5 Family-friendly Experiences in Åland
Planning a family holiday in the Åland Islands? The archipelago offers plenty of activities for families with kids of all ages. Distances are short and there is always something to see and do, no matter which island you happen to be exploring. While the older kids try their luck fishing, the younger ones can play by the shore. If the little ones want to spend time at a playground, the older kids might enjoy a round of disc golf nearby.
Here are five family-friendly experiences that children and adults will enjoy together.
1. Fill Your Day with a Fun Excursion to Eckerö
Åland is full of family-friendly excursions, and it’s easy to get around the islands by bike, on foot or by car. One great option is a day trip to Eckerö in western Åland, especially the Käringsund area, where many activities are gathered in one place.
At the beach by Käringsund Resort & Conference you can rent paddle boats or kayaks and try out fun water toys. Nearby you can play padel or minigolf, follow a nature trail, play disc golf or cycle along an MTB trail. For younger children there is also a playground with a fishing boat and swings. With an activity bracelet you can try several activities during the day.
Don’t miss the Åland Hunting and Fishing Museum, which has an impressive collection of animals and bird eggs from the archipelago. The geo-trail on the surrounding rocks is also perfect for young explorers.
2. Explore the Maritime Town of Mariehamn
Spend a relaxed day in the maritime town of Mariehamn, where charming cafés and unique museums are never far away. Stroll through the town and enjoy a coffee break between visits to child-friendly museums, beaches and playgrounds. Stop for something tasty at cosy cafés such as Café Viktor, Bagarstugan or Svarta Katten.
At the award-winning Åland Maritime Museum there is something for visitors of all ages. Did you know that one of the world’s only remaining genuine pirate flags is displayed here? Right next door you’ll find the impressive sailing ship Pommern, which perfectly complements the museum visit. Children can explore the ship while following the adventures of Ruby the ship’s rat, a favourite with younger visitors.
Family-friendly restaurants in the town include the tapas restaurant Boquerian with its large outdoor terrace, as well as Brasserie Ångbåtsbryggan, next to the adventure minigolf course Äventyrsgolfen. From here, the park and beach at Lilla Holmen are just a short walk away.
3. Meet Cute Animals up Close
On a guided tour at Käringsunds Viltsafari, a Wildlife Safari in Eckerö, you’ll have the chance to see ostriches, llamas, deer and wild boar up close. During the tour you sit safely in a safari wagon that stops along the way to attract the animals, giving you the opportunity to feed them. Your guide will share stories about the animals, and if you’re lucky you might even get to see a real ostrich egg.
You can meet farm animals and rabbits at the 4H Farm in Jomala, which is open on weekdays. At Lilla Holmen in Mariehamn you’ll find rabbits, chickens and peacocks. During summer, sheep graze in several places around Åland, including near Kastelholm Castle and at the Nabben wetland in Mariehamn.
Ever wondered what it would be like to stay close to cows, sheep and chickens? At Mickels Gård in Gottby you can experience life on a farm firsthand. Syrenbacken Farm in Hammarland also welcomes families to meet the farm’s horses, mini pigs, chickens, rabbits and goats on selected summer days, announced on the farm’s Facebook page.
At Nygårds Skogsgrisar pig farm in Sund you can discover how their pigs live a true pig’s life in the forest – join a guided tractor tour and watch the pigs happily rooting in the soil whenever they please.
4. Enjoy Beach Life at Åland’s Beautiful Beaches
What could be better on a sunny summer day than swimming in the sea, building sandcastles or simply relaxing on the beach? The shallow beach at Degersand in Eckerö offers soft white sand and sparkling blue water. If you get too warm, take a refreshing swim or cool down with an ice cream or a drink from the beach café.
In Mariehamn, popular swimming spots include the beaches at Lilla Holmen and Nabben. You can also enjoy a swim at Gröna Udden Camping. At the Mariebad adventure bath by the eastern harbour you’ll find water slides and several pools – perfect for a family swim even on days when the weather isn’t ideal for the beach.
Wherever you are in Åland, the sea is never far away, and you’ll always find a lovely place for a swim somewhere nearby. Ask locals for their hidden gems!
5. Enjoy Long Summer Evenings by the Water
Children love long, bright summer evenings – especially when the whole family spends time together outdoors. Fire up the grill, enjoy a relaxed dinner and gather around a bonfire while watching the sun slowly set over the horizon.
And when the children finally fall asleep after a day full of play and adventures, the adults can enjoy a quiet moment of their own. Sit down on the smooth, sun-warmed granite cliffs and simply take in the peaceful evening and the calming presence of the sea.
