Norway & Beyond: Holidays For Families
When summer comes or school’s out, many families in Norway start thinking about fun holiday ideas. If your kids love slides, pools, and water fun — and let’s be honest, who doesn’t? — a trip to a waterpark is a great way to spend a weekend or even a whole vacation. Luckily, there are some amazing parks right here in Norway, and a few just across the border that are definitely worth the trip. Let’s take a look at four of the best.
Bø Sommerland, Norway
Bø Sommarland is one of Norway’s biggest and most loved waterparks. It's located in Telemark, about 2 hours from Oslo, and is surrounded by forests and mountains — so the drive is already beautiful.
This park is packed with fun. One of the top attractions is Mot i Brøstet, the highest water slide in Northern Europe. You stand at the top, then drop straight down — it’s only for the brave! Another popular ride is the Halfpipe, where you slide back and forth in a U-shape with a friend. For younger kids, there’s Vannland, a safe and playful area with small slides and warm pools.
Best summer park for families. Clean, safe, and something for every age!
Where to stay: You can book a cabin or camp at Sommarland Camping, just a short walk from the park. There are also hotels in nearby Bø town.
Fårup Sommerland, Denmark
Fårup Sommerland is just a ferry trip away — take the boat from Kristiansand to Hirtshals, and it’s less than an hour from there. This park is a perfect mix of water fun and land attractions, all set in a forest near the Danish coast.
The water area has slides for all levels. Families love Surf Hill, where you race down side-by-side lanes. There’s also Vandslangen (Water Snake) — a big twisty slide — and a lazy river to relax in. Kids can explore the large splash playground, and when you’re ready to dry off, there are roller coasters, zip lines, and even mini-golf.
We spent the whole day here and still didn’t try everything. Kids didn’t want to leave. It’s a dream for families.
Where to stay: You can stay right at Hotel Fårup, inside the park, or find cozy cottages nearby. Some families even camp in the area.
Compared to Bø, Fårup has more activities outside the water — so if you want both adventure and swimming, this is a great pick.
Serena Waterpark, Finland
If you’re looking for a waterpark that works in any season, Serena Waterpark near Helsinki is a great idea. It’s the biggest indoor waterpark in Scandinavia, and perfect for a winter break or a rainy day getaway.
Inside, it’s warm and tropical all year. There are exciting rides like the Black Hole (a dark, glowing tunnel slide) and a wave pool where you feel like you’re at the beach. Kids love the big climbing area with tipping buckets, and parents can enjoy the Finnish saunas. One cool thing about Serena is the natural rock walls inside — it feels a bit like a cave adventure!
We went in January and it was amazing. Warm water, fun slides, and great for kids of all ages.
Where to stay: You can rent holiday cabins near the park or stay in Helsinki, just 30 minutes away by car.
Center Parcs Park Bostalsee, Germany
If you’re planning a road trip or a longer vacation, Center Parcs Bostalsee in southwest Germany is something special. It’s not just a waterpark — it’s a full holiday village with a tropical indoor swimming world called Aqua Mundo.
Inside Aqua Mundo, you’ll find a wave pool, water slides, and even snorkeling zones with fake coral reefs and underwater “fish.” There’s also a wild river ride that takes you through fast streams and turns — great for older kids. For small ones, the Water Playhouse is full of surprises, water sprays, and fun.
Where to stay: The park has its own forest cottages with kitchens, so you can stay inside the park and enjoy nature too.
This park is the most complete in terms of stay, nature, and water attractions. Compared to Bø or Serena, it's more of a full-package family holiday.
So, if you're looking for a day trip, Bø Sommarland is a perfect Norwegian choice. If you want a mix of rides and water fun, Fårup is worth the ferry ride. For winter swimming, Serena gives you that cozy tropical feeling. And if you want a longer vacation with everything included, Center Parcs Bostalsee is a top pick.