10 things to do in Västerås with kids – activities for the whole family
Västerås is a city that works brilliantly for a trip with children. Here, you’ll find activities for kids ranging from high-energy fun and hands-on play to engaging history and green spaces close to the city centre — all within easy reach of one another. Whatever the season, there are plenty of experiences the whole family can enjoy together. Here, we’ve rounded up 10 ideas for things to do in Västerås with children — activities you won’t want to miss.
Sweden’s first action water park
1. Kokpunkten
If you’re looking for a water experience that’s anything but ordinary, Kokpunkten is a must when you’re in Västerås. Sweden’s first action water park spans eight floors of slides and activities that bring a proper thrill — for children and grown-ups alike. There’s something for everyone, from fast-paced water play to slower moments in a warm whirlpool.
Kokpunkten is a great year-round option, especially when the weather calls for indoor activities. It’s also easy to get to, whether you walk, drive, or combine your visit with a day in Västerås.
📍 Address: Kraftverksgatan 11
Sweden’s largest burial mound
2. Anundshög
If you fancy stepping back in time, Anundshög is well worth adding to your plans. Here you’ll find Sweden’s largest ancient burial mound, believed to date from around AD 500–700. It’s a setting that naturally sparks curiosity in both children and adults. Local folklore claims that King Bröt-Anund is buried here, and the site was already an important gathering place during the Viking Age.
Today, Anundshög makes an easy and engaging family outing, with plenty of open space for children to roam while you explore Viking history together. As it’s entirely outdoors, dress for the weather. It’s a 10–15 minute drive from central Västerås, or you can take the bus and walk the last short stretch.
📍 Address: Anundshög 5
Book a hotel in cental Västerås
Family-friendly museums
In Västerås, museums aren’t just for grown-ups. Here, you can delve into the city’s and region’s history, get up close to aircraft and try flight simulators, and discover how people lived and worked in times gone by. If you’re searching for family-friendly museums in Västerås, you’ll find several strong options — both in the city centre and just beyond it.
3. Västmanland County Museum
If you still have an appetite for history after visiting Anundshög, Västmanland County Museum is a great next stop. It’s within easy walking distance of central Västerås and tells the story of the region — from ancient history and archaeology to everyday life, technology and culture. The exhibitions are accessible and family-friendly, with objects and settings that tend to spark curiosity in younger visitors, too. A solid choice if you’d like to combine learning with a calm indoor break — whatever the season.
📍 Adress: Karlsgatan 2
4. Västerås Aviation Museum
For anyone with an interest in aviation, Västerås Flygmuseum is well worth a visit. Here, you can get up close to historic aircraft — many of them still airworthy. The simulator area is a favourite with both children and adults, giving you the chance to try realistic flight simulators and get a feel for what it’s like to sit in the cockpit. If you’d like to take the experience further, you can also join a flight in selected aircraft.
The museum is housed in a distinctive 1930s hangar, and the impressive timber structure is an experience in its own right. It’s around a 10-minute drive from central Västerås, and it’s also easy to reach by bus, followed by a short walk.
📍 Adress: Hässlögatan 16
4. Vallby Open-Air Museum
Vallby Open-Air Museum is a lovely option for families who want to be outdoors while discovering how people once lived. You’ll find historic buildings dating from the 17th century onwards, set among farmyards, gardens and open spaces that invite children to explore. Many kids enjoy meeting the goats, rabbits and sheep — and having plenty of room to run around.
The museum is about a 10-minute drive from central Västerås, and it’s also straightforward to get here by public transport. Vallby works well as a quieter break from the city, whatever the time of year.
📍 Adress: Skerikesvägen 2
After a day packed with experiences, it’s a relief to check into a hotel where breakfast, classic Swedish fika and dinner are all included in the room rate. It’s a convenient option for families who prefer to stay in central Västerås. With everything taken care of under one roof, there’s more time to spend together — and for the next activity.
Challenges for the whole family
6. Prison Island
If you’re up for a shared challenge that keeps both children and adults engaged, Prison Island is a great choice. This experience centre is inspired by the TV show Fort Boyard, with teamwork and problem-solving at its core. You compete in teams and take on a series of “cells”, each with tasks that test your logic, creativity and collaboration.
The format works well for families of all ages, and you set your own pace and choose how hard to make it. Prison Island is right in the city centre and easy to reach on foot from both hotels and the main shopping streets.
📍 Address: Kopparbergsvägen 13
Jump, climb and play for all ages
7. Jump Yard
If your family is in the mood for plenty of action, Jump Yard is a sure-fire hit. This 4,000-square-metre trampoline park isn’t just about trampolines. You’ll also find climbing walls, a zip line and a high-ropes course, so there’s plenty to do whether you’re keen to try something new or simply want to have fun together.
The activities suit most ages, and it’s easy to tailor your visit to everyone’s energy levels and confidence. When you’re ready for a break, there’s an on-site café serving food and sweet treats, which is ideal for recharging between rounds of running, jumping and play. Jump Yard is around 10 minutes by car or roughly 20 minutes by bus from central Västerås.
📍 Address: Hallsta Gårdsgata 22
An island packed with activities
8. Björnö
Björnö is a popular outdoor area just outside Västerås, offering plenty of ways to fill an active day. You’ll find woodland, walking trails and open spaces for children to run around, alongside activities with a bit more pace.
One of the highlights is the climbing park, where you move between the trees via rope bridges, nets and zip lines. The course is divided into three levels of difficulty and is suitable for anyone over 130 cm tall. It’s a fun and slightly challenging adventure that tends to be a hit with both children and adults.
Björnö is easy to reach from central Västerås in 10–15 minutes by car or around 20 minutes by bus, making it a great option for an active day out.
📍 Address: Björnögården 1
Västerås’ very own bathing island
9. Östra Holmen
Östra Holmen is a small island just outside central Västerås and a lovely choice on warm summer days. Set in Västeråsfjärden, it offers rocky outcrops, bathing jetties, shallow beaches and a diving tower, so there’s something for the whole family. You’ll also find showers and drinking water, as well as a 2.5 km walking loop with viewpoint stops that make a good break between swims and ice creams. In summer, it’s easy to get across on the Elba ferry.
📍 Getting there: Östra Holmen (via the Elba ferry)
Photo: Avig Kazanjian © Västerås
When ice cream is calling
10. Glassboden
Ice cream is almost always a good idea, especially when you’re travelling with children, and Glassboden ice cream shop makes an easy, much-appreciated stop. Here you can try Rättvik’s gourmet ice cream in several varieties, from classic scoops and soft serve to the café’s own ice-cream menus.
Glassboden sits at the foot of Vedbobacken and is a favourite outing in summer. Enjoy your ice cream in the sun, then combine the visit with other activities in the area. In winter, Vedbobacken turns into a ski slope, which makes this a place you may well return to year-round, even though Glassboden itself is only open during the summer season.
📍 Address: Hagabergsgatan 1
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