Camping holidays with a foreign feel
There are two popular campsites in Karlstad, both located next to the waters of Lake Vänern and just a short drive from the city center. With a wide range and plenty of activities, there is always something to do for campers of all ages.
At First Camp Skutberget, you stay in a tent, caravan or cabin close to Lake Vänern and the cliffs. Take a morning dip and treat yourself to freshly baked bread that the service shop offers every morning. Challenge the family to beach volleyball, disc golf or mini-golf on the competition-class adventure golf course. There are fitness trails in the area for those who want to get some exercise during their vacation. You can also choose to indulge in summer lunches and dinners at the restaurant.
At Bomstadbaden you will find the 400 metre long beach, also known as Värmlands riviera. Bathing is a matter of course when you are here. With a wide range of activities for everyone in the family, you can play frisbee golf, adventure golf, beach volleyball and padel. Pedal boats, SUP and kayak hire are also available, and for younger children there are quizzes and treasure hunts. Treat yourself to good food at Muris KÖK & BAR, and a glass of wine if desired. And for bathers who want to swim, but in slightly warmer degrees, can enjoy the popular spa and relaxation area at the campsite. Here you live in caravan and tent pitches in the lush pine forest with a view of Lake Vänern with a feeling of a foreign holiday.
Experience the city in two fun ways
If you want to get an overview of the city in a nice and fun way, you can hop on the Karlstad Sightseeing Train that departs in the centre of Stora Torget. Here you get two different guided tours filled with knowledge and interesting stories about the city. Another option to experience the city is to see it from the water. Karlstad's boat buses have become a major attraction in the summer, a cheap and adventurous way to experience the city. Here you can choose between different boat tours that take you around the city. Choose the tour that takes you across the sparkling Klarälven river in the city or take a trip out into Lake Vänern and swim at the rocks on Jäverön and take a light hike on the island.
Free activities
Mariebergsskogen, which is open every day of the year with free admission, is the perfect day trip for those who love animals and beautiful nature combined with museums, history and play with barbecue areas around the area. Here you will find the Lillskogen Zoo, Naturum Värmland, Lekträdgården, an open-air museum, a tour train, a swimming area and lots of wonderful experiences.
Visit the Värmland Museum, which offers culture, art and attractions and is free for children up to 25 years old and open every day. Inside the museum is Sandberg's fairytale world where you can meet Inger and Lasse Sandberg's many characters and stories. Here you can bake a cake with Little Anna or peek into the Long Uncle's hat. The creative workshop organises weekly activities that are perfect for families with children. You can also play in the famous park by the city library, where there are lots of fun swings, playground equipment and sculptures with beautiful flowers and vegetation in the summer with a view of the river Klarälven.
A little of everything
At Skutberget there is the adventure park Hög & Lågt where you can climb heights in as many courses as you want for 3 hours. The courses are divided into different levels of difficulty. Challenge the family, who has completed the most courses, or rather who dares to climb the most courses up in the pine tops?
Take a coffee at the wonderful Liljenäs farm and enjoy freshly baked waffles and ice cream at their café, which is located a car journey outside Karlstad. The Kylin family has been living on the farm with their animals for three years and, in addition to an ice cream and waffle café, there is mushroom cultivation, a hairdressing salon and a farm shop.
Do something out of the ordinary and have a coffee or yoga session with the alpacas at the alpaca farm. At Karlstad Alpaca Farm you will meet wonderful alpacas up close in a cosy environment and also learn about them.
If the weather fails…
If the weather doesn't cooperate, there are other activities that are great for families with children. You can expect adventure and playful moments, perfect for those with ants in their pants.
Jump off at Jumpyard, and enjoy a moment of laughter. You can also choose Leos Lekland if you want to spend time with your family, with a ball pit, trampolines, slides and much more. Let off steam and ride the water slides at Sundstabadet or why not bubble in the indoor and outdoor pool if you wish. Visit Brigadmuseum, a military experience museum about the Cold War, where you can explore all your senses. If you need a break, just sit down in the café with a homemade bun and a freshly brewed organic coffee.