Stockholm offers a huge range of activities for children of all ages. Whatever their interests, there is plenty to entertain – The only real limitation is your wallet.
If you want to pack as much as possible into one day, head for the island of Djurgården. This green oasis is close to the city centre and home to many of Stockholm’s biggest attractions, listed as numbers 1 – 6 below for logistical convenience.
A vast array of outdoor activities are also available in Stockholm, ranging from swimming and kayaking during the summer months to skiing and skating during the winter season.
If shopping, rather than sightseeing, is high on the agenda for some family members, Kulturhuset in the middle of the city centre can make a welcome break for the non-shoppers among you. This “Culture House” offers both activities and a relaxing place for a little quiet screen time.
We hope you find the following suggestions for what to do in Stockholm with kids helpful.
1. Djurgården
http://www.visitdjurgarden.se/en/
Walk, cycle or kayak around the island of Djurgården (Animal Park), just seven minutes from Stockholm Centre and home to 22 museums and the amusement park Gröna Lund. The island also offers a wide range of restaurants and cafés.
2. Skansen
http://www.skansen.se/en/kategori/english
Skansen, one of Stockholm’s biggest attractions, is the world’s first open-air museum – a sort of miniature Sweden, featuring the traditional architecture and animals found in Sweden, a Tivoli, playgrounds and much more – You can easily spend the whole day here.
3. Gröna Lund
http://www.gronalund.com/en/
Fun for all the family at this classic amusement park which opens during the summer months. Entertainment by top music artists is also included in the entrance price so don’t forget to check the the concert schedule when planning a trip.
4. Junibacken
http://www.junibacken.se/en/
Junibacken is a museum/theme park based on the works of Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. If your kids are a little younger (under 12) and familiar with her characters such as Pippi, Emil and Karlsson, this is for you.
5. The Vasa Museum
http://www.vasamuseet.se/en
Visit the ship that capsized and sank in Stockholm on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged and preserved after 333 year on the sea bed. This is the most visited museum in Scandinavia.
6. Stockholm Aquarium
http://www.aquaria.se/sv/Opening-hours-and-admission/
Adventures at the Stockholm Aquarium begin in a warm, lifelike jungle and continue through to the exciting wildlife in Swedish and tropical waters. Meet sharks, eels and a huge array of fish.
7. The Technical Museum
http://www.tekniskamuseet.se/1/start_en.html
A really fun, interesting and interactive technical museum for all ages with a great indoor playground. Also close to Djurgården.
8. Stockholm TV Tower
www.kaknastornet.se
Kaknästornet, the Stockholm tv-tower, is 155m high and offers spectacular views over Stockholm. Located close to Djurgården and the Technical Museum, its restaurant also offers a great traditional Swedish brunch at the weekend.
9. The Natural History Museum
http://www.nrm.se/english.16_en.html
This museum offers both regularly updated exhibitions and a Cosmonova theatre with a range of exciting shows. Located just outside Stockholm centre but easily accessible by metro and by car.
10. Tom Tit’s Experiment
http://www.tomtit.se/english/
A wonderfully creative and entertaining science museum with something for all the family. Located south of Stockholm, but well worth the journey. Ideal for a rainy day.
11. Boat Trips
http://www.stromma.se/en/stockholm/kanalbolaget/
Explore Stockholm’s beautiful archipelago, cruise up to Drottningholm (the Royal Family’s Residence) on Lake Mälären or take the classic “Under the Bridges” tour to see Stockholm by water. A really easy and relaxing way to sightsee, whichever tour you choose.
12. The Post Museum
http://www.postmuseum.se/en/
Located in the old town (Gamla stan), the Post Museum offers a journey in time, a playful exhibition on communication and a fun workshop.
13 . SkyView
http://www.globearenas.se/en/skyview/about-skyview
SkyView takes you to the top of the world’s largest spherical building, Ericsson Globe, in a glass gondola. From the apex of this Stockholm Landmark, you´ll get a fantastic view encompassing all of Stockholm.
14. Ice-skating
If you’re in Stockholm in winter, why not try skating at Kungsträdgården, right in the city centre, or alternatively at nearby Vasaparken.
http://www.stockholm.se/-/Serviceenhetsdetaljer/?enhet=8a02e80789844dd386192708511d1cc2
http://www.stockholm.se/-/Serviceenhetsdetaljer/?enhet=1e69cf29e6404de386b20225b0175065
Tip: If you’re here for a longer stay or if you want to try skating on one of the frozen lakes, where skate-hire is not available, you can pick up used skates extremely cheaply at second hand stores such as Erikshjälpen or Myrorna.
http://www.erikshjalpen.se/secondhand/vaara-butiker/
15. Swimming/Beaches
You can choose from 30 official bathing beaches in Stockholm and find more information including their exact locations at the following link. A number of these beachs even offer outdoor gyms.
http://www.stockholm.se/KulturFritid/Simma-och-trana/Simma/Sjoar-och-bad/Strandbad/
Select the language button in the top right hand corner of the page for translation
16. Cycling
http://www.citybikes.se/home
Explore Stockholm by bike. It’s easy to hire a bike and the city offers an abundance of safe cycle routes. You can plan your journey here: https://www.bikemap.net/en/regional/Sweden/Stockholm+County/Stockholm/
17. Skiing
The best skiing in Stockholm is at Flottsbro, which is located south of Stockholm at the edge of a lake. The slope closest to the city, however, is at Hammarby, while the nearest ski resort to Stockholm is at Romme, approx. 3 hours drive away.
http://www.flottsbro.se/sv#googtrans(sv|en)
http://www.rommealpin.se/index.asp?lang=1033
http://www.visitstockholm.com/en/See–do/Activities/hammarbybacken-ski-resort/
18. Humlegården
Let your kids run round at this lovely park in central Stockholm which has a popular playground and a summer café. Also close to the upmarket shopping area of Östermalm with a wide range of restaurants.
http://www.stockholm.se/-/Serviceenhetsdetaljer/?enhet=72ad48c7398844bba064f76f3de670e7
19. The Butterfly House
http://fjarilshuset.se/en/
The butterfly house (Fjärilshuset) offers a rain forest in Stockholm. At its new exhibition, Dangerous Animals, you can meet pufferfish, lionfish and sharks. Located just outside central Stockholm at the lovely Haga Park, a great place for kids to have a run-around.
20. Kulturhuset
http://kulturhusetstadsteatern.se/English/
Located right in the centre of Stockholm, this “Culture House’s” activities include libraries, theatre, debates, art exhibitions, film, dance and music. Also a great place to take a break from shopping.
Enjoy!
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