. Kids can romp around in haylofts, explore hollow trees, and play in wide-open meadows.

Small kiosks sell cinnamon rolls and coffee from a thermos – typically Swedish and wonderfully cozy.

Admission to the Katthult Farm is paid on-site; for the Bullerby farms, it’s worth checking the websites of the private farms, as opening hours vary.

Moose Park Målilla

The Moose Park in Målilla is a real under-the-radar pick for families traveling Sweden with kids.

On the private grounds, the moose live in large, natural enclosures – they’re genuinely comfortable here. Kids can feed and pet them when the animals allow it, learning everything about these incredible creatures in a totally hands-on way.

The trail is stroller-friendly, and there are grilling areas and a small café for a break along the way. It doesn’t get overcrowded either, so kids can calmly observe the animals and really soak up the nature.

Buy tickets directly at the park.

Alpaca Farm Lidhult

The alpaca farm in Lidhult is a real highlight for kids. There are no boring enclosures here – instead, two really adorable areas: one with mother animals and their crias, and one for the males.

Along a short trail, kids can solve a quiz while getting up close to the animals. Afterward, there are fresh waffles with whipped cream and jam, just like you’d imagine in Sweden!

Buy tickets directly on-site, and it’s worth arriving early when the animals are most active.

Skåne Djurpark

Skåne Djurpark is one of the largest wildlife parks in Southern Sweden and a fantastic choice for families with kids. You’ll find native animals like reindeer, moose, and wild boar, as well as exotic species.

The park is wonderfully kid-friendly: playgrounds, petting areas, and small hands-on activities are everywhere.

Buy tickets online in advance – especially during summer vacation, it can get quite crowded.

Buy Skåne Djurpark tickets online

Karlskrona Naval Museum & Troll Forest

The Naval Museum in Karlskrona is no ordinary museum. Here you can really dive in!

Kids love the submarines and ship models, where they’re free to touch, try things out, and explore to their hearts’ content. There are also exciting interactive stations that even young kids will find engaging.

Not far away is the Troll Forest – a small, enchanted woodland with figures from Swedish folklore. Kids can go on an adventure while parents take a moment to breathe.

Museum tickets are available at the ticket desk; the forest is free of charge.

Castle, City Garden & Old Town of Kalmar

Kalmar Castle is a historic Renaissance castle right on the Baltic Sea that was once strategically and militarily important. For kids, there’s a special quiz where they search through the exhibition for images and clues – and there’s even a small reward waiting at the end.

Afterward, a stroll through the city garden with its large playground or a picnic on the lawn is absolutely worth it. Then wander through the historic center: small, low-rise houses, well-tended front gardens, cobblestone streets – pure Bullerby vibes.

For parents and kids alike, it’s a wonderful mix of history, play, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Castle tickets are available on-site.

The Glass Kingdom of Kosta

If you love to be amazed, head to the Glass Kingdom of Kosta. There are workshops all around where you can watch glassblowers at work – it’s seriously fascinating to see how hot glass is shaped.

Kids are often completely mesmerized. There are small cafés and spots to take a break, plus shops with souvenirs to take home. Some workshops also offer hands-on activities that you can book in advance online.

Book your Kosta Glassworks ticket online

Simrishamn & the Gelato Farm Österlen

Simrishamn is a charming harbor town with colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and an idyllic feel – perfect for a leisurely walk with the family.

A real highlight here is the Gelato Farm Österlen. An old farmstead that’s been converted into an ice cream shop, café, and large play garden. Kids can jump on the trampoline, build sandcastles, and swing, while parents enjoy one of the creative ice cream flavors.

If you’re curious, you can also explore the farm’s workshop spaces – small activities for kids are offered regularly.

There’s no entry fee, just the cost of ice cream or cake.

Practical Everyday Tips for a Family Vacation in Sweden

A family vacation in Southern Sweden is even more relaxed when you know a few handy everyday tips:

1. Mosquitoes: Near lakes in summer, mosquitoes can be plentiful, so be sure to pack insect repellent. At the coast or seaside campsites, they’re hardly an issue at all.
2. Grilling: Almost all campgrounds and larger attractions have fire pits or grilling stations. Charcoal, food to grill, and utensils can often be purchased right on-site.
3. Coffee: Swedes love their coffee, simple and fuss-free. At almost every attraction or campground there are self-service stations with coffee from a thermos. Cheap, quick, and perfect for when the kids are getting impatient.
4. Payment: Cash is rarely needed – you can pay by card almost everywhere. Particularly handy is the Swish app, which works at smaller farm cafés and private campsites too.
5. Kid-friendliness: High chairs, changing tables, and playgrounds are standard in Sweden almost everywhere. Most hiking trails, beaches, and campgrounds are also suitable for strollers or bikes.

Check out our packing list for vacations with kids too!

Our Verdict: Would We Go Back?

Yes! 100 percent! A family vacation in Southern Sweden is relaxed, safe, and genuinely beautiful. It really does feel like something straight out of an Astrid Lindgren book.

Kids love the animals, forests, and freedom, and parents enjoy the quiet, the laid-back pace, and all the time spent outdoors.

Southern Sweden is a place where time slows down. Where you walk barefoot through the grass, grill by the lake, and the kids come back with rosy cheeks.

Southern Sweden? If you’re listening: we’ll definitely be back!