The guide to fun children's activities in Malmö

With its playgrounds, restaurants and activities, Folkets Park is a popular destination for both children and adults. there's a theatre where they perform everything from magic shows to various children's performances, as well as several fun (and free) things to do together on a spontaneous visit.

Malmö's Museum of Technology is an enjoyable experience for everyone who visits it. See and experience examples of older and more modern technology. You can climb into a real submarine and look out over Malmö through the periscope, try sitting on an old tractor and climb up into an aeroplane cockpit, complete with all the buttons and levers. Then head upstairs where you can solve tricky puzzles and try out cool VR games.

The evocative smell of popcorn takes us all back to the cinema visits of our childhood. A good film on the big screen is a classic, enjoyable family activity which rarely disappoints. Filmstaden has Malmö's largest selection of current films and there's always something family friendly on the programme.

Funnys Äventyr cultural centre brings favourite Swedish children's books like Pettsson and Findus, Alfons Åberg, Moomintrolls and Halvdan & Meia to life. As well as visiting the different fairytale worlds, you can watch children's theatre, listen to audio fairytales in the Fairy Tale Carousel and enjoy some treats in the café.

Utmaningarnas Hus is a modern playground for children over 15 years. They offer a creative world, where the aim is to solve various interactive challenges through teamwork. Every team has to gather points and at the end a winner is chosen. Combine the game with food and drink.

Having trouble deciding on the day's activity? Head to Malmö Museer, known for its wide and eclectic range of exhibits. In Malmö's historic castle the whole family can enjoy the Stone Age exhibition, stroll around in grand historic surroundings and visit the aquarium full of fish, spiders, frogs, snakes and other exciting animals. All under the same roof.

With both indoor and outdoor boules lanes, you can enjoy the French national sport all year round at Boulebar Drottningtorget. Equally as fun for children as for adults, it can be combined with a delightful family dinner in the bistro – or why not Saturday brunch with a French touch? Children up to 13 years old eat and play at discounted prices. During the summer season, Boulebar also opens up in Folkets Park.

Take the whole family on a shopping trip in one of Sweden's largest shopping malls. Emporia has shops for all age categories, from toys for the youngest to fashion and technology for teenagers. You'll also avoid unecessary lunchtime conflicts by letting the kids choose what food they want to eat from one of the many restaurants in the food court.

A library may not sound that tempting to the youth of today but it's actually a fantastic place for both younger and older children. For small children there's Kanini, a cosy little fairytale world with cushions, beautiful illustrations and masses of children's books. Slighter older children can borrow everything from books and magazines to films and video games - completely free.

With young children, a trip to the playground is often all that's required for a successful day. One of Malmö's most beautiful playgrounds is Sagolekparken - the Fairytale Playground - next to Malmö Stadsbibliotek, the city library. Everything is rainbow coloured and, as well as the usual slides and swings, it's a delightful, imaginative place surrounded by the park's tall trees.

Leos Playland is paradise for fun-loving children with plenty of energy to burn, with two different locations in Malmö. Exciting attractions, ball pits, pirate ships, trampolines, and climbing equipment are just some of the activities available here. For kids who want to try out various sports in a playful manner, Leo's Sport Kidz is also available. When the energy starts to fade, you can recharge with a hamburger, pancakes, and other child-friendly food at the bistro.

The art displayed at Moderna Museet is often exciting for adults and children alike. Take a coffee and cake break and buy a poster or postcard to hang on the wall at home. Keep at eye out for the creative workshops Moderna Museet regularly arranges for kids of all ages.

Laserdome is the perfect adventure for children who enjoy playing video games. They get to enter a sci-fi world and challenge each other to an explosive - but completely safe - laser war. As well as laserdome, they also have Prison Island, an activity in which you work together to escape from imprisonment by solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles.

Small children on scooters and grown-up professional skateboarders alike use the ramps here. There's always a good vibe and this facility is one of the reasons Malmö is regarded internationally as a great skate city. Don't forget a helmet and knee and elbow pads - things move fast on the ramps.

Embrace your inner mermaid and spend a day at Hylliebadet. The bathhouse is specifically geared towards family fun, offering plenty of both high-energy and more relaxed activities for all ages. In addition to pools of varying depths, there are diving boards, water slides, and an obstacle course for competitive fun. Brave sould can take on Leo the Lion's and Ella the Elephant's challenges and be rewarded with a medal.

Very few places make you (literally) jump for joy like Jump. The trampoline park's 3000 sqm houses everything from a ninja obstacle course and foam pit to dodgeball arena and of course, trampolines of all kinds. For the very little ones (0-6 years old), there is a separate, quieter area where they can play with their parents.

What could be better than a classic Swedish summer day spent on the beach? Ribersborgsstranden, commonly known as Ribban, has everything you could want from a great beach: a beach volleyball net, football and basketball courts, large grassy areas to run around on, a playground and a kiosk selling hot dogs, cold drinks, ice cream and coffee. A perfect summer's day.

Head out to Bokskogen ('the beech forest') for a day of culture and nature, just a short trip from the centre of Malmö. Within the several hundred hectare recreation area, you'll find a castle with castle park and gardens, and if you want to do some exercise, there are plenty of trails as well as outdoor and indoor gyms.

At Malmö Castle, you can learn all about the history of Malmö and Skåne in an exciting way that appeals to both young and old. The building, which is the oldest preserved Renaissance castle in the Nordic region, is now part of Malmö Museum and serves as the entrance to Slottsholmen island. In addition to exploring the exhibitions, you can climb up to the cannon tower, hunt for ghosts, and visit the museum.

At O'Learys, the whole family is welcome to enjoy fun activities and a bite to eat with American flavours. Challenge each other to some bowling or shuffleboard, and then celebrate the winner with dinner in the restaurant. For the younger ones, there's a children's menu with favourites such as burgers and nuggets, as well as ice cream for dessert.

You don't need to travel right out into the countryside to experience life as a farmer - Almviks 4H Farm offers hands-on animal experiences for children and families, right in the heart of Malmö. Help with feeding and caring for sheep, goats, horses, and rabbits. For children aged 4-6, there is Mini 4H where they can learn about different animal species, as well as baking, crafting, and of course, cuddling with the animals.

Expand your horizons beyond Malmö city and suddenly you have Copenhagen's wide and vibrant selection of activities to choose from. Just a short train ride away lies Tivoli, the Danish capital's magical and nostalgic amusement park. You'll find thrilling roller coasters, beautiful gardens, and stages with live music. In winter, the park transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland.