Family Activities near Lysekil, Top 12

Lysekil and Bohuslän work for families. The sea is around the corner, nature is easy to get into, and there is always something to do, sun or rain. Twelve family things we actually do with children, from toddlers to teenagers.

On the water

1. Crab fishing from the pier

For the fishing itself, you need a piece of string, some bait (a bit of meat or herring works well), and a pier. Children can join with an adult watching closely by the water.

Children need a lifejacket in the right size for their weight when fishing by the water. Children who cannot swim need a lifejacket with a collar. Stay close enough to reach and hold the child; keep toddlers within arm's reach. Read 1177's advice on water safety for children.

Lysekil's guest harbour and Fiskebäckskil are two great spots. We usually go in the afternoon. Children can keep at it for hours without getting bored, and it costs nothing.

Our tip: Bring a bucket to keep the crabs in temporarily. Kids love counting and comparing. Release all crabs afterwards.

2. Kayaking with kids

Several rental companies around Lysekil offer family kayaks and guided tours adapted for children. Paddling along the coast and into small coves is an adventure that gets even the most screen-addicted teenagers to put down their phones.

For your first time, we recommend a guided tour so you won't have to worry about navigation, and you'll hear stories about the coast from someone who knows it intimately.

3. Shellfish safari

A shellfish safari is both educational and concrete. On a guided tour you pick oysters and see shellfish up close. Lobster pots belong to lobster season, from the premiere in late September. Most tours include a tasting.

Children are usually fascinated by seeing live lobsters and crabs up close. It's an experience that sticks in the memory longer than any theme park visit.

Read more about shellfish experiences in Bohuslän

4. Boat trip in the archipelago

The municipal visitor guide lists operators for archipelago cruises, seal safaris and boat taxis. Check departures, any island stops and conditions for children with the operator before planning your trip.

On land

5. Stångehuvud with kids, cliff walking for the whole family

Stångehuvud isn't just for experienced hikers. The reserve's paths cross rocks and narrow passages, with steps and boardwalks on some sections. Choose a route to suit the children's ability and supervise them closely on the cliffs.

Go at your own pace, take breaks on the rocks and let the children climb (with supervision). Allow 1-2 hours for a relaxed loop.

See all hiking trails near Lysekil

6. Cycling along the coast

Plan a cycle ride around the children's experience, traffic and surface. The municipal visitor guide lists bike rental at Gullmarsbadens camping, including for visitors staying elsewhere. Check available bikes and opening times beforehand.

7. Rock bathing and beach play

Bohuslän's rocky shores offer plenty to explore with an adult. Before swimming, an adult needs to assess the spot based on the children's swimming ability, water depth, the bottom, weather and how to get out of the water. Supervise them closely. Never jump or dive into unfamiliar water and follow local warning signs, as advised by Räddningstjänsten Väst. Pinneviksbaden outside Lysekil has small sandy beaches that can be an easier choice for younger children. Even in shallow water, keep toddlers within an adult's arm's reach.

8. Rock pools, nature's own aquarium

Seawater remains in sheltered hollows as small rock pools filled with life. Starfish, tiny crabs, anemones and small fish: for children it's like discovering a secret world. Bring a small net to get a closer look and keep children under close adult supervision by the water.

When it rains

9. Havets Hus, Lysekil

Havets Hus is one of Sweden's best-known marine aquariums and the perfect activity regardless of weather. Here, children can meet hundreds of marine species, including sharks, rays and jellyfish, many from Bohuslän's own waters.

What makes Havets Hus special is the closeness to the animals. In the touch pool, children can feel starfish and crabs, and the feeding sessions (ask at reception for times) are a real highlight. Havets Hus works on conservation of lesser-spotted dogfish and thornback ray, species you can learn about here.

Allow 2-3 hours for a visit. For younger children, 1.5 hours is plenty, while older children and marine enthusiasts can spend an entire morning.

Combine with: A walk along Lysekil harbour afterwards. Buy an ice cream, watch the boats and walk calmly along the pier with the children under close adult supervision. From the harbour, it's a ten-minute walk back to Havets Hus if anyone wants another look.

10. Crafts and studios

For creative children, a workshop or studio can make a pleasant outing. Ask current operators about children's workshops, dates and age limits before visiting.

11. Gullmarsborg indoor pool

Gullmarsborg indoor pool has a 25-metre pool, a teaching pool and a paddling pool. Check which pools are open before visiting. On 4 October 2026, the 25-metre pool was open, while the municipality said the teaching and paddling pools could reopen no earlier than week 41. Further refurbishment with closure in summer 2027 is also planned.

Free activities for families

12. Berry picking in the forest

In August and September, the forests around our cabins are full of blueberries and lingonberries. Bring a bucket and let the children pick. Whatever doesn't get eaten on the spot becomes pancakes in the evening.

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Which activities suit which ages?

Ages are a rough guide. Choose water activities to suit the children's ability and conditions at the spot, with an adult assessing the bathing spot and supervising closely. Never jump or dive into unfamiliar water.

Toddlers (0-3): Beach play and shallow-water play with an adult within arm's reach, Havets Hus (touch pool!), berry picking and crab fishing with the right lifejacket and close adult supervision.

Children 4-8: All of the above plus Stångehuvud, cycling, rock pools, boat trips in the archipelago.

Children 9-12: Kayaking, shellfish safaris, longer hikes and swimming suited to their ability and the conditions, with adult supervision.

Teenagers: Guided kayaking, SUP, cycling to remote beaches, shellfish safaris with tastings and swimming under close supervision at a spot an adult has assessed for swimming ability and conditions.

Stay with the family near Lysekil

Småbåtslaboratoriet is the obvious choice for families. It sleeps up to 10, has a large lawn shared with the host and other guests, and a hot tub for parents once the kids are asleep. There is a pond on the shared lawn: children need supervision and must never be alone by the pond. Rock bathing is about a 15-minute walk away, longer with children.

For smaller families, Torpet is a cosy alternative for up to 4 guests, with a private garden on the same property. Supervision by the pond also applies when visiting the shared lawn.

Read more about renting a cabin in Bohuslän

What can you do with kids in Lysekil when it rains?+

Havets Hus is the obvious first choice, one of Sweden's best-known marine aquariums with sharks, a touch pool and interactive exhibits. Beyond that, there's Gullmarsborg indoor pool. Check the municipality's current information on which pools are open. Ask local studios about current children's workshops.

Is Havets Hus in Lysekil worth a visit?+

Absolutely. Havets Hus is one of Sweden's best-known marine aquariums and one of Bohuslän's most popular attractions. Children love the touch pool where they can feel starfish and crabs, and the shark feeding sessions are a highlight. Allow 2-3 hours for the visit.

Which activities in Bohuslän are free for families?+

Many of the best activities cost nothing: crab fishing from the pier, rock bathing and beach play, hiking at Stångehuvud, exploring rock pools and berry picking in the forest in late summer. Nature is the best playground. Keep children under close adult supervision by the water and toddlers within arm's reach. Children who fish need a lifejacket suited to their weight; those who cannot swim need one with a collar.

From what age can children go kayaking in Lysekil?+

It depends on the tour. Outdoor West's 90-minute eelgrass and seaweed tour accepts children from age 5, and children under 12 must share a kayak with an adult. At most one child under 12 can join per adult. Always check the chosen operator's conditions.

What's best to do with teenagers in Bohuslän?+

Teenagers tend to enjoy kayaking, SUP (stand-up paddle), shellfish safaris with tastings, cycling to remote beaches and swimming with adult supervision at a spot assessed for swimming ability and conditions. Never jump or dive into unfamiliar water. Bohuslän offers adventure without feeling staged, which is exactly what teenagers want.