10 Activities for Kids on Gotland – Fun Day Trips

Travel guide

Gotland is full of things to do for families who want to combine swimming, nature, and fun outings during their vacation. Here you’ll find everything from sea stacks and caves to shallow beaches, cozy ice cream parlors, and little stops along the way that quickly become vacation memories.

This guide doesn’t focus on everything there is to do on Gotland, but rather on ten inspiring outings that are perfect for families who want to explore different parts of the island at a leisurely pace. Here you’ll find everything from a ferry ride to Fårö and an evening picnic by the sea to adventures in the Lummelunda Cave and days at the beach along the coast.

Are you looking for even more tips? Be sure to check out our guide to things to do on Gotland with kids.

Outings for Young and Old Alike

Gotland is perfect for families who want to combine swimming, nature, and adventures all in one trip. One day you can explore sea stacks and coastal roads; the next, you can relax on the beach, enjoy ice cream breaks, and discover new places to visit around the island.
With Kneippbyn as your base, it’s easy to take day trips in different directions without having to spend too much time in the car.

Take the ferry to Fårö and discover the rauks

Even the ferry ride to Fårö is a little adventure for the kids. The short boat ride from Fårösund usually becomes part of the experience, especially for younger children who enjoy standing on the deck and looking out over the sea.

Once you arrive, some of Gotland’s most exciting nature experiences await. At Langhammars, both children and adults can explore the large raukas and wander among the remarkable limestone formations that have made this place so popular.

Be sure to combine your outing with a stop at Sudersand, one of Gotland’s most popular beaches for the whole family. Here you’ll find shallow waters, plenty of space to play, and beautiful surroundings for a peaceful summer day by the sea.

Book Tickets

Pack a picnic and go swimming at the Blue Lagoon

Blå Lagunen is one of Gotland’s most popular swimming spots during the summer and is perfect for a day trip with the whole family. The turquoise water and light-colored cliffs make the place feel almost like you’re abroad on warm days.

Here, both children and adults can swim, explore the area around the water, or simply settle in with a picnic and enjoy the view. For children, the setting is often a little adventure in itself, with rocks to explore and plenty of space to play.

If you'd like to combine this outing with additional stops, there are also several beaches and small towns along the way that are great to visit during the day.

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Take an evening trip to Högklint

Högklint is just a short drive from Kneippbyn and is the perfect place for families who want to experience Gotland’s nature at a more leisurely pace. Here you’ll find towering cliffs, ocean views, and one of the island’s most beautiful spots to watch the sunset.

Bring a light snack and take the opportunity to enjoy the peace and quiet while the kids explore the area around the lookout point. For both adults and children, it will be a cozy break from the more action-packed activities of the vacation.

Since Högklint is close to Visby, this outing is also a great option for a spontaneous stop after a day of swimming, playing, or other activities around the island.

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Visit Villa Villekulla

Villa Villekulla is the original house from the classic Pippi Longstocking movies and still stands on the Kneippbyn grounds. Here, children can play in the settings and experience Pippi’s world firsthand.

For many younger children, it almost feels like stepping right into a fairy-tale world—a bit like the feeling of riding a train at an amusement park where everything suddenly comes to life.

During the summer, there are also theater performances featuring Pippi, which are usually a highlight for young and old alike. The house, with its colorful facade, also invites visitors to play and take fun vacation photos.

Here, children can walk through the house, play in the different settings, and experience what the Pippi movies were like back in the day.

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Cycle along Gotland's coastal roads

Exploring Gotland with children from the bike saddle is a wonderful way to experience the island during the summer. Along Gotland’s coast, there are quieter roads where you can stop for a swim, ice cream, or a short break by the sea.

During the tour, the whole family will have the opportunity to explore different parts of the island at their own pace, while the kids can burn off some energy between stops. There are also many small cafes and beaches along the way that are perfect for spontaneous breaks.

For families who want to combine nature, play, and physical activity, this is one of many suggestions for children’s activities on Gotland that are suitable for both children and adults.

More about Museums on Gotland

Explore the Lummelunda Cave

The Lummelunda Cave is one of Gotland’s most exciting excursions for families looking to experience something different during their vacation. Here, both children and adults can explore underground passages, fascinating stalactite formations, and settings that feel like something out of an adventure story. The cave is located about 14 kilometers north of Visby and is a popular attraction for all ages.

The guided tours take you through parts of the cave system, where you’ll learn more about how the cave was formed and discover fossils that are hundreds of millions of years old. For many children, this is one of the most memorable experiences of the summer, since the environment is so different from anything else on Gotland.

After your visit, there are also lovely walking trails, a café, and the chance to explore the area around the cave. This makes Lummelunda Cave a perfect half-day outing for the whole family.

Read our guide to Beaches

Discover small farm shops and ice cream cafes around the island

One of the coziest things about Gotland is all the little stops along the way. All around the island, you’ll find farm stands, cafés, and ice cream shops where the whole family can take a break between activities and excursions.

Many people choose to make two or three short stops during the same day, which also makes the car ride itself part of the experience. This gives you the chance to discover new places, sample local flavors, and enjoy some quiet moments together.

There are also many beautiful settings around the cafés and farms, making them perfect to combine with swimming, the ocean, or other summer adventures.

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Fenomenalen Science Center – a family-friendly museum in Visby

Visit Fenomenalen with the whole family

Fenomenalen in Visby is an interactive science center where you can experiment, discover, and try out various activities together.

The center is located in Visby and is suitable for children of all ages. Here, children can explore physics and technology in a playful way, making it perfect for days when the weather isn't so great.

Here, both children and adults can discover how technology and experiments worked in the past through activities suitable for different age groups. Fenomenalen is also full of fun stations where you can try two or more experiments together.

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Discover Nature on Furillen

Furillen is a peninsula with a rugged, almost Icelandic landscape that feels quite different from the rest of Gotland. Here you’ll find old pilot stations and open landscapes perfect for families who love to explore.

The hikes are just the right length for children, and the surroundings inspire imaginative play. One tip is to bring your camera—Furillen is popular among families who enjoy photography and want to capture unique scenes. An adventure that reveals a whole new side of the island.

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End the day with play and swimming at Kneippbyn

After a day full of outings, it can be nice to return to a place where both children and adults can do whatever they like. At Kneippbyn, you can continue the day with play, swimming, and activities, or simply enjoy a peaceful summer evening by the sea.

For children, attractions include " Summerland," " Waterland ," and "Villa Villekulla," while adults can enjoy the vacation atmosphere and the relaxed setting of the area.

For many families, it’s precisely the combination of outings, play, and time spent together that makes a vacation especially memorable. After a day filled with new experiences, it’s nice to come back, recharge, and look forward to the next adventure.

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What Makes Gotland Such a Popular Destination for Families with Children

What makes Gotland so popular among families with children is its variety. Here, you can combine nature experiences, swimming, play, and more relaxed moments all in one trip, with excursions suitable for both younger and older children.

All around the island, you’ll find everything from sea stacks and caves to beaches, ice cream parlors, and little stops along the roads that quickly become vacation memories. For families who want to explore even more, there are also museums, farms, and other experiences suited to different ages and interests.

Whether you prefer days at the beach, nature experiences, or new adventures along the way, there’s always something new to discover. Gotland is simply brimming with experiences for families who want to create new summer memories together.

Feel free to read more about accommodations on Gotland and start planning your family vacation.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Activities for Children on Gotland

What are the best summer activities for children on Gotland?

Some popular options include a trip to Fårö, swimming at the Blue Lagoon, a visit to Villa Villekulla, and exploring the Lummelunda Cave. The combination of nature, swimming, and family-friendly activities means there’s something for everyone, young and old alike.

What can you do on Gotland with kids when it's raining?

The Lummelunda Cave and Fenomenalen in Visby are two popular options. There, you can explore new environments, try out activities, and learn more about nature, technology, and history.

What activities are suitable for families who want to learn more about Gotland's history?

For families who want to learn more about Gotland, there are several exciting places to visit. The Gotland Museum in Visby features exhibits on the island’s history, while the Bunge Open-Air Museum is one of Sweden’s largest open-air museums, with historic buildings and settings that show what life was like in the past.

Do you need a car to explore Gotland with kids?

It's possible to get around Gotland by bus and bicycle, but many families choose to drive so they can more easily get to beaches, nature attractions, and various destinations around the island.

How many days should you spend on Gotland with children?

Three to five days are enough to experience many of Gotland’s most popular family outings. That way, you’ll have time to combine swimming, nature, sightseeing, and quality time together without having to rush.

Where should you stay on Gotland with kids?

Many families choose to stay near Visby so they can easily enjoy day trips and activities. With Kneippbyn as your base, it’s easy to explore different parts of the island while having access to lodging, play areas, and swimming all in one place.