Looking for things to do in Eksjö with kids? This charming town in Småland combines colourful wooden streets, easy nature walks, museums, swimming spots and plenty of space for outdoor play. Whether you are visiting for a day or using Eksjö as a base for exploring the region, families can enjoy a relaxed mix of history, adventure and Swedish countryside.
Why Eksjö is a great destination for families
Eksjö is one of Sweden’s best-preserved wooden towns, but it is more than an open-air history lesson. The compact centre is easy to explore on foot, and many of the most enjoyable family experiences are close together. Children can look for unusual doors and carved details in the old town, run through leafy parks, discover local stories in a museum and cool off beside a lake in summer.
The town also works well for families who prefer a slower pace. You do not need to fill every hour with organised entertainment. A walk through the historic centre, an ice cream break and an afternoon beside the water can make a memorable day. Outside Eksjö, forests, lakes and nature reserves provide opportunities for hiking, swimming, cycling and wildlife spotting.
Many attractions are seasonal, so check opening hours and local conditions before travelling. Some museums have shorter hours outside the main summer season, while swimming areas and nature trails are most enjoyable from late spring to early autumn.
Explore Eksjö Gamla Stan
Eksjö Gamla Stan, or the Old Town, is the natural starting point for family sightseeing. More than 50 historic wooden buildings remain in this part of the town, creating a distinctive setting of narrow streets, small courtyards and colourful façades. Several buildings date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, giving the area a strong sense of place without feeling like a formal museum.
Children may not be interested in every architectural detail, so turn the visit into a simple treasure hunt. Ask them to find the oldest-looking door, a house with a different colour, a carved sign or the smallest window. Look up at the roofs and façades together, and explain how wooden houses were built and maintained before modern construction methods.
The streets are ideal for a gentle stroll, although some surfaces can be uneven. Younger children may enjoy riding in a pushchair on the wider streets, while older children can explore the details around the squares and lanes. Take time for a snack at a café or pick up something from a bakery before continuing your walk.
Family tips for the old town
- Visit in the morning if you want a quieter walk and better opportunities for family photos.
- Bring comfortable shoes because some streets have historic paving or uneven surfaces.
- Use the old town as a starting point rather than trying to see everything quickly.
- Check local notices for guided walks, craft demonstrations and summer events.
Visit Eksjö Museum
Eksjö Museum is one of the most useful family attractions in town when the weather is cool or rainy. Exhibitions focus on local history, the town’s buildings and the people who have shaped the area. The museum can help children understand why Eksjö’s wooden centre looks different from a modern Swedish town.
A museum visit is usually more engaging for children when it has a clear mission. Before entering, give them a few things to look for, such as an old household object, a military item, a map or a picture of Eksjö in the past. Younger children may enjoy choosing their favourite object, while older children can compare everyday life in historical Eksjö with life today.
Allow time for questions rather than rushing through every display. Local museums often provide details that are easy to miss, including stories about fires, trades, homes and the practical challenges of living in a wooden town. Ask at the entrance whether there are family activities, temporary exhibitions or child-friendly materials available during your visit.
See Eksjö Church and the town squares
Eksjö Church stands close to the old town and is worth including in a family walk. The church has a long history and an impressive interior, but it is best visited as a short stop rather than a lengthy sightseeing session with young children. Point out the height of the building, the windows and any details that catch your children’s attention.
The nearby squares and public spaces are useful places to pause. Let children take a break, have a drink or watch daily life in the centre. Depending on the season, you may find markets, outdoor events or decorations that make the town feel especially lively.
One of the advantages of exploring Eksjö is that you can combine culture with movement. Walk from the church through the historic streets, stop for lunch and then continue towards a park or lakeside area. This creates a varied day without requiring long drives between attractions.
Spend time outdoors in parks and green spaces
Families looking for easy Eksjö family activities should make room for unstructured outdoor time. Parks and green areas around the town give children a chance to run, climb, play games and enjoy a break from sightseeing. Bring a ball, a frisbee or a picnic blanket if you have space in the car.
In warmer months, a simple picnic can be one of the most enjoyable things to do in Eksjö with kids. Buy local food in town or pack sandwiches, fruit and drinks before heading outside. Children often remember these relaxed moments as much as the organised attractions.
Keep an eye out for birds, butterflies and woodland plants, particularly around the edges of town. A small notebook can turn a walk into a nature challenge. Ask children to identify three different leaf shapes, listen for birds or find signs of insects and animals without disturbing them.
Go swimming at a nearby lake
Swimming is a popular summer activity in Småland, and Eksjö is surrounded by lakes and countryside where families can enjoy a day beside the water. Local bathing places may include jetties, small sandy areas, grassy banks or changing facilities, but the exact amenities vary from one location to another.
Ask the local tourist information office or your accommodation for current recommendations. They can tell you which swimming spots are easiest to reach, whether there are toilets and parking, and which areas are suitable for younger children. Always supervise children closely, even at shallow beaches, because lake conditions can change quickly.
Pack towels, sun protection, water shoes and extra clothes. A lake day does not need to be complicated. Swimming, building stone towers, eating lunch outdoors and watching the clouds can easily fill several hours.
Take a family walk at Skurugata Nature Reserve
For families who enjoy a little adventure, Skurugata Nature Reserve is one of the most memorable family attractions near Eksjö. The reserve is known for its dramatic rocky ravine, forest scenery and unusual geological landscape. The name refers to the gorge-like formation, which gives the walk a more adventurous feel than an ordinary woodland trail.
Choose your route carefully and consider your children’s ages, footwear and experience. Some sections can be rocky, steep or slippery, particularly after rain. Small children may need help, and a sturdy child carrier can be more practical than a pushchair. Older children often enjoy the feeling of exploring a natural passage rather than simply walking along a flat path.
Bring water and snacks, and allow plenty of time for stops. The goal is not to complete the walk as quickly as possible. Pause to examine the rock walls, listen to the forest and look for moss, insects and birds. In autumn, the colours can be especially attractive, while spring and summer offer longer daylight hours.
Safety advice for Skurugata
- Wear shoes with good grip, especially after wet weather.
- Stay on marked paths and keep children away from steep edges.
- Check the forecast before setting out.
- Carry water, snacks and a basic first-aid kit.
- Do not rely on a mobile signal in every part of a nature reserve.
Plan a cycling trip around Eksjö
The forests and quiet roads around Eksjö are well suited to family cycling, provided you choose a route that matches your children’s ability. A short ride can connect the town with picnic areas, lakes or nearby villages. Families with younger children may prefer a simple out-and-back route, while confident older cyclists can plan a longer loop.
Ask your accommodation or the local tourist office about bike hire, recommended routes and current road conditions. Bring helmets, water and a repair kit. Swedish weather can change quickly, so lightweight rain jackets are useful even during summer.
Make the ride about the stops rather than the distance. A bakery visit, a lakeside picnic or a short woodland walk gives children something to look forward to. If everyone becomes tired, it is better to turn back early and finish the day positively.
Discover local military history
Eksjö has a strong connection with Sweden’s military history, and the area around the town has long been associated with military training. This can be an interesting theme for older children and teenagers, particularly those who enjoy vehicles, maps, uniforms or stories about the past.
Look for exhibitions, public events or guided activities that explain the area’s military heritage in an age-appropriate way. Availability changes throughout the year, and some military areas are not open for casual exploration. Follow signs and local guidance, and never enter restricted land.
For younger children, keep the history practical. Talk about how soldiers travelled, what equipment they needed and how forests and roads affected their daily lives. Combining a short historical stop with lunch or a nature walk can make the subject easier to enjoy.
Enjoy a family day trip to Astrid Lindgren’s World
If you are staying in Eksjö for several days, consider a day trip to Astrid Lindgren’s World in Vimmerby. The park brings stories by the beloved Swedish author to life through theatrical performances, familiar settings and play areas. It is one of the region’s most popular family attractions, especially for children who know characters such as Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga and the children of Noisy Village.
Vimmerby is within driving distance of Eksjö, but allow a full day for the visit and check travel times before booking. The park is most active during the main summer season, when shows and character encounters are scheduled frequently. Tickets, opening dates and performance times can change, so use the official visitor information when planning.
Bring weather-appropriate clothing, as much of the experience takes place outdoors. Younger children may need a rest during the day, so plan a slower afternoon rather than trying to see every performance. If your children are familiar with the stories, reading one together before the trip can make the visit even more engaging.
Try more family attractions in the surrounding region
Eksjö is a useful base for exploring more of Småland. Depending on your route and the season, you can combine the town with nature reserves, swimming areas, historic villages and other attractions in the Jönköping County region.
Families who enjoy animals can look for farms, petting opportunities or seasonal countryside events near Eksjö. These are often small, locally run experiences, so opening days may be limited. Families interested in traditional Swedish life can seek out heritage sites, craft workshops and old farmsteads where children can see how people lived before modern conveniences.
Rather than planning too many long day trips, choose one main attraction and one flexible stop. This leaves room for weather changes, tired children and unexpected discoveries. The best family itineraries usually include a balance of planned activities and open time.
Where to eat with children in Eksjö
Eating out in Eksjö is straightforward, particularly around the town centre. Cafés and restaurants may offer sandwiches, pastries, salads, pizzas or familiar meals that work well for different ages. A bakery stop is an easy way to add a Swedish fika break to your day.
Fika is more than a snack. It is a chance to pause, sit together and enjoy coffee or another drink with something sweet or savoury. Children can choose a bun, cake or sandwich while adults take a break from walking. If you have dietary requirements, ask about ingredients before ordering, as options can vary between small cafés.
For picnics, buy supplies in town and head to a park, lakeside area or approved outdoor space. Remember to bring rubbish back with you or use the available bins. A picnic also gives families more control over timing, which is helpful with toddlers and hungry teenagers.
Practical tips for visiting Eksjö with kids
- Wear layers. Mornings can be cool even in summer, while afternoons may become warm.
- Bring rainwear and shoes that can handle wet grass or forest paths.
- Keep a flexible schedule, especially if you are travelling with toddlers.
- Check museum, park and attraction opening hours before setting out.
- Carry snacks and water for nature walks, as services may be limited outside town.
- Use a child carrier instead of a pushchair for rocky trails such as parts of Skurugata.
- Reserve popular summer attractions in advance when possible.
- Ask local staff about current swimming conditions and accessible family routes.
A simple two-day family itinerary
Day one: Old town and local history
Begin with a walk through Eksjö Gamla Stan and turn the historic streets into a treasure hunt. Stop for fika, then visit Eksjö Museum and Eksjö Church. After lunch, spend time in a nearby park or take a gentle walk through the town’s green spaces. If the weather is warm, finish the day with a swim at a local bathing place.
Day two: Forest adventure
Set aside the morning for Skurugata Nature Reserve if your family is comfortable with uneven terrain. Pack lunch and take plenty of breaks. In the afternoon, return to Eksjö for a relaxed meal, an ice cream or a second stroll through the old town. Families staying longer can replace this day with cycling, a lake excursion or a trip to Astrid Lindgren’s World.
With its historic wooden centre, accessible countryside and range of seasonal activities, Eksjö makes it easy to create a family holiday that feels varied without being rushed. From museum discoveries and fika stops to rocky nature trails and lakeside swims, there are plenty of things to do in Eksjö with kids in every season.