Looking for things to do in Borgholm with kids? This coastal town on the Swedish island of Öland combines castle ruins, sandy beaches, cycling routes, royal gardens and easy nature walks. Borgholm is compact enough for relaxed family days, while several of Öland’s best family attractions are only a short drive away. Here are the best Borgholm family activities for a fun and varied visit.
Explore Borgholm Castle
Borgholm Castle is one of the most memorable places to visit with children in the area. The enormous limestone ruin stands on a hill just outside the town, surrounded by open countryside and sea views. Its thick walls, towers and empty rooms are ideal for children who enjoy stories about kings, battles and mysterious old buildings.
The castle was originally built as a medieval fortress and later developed into a grand Renaissance palace. A fire in the early eighteenth century left it as the impressive ruin visitors see today. While walking through the castle, families can climb stairways, look into large halls and imagine what life was like before modern buildings, cars and electricity.
Tips for visiting the castle with children
- Allow at least one to two hours to explore the ruins at an easy pace.
- Wear comfortable shoes because the ground can be uneven and some areas include steps.
- Bring water and sun protection on warm days, as parts of the site are open and exposed.
- Check opening times and event information before visiting, especially outside the main summer season.
- Look for family activities, exhibitions and historical events that may be arranged during school holidays.
The castle is close enough to Borgholm for a short drive or bike ride, but most families will find it easier to visit by car if they are travelling with younger children. The surrounding landscape also makes a good place for a picnic before or after the castle visit.
Visit Solliden Palace and its gardens
Near Borgholm Castle, Solliden Palace offers a calmer experience with beautiful gardens and well-kept paths. Solliden is the summer residence of the Swedish royal family, and parts of the estate are open to visitors during the warmer months. The gardens include different styles and planting areas, with colourful flowers, trees and lawns that make the visit enjoyable for adults and children.
Children may not be fascinated by every flower bed, but the grounds give them space to walk, observe insects and enjoy a change of pace after exploring the castle. The setting is particularly pleasant for families who want a quiet outdoor activity rather than a busy attraction. There is usually a café or shop area connected with the visitor experience, although opening arrangements can change by season.
Make the garden visit more engaging
- Ask children to find different colours, leaf shapes or types of trees.
- Bring a small notebook for drawing flowers, buildings or interesting garden details.
- Combine Solliden with Borgholm Castle since the two attractions are close together.
- Check whether guided tours or seasonal activities are available during your visit.
Remember that Solliden is a working royal residence, so visitors should follow signs and stay within the areas open to the public. A visit here is one of the most peaceful things to do in Borgholm with kids, especially for families who enjoy gardens and photography.
Spend time at Borgholm harbour
Borgholm harbour is the natural centre of the town and an easy place to enjoy a family stroll. The waterfront has boats, restaurants, cafés and views across the Kalmarsund strait. Children can watch boats arriving, look for birds near the water and enjoy an ice cream while parents take in the relaxed atmosphere.
The harbour is also a useful starting point for exploring the town. From here, families can walk along the waterfront, browse small shops and continue into the central streets. In summer, the area becomes livelier, with outdoor seating and occasional events. Even when there is no special activity taking place, the harbour works well as a flexible stop between other Borgholm family activities.
Families with toddlers should keep a close eye on children near the water, particularly when the harbour is busy. Choose a waterfront café with outdoor seating if you want to enjoy lunch while keeping the children nearby.
Enjoy the beaches around Borgholm
A beach day is one of the simplest family activities on Öland. Borgholm itself has access to waterfront areas, while the popular beach at Köpingsvik is only a short distance from town. Köpingsvik is known for its shallow water and sandy shoreline, making it a practical choice for families who want to swim, build sandcastles or enjoy a picnic by the sea.
The Baltic water can be refreshing even in summer, but shallow areas often warm up more quickly on sunny days. Bring towels, sun hats and extra clothes for children. Wind can also change the feel of the beach, so a lightweight windbreak or extra layer can be useful.
Family beach ideas
- Pack a simple picnic and plan a few hours rather than a full day if younger children become tired easily.
- Bring buckets, spades and a ball for low-cost entertainment.
- Check local information about toilets, parking and bathing conditions before setting out.
- Stay aware of weather changes, especially on windy days.
- Use the beach for an early morning or late afternoon visit when it is often quieter.
For many visitors, the combination of a beach morning and a town or castle visit makes an ideal family itinerary. It gives children time to play while still leaving room for sightseeing.
Cycle through Borgholm and the countryside
Öland is well suited to relaxed cycling, and hiring bikes can turn a standard sightseeing trip into an adventure for the whole family. The landscape around Borgholm is generally open and easy to appreciate, with fields, stone walls, coastal views and small rural roads. Families should choose routes appropriate for their children and check traffic conditions before starting.
A short ride around town can include the harbour, nearby viewpoints and quiet residential streets. More confident cyclists can travel towards the castle area, Köpingsvik or nearby villages. Some roads may have limited shoulders, so younger children should be supervised carefully and everyone should wear a helmet.
Planning a family cycling day
- Ask the rental company about child seats, trailers and smaller bikes.
- Carry water and snacks because shops and cafés are not available along every route.
- Start with a short ride and extend it only if the children are comfortable.
- Keep a map or offline route on your phone.
- Plan a beach, café or picnic stop as a reward at the end of the ride.
Cycling is also a useful way to see more of Borgholm without spending the entire day in the car. On warm days, start early and avoid the hottest part of the afternoon.
Discover nature at Halltorps Hage
Halltorps Hage, south of Borgholm, is a nature area known for old oak trees and rich plant and animal life. It is a good option for families who want to experience Öland’s landscape away from the main attractions. The paths allow visitors to walk among ancient-looking trees, open meadows and woodland habitats.
Children can turn the visit into a small nature hunt by looking for birds, beetles, unusual bark patterns and different types of leaves. The area is especially appealing in spring and early summer, although every season offers a different atmosphere. Bring sturdy shoes if the weather has been wet, since some paths can become soft.
This is not a traditional attraction with rides or indoor entertainment. Instead, it is one of the best family attractions for children who enjoy exploring outdoors. Keep children close in wooded areas, respect plants and wildlife, and follow any signs at the nature reserve.
Take a family walk along the coast
The coastline around Borgholm provides plenty of opportunities for short walks with scenic views. You do not need to plan a demanding hike. A walk along the harbour, a beach stroll at Köpingsvik or a short route near the castle can be enough to give children some exercise between sightseeing stops.
Coastal walks are a good choice when the family needs a break from museums and scheduled activities. Let children set the pace and look for smooth stones, shells, birds and boats. Swimming is not always suitable along every stretch of coast, so use recognised bathing areas when you want to get into the water.
Bring layers, since Öland can feel breezy even on a sunny day. Comfortable shoes are useful on paths with grass, gravel or exposed stone.
Visit Öland’s family attractions on a day trip
If you are staying in Borgholm for several days, consider adding one of the island’s larger family attractions to your itinerary. Öland Zoo and Amusement Park is located near Färjestaden, south of Borgholm. It combines animals and amusement rides, offering a full day of entertainment for families with children of different ages.
The drive from Borgholm takes planning, but the attraction can be worthwhile when children want rides and a more active day. Check current opening dates, ticket details and available activities before travelling because the operating season is particularly important on Öland.
Another possible day trip is Eketorp, a reconstructed ancient fort in the southern part of the island. It offers historical activities and a chance to learn about life in earlier periods through buildings, demonstrations and exhibitions. It is farther from Borgholm, so it works best as a dedicated full-day excursion rather than a quick stop.
Choosing the right day trip
- Choose Öland Zoo and Amusement Park if your children enjoy animals, rides and a busy schedule.
- Choose Eketorp if your family prefers history, archaeology and hands-on cultural experiences.
- Check travel times carefully and allow breaks during the drive.
- Pack snacks and water, even if food is available at the attraction.
- Have a backup plan for rainy or windy weather.
Find rainy-day activities in Borgholm
Summer weather on Öland can be changeable, so it helps to have an indoor plan. Borgholm’s shops, cafés and cultural venues can fill a few hours when the weather is unsuitable for the beach. The castle may still be possible in light rain, but strong wind or heavy showers can make outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable.
Look for local exhibitions, small museums and seasonal events in Borgholm and nearby villages. Libraries and visitor information centres may also have current suggestions for families. Some activities operate only during the main holiday season, so check opening times rather than relying on general online listings.
A rainy day can also be a good opportunity for a long café lunch, board games at your accommodation or a short drive to another part of the island. The best family itinerary leaves enough flexibility for these changes.
Eat well with children in Borgholm
Borgholm has restaurants, cafés and bakeries where families can take a break between activities. The harbour is a popular place to look for lunch or an evening meal, while the town centre offers additional options within walking distance. In summer, booking may be sensible for popular restaurants, especially if you are travelling with a larger family.
Swedish favourites such as meatballs, pancakes, open sandwiches and cinnamon buns are often easy choices for children. Families can also buy picnic supplies and eat outdoors at a beach, park or scenic viewpoint. A picnic is particularly useful on days when you are visiting the castle or cycling outside town.
Bring reusable water bottles and a few snacks for excursions. Children often need food sooner than expected after a morning of swimming, walking or cycling.
How to plan a family stay in Borgholm
Borgholm works well as a base because several attractions are close together. A family could visit Borgholm Castle and Solliden on one day, spend another day at the beach and harbour, and use a third day for cycling or a longer island excursion.
Accommodation ranges from hotels and holiday cottages to campsites and apartments. A central location makes it easier to reach cafés and the harbour on foot. A cottage or campsite may suit families who want more space, outdoor areas or the option to prepare meals.
Practical tips for visiting Borgholm with kids
- Book accommodation early for July and other popular school holiday periods.
- Check attraction opening times because some venues are seasonal.
- Pack layers, rainwear, swimwear and sun protection.
- Allow extra time for meals, rest stops and spontaneous beach visits.
- Use a car for distant attractions, but consider walking or cycling around central Borgholm.
- Keep a flexible schedule so a windy day or tired child does not disrupt the entire trip.
The best things to do in Borgholm with kids are often easy to combine. Start with a castle visit, cool down at the beach, enjoy an ice cream by the harbour and finish with a relaxed walk. With a mix of history, nature, swimming and simple outdoor adventures, Borgholm gives families plenty to enjoy without requiring a packed timetable.