Malmö · With kids

The castle museums include an aquarium and a technology hall where children climb through the submarine U3. Broad appeal from about four.

Free entry, a small zoo, a vintage carousel and several playgrounds, with cafés that expect children. The reliable fallback when plans fail.

Sand shelving so gently that the water stays shin-deep for a hundred metres — ideal for small children, tedious for anyone wanting to swim.

Nordic species — wolves, bison, bears — in forest enclosures about an hour away by train and bus. Good for four to eleven; plan a full day.

Cargo bikes and trailers rent by the day, and the flat lane network means a five-year-old can ride to the beach without touching traffic.