Best things to do in Gotland for families – 16 tips for summer 2026

What is it? Kneippbyn is an amusement park located just a few minutes south of Visby. With both a summer park and a water park, it’s a popular seasonal favourite where the focus is on children. You’ll also find the real Villa Villekulla here, the original house from the Pippi Longstocking TV recordings.

Why go? A day at Kneippbyn means the kids really get their fill. Trampolines, go-karts, pedal boats, a high ropes course and Pippi theatre are just some of the activities on offer in the summer park. The water park also features plenty of slides and pools to splash around in. Racing the family on the high-speed track The Race is thrilling and brings out a competitive streak or two.

Time Out tip: During peak season, concerts are held on Kneippbyn’s beautiful outdoor stage. With the horizon as a backdrop, it’s easy to get into the summer mood while enjoying great live music and sunset views.

Expect to pay just over SEK 2,000 in entry for a family of four. Book tickets at https://kneippbyn.se/en/.

What is it? At the Högt & Lågt adventure parks, you’ll find several high ropes courses with varying levels of difficulty. The structures are built around nature, with climbing from tree to tree. The first park on Gotland opened in Klintehamn in 2025, and from 2026 there’s also a Högt & Lågt on Fårö.

Why go? Moving through the treetops and soaring above the ground on a zipline is fun, exhilarating and a little nerve-racking if you’re wary of heights. The courses are designed so everyone in the family can find their level and favourite track. On Fårö, you even get sea views once you’re up in the air.

Time Out tip: Start with the easiest course and work your way up. Take breaks between courses and refuel with drinks and snacks so you can keep going longer.

Expect to pay around SEK 360 per person.

What is it? Through play, subjects like technology and maths are made accessible and fun for all ages. An interactive exhibition where experiments are tested – and suddenly children are engaging with science without even realising it.

Why go? Fenomenalen is packed with fun things for curious minds. You learn by trying things yourself and taking part in different stations. It’s both educational and engaging.

Time Out tip: As the centre is located right by the harbour, it’s a perfect starting or finishing point for a seaside stroll. After an intense hour of experimenting, it’s refreshing to clear your head with some salty sea air just outside. 

Skeppsbron 4, Visby. Fenomenalen is temporarily closed for exhibition renovations and will reopen for the summer on Saturday June 13.

What is it? Even though the railway on Gotland was closed in the early 1960s, you can still ride a train on the island. Between Dalhem and Roma, right in the middle of Gotland, runs the Gotland Train. Here you’ll find carriages, locomotives and stations preserved just as they looked in the early 1900s.

Why go? The preserved trains and surroundings create the feeling of stepping into an old film. The train moves at a gentle pace and your shoulders relax as it chugs along. Riding the Gotland Train is a nostalgic trip for adults and an exciting journey for children.

Time Out tip: If you’re visiting Gotland outside peak season, it’s worth checking whether the Gotland Train is running any events. In addition to summer, train rides are organised on special occasions such as Easter, All Saints’ weekend and Christmas. In September, the Train Run is also held, where the train goes from Dalhem to Roma and then you run or walk back.

Return trip: Adults SEK 140, children 3–15 SEK 70, children under 3 travel free.

What is it? Gotland has around 800 kilometres of coastline, with plenty of beautiful places to take a dip. From picturesque fishing villages with charming jetties to kilometres of sandy beaches.

Why go? Swimming in Gotland is almost a must. There’s always a beach nearby and plenty of great ones to choose from. Tofta, Ljugarn and Sudersand on Fårö are examples of large, shallow sandy beaches with space for plenty of sunseekers. If you’re tired of sand between your toes, there are also former limestone quarries that are now excellent swimming spots. The most popular and well-known is the Blue Lagoon in northern Gotland, famous for its vivid blue water. People jump from cliffs or paddle at the edge, but be prepared – it gets deep quickly.

Time Out tip: If you want to check the water temperature before diving in, geabkollen.se shows air and water temperatures in real time at many popular beaches. The service is free and runs from May 15 to September 15.

What is it? At Lummelunda Cave, you experience an untouched environment shaped by nature over thousands of years. You can see stalactites, fossils and striking rock formations up close in a world of its own. All tours are led by experienced and enthusiastic guides.

Why go? A perfect activity when the weather is unsettled or when you want a break from sun and sea. Regardless of the weather, it’s always around eight degrees inside the cave. An exciting tour for both young and old. Also take time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Outside the cave, there’s plenty to see and do: barbecue by the beach, play in the park, grab a fika in the café, play adventure golf or stroll along the scenic nature trail.

Time Out tip: For the brave and slightly older visitors, the cave adventure is a must. It’s a special tour that begins where the regular one ends. Over three hours, you go deeper into the cave by wading, crawling, squeezing and even taking a small boat.

Only open in summer. Prices for the basic tour start from SEK 195 for adults and SEK 110 for children.

What is it? Gangvidefarm in När on south-east Gotland is a farm stay offering B&B, camping and cottages. There are plenty of activities and excursions in and around the farm that appeal to families, and you can visit even if you’re not staying overnight.

Why go? If you’re after an active holiday, Gangvidefarm in När is a great option. How about pony riding or a tractor excursion, for example? The possibilities are many, and there are plenty of ready-made activity packages to book.

Time Out tip: Paddling along the Närsån river, right next to the farm, is a clear favourite. Hire a canoe, kayak or SUP and glide along the river all the way to the open sea and back. Perfect in the morning, during the day or in the evening.

The farm is located in När on south-east Gotland, a short drive from Ljugarn. Expect to pay around SEK 1,200 per night for a cottage.

What is it? The trampoline park in Fårösund offers trampolines of different sizes for all levels. There’s also a zone to practise tricks and an airbag area for soft landings.

Why go? If there’s too much pent-up energy, this is the place to burn it off. It’s both fun and physically demanding. Who can pull off the boldest tricks – and which parent ends up the sorest the next day?

Time Out tip: Don’t forget to ring the special bell when you land a new trick. It’s often followed by applause and cheers from other jumpers celebrating your progress.

Strandstigen 2, Fårösund. Open Saturdays or daily during holidays and summer. SEK 180 per jumping guest. Sessions must be booked in advance.

What is it? Shaping clay with your hands is both fun and calming. Trying pottery throwing allows for creativity and the joy of making something. Plus, you get a physical keepsake to take home.

Why go? It can be a challenge finding things to do when the weather isn’t at its best. That’s what makes pottery such a great activity, whatever the day brings. Many pottery studios across the island open their doors to visitors during the summer, offering everything from one-hour wheel-throwing sessions to longer courses. Even without any previous experience, you can still create something worthy of a place in your kitchen cupboard. The popular Etelhems Krukmakeri in southern Gotland offers wheel-throwing experiences, as well as a ceramics shop and restaurant.

Time Out tip: If wheel throwing isn’t your thing, many studios and pottery workshops, including Fårö Krukmakeri, offer ceramic painting on ready-made pieces instead. It’s a peaceful way to create something personal.

What is it? A spectacle featuring horses, fire-eaters, knights with lances and archers, creating fast-paced drama and excitement. The jousting at the medieval arena Strandgärdet is a mix of history and entertainment. While it can be a bit intense for the very youngest, it’s a show that suits the whole family.

Why go? You don’t need to visit Medieval Week to see knights up close – here you can watch them several times a week during summer. Most performances take place at the medieval arena near Visby hospital, but other historic venues are also used. The participants are skilled performers facing challenging feats – rider and horse must work in perfect harmony. If you’re lucky, you’ll also spot entertaining jesters and acrobats.

Time Out tip: Want to maximise the historic atmosphere? Week 32 – Medieval Week – is the perfect time to visit Gotland. Visby transforms into its historical self, with beautiful costumes, jousting and markets filling the town.

See times and buy tickets at https://www.medeltidsveckan.se/en/jousting/. Tickets cost roughly SEK 200–300 for anyone over 4 years old.

What is it? Going to the cinema in summer, is that really a thing? Absolutely. Gotland is home to more than ten cinemas. If you’re in the south of the island, Burgsviks Bio is a must, while Sudersands Bio on Fårö is an excellent choice in the north. What they have in common is their preserved charm and classic cinema atmosphere.

Why visit? Sinking into a cinema seat and watching a good film on a grey day is never a bad idea. Many cinemas also screen children’s films at convenient matinee times.

What’s more, the programme often mixes old classics with new releases, making for an especially varied selection.

Time Out-tips: Head out into the countryside and seek out one of the island’s charming summer cinemas. They’re often run by true film enthusiasts who are passionate about showing great films. And whatever you do, don’t forget the popcorn.

What is it? Fårö is Sweden’s ninth largest island and can be described as a holiday paradise. Chalk-white sandy beaches, dramatic sea stacks and a cosy atmosphere are just some of the reasons it’s one of Gotland’s most popular destinations.

Why go? The gorgeous beaches are a major draw, but there’s plenty more to see and do. Fårö works well as a day trip from elsewhere on the island, but if you want to stay longer there are lots of accommodation options, from cottages and hostels to campsites. Activities include adventure golf, swimming pools, playgrounds, padel and tennis.

Time Out tip: Hire a bike and explore the island’s smaller roads. As soon as you leave the main road, you’ll find your own hidden gems. Bike hire is available both at the Broa ferry terminal and at Sudersand.

What is it? Inside a large silo in Visby harbour, towering climbing walls rise up. Here you can test yourself with climbs of varying difficulty.

Why go? Trying climbing requires courage, strength and determination. In the old silo, you can try both traditional climbing with ropes and bouldering. In bouldering, you climb a lower wall without ropes or harness, landing on mats if you fall.

Time Out tip: Book a session with an instructor to secure a spot and get a good introduction. Over about an hour, you’ll receive a safety briefing, tips and, of course, climbing time.

Book an instructor for SEK 200 per person. Read more and see opening hours at https://visbyklatterklubb.squarespace.com/.

What is it? Padel is a sport that suits most ages and levels. There are plenty of courts across Gotland, but our favourites are at Racketcenter Slite on the east coast.

Why go? As a family sport, padel is hard to beat since it’s easy to get started. As long as you roughly understand the rules and have a bit of ball sense, you can get a decent rally going quickly. The courts are also right next to the popular beach resort Slite Strandby, so there’s always a lively atmosphere.

Time Out tip: Make the most of the location. After an intense match in the sun, there’s nothing better than dropping your racket and walking the short distance down to the shallow sandy beach for a refreshing dip.

What is it? A sea stack (rauk) is a limestone formation shaped by wind and weather. Gotland has plenty of them, many of which are both beautiful and climbable.

Why go? One of the most common items on any Gotland checklist is seeing the sea stacks. Digerhuvud, Langhammars and Gamla Hamn on Fårö are three well-known areas that always attract visitors. Folhammars in Ljugarn is another, and Hoburgsgubben in the far south is the most famous of them all.

Time Out tip: Visit the beautiful Digerhuvud on Fårö at dusk. Climbing among the sea stacks with the sunset in the background is nothing short of magical. There’s also a barbecue area here if you want to enhance the experience further.

What is it? Just a stone’s throw from Fenomenalen, you’ll find what is Gotland’s, Sweden’s and (at least according to themselves) Europe’s largest ice cream bar. This is where you’ll find the island’s widest selection of sweet treats.

Why go? With an unbeatable range of over 300 different flavours of scoop ice cream, Glassmagasinet is a destination in itself. The selection includes everything from dairy ice cream and sorbet to sugar-free and vegan options, in both classic and more experimental flavours. Over the years, everything from Gotland drink sorbet to a midsummer special with chives, herring and dill has appeared on the menu.

Time Out tip: Not sure which flavour to choose? Do as the Italians do and order one scoop of lemon sorbet and one scoop of dark cioccolato (chocolate) – a combination that never fails.

Tip number two: If you want to try the new viral trend of dipping soft-serve ice cream in melted butter, Glassmagasinet is the place to be.

Address: Skeppsbron 12, in the harbour. One scoop costs SEK 50, then SEK 20 per extra scoop. Or why not order a bucket with 13 scoops for SEK 390 for a serious bulk discount? If you’re really in the mood for ice cream, that is.