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Activities for kids

Summer holidays – the perfect time to relax with the family. There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Östersund – here are some suggestions.

In Badhusparken close to the beach of Storsjön there is a popular playground in summertime for the youngest and the green area invites you to run and play.

Below you can find other suggestions to do with the hole family both for indoor-and outdoor activities.

 

Three cycling tips for the family

Östersund is a city bubbling with cycling. Here are some suggestions for the family.

Biking

Östersund is a cycling city and here you will find nice cycling experiences for everyone.

From rough and technical trails for mountain bikers, fatbike adventures, and road cycling training, to scenic rides through the countryside, adrenaline-filled downhill biking, or a family-friendly tour to a summer café.

See more about biking

Family with 2 adults and 2 children biking a trail in a forest environment

Brunflo Bike Park

Jumps, drops, curves and bridges that are fun for the whole family can be found in Brunflo Bike park, 15 km from the city center.

Mountain biking in Brunflo Bike Park is fun and challenging. Here are nice trails for beginners as well as for those with more cycling experience. If you feel that jumping feels too challenging, there is always an easier way past.

In the park it is recommended to use a mountain bike or BMX bike and of course always a helmet.

The area is always open to everyone and all cycling is at your own risk.

Contact us and more information:

barn på skateboard

Pump Tracks

By bike, skateboard or kick. On the island Frösön, next to Surfbukten, is a Pump track for bicycles, skateboards and kickbikes.

The small course consists of a straight line with bumps – simple and good for you who are a beginner and like to train your balance.

The larger track requires that you can keep track of the obstacles in front of you and your “fellow” road users”.

One of Sweden’s largest and best pump tracks is situated in Brunflo, just outside Östersund. Here you will also find a wider loop for wheelchair users.

See more about Brunflo Pumptrack

Biking

Östersund is a cycling city and here you will find nice cycling experiences for everyone.

Show more

Brunflo Bike Park

Jumps, drops, curves and bridges that are fun for the whole family can be found in Brunflo Bike park, 15 km from the city center.

Show more

barn på skateboard

Pump Tracks

By bike, skateboard or kick. On the island Frösön, next to Surfbukten, is a Pump track for bicycles, skateboards and kickbikes.

Show more

Swimming & Wet adventures

Östersund, located by Sweden’s fifth-largest lake, Storsjön, offers fantastic swimming opportunities, whether you prefer a sandy beach, a cove, or a pool. In Surfbukten you will find diving towers and the whole family can try SUP-boards.

Hang out in Surfbukten

Surfbukten is the go-to summer hangout in central Östersund, located across from Badhusparken on the island of Frösön.

Here, you can swim from the piers, jump from the diving tower, play beach volleyball, or try Stand Up Paddle board, longboarding and wakeboarding.
During summer evenings, gym sessions and yoga classes suitable for both children and adults are usually offered.
In the small cozy café, you will find ice cream, sandwiches, drinks and coffee.

More swimming spots
Bynäset
At Bynäset, on Frösön, you’ll find a shallow bay with a rocky beach and breathtaking views of the mountains.
Andersön 
The island of Andersön is a popular destination located 15 km from Östersund. Along its beautiful stony beaches there are many cosy, long shallow bays where you can enjoy a swim with a view of the mountains.

More information & suggestions for swimmingspots 

 

Paddling

Kayaking

Paddling a canoe or kayak and exploring lakes and waterways gives you a special sense of connection to water and nature.

Gliding out onto the mirror-like Storsjön
on a summer evening, with the mountains
on the horizon, is a magical experience.

More information & rental

Father and son swimming together

Storsjöbadet Adventure pool

In Storsjöbadet there is something for all ages. Children's pool, exercise pool, whirlpools, slides and a large relaxation area.

Children’s pool area with warm and nice water for the little ones, cool water slides and trampoline for the slightly older and relaxation area for the parents.
In the large outdoor area there are lawns for picnics, playground and outdoor pools.

Contact us and more information:

Hang out in Surfbukten

Surfbukten is the go-to summer hangout in central Östersund, located across from Badhusparken on the island of Frösön.

Show more

Paddling

Kayaking

Paddling a canoe or kayak and exploring lakes and waterways gives you a special sense of connection to water and nature.

Show more

Father and son swimming together

Storsjöbadet Adventure pool

In Storsjöbadet there is something for all ages. Children's pool, exercise pool, whirlpools, slides and a large relaxation area.

Show more

Hiking for the family

Being out in nature together is always wonderful. Here are some suggestions for hiking and excursions for the family.

Andersön and Tysjöarna

Make an excursion to Andersöns or Tysjöarnas nature reserve. On Andersön, the family trail is perfect for the smaller children.

On Andersön, there’s a family-friendly trail that stretches for about 2.1 kilometres. Along the way, you’ll find animal tracks and signs with information about local wildlife and nature.
Find your way to Andersön

Tysjöarna Nature reserve just outside the city centre of Östersund is a lovely place for hiking and bird watching.
Find your way to Tysjöarna

Discover the Island Frösön

Discover Frösön's beautiful slopes and coffee with a view. Choose if you bring your own lunch bag or take the opportunity and have coffee at the tower

Take a trip up Ladängsbacken on Frösön – when you have reached the top, it fits perfectly with a coffee stop at the café Frösötornet.

Also take the opportunity to take a trip up the tower and look towards the expanses as far as the eye can reach. There are also several nature trails nearby, such as Östbergets Naturstig – which runs on top of the mountain. Along the trail you can learn more about the county Jämtland´s nature. The trail is about 1.7 km long with beautiful views of Frösön and Östersund.

Pilgrim trail

This summer, children can become pilgrims for a day. The church path on Frösön has now become a St. Olavsled in mini format with eight stations along

The stations symbolize places along the real trail and via mobile and QR codes, the children follow Emma and Magnus on a pilgrimage. Learn more about St. Olav’s life in 1030 and what it was like to be a pilgrim in 1339. Suitable for children 7-12 years in the company of an adult. Start at Sockenstugan, Frösö Church.
The children’s pilgrimage is also found along Pärlstigen in Sunne.

Here you can find more information about the St. Olav trail Read more here.

Andersön and Tysjöarna

Make an excursion to Andersöns or Tysjöarnas nature reserve. On Andersön, the family trail is perfect for the smaller children.

Show more

Discover the Island Frösön

Discover Frösön's beautiful slopes and coffee with a view. Choose if you bring your own lunch bag or take the opportunity and have coffee at the tower

Show more

Pilgrim trail

This summer, children can become pilgrims for a day. The church path on Frösön has now become a St. Olavsled in mini format with eight stations along

Show more

Fishing, Moose Tours & Birdwatching

Experiencing wildlife is an essential part of summer, and in Östersund, the whole family can go fishing or birdwatching, right in the city or in nearby green spaces. At Moose Garden, you can even meet the king of the forest: the moose.

Fishing

Fishing is a classic summer activity, and here in Östersund, it's free and easy to access—especially in Lake Storsjön.

Fishing from the shores of Storsjön with a rod is free and doesn’t require a permit. Try your luck in Badhusparken or along the beaches of Frösön—imagine reeling in a salmonid fish right in town.

In Lillsjön, just 10 minutes from the centre, family-friendly fishing is available. You might catch perch, pike, or even rainbow trout.

There are several great fishing opportunities around Östersund.
See more information and inspiration.

Moose

Moose Tours

At Moose Garden in Orrviken, just outside Östersund, families can join a guided tour and meet tame moose.

All the moose are very tame and social and you will be able to pet them and take some lovely photos.

Contact us and more information:

Birdwatching

In Östersund, nature is always close by. Just outside the city centre, you'll find excellent birdwatching areas.

On Frösön, Ändsjön Nature Reserve is one of the best and most accessible birding sites around Östersund. Bring binoculars, climb up the birdwatching towers, and listen carefully—what birds can you spot? Look for species such as the great crested grebe, black-necked grebe, pochard, coot, and teal, as well as cranes, robins, and woodpeckers.

At the Tysjöarna Nature Reserve, just west of the city centre, you might see redshanks, curlews, and both greater and little ringed plovers.

See more about birdwatching

Fishing

Fishing is a classic summer activity, and here in Östersund, it's free and easy to access—especially in Lake Storsjön.

Show more

Moose

Moose Tours

At Moose Garden in Orrviken, just outside Östersund, families can join a guided tour and meet tame moose.

Show more

Birdwatching

In Östersund, nature is always close by. Just outside the city centre, you'll find excellent birdwatching areas.

Show more

Summer at Jamtli

At Jamtli History land you can learn more about history from the past in a playful way. Indoors you can slide through the Storsjöodjuret’s belly down to the exhibitions and at the National Museum Jamtli the exhibition “Life Designed ” is shown.

Barn som åker karusell

Travel in time

At Jamtli History land, the whole family can travel back in time.

In the cultural-historical environments from 1785 to 1975 you meet people from a different time than our own who will be happy to tell you about their work,
everyday life and dreams. You learn about the hardships of the 18th
century and the flourishing city of 1895.
Take the bus from the 1920s, stop by at the petrol station from 1965
or visit the environment movement of the 1970’s.

At History land there are many opportunities for play and learning. Steer the water wheel at the childrens power plant, become a dairymaid in the dairy, become captain of the steamboat or more agile by the river.

Opening hours 2025:
21 June – 17 August  Monday – Sunday 11-16

 

Life Designed

National Museum Jamtli showcases art and design from the extensive collections of the National Museum.

This year’s exhibition,
”Life Designed,” showcases examples of design products from the
1960s to the present day and features around 200 objects from the
collections of the National Museum.

Opening hours – see jamtli.com

Jamtli indoors

Go on a slide through Storsjöodjuret's belly down to the underground exhibitions where you learn about the Viking Age and Sami culture.

In a large underground landscape there is plenty to experience and discover.

Here you will meet the first exhibition about how people previously tried to catch the Great Lake Beast. In the league game, the children can play traders and in the exhibition Vikings is Jamtli’s biggest attraction – the 1000-year-old Överhogdal costumes, which are Europe’s oldest complete costumes.

Opening hours Summer 2024:
see jamtli.com

Barn som åker karusell

Travel in time

At Jamtli History land, the whole family can travel back in time.

Show more

Life Designed

National Museum Jamtli showcases art and design from the extensive collections of the National Museum.

Show more

Jamtli indoors

Go on a slide through Storsjöodjuret's belly down to the underground exhibitions where you learn about the Viking Age and Sami culture.

Show more

Activities

There are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy in Östersund.

Multi Challenge

Multi Challenge is a house full of activities and challenges. Challenge the family in Boda Borg’s clever adventure courses or in the laser hall.

Drive go-karts, bowl and play shuffleboard, billiards or miniature golf. For the little ones there is a fun play area and if you get hungry, there is a large selection of food and drinks at Tiki’s restaurant and café

 

 

Contact us and more information:

A gokart that is sitting on the side of the road.

Gokart

Experience adrenaline-filled racing. Challenge your friends & family on the top-class karting track at Östersunds Motorstadion.

You can choose between drop-in sessions or book the
entire track.
More information & booking

 

An aerial view of a race track for gokarting

A pink bowling ball sitting next to two bowling pins.

Bowling

Bowling for the whole family can be found at the Bowling hall Kitchen & Bar and Tiki Grill & Drinks.

Multi Challenge

Multi Challenge is a house full of activities and challenges. Challenge the family in Boda Borg’s clever adventure courses or in the laser hall.

Show more

A gokart that is sitting on the side of the road.

Gokart

Experience adrenaline-filled racing. Challenge your friends & family on the top-class karting track at Östersunds Motorstadion.

Show more

A pink bowling ball sitting next to two bowling pins.

Bowling

Bowling for the whole family can be found at the Bowling hall Kitchen & Bar and Tiki Grill & Drinks.

Show more

Tasty treats for all ages

In Östersund, there’s something delicious for everyone – from creamy gelato and classic soft serve to homemade pastries and food from around the world. On warm summer days (or any day, really), few things beat a scoop of ice cream or a cozy café stop.

Restaurants

Östersund offers both fantastic local food craftsmanship and culinary experiences from around the world.

At Multichallenge activity center, you’ll find Tiki Grill/Drinks, serving a menu inspired by Hawaii.
If Italian cuisine is more your style, check out La Fabbrica del Gusto or Restaurant Basta.

More restaurants 

Familj som fikar

Swedish Fika

Östersund is full of charming cafés serving fresh sandwiches and tasty homemade cakes.

Along Hamngatan, you’ll find cozy inner courtyards like Hamngatan 12 and Norra Station, perfect for a relaxing fika.

For a coffee break with mountain views, head to Frösön. At Tages, you can try the local favorite Frösökyssen, and at Stocketitt Hembygdsgård, you can enjoy homemade fika in a scenic setting. Don’t miss the lookout tower – the views stretch all the way to Åreskutan, the Oviken Mountains, and the Skäckerfjällen peaks.

More cafes

Swedish fika at the heritage homesteads

Outdoor restaurants

Few things are more enjoyable than soaking up the summer sun with a delicious meal and something refreshing in your glass.

Restaurants

Östersund offers both fantastic local food craftsmanship and culinary experiences from around the world.

Show more

Familj som fikar

Swedish Fika

Östersund is full of charming cafés serving fresh sandwiches and tasty homemade cakes.

Show more

Outdoor restaurants

Few things are more enjoyable than soaking up the summer sun with a delicious meal and something refreshing in your glass.

Show more

Events

The summer in Östersund is full of events

Sub Zero E-games

13-15 June SubZero E-games takes place in Östersund Arena.

Experience three action-packed days with
the joy of gaming at the centre. Meet the
tech and gaming innovators of the future,
explore cutting-edge technology, and
discover global gaming trends.

Tickets & more information 

Storsjöyran Music festival

1-2 August Storsjöyran, one of Scandinavia’s largest music festivals is taking place in Östersund.

The festival is known for blending popular, beloved artists with exciting new names, offering a mix of the familiar and the unexpected.

This year, Yran will host around forty artists over two days. Some of this year’s names include Victor Leksell, Veronica Maggio, Laleh, Oskar Linnros, Estraden, Y4ska, Ballinciaga and Ellen Krauss.

Tickets & more information at yran.se

More events

Östersund’s stages and arenas offer a lot of events.

Look into the Event calendar to see what’s on during your stay in Östersund.

Sub Zero E-games

13-15 June SubZero E-games takes place in Östersund Arena.

Show more

Storsjöyran Music festival

1-2 August Storsjöyran, one of Scandinavia’s largest music festivals is taking place in Östersund.

Show more

More events

Östersund’s stages and arenas offer a lot of events.

Show more