Finding fun things to do with kids in Stockholm doesn’t have to be difficult, but getting it right every time isn’t always easy. One child’s idea of a dream day out is another one’s nightmare and the little ones aren’t always the easiest of crowds to please. Taking them to a peaceful spot for a bit of relaxation would probably go down like a lead balloon, and sometimes even the most innovative ideas you think they would love can be met with a disapproving eye roll.
But when you do get it right, all the shot-down suggestions, small tantrums and hours traipsing around the city suddenly feel worth it. Seeing their faces light up as they swing through adventure parks or discover new species of sea life at the local aquarium is priceless. Oh, and the satisfaction (and relief) of hitting the jackpot when finding the perfect child-friendly plan feels great, too. To give you a helping hand when looking for ways to keep the kids busy, here are 10 things to do in Stockholm for both you and the little ones to enjoy.
1. Take a trip to the Baltic Sea Science Center
Located inside the 132-year-old Skansen museum, Baltic Sea Science Center is home to hundreds of Nordic wildlife, rare breeds and exotic creatures. At the Children’s Zoo, kids can get up close and personal with domestic animals including cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and more. And as the world’s oldest open-air museum, you can soak up a little bit of Stockholm’s history just by walking through this historic venue that showcases Sweden’s age-old customs and traditions.
📍Djurgårdsslätten 49-51, 115 21, Stockholm
2. Indulge in an outdoor picnic
As we all know, it’s not always sunny in Stockholm. But when it is, everyone jumps at the chance to venture outside and take advantage of the nice weather. Luckily for us, the city is jam-packed with beautiful outdoor areas and lush greenery that provide the perfect spots for a lovely little picnic. From Tantolunden to Nobelparken, there’s a host of green areas in and around the city to soak up the sun, enjoy some tasty bites and peel the kids away from their tablets and phones for a couple of hours.
📍Various locations
3. Spark imagination at Junibacken
If one of the little ones considers themselves a bit of a bookworm, then Junibacken is sure to go down a storm. This children’s museum is fueled with the mission to get young people reading, and they do so through interactive theatre shows and fun-filled reading workshops. The playful exhibits journey through Astrid Lindgren’s most magical works, so don’t be surprised if Pippi Longstocking makes an appearance during your visit.
Also, if you’re trying to get the kids into reading more, then this place should be your first port of call. There’s enough literary magic here to last a lifetime and you’ll probably struggle to get the kids to put a book down by the end of it.
📍Galärvarvsvägen, 8, 115 21, Stockholm
4. Discover the cool side of science at Tom Tits Experiment
A world of excitement and heaps of fun awaits at Tom Tits Experiment. Spanning over four floors, this museum has a range of exhibitions that open the little ones up to the wonders of science and technology. Get lost in their hall of mirrors, pop the gigantic soap bubbles and experiment with fluorescent paints as you learn all about physics, chemistry, biology and more. Offering a fun-filled adventure with a little bit of learning on the side, this place is a win-win for all the family.
📍Storgatan 33, 151 36 Södertälje, Sweden
5. Check out the stunning butterfly house at Fjärilshuset
Surrounded by gushing waterfalls and rich vegetation, Fjärilshuset is a glorious sanctuary for over 700 species of butterflies. Visitors are encouraged to walk through the butterfly haven and take a look at the vibrant colours and mesmerizing patterns of several thousand winged beauties. What’s great about this place is that there’s also an aquarium on site that houses sharks, tropical fish and much more, so you can introduce the youngsters to the creatures of the sky and sea all in a day’s work.
📍Hagaparken, 169 70 Solna, Sweden
6. Wind down at a magical Candlelight concert
Taking place inside some of Stockholm’s most incredible venues including Historiska museet, these enchanting Candlelight concerts are truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Thousands of candles illuminate the space around you as talented musicians work their magic on the iconic works of Hans Zimmer, Coldplay, The Beetles and more. Candlelight pays homage to a range of genres, singers and composers, so there’s always a concert that both the kids and the grown ups will enjoy. Children must be eight or over and be accompanied by an adult, so this could be a super special treat for the older kids.
Get your tickets to these extraordinary Candlelight concerts here.
📍Various locations
7. Stuff your face at one of Stockholm’s irresistible eateries
When all else fails, food always prevails. Sometimes, there’s no better way to appease the kids than feeding them the good stuff. Stockholm is filled to the brim with pizzerias, burger joints, fried chicken spots and many more unbeatable restaurants that will go down a treat with the little hungry monsters. Room for dessert? Head to one of the city’s magnificent finest crêperies or stop off at one of these irresistible cheesecake spots for a little slice of heaven.
📍Various locations
8. Feel all the thrills at Gröna Lund
Gröna Lund provides all the thrills and excitement you could ever ask for. Not only does the amusement park contain dozens of roller coaster rides and arcade games, but it also hosts multiple live concerts throughout the year. The likes of John Legend, Dua Lipa, ABBA and even Bob Marley have all performed on the theme park’s grand stage.
What’s more, when you’re feeling hungry, you can get a delicious bite to eat at one of the many bars and restaurants on site and indulge in all the candy floss and ice cream that you can handle. There are some rides for kids over 110cm, but most are only suitable for people 140cm and above, so bare that in mind before you book.
📍Lilla Allmänna Gränd 9, 115 21 Stockholm
9. Vasa Museum
Vasa Musuem is one of the most visited museums in Scandinavia, most probably because of the enormous 17th-century warship that it houses. In 1628, the ship sunk to the bottom of the ocean, but over 300 years later, it was salvaged and had miraculously stayed mostly intact for all that time. Kids aged three years and over can enjoy a self-guided tour around the gigantic vessel and soak up all the history from this incredible maritime artifact. You can also live out all your pirate fantasies as you marvel at the stern’s intricate details and the huge bow at the back of the ship.
📍Galärvarvsvägen 14, 115 21 Stockholm
10. Channel your inner child at Bryggartäppan playground
Nestled in the heart of Södermalm neighbourhood lies Bryggartäppan – an unconventional play area which was designed with the iconic Mina drömmars stad novel in mind. The book tells the story of a young boy who lived and worked in the district at the end of the 19th century, and the play park gives an idea of what the area may have looked like all those years ago.
Kids can spend hours of fun on the seesaws and slides and even make sandcastles in the sandbox. And that’s not all! There are also several miniature wooden houses and tiny factories that the little ones can explore too. In the summer, a lovely little cafe sells ice cream, coffee, waffles and more sweet treats to help you cool down and satisfy those cravings.
📍Bjurholmsgatan 1A, 116 38 Stockholm