Looking for things to do in Arvika with kids? This welcoming town in western Sweden combines lakeside scenery, creative museums, swimming spots, forests and easy day trips. Whether your family enjoys animals, art, outdoor adventures or simply plenty of space to play, Arvika makes it easy to plan an enjoyable holiday at a relaxed pace.
Why Arvika is a great destination for families
Arvika is located in Värmland, close to the Norwegian border and surrounded by forests, waterways and rolling countryside. The town has a friendly, manageable centre, while many of its best family experiences are only a short drive away. That makes it a practical base for families who want a mixture of sightseeing and outdoor time.
Many Arvika family activities are flexible rather than tied to a strict timetable. You can visit a museum in the morning, stop for lunch in town, swim at a nearby beach and finish the day with a walk beside Kyrkviken. Families can also choose between simple activities that cost little or nothing and larger attractions that are worth booking in advance.
1. Explore the Arvika Vehicle Museum
The Arvika Vehicle Museum, known locally as Arvika Fordonsmuseum, is one of the town’s most entertaining indoor attractions for children who like cars, motorcycles and machines. Its displays include historic vehicles and transport-related exhibits that help bring the past to life.
Children often enjoy looking at the different shapes, colours and designs, while adults may appreciate the local history behind the collection. The museum is a useful option on a rainy day or when younger children need a break from outdoor activities. Allow around an hour, or longer if your family likes to read the information and examine the details.
Tips for visiting with children
- Check opening times before you go, as museum schedules can vary by season.
- Combine the visit with a walk, café stop or other attraction in central Arvika.
- Ask children to choose their favourite vehicle and explain what makes it interesting.
2. Discover art and local history at Rackstadmuseet
Rackstadmuseet is a cultural highlight in Arvika and an excellent choice for families who want to introduce children to art in a relaxed setting. The museum focuses on the artists and craftspeople associated with the Rackstad colony, a creative community that developed in the area around the turn of the twentieth century.
The exhibitions include paintings, sculpture, furniture and decorative arts. Younger children may not want to study every gallery, but they can still enjoy spotting colours, unusual objects and landscapes that resemble the scenery outside. The surrounding environment adds to the experience, making the museum feel less like a formal city gallery and more like part of a creative countryside setting.
Make the museum visit more engaging
- Give children a simple scavenger hunt, such as finding a painting with a lake, a red object or an animal.
- Talk about how artists use light and colour to show different seasons.
- Allow time to explore the grounds and take a short break outdoors.
Rackstadmuseet is particularly useful when the weather is changeable. It can also be paired with a visit to nearby attractions in the Rackstad area.
3. Step back in time at Såguddens Museum
Såguddens Museum is an open-air museum where families can learn about rural life and Värmland’s cultural heritage. Historic buildings, traditional interiors and local exhibits offer children a chance to see how people lived before modern conveniences became part of everyday life.
Open-air museums are usually easier for families than quiet indoor galleries because children can move between buildings and enjoy the outdoor surroundings. At Sågudden, you can discuss old-fashioned cooking, farming, building methods and household chores. These details often lead to interesting questions, especially when children compare historic life with their own routines.
Allow extra time for a relaxed walk rather than treating the museum as a quick stop. Seasonal events and activities may take place during the summer, so check the current programme before visiting. The museum’s setting beside the water also makes it a pleasant place to slow down and enjoy a picnic.
4. Spend a beach day at Ingestrand
For a simple summer activity, head to Ingestrand, a popular recreation area near Arvika. The beach and surrounding green spaces are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, playing games and enjoying an unhurried family lunch.
Water temperatures in Sweden can be refreshing, even in summer, so bring towels, warm layers and an extra change of clothes. Younger children should stay within close reach of an adult whenever they are near the water. If swimming conditions are not suitable, the area can still provide a pleasant day outdoors with walks, snacks and games on land.
What to pack for Ingestrand
- Swimwear, towels and spare clothes
- Sun protection, including hats and sunscreen
- A picnic or snacks and plenty of drinking water
- A ball, frisbee or simple outdoor game
- Warm layers for the journey home
Ingestrand is one of the easiest family attractions near Arvika because you can decide how long to stay. A short visit works well between other activities, while a full afternoon gives children plenty of time to play.
5. Enjoy the water around Kyrkviken
Kyrkviken, the broad bay beside Arvika, is central to the town’s identity and provides a scenic setting for a family walk. Follow the waterfront, watch boats and birds, and pause on a bench while children enjoy the open space.
A walk beside Kyrkviken is especially enjoyable in the evening when the light changes over the water. Families with small children can keep the outing short, while older children may enjoy a longer walk through the town and along the shoreline. Bring a small notebook and encourage children to record the birds, boats or plants they notice.
Depending on the season and local availability, you may also find opportunities for boating, canoeing or other water-based activities in the wider Arvika area. Always use suitable safety equipment and follow local guidance, particularly when children are involved.
6. Try canoeing and kayaking
Arvika is surrounded by lakes and waterways, so canoeing and kayaking are natural choices for active families. Calm water can offer a memorable way to see the landscape from a different perspective, with quiet bays, forested shores and small islands creating a sense of adventure without requiring a difficult hike.
Local providers may offer equipment hire, guided trips or beginner-friendly outings. Availability depends on the season, weather and the age of the children, so contact operators before travelling. Ask about child-sized equipment, life jackets, route length and whether the trip is suitable for first-time paddlers.
Family paddling advice
- Choose a short, sheltered route for your first outing.
- Make sure every child wears a properly fitted buoyancy aid.
- Pack waterproof layers, snacks and sun protection.
- Check the forecast and avoid going out in strong wind or thunderstorms.
- Plan a land-based alternative in case conditions change.
Canoeing is one of the more memorable things to do in Arvika with kids, especially for families who enjoy nature and active holidays.
7. Take a family day trip to Glaskogen Nature Reserve
Glaskogen Nature Reserve is one of the region’s best destinations for hiking, canoeing and outdoor exploration. It lies outside Arvika, so you will need transport and a little planning, but the peaceful forests and lakes make the journey worthwhile.
The reserve contains a network of trails with different lengths and levels of difficulty. Choose a route that matches your children’s ages, energy and experience. A short walk with a picnic may be more enjoyable than attempting a long trail that leaves everyone tired. Look for rest areas and viewpoints, and make the journey itself part of the adventure.
How to make Glaskogen enjoyable for children
- Turn the walk into a nature treasure hunt by looking for pine cones, animal tracks and different types of moss.
- Bring food and drinks, since facilities can be limited away from the main visitor areas.
- Wear sturdy shoes and check the trail conditions before setting out.
- Teach children to respect wildlife and leave plants, rocks and natural objects where they are.
- Keep a map or reliable navigation tool with you, especially on longer walks.
Glaskogen is a strong choice for families who want a full day outdoors. It is also a good option for older children who are ready for more independence and adventure, provided they remain supervised.
8. Look for wildlife and enjoy the countryside
The countryside around Arvika gives children plenty of opportunities to notice wildlife. You may see birds around lakes and wetlands, insects in summer meadows and signs of larger animals in the forest. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the search itself can make a walk more exciting.
Early morning and evening are often productive times for observing animals, although families with young children may prefer a daytime outing. Bring binoculars if you have them, but avoid getting too close to wildlife. In forested areas, check children and clothing for ticks after your walk and follow current Swedish health advice.
Simple outdoor games work well here. Ask children to find five different leaf shapes, identify the quietest sound they can hear or draw a picture of the landscape. These activities require no special equipment and help make an ordinary walk feel like one of your best Arvika family activities.
9. Visit Arvika town centre
Do not overlook the town centre when planning family attractions in Arvika. A gentle stroll through the streets gives you a chance to browse local shops, find a café and take a break between larger activities. Children may enjoy choosing a Swedish snack, looking for colourful shop windows or picking up a small souvenir.
Town walks are also useful on days when the family needs a slower schedule. You can combine a central walk with the Arvika Vehicle Museum, a museum visit or time beside Kyrkviken. Look for public play areas and open spaces as you explore, and leave room in the itinerary for an unplanned stop.
Swedish cafés often provide a comfortable setting for families, but opening hours can be shorter outside the main season. If you are travelling with a baby or toddler, check whether your chosen café has enough space for a pram before you sit down.
10. Explore nearby villages and local attractions
If you are staying in Arvika for several days, consider exploring the surrounding villages and countryside. Small galleries, craft studios, historic sites and farm shops may offer seasonal experiences that are not available in the town itself. These are particularly enjoyable for families who like meeting local makers or learning how regional products are created.
Because rural attractions can have limited opening hours, check details before setting off. Some places may require advance booking, while others operate only during summer or at weekends. A flexible itinerary works best, with a museum or nature walk as a backup if a smaller attraction is closed.
Planning things to do in Arvika with kids
Choose activities by season
Summer is the easiest season for swimming, canoeing, picnics and longer walks. Spring and autumn are good for museums, shorter hikes and colourful scenery, although rain is always possible. Winter brings a quieter atmosphere and opportunities for snowy walks when conditions allow, but some attractions operate on reduced schedules.
Keep the itinerary flexible
Families usually have more fun when every day does not feel overplanned. Choose one main activity and one optional stop, then leave time for food, rest and spontaneous discoveries. A morning at a museum followed by a beach or lakeside walk is often a better plan than visiting several attractions in quick succession.
Plan for changing weather
Swedish weather can change quickly, particularly near lakes and in wooded areas. Pack waterproof jackets, warm layers and comfortable footwear even during summer. A rainy-day list might include Rackstadmuseet, Såguddens Museum or the Arvika Vehicle Museum, while a dry forecast is ideal for Ingestrand, Kyrkviken or Glaskogen.
Check practical information
- Confirm opening hours, admission prices and seasonal events on official websites.
- Book canoe hire, guided activities and popular accommodation early in the summer.
- Bring snacks and water for nature reserves and rural day trips.
- Use approved swimming areas and follow local safety signs.
- Make sure children have suitable footwear for forest paths and uneven ground.
With museums for rainy days, beaches for sunny afternoons, forests for exploration and a welcoming town centre, Arvika offers a balanced family holiday without long journeys between every activity. Start with the experiences that suit your children’s interests, keep the schedule comfortable and leave space to enjoy the landscape at your own pace.