Eksjö is a wonderful base for exploring Småland with the whole family. Within a manageable drive, you can find storybook theme parks, sandy beaches, historic towns, wildlife experiences and peaceful nature reserves. These family day trips from Eksjö are suitable for different ages and interests, whether your kids want adventure, animals, swimming or a taste of Swedish history.
Planning family day trips from Eksjö
Eksjö is located in the Swedish province of Småland, roughly between Jönköping and Vimmerby. That central position makes it easy to reach many of the region’s most popular attractions by car. Some destinations are close enough for a relaxed half day, while others work best as a full day out with an early start.
Before setting off, check opening times and seasonal schedules. Several attractions operate mainly from spring to autumn, and some have different timetables during school holidays. Pack snacks, swimwear and outdoor clothing if you are visiting nature areas, since the weather can change quickly even in summer.
- Allow extra time for stops when travelling with younger kids.
- Bring a picnic for nature reserves and beaches where cafés may be limited.
- Use a child seat and plan charging or fuel stops for longer routes.
- Check whether advance tickets are needed for popular summer attractions.
Astrid Lindgren’s World in Vimmerby
One of the best known family day trips from Eksjö is to Astrid Lindgren’s World in Vimmerby. The park brings the settings and characters from Astrid Lindgren’s beloved books to life through theatre, play areas and carefully designed environments. Children can meet familiar figures such as Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga and Karlsson on the Roof.
The attraction is especially enjoyable for primary school aged kids, although toddlers can also have fun exploring the play areas. Performances take place throughout the day, so it is worth checking the programme when you arrive. The park is large, and a full day may pass quickly as families move between stages, houses and outdoor play spaces.
Tips for visiting
- Arrive early during the busiest summer weeks.
- Wear comfortable shoes because there is plenty of walking.
- Plan a quiet break between performances, especially for younger children.
- Combine the visit with a short stop in Vimmerby town if everyone still has energy.
The drive from Eksjö to Vimmerby usually takes around one hour, depending on your route and traffic. It is one of the most rewarding nearby attractions for families who enjoy stories, theatre and imaginative play.
Gränna and Visingsö
Gränna is a colourful town on the eastern shore of Lake Vättern, famous for its striped polkagris sweets. The town’s sweet shops make an entertaining stop for kids, who can watch candy makers stretch and twist the red and white confection. Gränna also has steep streets, small shops and views across the lake.
For a longer adventure, take the ferry from Gränna to Visingsö. The island is known for its historic ruins, green countryside and traditional horse drawn sightseeing tours called remmalag. Riding through the island’s lanes is a memorable experience for children, particularly those who enjoy animals and old stories.
What to do in Gränna and Visingsö
- Watch polkagris being made in one of Gränna’s traditional sweet shops.
- Take the ferry to Visingsö and explore the island at an easy pace.
- Visit the ruins of Visingsborg Castle and learn about the island’s history.
- Pack a picnic or stop at a café before returning to the mainland.
The journey from Eksjö to Gränna is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes by car. Remember to check ferry times before leaving, particularly outside the main summer season.
High Chaparral Wild West theme park
High Chaparral near Kulltorp offers a very different kind of family adventure. This Wild West theme park features cowboys, gold prospectors, saloons, old fashioned shops and staged shows. Children can explore the town, ride a small train and watch lively performances inspired by the American frontier.
The park suits families with kids who enjoy role play and action. Younger visitors may be more interested in the animals, train rides and colourful buildings, while older children often enjoy the atmosphere and outdoor shows. Because much of the experience takes place outside, comfortable clothing and sun protection are useful.
Making the most of the park
Look at the daily show schedule as soon as you arrive. Some performances are popular, and finding a good viewing place may require arriving a little early. Allow most of the day for the visit, since the park is too large to rush through comfortably.
High Chaparral is around two hours from Eksjö, so it is one of the longer family day trips from Eksjö. It can still work well for families who prefer a full day at one major attraction. Leave early, plan a meal break and consider returning by a different route if you want to see more of Småland.
Jönköping and the shores of Lake Vättern
Jönköping offers an easy combination of city activities, shopping, museums and outdoor space. The city sits beside Lake Vättern, and the lakeside promenade is a pleasant place for a walk, ice cream or picnic. On warm days, families can also look for a suitable beach or swimming area in and around the city.
The Match Museum is one of the city’s most distinctive attractions. It explains the history of match production in Jönköping and is located in a former match factory. Older kids may enjoy the displays, while the museum’s compact size makes it easy to combine with other activities.
Rosenlunds Rosarium is another attractive stop during the warmer months. Its gardens provide space for a gentle walk and a change of pace after time in the city centre. For families who like animals, local farms and seasonal attractions around Jönköping may also be worth investigating before you travel.
- Walk beside Lake Vättern and stop for a family fika.
- Visit the Match Museum for a short cultural activity.
- Explore a playground or green space around the city.
- Choose a lakeside swimming spot in warm weather.
Jönköping is approximately one hour from Eksjö by car, making it one of the most convenient nearby attractions for a flexible family day out.
Store Mosse National Park
Store Mosse National Park is a strong choice for families who prefer nature to amusement parks. It is Sweden’s largest marsh area south of Lapland and has boardwalks, walking trails and viewpoints across a distinctive landscape. The trails provide an opportunity to see birds, insects and other wildlife while learning about one of Sweden’s most important wetland environments.
Choose a route that matches your children’s age and walking ability. Boardwalk sections can be exciting for kids, but some trails are longer and more exposed than they first appear. Bring water, snacks and waterproof shoes if the weather has been wet.
Family friendly nature activities
- Make a simple wildlife spotting list before you start walking.
- Stop at viewpoints and let children use binoculars if available.
- Keep to marked paths to protect the sensitive marshland.
- Plan a picnic at an approved rest area.
Store Mosse is generally around two hours from Eksjö, so it is best suited to families who enjoy a full outdoor day. Check trail conditions and visitor information before departure, especially in spring and late autumn.
Västanå Castle and Gränna countryside
Västanå Castle, south of Gränna, combines history with attractive countryside and views towards Lake Vättern. The castle grounds and surrounding landscape offer a slower paced day trip for families who want to enjoy a historic setting without spending the entire day indoors.
Older children can learn about the castle and the people who lived there, while younger kids may prefer the gardens and open spaces. Depending on the season, the area may also offer food, cultural events or walking opportunities. Check the current programme before making the trip, since activities vary throughout the year.
This destination works well as part of a day that also includes Gränna. Families can visit the castle or countryside first, have lunch in Gränna, then spend time by the lake or browse the town’s sweet shops. The total drive from Eksjö is usually around one hour and twenty minutes.
Kosta and the Kingdom of Crystal
Kosta is a good option when the weather is uncertain or your family wants a mixture of culture, shopping and animals. The area is part of the Kingdom of Crystal, a region known for Swedish glassmaking. At Kosta Glasbruk, visitors can learn more about how glass is designed and produced, and in some periods it is possible to watch skilled glassworkers in action.
Kosta Safaripark is another popular attraction. The park allows visitors to see animals such as moose and deer from the comfort of a car or a guided vehicle, depending on the current arrangements. Seeing a moose is often a highlight for kids visiting Småland, although wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.
Ideas for a Kosta day trip
- Visit a glassworks and look at colourful Swedish glass.
- Take a wildlife drive at Kosta Safaripark.
- Stop for lunch or fika in the Kosta area.
- Buy locally made souvenirs that are practical and easy to pack.
Kosta is roughly one hour and forty five minutes from Eksjö. It is a particularly useful choice for a mixed age group because adults can enjoy design and crafts while children focus on animals and outdoor experiences.
Linköping and the open air museum of Gamla Linköping
Linköping provides a longer urban day trip with museums, shops and family attractions. Gamla Linköping is especially appealing because it recreates a historic town with wooden buildings, small streets, gardens and craft workshops. Families can walk around freely while discovering how people lived and worked in earlier times.
The open air museum often has activities for children, and its calm streets are easier to explore with a pushchair than many historic town centres. Nearby attractions may include a railway museum, playgrounds and seasonal events, so check what is open on the day of your visit.
Linköping is around one hour and forty five minutes from Eksjö by car. The distance makes it better for families who want to combine several stops, rather than visit one small attraction before heading home. Start with Gamla Linköping, take a lunch break and then choose one additional museum or outdoor activity.
Eksjö’s own nearby attractions
Not every family day trip needs a long drive. Eksjö itself has enough to fill a relaxed day, especially if you are travelling with toddlers or want to keep plans flexible. The town is famous for its well preserved wooden centre, where families can stroll through historic streets and look at colourful timber buildings.
Eksjö Museum offers local history and changing exhibitions, while the town’s cafés are ideal for a Swedish fika break. On a sunny day, families can also explore nearby woodland, lakes and swimming areas. Ask at the local tourist information centre for current details about beaches, walking paths and seasonal activities.
Easy ideas close to town
- Take a self guided walk through Eksjö’s old wooden town.
- Visit Eksjö Museum and choose a café for fika afterwards.
- Pack lunch for a forest walk or lakeside outing.
- Look for a local swimming area during the summer.
A local day gives everyone more time to play and less time in the car. It is also a useful option after a busy attraction day or when the weather forecast is unpredictable.
Choosing the right trip for your family
The best family day trips from Eksjö depend on your children’s ages, interests and energy levels. Astrid Lindgren’s World and High Chaparral are immersive attractions that can occupy a full day. Gränna and Visingsö combine sightseeing with a ferry adventure, while Store Mosse suits families who enjoy walking and wildlife.
For a shorter and more flexible outing, choose Jönköping, Eksjö’s historic centre or a nearby lake. If rain is expected, museums, glassworks and indoor exhibitions can make the day more comfortable. In warm weather, prioritise beaches, ferries and outdoor parks, but arrive early when possible because popular summer destinations become busy.
With a little planning, Eksjö makes an excellent base for discovering Småland. The region offers enough variety to keep kids interested across several days, from imaginative stories and historic towns to moose, marshlands and the open water of Lake Vättern.