Looking for memorable family day trips from Borlänge? The town is surrounded by forests, lakes, museums, adventure parks and historic places that are easy to reach by car. Whether your kids enjoy animals, swimming, trains, outdoor adventures or fascinating stories, these nearby attractions make it simple to plan an enjoyable day out in Dalarna.
How to plan family day trips from Borlänge
Borlänge is a practical base for exploring central Dalarna. Several destinations are less than an hour away, while some of the best longer excursions can be reached in around two hours. This means you can choose between a relaxed morning close to town and a full day trip further into the region.
Before setting off, check seasonal opening hours and book popular activities in advance. Some attractions operate mainly in summer, while ski centres, indoor museums and swimming facilities are especially useful during the colder months. Pack snacks, extra clothes and comfortable shoes, as many family attractions combine indoor exhibitions with outdoor walks.
- Choose one main attraction and one shorter stop to avoid an overfilled schedule.
- Bring swimwear for water parks, lakes and adventure pools.
- Check travel times carefully, particularly when visiting rural areas.
- Look for family tickets, which are often available at museums and activity parks.
- Keep a flexible plan for younger children who may need regular breaks.
1. Falun and the Falu Mine
Falun is one of the easiest and most rewarding family day trips from Borlänge. The drive takes roughly 20 minutes, making it possible to visit even if your children do not enjoy long journeys. The town offers a strong combination of history, culture, cafés and open spaces.
The Falu Mine is the main attraction. This UNESCO World Heritage Site tells the story of the copper mine that shaped Falun and influenced Sweden for centuries. Older children often enjoy the underground guided tour, where they can learn how miners worked deep below the ground. The temperature underground is cool throughout the year, so bring warm clothing even during summer.
Families with very young children may prefer the museum, mine area and outdoor paths instead of the underground tour. The visitor centre presents the history in an accessible way, and there is plenty of space around the site to explore. In central Falun, you can continue with lunch, a walk along the river or a visit to the nearby Dalarna Museum.
2. Dalarna Museum in Falun
The Dalarna Museum is a good choice when the weather is wet or when you want a shorter cultural activity after visiting the Falu Mine. Its exhibitions introduce families to local history, traditional clothing, crafts, art and everyday life in Dalarna.
Kids may be particularly interested in the colourful Dala horses and the displays about traditional homes and celebrations. The museum is also a useful introduction to the region before visiting other attractions, such as the homes of famous artists. Allow around one to two hours, depending on your children’s ages and interest in museums.
Afterwards, walk through Falun centre or have a break in one of the city’s cafés. Combining the museum with the mine creates a balanced day with both indoor and outdoor experiences.
3. Carl Larsson-gården in Sundborn
For families interested in art, design and Swedish culture, Carl Larsson-gården in Sundborn is one of the most charming nearby attractions. It is approximately 35 to 40 minutes from Borlänge, depending on your route.
The home belonged to artists Carl Larsson and Karin Larsson. Guided tours reveal the colourful rooms, furniture and creative details that made the house famous. The visit can be especially engaging for older children, who may enjoy looking for unusual patterns, painted walls and clever design ideas.
The village of Sundborn is peaceful and scenic, with paths and water nearby. A visit works well as a half day trip, leaving time for a picnic or a walk beside the river. Check the schedule before travelling, as tours and access to the house vary during the year. For younger kids, keep the guided portion manageable and allow time to explore outside afterwards.
4. Romme Alpin in every season
Romme Alpin is one of the most popular family day trips from Borlänge in winter. The ski area is close to town and offers slopes for different abilities, making it suitable for first time skiers as well as more experienced families.
Children can take lessons, use beginner areas and enjoy the excitement of a day in the snow without travelling to the mountains in northern Sweden. Families should reserve ski equipment and lessons early during school holidays, when demand is high. Dress children in warm layers and plan regular indoor breaks for hot drinks and lunch.
Romme Alpin is mainly known for skiing, but the surrounding landscape is also attractive outside the winter season. Check whether hiking, cycling or other summer activities are available during your visit. The facility’s seasonal programme changes, so confirming details online is important.
5. Leksand Sommarland
During the warmest part of the year, Leksand Sommarland is a lively choice for families. The water and activity park is around 50 minutes to one hour from Borlänge by car. It combines water slides and pools with attractions such as go karts, playgrounds and other outdoor activities.
The park suits families with children of different ages because there are quieter areas for smaller kids as well as more exciting rides for older children. Plan to spend most of the day there, and bring sun protection, towels and a change of clothes. Arrive early if you want to make the most of the pools and popular slides.
Because the park is seasonal, always check opening dates, weather policies and ticket information before visiting. If you want a calmer experience, choose a weekday outside the main holiday period. Nearby Leksand also has shops, cafés and access to the beautiful Lake Siljan area.
6. Lake Siljan and Leksand
You do not need a large amusement park to enjoy a family day near Borlänge. Leksand and Lake Siljan offer a slower alternative, with beaches, nature, local food and pleasant places for a picnic. The journey takes about an hour, making it suitable for a full day or a long afternoon.
In summer, families can swim, build sandcastles and play by the water. Bring a picnic blanket, water shoes and extra clothes for younger children. A walk through Leksand can be combined with a visit to a local bakery or a stop at a seasonal market.
Lake Siljan is beautiful in every season. Autumn brings colourful forests, while winter offers snowy views and opportunities for short walks. Always follow local safety advice around ice and water, particularly with young children.
7. Gammelgården and outdoor heritage sites
Dalarna is known for its traditional farmhouses, and several open air heritage sites provide an easy way for children to experience the region’s past. Gammelgården in Borlänge is a convenient local option when you want an activity without a long drive.
Historic buildings, old tools and traditional environments help children understand how people lived before modern technology. Some sites hold craft demonstrations, seasonal events or family activities during the summer. The atmosphere is usually relaxed, allowing children to move around more freely than in a traditional museum.
Check event calendars before your visit. A special market, music performance or craft day can make the experience more engaging, but ordinary opening days can also be enjoyable for families who prefer a quieter outing.
8. Aqua Nova and indoor activities in Borlänge
When rain, cold or tired children make outdoor plans less appealing, Aqua Nova is one of the most useful family attractions in Borlänge. The water park includes pools and slides, with options for both younger swimmers and older kids seeking more excitement.
Swimming is an easy activity to combine with lunch or shopping, and it works well when you only have a few hours available. Check age, height and supervision rules before arriving. Children may need breaks from the water, so allow time for drying off and relaxing between activities.
Borlänge also has cinemas, bowling and indoor play options that can be useful during school holidays or wet weekends. These are not traditional day trips, but they provide convenient alternatives when travelling further is not practical.
9. Ornässtugan and Lake Runn
Ornässtugan, near Borlänge and Falun, is a historic destination connected with the story of Gustav Vasa. The old farmstead and surrounding landscape offer a combination of culture, water views and open space. It is a good option for families who want a short outing rather than a packed attraction day.
Children may find the historical story more interesting when it is connected to a real building and a scenic setting. Keep the visit lively by taking a short walk, having a picnic and looking for details in the old farm environment. Guided activities and opening arrangements vary by season.
Lake Runn is another nearby option for swimming, boating and lakeside walks during summer. Several shores and recreation areas around the lake make it possible to choose a spot that suits your family. Always supervise children closely near the water and check local conditions before swimming.
10. Bjursås Berg and outdoor adventures
Bjursås Berg is a year round destination north of Falun, roughly 45 minutes to one hour from Borlänge. In winter, it is a family friendly ski area with slopes for beginners and more experienced skiers. It can be a useful alternative to Romme Alpin if you want to explore another part of Dalarna.
During summer, the area may offer activities such as cycling, hiking or other outdoor experiences, depending on the season’s programme. The surrounding forests are ideal for a simple walk and a picnic, even if you are not taking part in organised activities.
Because facilities change between seasons, check current information before setting out. Bring suitable footwear and clothing, particularly if you plan to spend several hours outdoors.
11. Rättvik and the shores of Lake Siljan
Rättvik is around one hour and 15 minutes from Borlänge and makes a rewarding longer day trip. The town is known for its position beside Lake Siljan, its long pier and its relaxed holiday atmosphere.
Families can combine a walk along the pier with swimming, ice cream and a visit to local shops. The lake views are impressive, and the shoreline provides plenty of space for children to play. In warm weather, check beach facilities and water conditions before swimming.
Rättvik is also close to cultural and natural attractions, so you can build a varied itinerary. For example, combine the town with a short forest walk or a visit to a seasonal craft and food event. Start early if travelling with young children, as the return journey can feel long after a full day outside.
12. Orsa Rovdjurspark and the Siljan region
For families who are happy to travel further, Orsa Rovdjurspark offers a memorable wildlife experience. The park is roughly two hours from Borlänge, making it one of the longer family day trips from Borlänge. It is best suited to a full day with an early start.
The park focuses on large Nordic and other carnivores, with spacious enclosures and information about wildlife conservation. Children often enjoy spotting bears, wolves and other animals while walking through the forested site. The terrain can be hilly, so sturdy shoes and a pushchair suited to uneven paths are helpful.
Bring water and snacks, although food facilities may be available during the main season. Check opening times, feeding schedules and the current animal collection before your visit. If the full journey feels too long, consider staying overnight around Lake Siljan and exploring more of the region the following day.
Choosing the best trip for your family
The best destination depends on your children’s ages, the weather and how much time you want to spend in the car. For a short cultural outing, choose Falun, the Falu Mine or Carl Larsson-gården. For water and high energy activities, Leksand Sommarland or Aqua Nova are strong choices. Skiing families can choose between Romme Alpin and Bjursås Berg, while Lake Siljan and Rättvik offer a more relaxed combination of nature and sightseeing.
- Best for toddlers: Lake Runn, Gammelgården, Aqua Nova and gentle walks around Falun.
- Best for school age kids: Falu Mine, Leksand Sommarland, Romme Alpin and Rättvik.
- Best for teenagers: water slides, skiing, wildlife parks and outdoor adventure activities.
- Best for rainy days: Dalarna Museum, Aqua Nova, bowling and indoor play centres.
- Best for a quiet picnic: Lake Siljan, Ornässtugan and the countryside around Sundborn.
With so many nearby attractions, Borlänge works well for families who want variety without changing hotels every night. Plan around one main experience, leave room for spontaneous stops and check local conditions before departure. That approach makes it easier to enjoy Dalarna at a pace that works for both adults and kids.