Kalmar is an excellent base for exploring southeastern Sweden with children. Within an easy drive, you can visit island beaches, medieval castles, interactive museums, wildlife parks and some of Småland’s most interesting cultural attractions. Whether your family enjoys swimming, history, nature or hands-on activities, these family day trips from Kalmar make it easy to experience more of the region without changing hotels.
Planning family day trips from Kalmar
Kalmar is compact, but its location gives families access to two very different landscapes. To the east lies Öland, with open coastal scenery, sandy beaches and historic villages. To the west and north, the forests of Småland lead to glassworks, adventure parks and family museums.
Most of the suggestions below work best by car. Public transport can take you to places such as Borgholm, Karlskrona and Växjö, but reaching rural attractions usually requires additional planning. Travel times are approximate and depend on your starting point, traffic and ferry schedules. Always check opening hours before setting off, especially outside the main summer season.
- Pack swimwear and towels for Öland, even if swimming is not the main plan.
- Bring snacks and water, as some nature attractions have limited cafés.
- Book popular summer activities, ferries and guided tours in advance.
- Allow extra time for children to explore rather than trying to fit too many stops into one day.
1. Explore Borgholm and Solliden Palace on Öland
One of the easiest family day trips from Kalmar is a visit to Borgholm, the island’s main resort town. The drive across Öland Bridge takes only a short time, making this a practical choice for families with younger children. Borgholm combines a pleasant town centre with historic sights, seaside walks, cafés and access to several beaches.
Borgholm Castle
The ruins of Borgholm Castle are among the most impressive nearby attractions. Its enormous stone walls, towers and open courtyards are exciting for kids to explore, while adults can enjoy the history and views over the surrounding landscape. There are often exhibitions or activities during the summer, and the castle’s large spaces give children plenty of room to imagine life in a medieval fortress.
Wear comfortable shoes because the ground can be uneven. A visit usually takes between one and two hours, depending on how much time your family spends in the exhibitions and courtyards.
Solliden Palace
Close to Borgholm Castle, Solliden Palace is known for its gardens and is the summer residence of the Swedish royal family. Visitors cannot usually enter the private palace, but the landscaped gardens are open during the season. The grounds include formal planting, colourful flower displays and peaceful paths that are manageable with a pushchair.
Families can combine Borgholm Castle and Solliden Palace in one day, then finish with ice cream or a swim near Borgholm. This combination offers a good balance of culture, outdoor space and relaxed holiday time.
2. Spend a beach day at Köpingsvik
For a simpler outing, drive north from Borgholm to Köpingsvik, one of Öland’s best-known family beach destinations. The long sandy beach has shallow water in many areas and is popular with families during warm summer days. Children can build sandcastles, paddle close to shore and play beach games while adults enjoy the open views.
Köpingsvik has seasonal facilities and places to buy refreshments, although it is still sensible to bring a picnic during busy periods. The beach can become crowded in July, so arriving earlier gives you a better choice of space. In cooler weather, the area is still worthwhile for a walk along the coast.
You can make this trip more varied by stopping in Borgholm on the way there or back. Families looking for a quieter beach can also explore other stretches of Öland’s coastline, but check access and parking conditions before leaving the main roads.
3. Travel back in time at Eketorp Fortress
Eketorp Fortress, in southern Öland, is one of the most memorable historical attractions for kids. The reconstructed ringfort shows how people lived on the island during different periods, from the Iron Age to the Middle Ages. Rather than simply looking at old walls, visitors can often see demonstrations, crafts and historical activities during the main season.
The fortress has a circular layout with sturdy stone and timber structures. Children can walk through houses, learn about traditional work and imagine what daily life was like before modern technology. Special events may include archery, storytelling or encounters with people dressed in historical clothing.
The drive from Kalmar takes longer than a trip to Borgholm, so Eketorp works best as a full-day outing. Add a stop at a southern Öland beach or a short walk through the agricultural landscape. The island’s southern countryside is part of the UNESCO listed Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland, making the journey itself part of the experience.
4. Visit Långe Jan and the southern tip of Öland
Families who enjoy nature can continue south from Eketorp to Ottenby and Långe Jan, Sweden’s tallest lighthouse. The Ottenby area is known for bird migration, open coastal scenery and nature trails. Depending on the season, you may see large numbers of birds resting around the wetlands and shoreline.
Older children may enjoy climbing the lighthouse when it is open, while younger kids can explore the paths and look for birds from the observation areas. The Naturum Ottenby visitor centre provides information about local wildlife and can make the visit more engaging for children who are new to birdwatching.
This is one of the longer family day trips from Kalmar, so plan a realistic schedule. Pack lunch, check the lighthouse opening times and allow time for stops. The wind can be strong at the southern tip, even on a sunny day, so bring an extra layer.
5. Discover the wild side of Öland at Trollskogen
Trollskogen, meaning Troll Forest, lies in the northern part of Öland and offers an atmospheric walk through twisted pines and coastal woodland. The trees have been shaped by wind over many years, giving the forest a storybook appearance that appeals to kids and adults alike.
Marked paths lead through the nature reserve, and several routes are suitable for a family outing. Along the way, you can see unusual trees, coastal habitats and signs explaining the area’s natural history. Children may enjoy looking for insects, birds and shapes in the branches.
Because northern Öland is a considerable distance from Kalmar, combine Trollskogen with Byxelkrok or another nearby coastal stop. Bring food, comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for changing weather. The reserve is especially enjoyable when your family wants an active day away from busy tourist attractions.
6. Meet animals at Ölands Djurpark
Ölands Djurpark, near Färjestaden, is a straightforward choice when you are searching for family activities with kids. The park combines a zoo with amusement rides and water attractions, making it possible to create a full day without driving between several locations.
The animal areas include species from different parts of the world, while the amusement section provides rides for a range of ages. Younger children can enjoy gentler attractions, and older kids may prefer faster rides or the water park during hot weather. Check which sections are open on the day of your visit, as facilities and schedules can vary by season.
Since the park is close to the bridge, it is one of the easier Öland excursions from Kalmar. Arrive near opening time if you want to see the animals and rides before the busiest part of the day. Bring sun protection, spare clothes and a plan for breaks between activities.
7. Experience the Naval Museum in Karlskrona
Karlskrona is a rewarding day trip south of Kalmar and home to the Swedish National Maritime Museum, also known as the Naval Museum. Located on the island of Stumholmen, the museum explores Sweden’s naval history through ships, models, exhibitions and interactive displays.
The submarine exhibition is often a highlight for families. Walking through a real submarine gives children a strong sense of how cramped life at sea could be. Other exhibits explain shipbuilding, naval technology and the history of Karlskrona as a major naval base.
Karlskrona itself is also worth exploring. The city is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and has waterfront walks, historic buildings and pleasant places for a picnic. A boat tour can be an enjoyable addition during the warmer months, but check departure times before travelling.
Allow most of the day for this trip. The museum is a particularly good option when the weather is rainy, although the surrounding waterfront makes it easy to spend time outdoors too.
8. Make glass at Kosta Boda Art Gallery and glassworks
The forests west of Kalmar are home to the Kingdom of Crystal, an area famous for Swedish glassmaking. Kosta is one of the best-known destinations and offers a combination of design, shopping, food and activities for visitors.
A visit to a glassworks can be fascinating for children because they can watch molten glass being shaped by skilled craftspeople. The bright colours, heat and dramatic movements make the process more memorable than a conventional museum visit. Some activities allow visitors to try making or decorating glass, depending on the season and availability.
The Kosta Boda Art Gallery presents imaginative contemporary glass, while the surrounding area includes cafés and shops. Families can also look for outdoor spaces where children can stretch their legs after watching the demonstrations.
Check the daily production schedule before leaving Kalmar. Demonstrations may take place only at set times, and hands-on activities often require advance booking. This trip is a good choice for families interested in art, Swedish design and local craftsmanship.
9. See the animals and activities at Eriksberg Wildlife Park
Eriksberg Wildlife Park, near Karlshamn, is a larger outing that suits families who want to see animals in a spacious natural setting. The park is known for its large enclosures and Nordic wildlife, including deer and other species that live in the Scandinavian landscape.
Visitors explore the park by car, with places to stop and observe animals along the route. This makes it practical for families with tired toddlers or children who do not want to walk long distances. Bring binoculars if you have them, and remind children to stay quiet when viewing animals.
There are also walking areas and seasonal facilities, but opening times vary. Because the park is farther from Kalmar than most suggestions on this list, leave early and check the route, weather and animal viewing conditions before setting out.
10. Step into the world of Astrid Lindgren in Vimmerby
Astrid Lindgren’s World in Vimmerby is one of the most ambitious family day trips from Kalmar. The theme park brings scenes and characters from the author’s stories to life through theatrical performances, detailed environments and play areas. Children who know Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga or Karlsson-on-the-Roof are likely to find the experience especially engaging.
The park is designed around live storytelling rather than only rides. Families can watch performances, visit familiar story settings and allow children time to play. Swedish is the main language, but the visual settings and recognisable characters can still be enjoyable for international visitors. Check the performance schedule and consider learning a little about the stories before your visit.
Vimmerby is a longer drive from Kalmar, so this works best as a full-day trip with an early start. During the busiest summer weeks, tickets and accommodation in the area can sell out quickly. If your children are big Astrid Lindgren fans, an overnight stay may be more comfortable than returning to Kalmar after a full day in the park.
11. Explore the forests around Glasriket
Not every family outing needs a major attraction. The forest landscape around Kalmar offers lakes, picnic areas and short walking trails that are ideal for a flexible day outdoors. Areas around Nybro and the smaller communities of Glasriket provide opportunities to combine a nature walk with a visit to a local café or glass studio.
Choose a trail that matches your children’s age and energy levels. A short loop beside a lake can be enough for younger kids, while older children may enjoy looking for wildlife, collecting fallen leaves or following a simple map. Keep food and weather in mind, as rural facilities may be limited outside summer.
You can combine a forest walk with one of the region’s glassworks, creating a day that includes both nature and culture. This option is also useful when you want to avoid the crowds at the most popular nearby attractions.
How to choose the right trip for your family
The best destination depends on your children’s ages, interests and tolerance for driving. Families with toddlers may prefer Borgholm, Köpingsvik or Ölands Djurpark because each offers easy facilities and the option to return to Kalmar without a long journey. Older children may enjoy Eketorp Fortress, Trollskogen, the Naval Museum or Astrid Lindgren’s World.
- For beaches: Choose Köpingsvik or another Öland coastal stop.
- For history: Visit Borgholm Castle, Eketorp Fortress or the Naval Museum in Karlskrona.
- For animals: Consider Ölands Djurpark, Ottenby or Eriksberg Wildlife Park.
- For rainy days: Try the Naval Museum, a glassworks or an indoor exhibition in Kalmar.
- For active families: Choose Trollskogen, Ottenby or a forest walk in Glasriket.
- For younger kids: Look for places with toilets, cafés, playgrounds and short walking distances.
Practical tips for a smooth day out
Swedish weather can change quickly, particularly on the coast. Pack waterproof layers even in summer and bring sun protection for beach visits. A picnic is useful because it gives your family more flexibility, especially when visiting reserves or rural areas. Many attractions have cafés, but queues can be long during July.
Use official websites to confirm prices, opening hours and special events. Some attractions operate only from late spring to early autumn, while others have reduced winter schedules. If you are travelling with a baby or toddler, check whether paths are suitable for a pushchair before arriving.
Finally, do not underestimate the value of a slower itinerary. One well-chosen attraction, a good lunch and time outdoors can make a more enjoyable family day than trying to visit several places. Kalmar’s position between the coast, Öland and the Småland forests means you can return for another outing whenever your family is ready for a new adventure.