Road Trip with the Family in Småland

Continue your journey to IKEA Museum in Älmhult and discover where it all began. There’s plenty to explore for children too, with playful environments and exhibitions showing how IKEA has focused on families throughout the years. The museum is located in the same building where the world’s first IKEA store opened in 1958. Don’t miss dining at the restaurant – the meatballs are, of course, an obvious choice for both young and old.

Åsnen is nature’s own playground, with exciting trails, lovely swimming spots, and waters perfect for canoeing. In Åsnen National Park, Trollberget awaits, where children can search for the trolls’ treasure. There’s plenty of fish, and at Getnö Farm children can attend fishing school or rent a boat, with or without a guide. Canoes and boats are available for rent at several locations.

The glassworks in the fascinating Kingdom of Crystal each have their own character. In several of them, both children and adults can try glassblowing. It’s a bit tricky, hot, and sweaty – but above all, very fun. You can try blowing, painting, or engraving glass and create your own artwork. Once the glass has cooled, you can take it home – a memory from the Kingdom of Crystal that is truly your own.

In summer, Kalmar Castle belongs to the children. Here they can dress up, explore secret passageways, and try life as a prince, princess, or knight. History comes alive through play and creativity. The castle also has a restaurant and café where visitors can enjoy food and refreshments in a unique historic setting.

Stensjö Village Cultural Reserve outside Oskarshamn is like stepping back in time and is perfect for curious children and their families. Meet the farm animals – cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, and cats – and see how people used to live. Around the village are small houses marked with key signs, and stepping inside feels like entering a miniature museum. Several short hiking trails allow children to run around or play explorers in nature. When it’s time to rest, enjoy a delicious fika at Tilias Café.

Few children’s authors are loved across generations like Astrid Lindgren. In Vimmerby in Småland, where the author herself grew up, you can step into a world drawn from her stories. The theatre park Astrid Lindgren’s World brings the stories to life right before your eyes. Meet Pippi, Emil of Lönneberga, Karlsson-on-the-Roof, and all the other beloved characters. Give yourselves time to enjoy – there is so much to see and do that one day is hardly enough. Fortunately, “The Little Town,” a holiday village with pleasant accommodations, is located right next to the park.

If you love the film adaptations of Astrid Lindgren’s books, don’t miss Filmbyn Småland just outside Mariannelund – the village where Emil once went to the doctor with a soup bowl stuck on his head. Here you can go behind the scenes and explore the magical world of film, while enjoying the charming outdoor environment with playful settings and beautiful walking paths. True film enthusiasts can also explore the Vimmerby area and visit real filming locations from places such as Bullerbyn and Katthult.

Just outside Eksjö lies Skullaryd Moose Park, where you ride in a wagon pulled by a tractor into the large moose enclosure. During the guided tour, you’ll meet moose, roe deer, and fallow deer in their natural environment. Tours are available in Swedish, German, and English. On-site you’ll find a café, a large souvenir shop, and the park is accessible for visitors of all ages.

Experience tranquility with alpacas all year round. At Gladhyttan, you can get close to these curious and friendly animals, known for their calming and almost therapeutic presence. During a guided visit, you’ll get to know the alpacas’ unique personalities and enjoy a relaxing break from everyday life. Choose between a guided alpaca meeting, a picnic in the pasture, or a walk in the forest – experiences suitable for both adults and children.

Visit Jönköping County Museum, where you can see the exhibition “Following John” featuring paintings by John Bauer. Listen to fairy tales about trolls and dress up in the story wardrobe. Don’t forget to get creative in the workshop.

It’s time to raise your hands and put on your cowboy hat when visiting the western park High Chaparral in western Småland. Here your Wild West dreams come true as you leave everyday life behind and step onto the prairie. High Chaparral, several times named the best theme park in the Nordic region, offers action-packed adventures for both children and adults in spectacular environments inspired by 19th-century USA. Meet cowboys and bandits – and even legends like Zorro, Lucky Luke, and Billy the Kid. Visitors can actively participate in many of the park’s experiences.

Minivärlden is a place where both children and adults easily lose track of time. Step into northern Europe’s most beautiful miniature world, where trains run, people move, and day turns into night every fifteen minutes. Explore Little Småland, drive model trains yourself, build in LEGO Fantasy, try the robot course, and discover countless details. Take a break at the café before the next adventure awaits.