Looking for things to do in Strömstad with kids? This welcoming coastal town in Bohuslän combines boat trips, sandy beaches, rocky islands, nature trails and easy family attractions. Whether you are planning a summer holiday or a short weekend by the sea, Strömstad offers plenty of ways to keep children active, curious and entertained.
Why Strömstad is a great destination for families
Strömstad is located in northern Bohuslän, close to the Norwegian border. The town is compact, making it easy to explore on foot, while the surrounding coastline provides countless opportunities for swimming, boating and outdoor adventures. Families can spend one day discovering the harbour and another exploring islands in Kosterhavet National Park.
The area is particularly enjoyable for children because activities are varied and flexible. You can combine a short walk with an ice cream stop, take a boat to an island for a picnic, or spend a rainy afternoon at an indoor attraction. Many of the best experiences are also close together, so you do not need to plan every hour of your holiday.
1. Explore Strömstad harbour and town centre
A walk around Strömstad harbour is one of the easiest things to do in Strömstad with kids. Watch fishing boats and passenger ferries come and go, look for seabirds and enjoy the lively atmosphere around the waterfront. In summer, the harbour is filled with visitors, boats and small shops selling souvenirs, snacks and locally made products.
From the harbour, wander through the town centre and its traditional streets. Children often enjoy exploring the small lanes, while adults can browse cafés, bakeries and shops. Stop for an ice cream and find a bench by the water before continuing towards one of the nearby parks.
If you are travelling with a stroller, the central streets and harbour areas are generally convenient, although some older streets may have uneven surfaces. A short town walk is also a useful first activity after arriving, as it helps the whole family get familiar with the area.
2. Take a boat trip to Kosterhavet National Park
A boat trip to the Koster Islands is one of the most memorable Strömstad family activities. Ferries leave from Strömstad and take you into Kosterhavet National Park, Sweden’s first marine national park. The journey itself is part of the adventure, especially for children who enjoy being on the water and watching the coastline change.
North Koster and South Koster have different characters. North Koster is known for its rocky landscape and viewpoints, while South Koster has more roads and is easy to explore by bicycle. Families can walk along the shoreline, search for shells, enjoy a picnic or find a quiet place for a swim.
Tips for visiting the Koster Islands with children
- Check ferry times carefully and allow extra time for boarding during busy summer days.
- Bring water, snacks, sun protection and an extra layer, as the weather can change quickly at sea.
- Consider hiring bicycles on South Koster if your children are comfortable cycling.
- Choose shorter walking routes and plan a playground or beach break into the day.
- Keep children close to the water on rocky sections, especially when the sea is windy.
Families should also remember that much of the Koster landscape is natural and rocky rather than designed for easy access. Comfortable shoes are important, and a baby carrier can be more practical than a stroller on some paths.
3. Visit Naturum Kosterhavet
Naturum Kosterhavet, located on South Koster, is a useful stop for families who want to understand the marine environment around the islands. Exhibits explain the plants, animals and habitats found beneath the surface. Children can learn about sea life in an engaging way before seeing the real coastline outside.
The visitor centre is especially helpful on a cooler or unsettled day. Displays and activities introduce younger visitors to the national park and show why the waters around Koster are important. After your visit, continue with a walk or picnic nearby to connect what you have learned with the landscape.
Check opening hours before travelling, as seasonal schedules can vary. Combining Naturum Kosterhavet with a ferry trip makes a good full day for families interested in nature, wildlife and the sea.
4. Spend a day at Daftöland
Daftöland is one of the most popular family attractions near Strömstad. The amusement park is connected with the Daftö resort and has a pirate theme, making it particularly appealing to younger children. Rides, shows, games and themed areas offer a change of pace from beaches and nature walks.
The park usually has attractions for different ages, from gentler rides for small children to more exciting options for older kids. Families can also enjoy live entertainment and seasonal activities. A visit can easily fill most of a day, especially if children want to repeat their favourite rides.
Planning a visit to Daftöland
Opening dates and attractions can change during the year, so check the official schedule before you go. Summer is the busiest period, and arriving early can make it easier to enjoy popular rides. Bring practical clothes and shoes, since children may move between rides, outdoor areas and water related activities.
Daftöland is a good choice when children need a high energy day. It can also work well towards the end of a holiday, when parents want a straightforward attraction with plenty to do in one location.
5. Go swimming at a family friendly beach
Swimming is one of the simplest and most enjoyable things to do in Strömstad with kids. The coast around the town has a mixture of sandy beaches, smooth rocks and sheltered bathing spots. In warm weather, families can spend several hours swimming, building sandcastles and searching for small crabs in shallow water.
Seläterbadet is a popular bathing area close to Strömstad, while other beaches and swimming spots can be found around the islands and coastal villages. Some locations have jetties or gently sloping entries, which may suit younger children. Others are more natural and rocky, so water shoes can be useful.
Always check the conditions before children enter the water. West coast weather can change quickly, and rocks may become slippery. Bring towels, a change of clothes and something to sit on, as many beaches have limited facilities outside the main summer season.
6. Discover Nötholmen nature reserve
Nötholmen is a peaceful natural area just outside central Strömstad. It is a good place for a short family walk when you want to escape the busy harbour without travelling far. Paths lead through woodland and coastal terrain, with views across the water and opportunities to stop for a picnic.
The reserve is ideal for children who enjoy collecting natural treasures, looking for birds or climbing over safe sections of rock. The landscape changes between forest, open shore and small bathing areas, which helps keep a walk interesting for younger visitors.
Choose sturdy footwear and stay on marked paths where possible. Some sections can be uneven, and the coastal rocks require supervision. A short walk in Nötholmen can be combined with a swim or a meal back in Strömstad.
7. Visit Strömstad Museum
Strömstad Museum offers an indoor cultural experience and a chance to learn more about the town’s history. Exhibitions cover local life, maritime traditions and the development of Strömstad as a coastal community. For children, displays connected with boats, fishing and everyday life can make the past easier to imagine.
A museum visit is especially useful on a rainy day or when younger children need a quieter activity. Keep the visit flexible rather than expecting children to spend hours looking at every display. You can use it as a short stop before lunch or as part of a walk through the town centre.
Opening hours may vary by season, so confirm details before visiting. It is also worth checking whether temporary exhibitions or family activities are available during your stay.
8. Explore Blomsholm and its ancient monuments
Blomsholm, a short drive from Strömstad, is an interesting destination for families who enjoy history and outdoor exploration. The area includes ancient stone monuments and the large Blomsholm ship setting, which is shaped like a ship and dates from the Iron Age.
Children may enjoy imagining how people lived in the area many centuries ago. The open landscape provides space to walk around, take photographs and have a simple picnic. Unlike a traditional museum, Blomsholm allows children to learn by moving through the landscape and seeing the monuments at their own pace.
Wear shoes suitable for grass and uneven ground. There may be limited services nearby, so pack drinks and snacks. A visit usually works best as a half day excursion combined with another stop along the northern Bohuslän coast.
9. Spend time at Tjärnö and the marine science centre
Tjärnö, south of Strömstad, is a rewarding destination for families interested in marine life. The island is home to marine research facilities and educational activities connected with the sea around Bohuslän. Depending on the season, visitors may find exhibitions, aquariums or guided activities that introduce children to local marine species.
The journey to Tjärnö also gives families a chance to see more of the archipelago beyond Strömstad. Pack a picnic and combine the visit with a walk along the coast. Children can look for seaweed, shells and signs of marine life while adults enjoy the quiet scenery.
Because schedules and visitor access can change, check current information before making Tjärnö part of your itinerary. A visit is particularly worthwhile for school age children who are curious about biology, the ocean and environmental protection.
10. Try crabbing and simple coastal activities
Crabbing is a classic west coast activity and requires very little equipment. At a suitable jetty or sheltered shoreline, children can lower a line with bait into the water and wait for a small crab to appear. It is a patient activity, but that is part of the fun. Children learn to watch the water carefully and handle their catch gently.
Ask locally about suitable places and follow any signs or access rules. Use a bucket with seawater only for a short time, keep the crabs cool and release them where you found them. A small fishing net can also provide entertainment in shallow water, where children may spot tiny fish or shrimp.
These simple activities are among the most affordable Strömstad family activities. They can turn an ordinary evening by the harbour into a memorable part of your holiday.
11. Visit Nordby Shoppingcenter
Nordby Shoppingcenter is located near the Norwegian border, north of Strömstad. Although shopping may not sound like a traditional family attraction, the centre can be useful on a rainy day or when you need supplies for a self catering holiday. Restaurants, cafés and shops make it easy to take a break from outdoor activities.
Families can also use the visit to buy snacks for a picnic, swimming gear or practical items that may have been forgotten at home. Some stores and seasonal areas are designed with children in mind, but the main appeal is convenience rather than sightseeing.
Expect the area to be busy during weekends and holiday periods. If you are travelling by car, check parking and opening times in advance, especially around public holidays.
12. Take a family friendly boat or kayak trip
The waters around Strömstad are well suited to organised boat trips and, for older children, kayaking. A guided excursion can take you past small islands, narrow channels and quiet coves that are difficult to reach from land. Guides can also explain local wildlife and help families choose an activity suited to the weather.
Kayaking is best for families with older children who can follow safety instructions and sit comfortably for the duration of the trip. Beginners should choose a calm day and book with an experienced local operator. Life jackets should always be worn, and children should be supervised closely near the water.
If a full excursion is not suitable, simply taking a passenger ferry is still a rewarding experience. The boat ride offers many of the same coastal views without requiring specialist equipment or a long commitment.
How to plan a family trip to Strömstad
The best itinerary depends on your children’s ages and the weather. Try to combine one organised attraction with one flexible outdoor activity each day. For example, visit Daftöland in the morning and swim later, or take the ferry to Koster and keep the afternoon free for a beach and picnic.
- Book accommodation and popular boat trips early for July and August.
- Pack layers, rainwear and sun protection, since coastal weather can change quickly.
- Bring snacks and refillable water bottles for boat trips and nature walks.
- Use public transport, bicycles or short car journeys to vary the pace of the holiday.
- Check accessibility, ferry times and seasonal opening hours before setting out.
- Plan regular breaks, particularly when travelling with toddlers or preschool children.
Strömstad is easy to enjoy without an overpacked schedule. Leave room for an unexpected swim, a second ice cream or a slow walk along the harbour. The combination of islands, beaches, history and playful attractions means every family can create a holiday that suits its own pace.