Looking for things to do in Falun with kids? This historic town in Dalarna combines fascinating heritage, outdoor adventure, museums, lakes and easy day trips. Families can explore the UNESCO listed Falun Mine, meet Swedish artists, swim in summer and enjoy snowy landscapes in winter without spending every day in the car.
Why Falun is a great destination for families
Falun is one of Sweden’s most rewarding family destinations because it offers variety in a compact area. The town has enough attractions for a long weekend, while the surrounding countryside provides plenty of space for walking, cycling, swimming and winter sports.
Many of the best Falun family activities also work in different weather conditions. A rainy morning can be spent underground at the Falun Mine or inside a museum, followed by an afternoon in a playground or at a café. On sunny days, Lake Runn and the trails around Lugnet are ideal for active families.
The town is easy to combine with other Dalarna destinations too. Borlänge is a short journey away, and the village of Sundborn, home to Carl Larsson’s former residence, is close enough for a relaxed half day trip.
1. Explore the Falun Mine
The Falun Mine is the most famous of all the family attractions in Falun. Mining took place here for centuries, and the site played an important role in Sweden’s economic and industrial history. In 2001, the mining area became part of the UNESCO World Heritage site that includes Falun and its historic surroundings.
A guided tour takes visitors below ground into the old mine workings. The cool, dark tunnels make the experience feel like a real expedition, although families should check age recommendations and accessibility information before booking. Children often enjoy the sense of adventure, the stories about miners and the unusual underground rock formations.
There is also plenty to see above ground. The red painted mine buildings, historic workers’ homes and wide open surroundings create an interesting setting for a family walk. The visitor area usually includes exhibitions and information that help explain how copper mining shaped the town.
Tips for visiting with children
- Bring an extra layer because the underground mine is cold throughout the year.
- Wear sturdy shoes, as some surfaces may be uneven or damp.
- Book a tour in advance during school holidays and busy summer weekends.
- Check whether younger children can join the specific tour you want.
- Allow time for the outdoor historic area instead of visiting only the mine entrance.
The Falun Mine is one of the best things to do in Falun with kids when you want an activity that is both entertaining and educational.
2. Visit the Mine Museum
The Mine Museum at the Falun Mine adds context to the underground experience. Exhibits explain the technology, working life and traditions connected with copper production. Children can see tools, models and objects that make the mining story easier to understand than a history book alone.
This is a useful stop for families who are not ready for an underground tour, or for younger children who may prefer a shorter visit. The museum can also help older children connect what they have seen underground with the wider story of Swedish industry.
Give the children a simple challenge as you explore. Ask them to find the oldest looking tool, spot examples of copper or identify the objects that miners would have used during a working day. Small games like these can keep the visit engaging without turning it into a formal lesson.
3. Discover Dalarna at Dalarnas Museum
Dalarnas Museum is one of the most useful indoor Falun family activities, particularly on a rainy day. The museum introduces visitors to the culture, art and history of the province. Exhibitions often include traditional costumes, decorative painting, crafts and everyday objects from different periods.
Children may be especially interested in the colourful Dala horse, one of Sweden’s best known symbols. The museum offers a chance to see how regional traditions developed and why certain patterns, colours and materials are associated with Dalarna.
Rather than trying to read every information panel, choose a few things for the family to look for. You could search for the brightest costume, the strangest household object or the most detailed painted design. This makes the museum feel more like an exploration.
Allow around one to two hours, depending on your children’s ages and interest. The central location also makes it easy to combine the museum with lunch, a walk through Falun or a visit to another nearby attraction.
4. Spend time at Lugnet
Lugnet is Falun’s large sports and recreation area, located close to the town centre. It is well known for its ski jumping hills and sporting facilities, but families can enjoy the surrounding paths and open spaces in every season.
During warmer months, Lugnet is a good place for a walk, a gentle hike or a bike ride. Some trails lead through woodland and offer views over Falun. The area is also connected with the town’s strong cross country skiing tradition, making it an interesting place to visit even if you are not travelling during winter.
In winter, Lugnet becomes one of the most convenient places to experience snow activities near town. Depending on conditions and the current facilities, families may be able to try cross country skiing, sledding or simply play in the snow. Always check local opening information and snow conditions before setting out.
Making Lugnet work for different ages
- Choose a short marked trail for younger children and extend it if everyone has energy.
- Pack snacks and warm drinks for a simple outdoor break.
- Use the area as a starting point for a longer walk rather than planning a demanding hike.
- In winter, bring spare gloves and socks because wet clothing can quickly end an outing.
5. Enjoy Lake Runn in summer
Lake Runn lies between Falun and Borlänge and is one of the best places for relaxed outdoor time near the town. Its shores and islands create opportunities for swimming, paddling, boating, fishing and picnics during the warmer months.
Families do not need to plan an ambitious water adventure. A simple day by the lake can include a swim, a packed lunch and a walk along the shore. If you rent a canoe, kayak or small boat, choose an outing that matches the children’s experience and always use suitable life jackets.
Främby Udde is a popular area by Lake Runn, with space to enjoy the waterfront and, at certain times, access to leisure facilities. Facilities and water activities vary by season, so check current local information before visiting.
Lake Runn is also known for its winter scenery. When ice conditions are safe and officially assessed, the lake can attract skaters and winter visitors. Never go onto natural ice unless local authorities or an experienced organiser have confirmed that it is safe.
6. Take a family trip to Carl Larsson-gården
A visit to Carl Larsson-gården in Sundborn is one of the most appealing family attractions close to Falun. The home belonged to artist Carl Larsson and his wife, Karin, whose art and interior design helped shape the image of Swedish home life known around the world.
The house is full of colour, paintings, textiles and personal details. Older children may enjoy learning how the family lived and worked, while younger visitors can focus on the unusual furniture, bright rooms and garden setting.
Guided visits of the house are usually organised at specific times, and access can vary depending on the season. Check the official schedule before travelling. The surrounding village of Sundborn is pleasant for a walk, and a visit can easily become a half day outing with a picnic or café stop.
How to keep the visit enjoyable
- Explain beforehand that the house is a historic home where visitors need to be careful.
- Look for painted flowers, interesting patterns and objects that appear in Carl Larsson’s artwork.
- Combine the house tour with time outdoors so children are not inside for the entire visit.
- Allow extra travel time if you are visiting by bicycle or public transport.
7. Go swimming or visit a beach
Swimming is an easy way to add a low cost activity to a family holiday in Falun. In summer, local lakes and designated bathing areas can be ideal for a few hours of play. Water temperatures can vary, so children should be supervised closely and families should use beaches with suitable facilities whenever possible.
Some bathing places have jetties, grassy areas or shallow water, while others are more natural and have limited services. Bring towels, sun protection, snacks and a change of clothes. A picnic by the water is often enough to fill an afternoon after a busy morning at the mine.
For families staying in accommodation with a pool, a swim can also be a useful break after a full day of sightseeing. This is particularly helpful for younger children who need unstructured time between visits.
8. Try cycling around Falun
Falun and the surrounding countryside are well suited to families who enjoy exploring by bicycle. Quiet roads, cycle paths and recreational routes can connect the town with lakes, woodland and nearby villages. The best route depends on your children’s ages, cycling confidence and the weather.
For a gentle outing, plan a short ride to a café, picnic spot or lake shore instead of choosing a long distance route. Families with older children may enjoy linking several attractions, such as Lugnet and central Falun, in one day.
Ask a local bike rental provider or tourist information centre about current route conditions, traffic levels and suitable family trails. Remember that some rural stretches may have limited services, so take water and snacks with you.
9. Explore nature around Falun
The countryside around Falun offers simple adventures that cost little or nothing. Look for marked walking trails, forest paths, viewpoints and picnic areas. Children can collect fallen leaves, listen for birds, search for animal tracks or learn to recognise common Swedish trees.
Nature outings are often the easiest way to balance a sightseeing itinerary. After visiting museums and historic buildings, a forest walk gives everyone room to move. Keep the route short and make the journey itself part of the activity by planning a treasure hunt or a photo challenge.
Sweden’s right of public access allows people to enjoy much of the countryside responsibly, but it comes with duties. Stay on appropriate paths where requested, avoid disturbing wildlife, take rubbish home and follow local fire regulations. If you plan to pick berries or mushrooms, make sure you can identify them correctly.
10. Enjoy winter in Falun
Winter transforms Falun into a destination for snow lovers. Cross country skiing around Lugnet is a natural choice for families who already ski, while beginners can look for lessons or gentle prepared tracks. Sledding, snow play and short forest walks are alternatives for children who are not ready for skis.
The town’s winter atmosphere can be especially memorable when combined with a warm café visit. Plan outdoor sessions around daylight and weather, and keep expectations flexible. A few hours outside may be enough for younger children.
Winter conditions change quickly in Dalarna. Check trail reports, equipment rental information and opening times before travelling to a ski area. Dress children in layers, use reflective details during darker hours and pack dry clothing for the journey home.
11. Plan a day trip to Borlänge
Borlänge is close to Falun and provides another option when you want a change of scenery. Families can find shopping, indoor activities, parks and seasonal events, depending on the time of year. The journey is short enough to make a flexible day trip rather than a major travel day.
This can be useful during wet weather or when children want a more modern entertainment option after several history focused visits. Check current attractions and opening hours before setting out, as family facilities and event programmes change throughout the year.
12. Let children shape the itinerary
The best things to do in Falun with kids do not all need to be major attractions. Children may remember a picnic beside a lake, a hot chocolate after a snowy walk or the moment they found an unusual rock at the mine just as clearly as a scheduled tour.
Try planning one main activity and one flexible activity each day. For example, book a mine tour in the morning, then leave the afternoon open for a playground, café or walk. This approach gives your family structure without making the holiday feel rushed.
A sample three day family itinerary
- Day one: Visit the Falun Mine and Mine Museum, then walk around the historic mining area.
- Day two: Explore Dalarnas Museum, have lunch in central Falun and spend the afternoon at Lugnet.
- Day three: Take a trip to Carl Larsson-gården in Sundborn, or enjoy Lake Runn and a nearby beach in summer.
Practical tips for a family visit to Falun
Check opening times
Many attractions have different schedules in summer, winter and during school holidays. Guided tours, historic homes and outdoor activities may require advance booking. Confirm times on official websites before leaving your accommodation.
Pack for changeable weather
Dalarna weather can shift during the day, especially when you move between town, forest and lake. Bring waterproof layers, comfortable shoes and extra clothing for children. In summer, add swimwear and sun protection. In winter, warm base layers are essential.
Think about transport
Central Falun is walkable, but several attractions are spread around the town and nearby countryside. A car is convenient for Lake Runn and Sundborn, while local buses may serve some destinations. If you are travelling without a car, check routes and return times before planning a full day outside the centre.
Allow time for food breaks
Family trips are easier when children have regular opportunities to eat. Falun has cafés, restaurants and grocery shops, and many outdoor areas are suitable for picnics. Carry water and a few snacks on nature walks, cycling trips and visits to the mine.
Where to stay in Falun with children
Staying near central Falun is convenient if you want to walk to restaurants, museums and shops. Accommodation close to Lugnet can suit active families who plan to ski, cycle or hike. A cabin or holiday home outside town may be better for families who want more space, cooking facilities and easy access to lakes and forests.
When choosing a place to stay, look beyond the room itself. Check whether there is parking, a kitchen, family rooms, laundry access and somewhere for children to play. During popular summer periods and winter weekends, booking early gives you more choice.
More reasons to visit Falun as a family
Falun makes family travel feel manageable because its activities cover history, culture and nature without requiring long journeys between every stop. Children can descend into an old mine, see traditional Dalarna design, run beside a lake and play in the snow within the same trip.
Whether you are planning a weekend break or a longer Dalarna holiday, include a mixture of booked attractions and open ended outdoor time. That balance is what makes Falun family activities enjoyable for different ages and interests.