6 awesome things to do in Stockholm with kids
City breaks with kids are becoming easier and more popular. And it’s hard to imagine a more child-friendly city than Stockholm.
Let’s start with how easy it is to get around the city: The subway has buggy ramps and lifts, buses have straight-on entry without steps, children in pushchairs and under-sevens ride for free, and under-12s ride for free on the weekends.
Then there are the attractions. From interactive museums to zoos and adventure parks, there’s plenty to keep your little ones entertained on a trip to Stockholm.
As well as being child-friendly, Stockholm is beautiful. Comprising 14 islands, there are stunning views everywhere you look.
To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve rounded up Stockholm’s six must-dos with the kids.
1. Get lost in fairy tales at Junibacken
Junibacken is an interactive children’s museum on the island of Djurgården. Based on the works of Pippi Longstocking author, Astrid Lindgren, it’s a fairy tale land where kids can dress up, play, meet characters from Lindgren’s books and ride the story train, which chugs its way through miniature landscapes full of dolls, lights and sounds. It’s magical.
Tip: The museum bookshop is the largest in Sweden. You can spend half a day here alone!
2. Experiment at Tom Tits
Enjoy a fun-filled family day at Tom Tits Experiment. It’s a sort of hands-on science and technology centre, where the kids can play with giant bubbles, get lost in a hall of mirrors, throw themselves down a helter-skelter and learn how the body works through a series of wacky experiments.
Jam-packed with things to discover, it’s a fascinating way to spend an afternoon, for both kids and adults.
3. Have a splash around at Eriksdalsbadet
If rain hits and your Stockholm trip with the kids goes a bit off-course, then head to Eriksdalsbadet. It’s the country’s national swimming centre and boasts not one, but five pools. There’s also a diving area and fun aqua park to keep the water babies occupied. But it’s not all about the kids: There are hot tubs for the grown-ups too.
Tip: This place gets packed at weekends. Go off-peak for a more chilled experience.
4. Enjoy the rides at Gröna Lund
You get two attractions for the price of one at Gröna Lund. By day, it’s a family-friendly amusement park with roller coasters for the adults and teacups for the children. By night, it’s an awesome live music venue that attracts top international artists. Think Lenny Kravitz and Kris Kristofferson.
If all that entertainment makes you hungry, there’re plenty of restaurants and cafés to keep everyone happy.
5. Get nautical at the Vasa Museum
The Vasa Museum houses the remains of a Swedish warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. Salvaged in 1961, the sixty-nine-metre-long ship is an incredible sight. And it’s got an equally fascinating history. To enjoy it to the full, take the free audio guide.
If the kids are too restless for a tour, sit them in front of ‘ t’, a twenty-minute cartoon about a piglet’s adventures on the warship Vasa. Everyone’s a winner.
6. Try some heavenly Swedish meatballs
You can’t take the kids to Stockholm without trying some Swedish meatballs. Served in a rich, creamy, gravy, you’ll find some of the best balls in town at Meatballs for the People.
Child-friendly hotels
There’s no shortage of child-friendly hotels in Stockholm.
Hotel Hasselbacken ***
Close to the kid-friendly museums and the Gröna Lund theme park on the island of Djurgården, the Hasselbacken takes child-friendly to another level. As well as an outdoor playground, there’s a playroom where the little ones can watch films and play video games.
If you’re on a budget trip to Stockholm with the kids, this hotel offers great value for money.
Grand Central by Scandic ****
Located in central Stockholm, the stylish 4-star Grand Central by Scandic is ideal for those travelling with kids. If they’re aged 13 or under they stay free-of-charge and receive a welcome gift at check-in. If you’ve got older teenagers, you can book a room for them next to yours at a discounted rate. Oh, and the breakfast is delicious!
More hotels
Enjoy some family fun
There are tons of family-friendly things to do in Stockholm. For more inspiration, take a look at these top tips for a Stockholm city break.
When you’ve nailed down your holiday dates, sign up for a Norwegian Reward Family Account and start pooling your CashPoints as a family. Book your flights through Norwegian and your hotel through Norwegian Reward and you could save money on your next family break.
Plus, if you take the Arlanda Express airport train or Flygbussarna airport bus to and from your hotel, you’ll earn even more CashPoints!
Oh, and if it’s the first time you’re taking the kids abroad, it pays to be prepared for the plane. Need some advice? Check out our post on flying with kids.
Happy travels!