A Rainforest, Fishes & Retro Vibes: Our Spontaneous Day at Universeum

This weekend, we decided to do something a little different — a spontaneous family trip to Universeum in Gothenburg. Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you don’t plan too much, and this one turned out to be a great little escape.

A Place for All Ages

Universeum really has something for everyone. Whether you're into science, nature, or just looking for a fun day out with the kids, it’s a place that sparks curiosity. My little ones were instantly drawn to the aquarium section — wide-eyed and fascinated by the colorful fish, sharks, and the underwater tunnels. It’s such a magical experience to see marine life up close, especially through the eyes of a child.

The Rainforest Experience

One of the highlights for all of us was the indoor rainforest. As soon as you step in, you're surrounded by lush greenery, tropical birds, and the sound of running water. It’s warm — really warm — but that’s part of the charm. It genuinely feels like you’ve been transported to another continent. We spotted monkeys swinging through the trees and butterflies fluttering around, which was a big hit with the kids.

Crowds and Curious Creatures

It was quite busy during our visit, which made it a bit harder to take everything in. Some of the animals seemed to be hiding away, probably overwhelmed by all the people. Still, we managed to catch glimpses of most exhibits, and the kids didn’t seem to mind — they were too busy running from one exciting thing to the next.

A Nostalgic Lunch Stop

After a few hours of exploring, we were all ready for a bite to eat. We ended up at McDonald’s near Scandinavium, and surprisingly, it turned out to be a highlight of the day. Unlike most modern fast-food places that rely on self-service kiosks, this one had a traditional queue where you actually ordered from a real person. It felt oddly nostalgic — like stepping back in time. The staff were friendly, the food came quickly, and the kids were happy. Win-win!

Final Thoughts

All in all, it was a lovely day — spontaneous, a bit chaotic, but full of fun and little moments that made us smile. Universeum is definitely a place we’ll return to, maybe on a quieter day next time. And who knew a simple McDonald’s visit could bring back such a warm, retro feeling?