Summer holidays are a much-anticipated time for children, but for many families with young children, it can be a challenge to make ends meet when the holiday hasn't even started yet. In this guide, you'll find practical and fun summer activities in Sweden for kids - perfect for those who want to give their children a meaningful summer holiday without requiring a lot of resources or long journeys.
Activities suitable for the summer holidays
You don't always need big outings to bring joy. Many children appreciate the simple things, so here are some tips on summer activities for children that are easy to implement in everyday life:
1. Explore local nature
- Visit a nearby park or forest
- Organise nature bingo or treasure hunts
- Bring binoculars and a packed lunch and go on a ”mini-expedition”
2. Home camp with a theme
- Water play with garden hose, buckets and water balloons
- Film marathon with homemade cinema menu
- Build a hut inside or outside and sleep in a sleeping bag
3. Small excursions in the Stockholm area
- Swim at the nearest beach
- Take a day trip to a 4H farm or mini zoo
- Visit the library's summer holiday activities
These activities are popular with parents looking for ”summer activities in Sweden for children” where there is little planning or cost involved.
When you're not on holiday - but the kids are on summer holiday
For many parents, there is a gap between the end of school and the holidays. It is common to want to offer your children a meaningful summer even when you are working. Here are some solutions:
Childcare during the summer holidays
If you need help with your children during the working day, hiring a reliable babysitter is a good option. With the help of Hey Kiddo, for example, you'll get a trained babysitter who will keep the children active on site, in your home or in the neighbourhood. It is suitable for full days as well as for single evenings when you need time for yourself or to plan.
Planning help for the summer
Make a weekly schedule together with the children:
- Monday: Baking Day
- Tuesday: Excursion
- Wednesday: Rest and book reading
- Thursday: Water play
- Friday: Friday cosiness
It creates anticipation and structure in the summer holidays, while empowering children.
Benefits of planned activities for children during the summer
Safety and routines
Children often benefit from having some kind of routine, even during their holidays. Activities help to balance free time with meaningful occupation.
Reduced screen time
Providing fun alternatives to screens reduces conflict and promotes children's creativity and movement.
Support for parents
For those who work during part of the summer holidays, support in the form of childcare are essential to make everyday life work. It makes it possible to offer children fun activities without having to reduce working hours or book expensive day camps.
Frequently asked questions about summer activities in Sweden for children
What can you do with children during the summer holidays in Sweden?
You can do simple activities like nature walks, water play, crafts, library visits or themed home camps.
How do I activate my children when I am working?
Plan simple activities in advance and consider hiring babysitting services such as Hey Kiddo to help with supervision and play.
Which activities cost nothing or very little?
Visit playgrounds, forests, swimming areas, 4H farms or library summer holiday programmes - many are free.
Can I get babysitting help just for a few days?
Yes, many babysitting companies such as Hey Kiddo offer flexible solutions for shorter stays.
How do we structure the summer holidays?
Make a weekly timetable with your children and let them help choose activities.
Want help planning a fun, safe and stress-free summer for your kids? Learn more about how Hey Kiddo can make summer holidays easier for the whole family.
