Looking for things to do in Simrishamn with kids? This colourful coastal town in Skåne is an excellent base for a family holiday, with sandy beaches, swimming spots, nature trails, museums, fishing villages and easy day trips across Österlen. You can combine relaxed seaside days with short hikes, creative attractions and memorable visits to castles and apple orchards.
Why Simrishamn is a great family destination
Simrishamn is small enough to explore without long journeys, but it has plenty of variety for families. The town sits on Sweden’s southeast coast, where the Baltic Sea, rolling farmland and traditional villages create a changing backdrop for a holiday.
Many of the best Simrishamn family activities are outdoors. Children can run along the harbour, look for shells on the beach, climb over rocks, watch boats and explore woodland paths. When the weather changes, museums and indoor attractions provide useful alternatives.
The surrounding area is known as Österlen, a popular region for farm shops, art galleries, beaches and historic landmarks. A car makes it easier to visit several places in one day, although parts of the coast can also be explored by local bus, bicycle or on foot. During summer, book popular accommodation and check attraction opening hours in advance.
1. Explore Simrishamn harbour and the old town
A walk through the harbour and historic centre is one of the simplest things to do in Simrishamn with kids. Start by looking at the fishing boats, small working vessels and colourful details around the waterfront. Children often enjoy spotting buoys, ropes, seabirds and unusual boats while adults can take in the coastal atmosphere.
From the harbour, walk into the old town to see pastel-coloured houses, cobbled streets and traditional architecture. The streets are compact, so this is an easy activity for younger children who may not manage a long sightseeing tour. Pause at a café for ice cream or fika, and let children choose a postcard or small souvenir from one of the local shops.
Make the walk more engaging by turning it into a simple treasure hunt. Ask children to find a blue door, a flower-filled window, a bicycle, a boat name and the most interesting house decoration. This costs nothing and gives the whole family a reason to look more closely at the town.
2. Spend a beach day at Tobisvik
Tobisvik is one of the most convenient family beaches near Simrishamn. It offers space for sand play, paddling and relaxed walks, with facilities nearby depending on the season. Pack towels, sun protection, snacks and a change of clothes because even a short visit can easily become a full afternoon.
Young children can build sandcastles close to the shore, while older children may enjoy swimming when conditions are calm. Always check the local weather and water conditions, supervise children closely and remember that the Baltic Sea can feel cold even on a warm day.
The surrounding area is also suitable for a family stroll. Look for sea birds, driftwood and smooth stones, but leave protected natural areas and living wildlife undisturbed. If the children need a break from the beach, a picnic can turn the visit into a slower and more comfortable family outing.
3. Visit Stenshuvud National Park
Stenshuvud National Park is among the most rewarding family attractions in the Simrishamn area. It combines forest, coastline, meadows and viewpoints within a relatively compact national park. The landscape changes quickly, which helps keep a walk interesting for children.
Choose a trail that matches your family’s energy and footwear. Some paths are easy, while routes leading towards the park’s hills and viewpoints can be more demanding. The climb to the viewpoints offers wide views over the sea and surrounding countryside, but families with toddlers may prefer a shorter woodland walk and time by the shore.
Tips for visiting Stenshuvud with children
- Wear sturdy shoes because some paths can be uneven or slippery.
- Bring water and snacks, particularly outside the busiest summer period.
- Allow extra time for stops to inspect leaves, insects, stones and birds.
- Stay on marked trails and follow national park rules.
- Check whether the Naturum visitor centre is open before travelling.
The Naturum centre can help families understand the local plants, animals and geology. Exhibitions and displays may be especially useful on a rainy day, although opening times vary by season. Stenshuvud is a good choice for families who want nature, exercise and a beach visit in one trip.
4. Discover the cars and curiosities at Autoseum
Autoseum in Simrishamn is an excellent rainy-day option for families who enjoy cars, motorcycles and unusual collections. The museum displays historic vehicles and other themed exhibits, giving children plenty to look at even if they are not serious motoring enthusiasts.
Older children may enjoy comparing the shapes, colours and sizes of the vehicles, while younger visitors can search for their favourite model. Plan a visit at a relaxed pace rather than trying to read every description. A short break can make the experience easier for children with limited attention spans.
Because museums can change displays, prices and opening schedules, check the official information before you go. Autoseum is particularly useful to keep in your plan as a backup for a wet or windy day.
5. Learn about local history at the Museum of Österlen
The Museum of Österlen in Simrishamn introduces visitors to the region’s history, culture and everyday life. Exhibitions can help children connect the town they are visiting with its fishing traditions, rural communities and long relationship with the sea.
A museum visit works best when adults make it interactive. Ask children which object they would take home, what they think an old tool was used for or how daily life differed before modern technology. Even a short visit can add context to the harbour, old town and countryside you see during the rest of your holiday.
Look for temporary exhibitions and family events, as the programme may include workshops or activities during school holidays. This is one of the more practical Simrishamn family activities when you want something educational without committing to a full-day excursion.
6. Take a family trip to Glimmingehus
Glimmingehus, a well-preserved medieval stone fortress near Simrishamn, is one of the area’s most memorable family attractions. Its thick walls, defensive features and historic atmosphere make it feel different from an ordinary museum.
Children can imagine what life was like in a fortified house, while adults learn about the people who lived there and the building’s role in the past. Guided tours, seasonal activities and historical demonstrations may be available, especially during the busier months, so check the programme before your visit.
Allow time to explore the grounds as well as the building. The experience is more enjoyable when children can move around rather than only look at displays. Some surfaces may be uneven, and access inside historic buildings can be limited, so families with pushchairs should plan accordingly.
7. Visit the beaches and fishing villages around Österlen
One of the best things to do in Simrishamn with kids is to explore the nearby coastline. The villages and beaches around Österlen each have a slightly different character, making it easy to create a gentle day of short stops instead of one long activity.
Brantevik
Brantevik is a traditional coastal village south of Simrishamn. Walk through the narrow streets, look at the old houses and enjoy views across the water. It is a good place for a short wander followed by a picnic or café stop.
Baskemölla
Baskemölla has a small-village atmosphere and access to the coast. Families can combine a walk through the village with time outdoors, but keep an eye on children around rocky shorelines and uneven paths.
Vik and Vitemölla
These coastal communities are known for their scenery and access to beaches. Depending on the weather, children can paddle, play in the sand or collect natural treasures for a holiday nature journal. Avoid removing shells, stones or plants from protected areas, and check local guidance before lighting any barbecue.
Haväng
Haväng offers open coastal landscapes and a wilder feeling than the town beaches. It is a beautiful place for a family walk, but bring everything you need because services can be limited. Wind can also be strong, so pack an extra layer even in summer.
8. Make a day trip to Kivik and the apple country
Kivik is a popular destination north of Simrishamn and an easy addition to a family itinerary. The area is associated with apple orchards, local food and coastal scenery. A visit can include a walk, a farm shop, a café and a stop at a nearby beach.
Families may enjoy learning how apples are grown and used in the region. Some producers offer tastings, exhibitions or seasonal events, although activities vary throughout the year. The Kivik Apple Market in autumn is particularly colourful, but it can be busy, so arrive early if you are travelling with small children.
Combine Kivik with a visit to the King’s Grave, also known as Kiviksgraven, a Bronze Age burial monument. The historic site is unusual and gives older children an introduction to Sweden’s prehistoric past. Keep expectations realistic with younger children and focus on the atmosphere, stories and chance to explore somewhere different.
9. Explore nature with a family challenge
Not every family activity needs an admission ticket. Simrishamn and the surrounding coast are ideal for simple outdoor challenges that make walking more exciting. Create a list of things to spot, such as a fishing boat, a yellow flower, a bird, a bridge, a red cottage and a sign with a place name.
A family nature journal is another easy idea. Children can draw a shell, describe the sound of the waves or record the day’s weather. Older children might map the route or photograph different types of doors and boats. These small tasks encourage observation without turning the holiday into a formal lesson.
Choose public paths and follow signs about access, dogs, fires and wildlife. The Swedish right of public access allows people to enjoy nature responsibly, but it also comes with a duty to avoid disturbing residents, animals and sensitive environments.
10. Enjoy local food and family-friendly fika
Food is an important part of travelling around Österlen, and families will find bakeries, cafés, farm shops and restaurants in Simrishamn and nearby villages. A fika stop gives children a chance to rest while adults try local pastries, bread or apple products.
For a flexible meal, buy picnic supplies and eat beside the coast or in a designated outdoor area. Check for allergens and opening hours, especially outside July and August when some smaller businesses operate limited schedules. If you are travelling with a baby or toddler, a picnic can also be easier than waiting for a restaurant table.
Consider visiting a farm shop during the day rather than planning every meal around a restaurant. Children can see local produce and choose fruit for the next beach outing, while adults get a taste of the region’s food culture.
11. Ideas for a rainy day in Simrishamn
Summer weather on the coast can change quickly, so it helps to keep a few indoor plans ready. Autoseum and the Museum of Österlen are obvious choices in town, while a café stop and a short museum visit can work well for younger children.
- Visit Autoseum for vehicles and unusual collections.
- Explore the Museum of Österlen and look for family activities.
- Walk through the old town between showers and stop for fika.
- Drive to Glimmingehus if the fortress has a suitable guided tour or event.
- Use a rainy afternoon to plan the next day’s beach or national park visit.
Always check current opening times before setting out. Some attractions in southeastern Sweden are seasonal, and special events may require advance booking.
12. How to plan things to do in Simrishamn with kids
The best family itineraries leave room for unplanned stops. A useful pattern is to combine one main attraction with one outdoor activity each day. For example, visit Autoseum in the morning and walk by the harbour later, or explore Stenshuvud National Park before relaxing at a nearby beach.
Families with young children may prefer shorter drives and a base close to the town centre or coast. Families with older children can cover more ground and add Glimmingehus, Kivik or several fishing villages. A car provides the greatest flexibility, but ask your accommodation about bicycle hire, local buses and nearby walking routes.
What to pack
- Layers for changing coastal weather.
- Comfortable shoes for woodland and village walks.
- Swimwear, towels and sun protection.
- Water bottles and snacks for beaches and nature reserves.
- A small first-aid kit and spare clothes for younger children.
- A reusable bag for picnic supplies and wet towels.
Most importantly, do not try to fit every attraction into one day. Simrishamn works well for families because the experiences are varied but unhurried. Spend time by the water, follow the children’s interests and keep a flexible plan. With beaches, history, nature and welcoming local villages close by, Simrishamn offers plenty of memorable family attractions for a Swedish coastal holiday.