Things to do in Umeå with children – Your guide to family-friendly activities
In Umeå, days with the family turn into small adventures – no matter the season. Here, you can meet friendly animals on cosy smallholdings, race down water slides at Navet, explore outer space at Curiosum, tackle high-rope courses at Zip Adventure Park or cycle through nature along shimmering lakes. Join us for five family activities in Umeå that promise laughter, excitement and new memories – right in the heart of the City of Birches.
1. Meet the animals in Umeå with the whole family
Animals are always a firm favourite with children, and in the area around Umeå you’ll find several farms where you can get really close to them. At Mickelbo Gård, just outside the city, children can meet everything from goats and rabbits to alpacas. In Umeå itself, Röbäcks 4H farm offers even more furry encounters – with rabbits in the hayloft, goats in the paddock and riding lessons for both beginners and children.
If you drive for just under an hour north of Umeå, you’ll reach Älgens Hus, where you can meet the king of the forest, the moose, at very close range. Continue a little further and you’ll arrive at Backfors Gård, where the whole family can explore the countryside on horseback or take a sleigh ride through snowy forests and open landscapes in winter – unforgettable experiences, each perfect in its own season.
Remember to refuel with energy between adventures! At Mickelbo Gård, you’ll find both a café and a restaurant serving simple dishes, with plenty of seating available.
It’s an ideal place to visit throughout the year, with activities and experiences that change with the seasons.
There’s plenty of parking here, making it easy to come by car.
For prices and current opening hours, have a look at Mickelbo Gård’s website.
2. Places to swim in Umeå
Indoor swimming in Umeå
If you’re looking for fun things to do with children in Umeå, Navet is an obvious choice. Here you’ll find water slides, hot tubs, play pools and lazy rivers that promise hours of fun for the whole family. Navet is centrally located in Umeå, within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants and hotels. Perfect for a rainy day, a weekend outing or a full day of family fun right in the middle of town.
Outdoor swimming spots in Umeå
In summer, you’ll find several lovely swimming spots around Nydalasjön. Visit the sandy beach at Kärleksviken or head to Tomtebobadet, which offers grassy areas, beach volleyball courts and a popular spot for families with children. Next to Nydalabadet’s beach, you’ll also find the outdoor pool complex Umelagun, featuring a range of pools and water slides – a favourite with visitors of all ages.
Take a break from the water and enjoy something tasty at the indoor water park’s café and restaurant, which serves both hot meals and delicious treats.
Here you’ll find water activities for children of all ages – from the splash pool for the little ones to the climbing wall for older kids.
If you’re arriving at Navet by car, there’s plenty of parking right next to the indoor water park.
You can find prices and current opening hours on Navet’s website.
Stay the night
Book a hotel in Umeå
3. Interactive indoor activities for children in Umeå
At the science centre Curiosum, a world of experiments opens up for anyone with a curious mind and a love of discovery. Here, children and adults alike can explore science and technology in a playful way – building, testing, creating and experiencing. Curiosum is located at the Konstnärligt Campus by the Ume River, within easy walking distance of the city centre. An ideal choice for families looking for fun indoor activities in Umeå when the weather isn’t quite in your favor.
In the domed building Wisdome Umeå, you’ll find the large dome theatre, where you can travel into space or dive into the depths of the ocean.
You’ll also find a shop selling fun and science-themed items, as well as a café for when you and the children need a break.
Paid parking is available next to the Konstnärligt Campus.
For prices and current opening hours, have a look at Curiosum’s website.
4. Outdoor family adventures
Looking for even more exciting activities? At Zip Adventure Park, you’ll find high-energy experiences for both children and adults. Test your nerve among the treetops on climbing courses, ziplines and other challenges – or compete against each other in football mini-golf and a classic five-event challenge. The park is just a 10-minute drive from central Umeå and offers activities for all ages and levels.
Try the bungee trampoline and jump higher than usual – a firm favourite with both children and adults.
At Zip Adventure Park, there are plenty of spots where you can take a break and enjoy a snack or your packed lunch.
There’s a large car park right next to the park for those arriving by car.
You’ll find prices and current opening hours on the Zip Adventure Park website.
Restaurants in Umeå
5. Family-friendly cycling routes in Umeå
Umeå offers wonderful cycle routes and mountain bike tracks through the forest, along shimmering lakes and with views over the rolling woodland landscape – perfect for families wanting to explore nature on two wheels. Around Nydalasjön, you’ll find a child-friendly route with space for both picnics and a swim, while the Tavelsjö Trail and the tracks in the I20 forest offer a bit more challenge for those who want to ride further. Whatever your pace, cycling in Umeå’s natural surroundings is an experience that appeals to adventurers both young and old.
Check out Nydala Bike Park, which has two different tracks that are perfect for children!
Visit SCA Arena, a multi-activity venue with something for all ages. Here, you’ll find an obstacle course for the youngest children and one of Sweden’s largest dirt parks for older kids and teens.
If you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge, the bike park in Vännäsby offers a large wall ride, wooden obstacles and both small and larger jumps.
Want to read more about cycling adventures with children? Have a look at Visit Umeå for more ideas!
