Gothenburg With Kids: The Best Tips for Your City Trip or Sweden Road Trip

Gothenburg with kids is a blast. We had pretty high hopes, and that can go twee ways, but the city still surprised us in every possible way. It is a great stop during a Sweden road trip or as a stand-alone city trip. We spent four days wandering through colorful streets, eating cinnamon buns the size of our heads, and the kids loved every playground, Liseberg, and even the moose we spotted right in the city. The vibe is relaxed, the city feels safe and everything is easy to reach, often on foot and otherwise by tram or bus. Gothenburg is compact, creative and surprisingly family friendly. Whether you are planning a full road trip or just a few days away, Gothenburg with kids is absolutely worth it. Here are our favorite tips and things to do.

Mini guide:
Gothenburg With Kids

Best Time To Visit
May through September for pleasant weather, or December for the Christmas feeling

Where To Stay
– Liseberg Grand Curiosa: the best choice for families.
– Gothia Towers: famous for the infinity pool.
– Comfort Hotel Panorama: a friendlier option for your budget.

Before You Go
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The Best Things To Do in Gothenburg With Kids

There is so much to do in Gothenburg that four days fly by. We added three extra days on the west coast, so we could explore the city at a relaxed pace. If you are only visiting for a city trip, two or three days are enough. With younger kids, four days is perfect, because it gives you time to play, take breaks and keep the days light.

Liseberg Amusement Park in Gothenburg With Kids: Tips and Our Experience

Liseberg sits right in the middle of the city and is the most popular amusement park in Sweden. Think a bit of Efteling, but with a Scandinavian vibe. The park is beautifully designed, full of flowers, warm lights and rides for every age.

For younger kids, Farfars Bil and Skepp o skoj are great, and they can even earn a tiny driving or boating license. Underlandet is also fun for the littles. Older thrill seekers go straight for Lisebergbanan, the FlumeRide or even Valkyria. Our kids loved every minute of it, and so did we.

There are plenty of food options inside the park, but there is also a supermarket right across the street. Handy if you want to grab sandwiches or snacks beforehand. We stayed four nights right next to the park at the Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel, a place the kids still talk about. Every morning the Liseberg mascots showed up in the lobby, which was of course a big hit.

Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 9,0 on Booking.com
Right next to the park, with a slide in the lobby, a carousel at breakfast and family rooms full of fun details. Perfect for families.
➜ Check availability

Slottsskogen Gothenburg: Park, Petting Zoo, Wildlife Park and Playground With Kids

Slottsskogen is a big city park in the south of Gothenburg and there is a lot to do. We spent at least three hours there, starting at Barnens Zoo, the free petting zoo where the girls even got to ride a pony. Along the way we found a hobby horse trail running through part of the park, a fun and very Swedish surprise.

Right next to the petting zoo you will find Slottsskogen’s djurpark, a free zoo with moose, seals, penguins and bears. Everything looks well maintained and the animals have plenty of space. A little further on you reach the huge playground called Plikta lekplats, with slides, trampolines, water pumps and more. Kids can easily spend an hour or longer here, while you relax with your partner.

What we loved most, everything in Slottsskogen is free, clean and well taken care of. There are plenty of bathrooms, shaded spots and grassy areas for a picnic. It is the perfect place to slow down a bit during your city trip to Gothenburg, even though you will still get plenty of steps in.

Haga Gothenburg With Kids: Fika, Shops and a Cozy Atmosphere

After the park we walked to Haga, one of the most charming neighborhoods in Gothenburg. Narrow streets, wooden houses with balconies full of flowers and the smell of fresh cinnamon buns everywhere, this is the part of Gothenburg that steals your heart.

We started our route at Kafé Magasinet, a place you may have seen on Instagram. And for a reason. The courtyard is filled with plants, lights and rough brick walls. Even though it was the middle of summer, it was not too busy. We had a cappuccino and shared a delicious pizza, both great.

After lunch we wandered along Haga Nygata, the main street filled with boutiques and Scandinavian design. Our favorites, Haga Ett for pretty interior items, Teas i Haga for the coziest tea shop ever, Kawaii for cute Japanese finds and Millefiori for all kinds of kids toys and accessories. It is one of those streets where you think “okay, this is the last store”, and then you walk into another one anyway.

And of course we stopped at Café Husaren for their famous giant cinnamon bun. Honestly, it is reason enough to return.

Skansen Kronan: Views Over the City

Above the Haga neighborhood you will find Skansen Kronan, a stone fortress that has been watching over Gothenburg since the seventeenth century. The walk up is pretty steep, especially with a stroller, but it is doable if you take your time. Our girls mainly loved the huge golden crown on top of the fortress, you can see it sparkle from far away.

From the top you get a beautiful view over the roofs of Gothenburg and the harbor. The fortress itself is not open to the public, but even without going inside, the view and the calm atmosphere on the hill make it worth the climb.

Universeum Gothenburg

On a rainy day Universeum is always a good idea, but even in sunny weather it is a great place to visit with kids. We went during a heatwave and still felt it was worth it.

The museum is right next to Liseberg and it is a mix between a science museum, an aquarium and an indoor jungle. You walk through a tropical rainforest with monkeys, sloths and toucans, past aquariums with sharks and rays, and you can try all kinds of hands on experiments. There is a large play area for toddlers in the basement, and the space and technology sections are great for older kids.

For us Universeum felt a bit like a mix of NEMO in Amsterdam and the Experimentarium in Copenhagen, but with more nature and animals. You can easily spend a few hours here, there is plenty to discover for all ages.

You can buy your tickets online in advance, so you can skip the line.
👉 Check tickets via GetYourGuide

More Fun Things To Do in Gothenburg With Kids

In the center of Gothenburg you can easily spend a few hours wandering around with your kids. We walked through Kungsparken along the canals, where you often hear street musicians playing. It is a nice spot to sit down for a moment and take in the atmosphere.

After that we grabbed a coffee at da Matteo Vallgatan, maybe the most famous coffee place in the city. The cappuccino was great, and so were the cinnamon buns, the perfect Swedish fika break. A little later the kids entertained themselves on the steps at Lejontrappan, where there is always something to see, from little ducks to tourists taking funny selfies.

A bit further on you will find Palmhuset, a beautiful greenhouse filled with exotic plants right in Trädgårdsföreningen, the city park next to the main boulevard. Inside it is warm and humid like a real greenhouse, outside you can picnic or wander through the rose garden.

Another fun tip with kids is Jubileumsparken, a modern waterfront park where you can swim year round and play between unique art inspired play structures. In summer it is extra lively with food trucks and family activities, a place we sadly did not have time to visit.

And for a quick bite, go to 2112, a great burger place in the center. Tasty, relaxed and exactly what you need after a full day. Another fun choice with kids is Pinchos, a colorful Swedish chain where you order small tapas style dishes and delicious cocktails, also alcohol free, through an app. If you prefer to sit down for a longer dinner, Spanska Köket is a cozy restaurant with Spanish dishes and a relaxed vibe.

The Gothenburg Archipelago: Islands and Crabbing With Kids

From Gothenburg you are less than an hour away from the islands along the west coast. Take the ferry from Saltholmen or Stenpiren and explore the southern Gothenburg archipelago, with islands like Styrsö and Donsö. Both are easy to reach by boat from the city and perfect for a family day trip. On Styrsö you will find quiet walking paths, small beaches and cute cafés. On Donsö you can eat by the harbor and kids can safely run around without traffic.

If you drive a bit further you can visit the idyllic island of Åstol, reached via Rönnäng. Even the short boat ride is worth it, passing rocky shores and small white fishing houses. Åstol has a relaxed atmosphere, narrow car free paths and sea views almost everywhere you look. We swam at the natural sea bath with a slide, shallow and safe for kids. Even in high summer it was quiet. It is a stunning, photogenic little island. I still regret leaving my drone in the car.

If you have more time it is also worth driving north to coastal towns like Smögen and Fjällbacka. You will find more about these places soon in our separate guide to the west coast of Sweden with kids, with the best islands, villages and places to stay.

Bonus Stop on the Way: Strömma Farmlodge

If you are driving between Ystad or Malmö and Gothenburg, stop at Strömma Farmlodge. We ended up here by chance and stayed much longer than planned. Think live music, good food, fresh local products, vintage shops and a playground for the kids. Everything has a relaxed, slightly American vibe. It was one of our favorite stops during our road trip through Sweden.

The Best Family Friendly Hotels and Places To Stay in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is surprisingly family friendly when it comes to places to stay. From hotels with indoor slides to family rooms overlooking the amusement park, there is something for everyone. We stayed at the Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel and it turned out to be a perfect match for our two young kids.

These places are not only practical, they also make your city trip a bit more fun. Make sure to book early, because they fill up fast in summer.

Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 9,0 on Booking.com
Price Range: €€€ (higher segment)
Sleep right next to Liseberg. The hotel has an indoor slide, a carousel in the restaurant and rooms full of playful details that both kids and parents love. The location is perfect, walking distance from Universeum and the city center.
➜ Check availability

Gothia Towers
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 8,3 on Booking.com
Price Range: €€€ (higher segment)
Right across from Liseberg you will find the iconic Gothia Towers. The family rooms are spacious, breakfast is generous and the higher floors offer panoramic views over Gothenburg.
➜ Check availability

Comfort Hotel Panorama
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 8,0 on Booking.com
Price Range: €€ (mid range)
A more affordable and modern hotel within walking distance of Liseberg and Universeum. The family rooms are compact but practical and breakfast is solid. Ideal if you want a central stay without stretching your budget.
➜ Check availability

More Family Friendly Hotels and Places To Stay in Gothenburg and Along the West Coast

Still unsure where to stay or looking for options outside Gothenburg, we made a separate guide with the best family friendly hotels and vacation homes in Gothenburg and along the entire west coast of Sweden. Perfect if you are planning a road trip or want to combine multiple stops.

➜ View all family friendly hotels and places to stay in Gothenburg and Sweden’s west coast.

How To Get To Gothenburg

Gothenburg sits on the west coast of Sweden and is easy to reach, whether you come by plane, car, ferry, train or bus. Below are all your options with a few extra tips for families.

Flying to Gothenburg

Flying to Gothenburg is simple. Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) sits about twenty five kilometers from the city center and is served by many European airlines, including both full service and low cost carriers. There are direct flights from several major cities across Europe, and many more options with one short layover.

The flight usually takes between one and three hours, depending on where you start. From the airport you can:

• Take the Flygbussarna Airport Coach to the city center in about thirty to forty minutes.
• Grab a taxi, handy with luggage or young kids.
• Pick up a rental car if Gothenburg is part of a longer Sweden road trip.

👉 Check flight prices via Booking Flights
👉 Renting a car at Landvetter Airport? Check Rentalcars

Getting to Gothenburg by Car or Camper

Driving in Sweden is relaxed, the roads are calm, well maintained and clearly signed. If you are already traveling around the country, Gothenburg is easy to reach from places like Malmö, Ystad or the west coast. Along the way you will find plenty of nice stops, small cafés and scenic viewpoints that make the drive fun for kids too.

If you are coming from mainland Europe, there are two common routes to reach Sweden:

• Drive through Denmark and cross the Øresund Bridge between Copenhagen and Malmö.
• Take the ferry from Frederikshavn in northern Denmark to Gothenburg.

The ferry takes about three hours and fifteen minutes and runs several times a day. It is convenient with a camper or caravan and just as easy with a regular car.
👉 Check schedules and prices at Stena Line

Once in Gothenburg, driving in the center takes a little getting used to because of the trams, but it becomes natural quickly. Parking apps like Easypark are standard here, sometimes even for free spots, so always check before leaving your car

Taking the Train to Gothenburg

Traveling by train is a comfortable and sustainable option. Gothenburg has good connections with major cities in Sweden and Denmark, including Stockholm, Malmö and Copenhagen. You can compare routes, travel times and prices on Omio and book your tickets directly.

Another option is to fly into Copenhagen, which often has more flight connections than Gothenburg, and then take the train from there. The journey takes around three and a half hours and is straightforward. You can easily check and book this combination on Omio as well.

Taking the Bus to Gothenburg

Budget travelers can also reach Gothenburg by long distance bus. Services run from several European cities, including Copenhagen and Hamburg. Travel time varies between ten and fourteen hours depending on the route, but the prices are usually very friendly.

Buses arrive at Nils Ericson Terminalen, right next to the central station, so you step straight into the heart of the city. You can compare routes, prices and book your tickets directly through Omio.

Best Time To Visit Gothenburg

Spring and summer are the best seasons to visit Gothenburg. From May to September the weather is mild, the days are long and the city is full of festivals and outdoor activities.

In July and August it is usually warm enough to swim in the sea or in the natural swimming areas around the archipelago. If you visit Gothenburg in winter, Liseberg Winter Wonderland is a great choice. The whole park turns into a cozy Christmas world full of lights and market stalls.

Gothenburg With Kids: Practical Tips

With young kids, four days in Gothenburg is ideal. It gives you time to take things slow, play in a park or simply do nothing for a moment.

Getting Around Gothenburg

• The tram is the easiest way to get around.
• Buy tickets in the Västtrafik To Go app or at major stops.
• Kids up to seven years old travel free with an adult, older kids up to fifteen get a discount
• In the center, Haga and around Liseberg you can walk almost everywhere.

Safety and Convenience

• Gothenburg is safe, clean and easy to navigate.
• The city is very accessible with a stroller or buggy.
• Cafes and museums often have highchairs and changing tables.
• Swedes are very used to families, so everything is set up with convenience in mind.

Eating With Kids

• Many restaurants are casual and family friendly.
• Our favorites, 2112 for burgers, Kafé Magasinet for pizza and lunch, Café Husaren for cinnamon buns and da Matteo for coffee and fika.
• Swedes love coffee and pastries, perfect for a fika break during the day.

Driving and Parking

• Tip: leave your car at the hotel and use public transport or walk.
• Gothenburg itself is a bit busier than the rest of Sweden.
• Parking can be pricey and often works through a parking app like Parkster or EasyPark

Why Gothenburg Is Great for a City Trip or Part of Your Sweden Road Trip

Gothenburg is compact, easy to navigate and has a really pleasant vibe. The city brings together everything you want in a family friendly destination, nature, playgrounds, culture and good food.

For a city trip you need at least three or four days, but as part of a Sweden road trip it is also an ideal stop. We combined Gothenburg with the west coast of Sweden and it turned out to be the perfect mix of city and nature.

Plan Your Trip to Gothenburg, Sweden

Best Hotels and Places To Stay in Gothenburg
View the most family friendly accommodations on Booking.com.

Car Rental in Gothenburg
Compare prices on DiscoverCars and Rentalcars.

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
Want to plan something fun ahead of your trip, on GetYourGuide you will find plenty of activities in and around Gothenburg, from boat tours to museum tickets.

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