Family outing – adventures for young and old

Here we have put together a selection of places and day-out destinations especially suited to families with children. There are activities for different ages and interests, varying in difficulty and accessibility.

What they all have in common is that they are all outdoors – and free of charge!

Amongst boulders and caves

Between Söderåkra and Påryd lies Kanaberg, with its gigantic boulders, deep caves and long passages, formed since the Ice Age. The caves once served as hideouts and treasure caches for poachers and forest thieves, and it is said that trolls and other creatures also make their home here. An exciting destination for families with children, where they are free to climb, crawl and explore! Don’t forget a torch and sturdy clothes.

Speed and thrills

Snurrom Bike park is situated between Snurrom and Värsnäs, north of the golf course. It consists of winding forest trails and a more formal technical course. There is also a barbecue area and a spot where you can sit down and enjoy a coffee and a snack.

Norrliden’s play and activity park, featuring the Kalmar concrete park, is a versatile meeting place for children, young people and adults. Covering 1,500 m², the skatepark is the largest in Småland and is open to everyone, from beginners to professionals. Here you can ride skateboards, inline skates, kickbikes and BMX bikes. In the playgrounds on either side of the concrete park, there is play equipment of varying difficulty levels that encourages both physical activity and sensory stimulation, such as Kalmar’s longest slide in a closed tube. There are opportunities to socialise outdoors under cover in a large pergola with seating and barbecues. The park features plants bearing edible fruits and berries such as walnuts, apples, mulberries, wild strawberries, currants and herbs.

Skärgårdsparken’s bike park also offers a variety of cycling experiences. The dirt bike track is an off-road course on uneven ground featuring around ten slopes, jumps and obstacles of varying sizes and difficulty levels, which you can tackle in whatever way you feel confident and daring enough to attempt. On the tarmac pumptrack, you propel yourself through bends and over hills on a MTB, BMX, kickbike, inline skates or skateboard. With the right timing, balance and power, a pumptrack can be one of the most fun things you can do on wheels. A perfect family outing suitable for all ages. Two MTB trails of varying lengths start and finish at the car park by Naturens hus.

Animals and nature

Skälby Kungsgård dating back to the 16th century, it is situated right in the heart of Kalmar. Today, the area is Kalmar’s most popular meeting place and recreational area. The beautiful surroundings feature a large playground, a farm café, a boules court, a football pitch, a disc golf course, an outdoor gym and much more. The 4H Farm is a must-visit destination for animal lovers, who can meet chickens and pigs, stroke rabbits and goats, or try their hand at pony riding.

Rosenträdgården's playground is a cosy spot for children and families. It is beautifully situated in the heart of Kalmar’s rose garden, surrounded by blooming roses and perennial beds. Here you’ll find a variety of play equipment inspired by nature for children of all ages, much of which is accessible.

Skärgårdsparken is an outdoor recreation area featuring diverse natural surroundings and scenic paths along the coast, through woodland and pastureland, as well as a couple of hilltops offering beautiful views of the archipelago, where you can go sledging in winter. There are natural play features here, such as balance beams and archery ranges, amongst other things. The area is also a haven for biodiversity, offering the chance to study plants, birds, animals and insects in their natural environment. There are several barbecue areas and pavilions for picnics. Skärgårdsparken is designed to be accessible to everyone.

Like a fish in water

Just south of the town centre lies Långviken bathing area. At the far end of the bathing area there is a diving platform where you can choose to dive from 5 metres, 7.5 metres or 10 metres. Adjacent to the beach, there is a beach volleyball court, a basketball court, an outdoor gym, a climbing wall and other fun activities for those who want to do something else between dips in the water. Toilets, changing cubicles and showers, as well as several barbecue areas, are also available.

Bring the family and set off on an adventure on the water! Paddling is a relaxing and healthy activity suitable for all ages. Getting up close to nature and experiencing Kalmar and its surroundings from the water is both fun and exciting. Perhaps you could stop off at a beach for a swim and a picnic. If you’d like to follow a route, the paddling trail between Svinö and Stensö is one option. The old water tower, Västerport and Kalmar Castle are just some of the sights you’ll pass as you glide along the city’s canals.

Did you know?

At Fritidsbanken, you can borrow most sports and outdoor equipment free of charge for up to 14 days. Everything from skates, balls and games to tents, camping stoves and canoes.