Not only does Sweden’s capital, enjoy a picture-perfect setting but it has an amazing family-friendly attitude too. Stockholm is everything you might expect from a cool Scandinavian city; excellent museums, delicious restaurants, stylish hotels, a beautiful skyline and hip neighbourhoods.
But this is also a very child-friendly city and you’ll quickly discover that there is lots to do in Stockholm with kids.
Sweden has long had a reputation for being a great place for kids to grow up. There are child-specific libraries, pram ramps are common and parks have dedicated sections for kids across the country. Most shopping centres have nursing rooms and the majority restaurants have high chairs.
But it’s more than just family-friendly amenities that Sweden offers. Government offices, for example, will regularly invite young Swedes to share their opinions and needs. This, in turn, has helped to shape decision-making processes and policies.
It really does seem like Sweden is one of the most child-friendly countries in Europe.
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Stockholm for kids
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Like Helsinki in Finland, Stockholm sits on the Baltic Sea. It forms part of a large archipelago consisting of some 30,000 islands, islets and skerries. The capital itself is built on 14 islands, connected by 57 bridges over Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. It’s an easy to city to walk around and it has a very good public transport network.
The following activities and attractions are perfect for Stockholm kids (and those that just happen to be visiting!).
The Stockholm Subway
Stockholm’s subway system is not just a mass transit system, it’s also said to be the world’s longest art exhibit. Measuring 110 kilometres long, the subway network is home to over 90 Metro stations that are filled with amazing artworks. Riding the subway stoping at some of the most popular stations is one of the best ways to explore the city.
Some of the best Stockholm subway stations to visit are the
T-Centralen Station, Stadion Station, Kungsträdgården Station, Solna Centrum and Tekniska Högskolan
- T-Centralen metro stop is possibly the busiest in Stockholm so it might take some searching before you find the artwork. Head to the Blue Line where you’ll find the underground cave walls covered in beautiful blue leaves. These are the work of Per Olof Ultvedt.
- Stadion Station, on the Red Line, is easily reached from T-Centralen and features a colourful rainbow archway in between two platforms.
- Kungsträdgården Station is on the Blue Line and has been transformed into an underground garden painted in various shades of red and green with a bold, geometric tiled floor
- Solna Centrum is one of my favourite subway stations in Stockholm. The station opened in 1975 and features a bright green forest and a red evening sun setting behind the treetops. Originally the walls were meant to be only green and red but the artistic, deciding the artworks was lacking, improvised adding details including houses, a waterfall, a small plane and trucks. Solna Centrum is on the blue line.
- Tekniska Högskolan is a science themed station by Lennart Mörk. The central piece is a large dodecahedron that represents the four elements – fire, air, water and earth – as well as the universe and technological advances.
Junibacken
If you’re wondering what fun things there are to do with younger kids then I would recommend Junibacken. This kid-friendly museum and cultural centre aims to inspire a love of reading in children.
Located on the island of Djurgården, in the centre of Stockholm, the popular museum is devoted to Swedish children’s literature, in particular the works of Astrid Lindgren. For those unfamiliar with Lindgren, she is the author of many books including the wonderful Pippi Longstocking.
Literary-inspired activities prevail at Junibacken and include an enchanting Story Train ride through some of Lindgren’s most popular stories. This fun train journey ends at Villa Villekulla, home to Pippi Longstocking.
There is also Storybook Square, where children can visit Pippi’s house and even ride her horse. The on-site theatre puts on 1,500 shows annually – all family-friendly – and the restaurant is famous for serving 150,000 pancakes a year!
The Royal Armoury at the Stockholm Royal Palace
Established in 1628 by King Gustav II Adolph, the Royal Armoury (Livrustkammaren) is the oldest museum in Sweden and one of the best things to do in Stockholm for children. It was created initially to preserve the royal clothes used by the King on his campaign in Poland and is today an interactive lesson in Swedish History.
More importantly, perhaps, it gives children the opportunity to dress up as knights!
Positioned in the dark cellar of the Stockholm Royal Palace, the museum houses elaborate costumes, glittering carriages, and clothes and playthings once belonging to the royal children. Somewhat morbidly, the outfit worn by Gustav III to the masquerade ball in 1792 where he was assassinated is also on display.
A good way to explore the Royal Armoury is on the self-guided ‘Castle Mouse’ tour; the museum gift shop provides the tools you need to enjoy this family-friendly tour. Afterwards, kids can dress up as Kings and Queens in the Play & Learn room.
The Swedish History Museum
One of Stockholm’s best museums is the Swedish History Museum that has truly excellent Viking exhibition. The Viking World explores the stories, legends and realities of life in the Viking World (and dispels some myths too, Vikings never wore horned helmets!).
The exhibition invites visitors to explore the world of the Vikings through ten different themes including social structure, travel and cultural exchange, craftwork, seafaring and more. Without some 2,500 objects on display – including everything from ancient Viking games and jewellery to weapons and clothing – it’s a fascinating insight into an ancient culture. Plus there are some fun interactive displays to keep kids occupied!
Elsewhere in the museum there’s lots to see and do too. For kids there are audio guides detailing the history of Sweden as well as activity trails to follow.
We also really enjoyed the Prehistories exhibit, which shares eight life stories from people living in the Stone Age, the Bronze Age or the Iron Age. The airport-style Departure Lounge is an engaging, interactive space that invites visitors to question where they are from, who tells their story and how their world is organised.
The Swedish History Museum offers free entry for children and teens up to 19 years old.
MegaMind
Possibly one of best places to visit in Stockholm (particularly on a rainy day), is Sweden’s MegaMind at the National Museum of Science and Technology. Designed to encourage and inspire children to experiment their way to new, smart ideas, it’s a great way to get kids thinking while having fun.
The museum design is based on the human brain. Visitors enter the museum through a gigantic ear and onwards into a large room where the brain’s hemispheres are represented.
From here on, it’s all about creative thinking.
There are some 50 interactive displays that challenge children’s perceptions. Children can see what the world looks like through a pair of cat’s eyes or learn about balance when walking across the dizzy bridge. There’s the chance to paint with your eyes, make music with your entire body and drive a satellite.
There is also a family room in MegaMind for changing babies’ diapers/nappies and for feeding – as well as giving everyone a rest!
Gröna Lund
Gröna Lund is the oldest amusement park in Sweden and pretty much guarantees a great time. The theme park is home to 30 rides, six restaurants and myriad fairground-style stalls. Those brave enough should strap themselves into Ikaros, a facedown freefall tower that plunges riders headfirst towards the waterfront from a height of 95m.
Gröna Lund overlooks the water on the island of Djurgården (or Kungliga Djurgården), in central Stockholm alongside many of the city’s most popular museums and main attractions.
The Vasa Museum
In 1626 King Gustavus Adolphus ordered a ship to be built that would be grand enough to showcase Sweden’s military might. The Vasa took two years to build and when she was finished she was a beautiful ship, richly decorated and fitted with elaborate bronze cannons.
Unfortunately, however, the Vasa was incredibly unstable. It’s not surprising then, that when the Vasa took her maiden voyage in August 1628, she sank. She had only travelled 1,300 meters.
For 300 years, the Vasa lay at the bottom of Stockholm harbour until April 1961 when she was raised to the surface with her hull almost entirely intact. Today she sits in the Vasa Museum and is one of the most popular Stockholm attractions.
Numerous activities are offered specifically for children at the museum. One of the most popular is the showing of a film about a little piglet called Lindblom who heads out on an adventure aboard the Vasa.
There is also a family trail to follow after you have seen the film that guides you through the museum, asking questions based on Lindblom’s adventures. The trail is in English and suitable for children 3 to 8 years.
A second family trail takes visitors through the Vasa´s history and is suitable for children from 6 years. The family trail is available in Swedish, English, German, Finnish and Russian.
The ABBA Museum
Even if your children have never heard of ABBA, this poptastic museum is definitely one of the best things to do in Stockholm.
Located a short walk from the Vasa Museum, this fantastic museum is dedicated to Sweden’s most famous pop group. The museum celebrates everything there is to know about ABBA, from the moment that Björn and Benny first met to the day that the group sang their winning song, Waterloo, at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974.
There are costumes and gold records on display as well as other original items and memorabilia.
But there’s more to this museum than rooms full of ‘stuff’.
The ABBA Museum is built on audience engagement and visitors are encouraged to get involved. You can mix songs, audition to become the fifth member of ABBA and sit at the controls of the ‘Arrival Helicopter’ – made famous from the classic album cover.
The highlight of the museum, however, is the stage where you can join the ABBA avatars and belt out Mama Mia as loud as you like.
Skansen
Located on the island of Djurgården, Skansen is the world’s first open-air museum and a popular place to visit in Stockholm for families.
Founded in 1891, it’s a place to experience living history; where you can wander around historic homes and see the staff dressed in period dress.
There are some 150 farms and houses to explore, each representing different periods in Sweden’s history. The houses were disassembled and transported here from across the country and then rebuilt on site (you’ll find a similar museum in Tallinn, Estonia).
There is a zoo, home to wild Nordic animals including bears, wolves and lynx and a children’s zoo with domestic animals such as goats and chicks. National Holidays are celebrated great vigour at Skansen with fun events to celebrate Midsummer, Christmas and more.
Artipelag
Set on Värmdö, in the Stockholm Archipelago, Artipelag is an art gallery located just a 20-minute drive from the city centre or a 1.5-hour boat ride. If the sun is shining, you should definitely travel by water and enjoy the great views.
Artipelag is a combination of the words ‘art’, ‘activities’ and ‘archipelago’ and sums up what this creative space aims to offer. Exhibitions change regularly and in the past have featured artists such as Carouschka Streijffert and Andy Warhol.
Artipelag also has programmes for kids with dedicated activity spaces for children and organised workshops based on current exhibitions. Other activities include quizzes and making Easter eggs.
A very good restaurant is on site and the island itself has boarded walkways for strolling.
Yasuragi Kids
Yasuragi, meaning ‘inner peace and harmony’ is a hotel and spa designed to provide a complete holistic experience and a complete unique experience in Stockholm for families. The spa is known primarily for its relaxing Japanese baths, that soothe the body and clear the mind.
For 10 months of the year, Yasuragi is open to visitors aged 16 years and over. However, during the summer months, Yasuragi opens its doors to children of all ages. This period is known as Yasuragi Kids.
Yasuragi Kids was conceived to offer families the opportunity to spend quality time together in relaxing and peaceful environment. Yasuragi Kids is not a glorified kids’ club where you can leave your children while you enjoy a massage, however.
Instead, Yasuragi Kids is a place to spend time simply being with your children; a place that aims to help children slow down and reconnect with themselves. Parents and children are also expected to participate in activities together such as sushi making, family yoga, and meditation classes.
Ghost Walk of Stockholm
Suitable for older kids (the Ghost Walk recommends 7 years and up) who aren’t easily scared is this ghoulish 90-minute walk through Gamla Stan, the Old Town of Stockholm city.
During the Stockholm Ghost Walk you can expect tales of murder and mayhem, death and disease, and executions and assassinations. These gruesome stories are told as you walk along dark alleyways, through forgotten courtyards, and across cobbled streets.
Kids are more than welcome although parental discretion is advised. Tours are held in Swedish and English and are tailored to whether or not there are children in the group.
Drottningholm Palace
Located on the island of Lovön, not far from Stockholm, Drottningholm Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, more importantly, the private residence to the Swedish Royal Family.
Fortunately, however, with the exception of the southern wing of the palace, the castle and its grounds are open to visitors and a visit here makes for a good day trip from the city center.
Drottningholm Palace was built in the 1600s and is the most well-preserved royal castle of its time. Visitors are free to explore by themselves or join a 45-minute guided tour (June – August daily at 11.30am in English; September – May weekends only at 11.30am in English).
There are fun activity trails for children aged 4-12 to follow, these can be picked up at the entry to the palace.
The best way to visit Drottningholm Palace is by boat with cruises departing regularly from Stadshuskajen, the city hall quay, between March and October. The trip takes roughly one hour.
The Viking Museum
Not to be confused with the Viking exhibition in the Swedish History Museum, this entire museum is dedicated to Vikings.
This interesting museum brings the world of the Vikings to life in a fun, interactive way. You can meet the Vikings, explore the Viking Age and take a ride on Ragnfrid’s Saga. The museum’s adventure ride follows Viking Harald on a journey through 10th century Europe. The ride is great fun but might be a little scary for young kids; the recommended age is 7+.
Guided tours take place in both English and Swedish regularly, check the website for timings.
Gamla Stan
Stockholm’s most famous neighbourhood is Gamla Stan (Old Town), the original city centre. It’s also the most famous of Stockholm’s 14 islands too, a compact area of narrow squiggly cobblestone lanes, colourful historical buildings, shops, cafes and restaurants.
The best way to enjoy Gamla Stan is simply to wander around. You’ll come across Stortorget (or “the Big Square”), the oldest square in Stockholm, where wealthy merchants once lived in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today the square is home to a number of cafes and restaurants.
Also within Gamla Stan is Marten Trotzigs Grand (“Alley of Marten Trotzig”) the narrowest street in Stockholm measuring just 35 inches wide.
Gamla Stan is also where the Stockholm Royal Palace is and nearby you’ll find the Storkyrkan (literally “the Great Church”), which was built in 1279.
If you are visiting Stockholm during the summer months then the best time to visit Gamla Stan is first thing in the morning before it gets too crowded (although it is busy most of the time!).
Enjoy ‘Fika’
The Brits stop for afternoon tea, the Germans enjoy kaffee und kuchen and in Sweden they take fika (pronounced “fee-ka”). This tradition of taking a break for coffee and a pastry is one that I thoroughly endorse, especially in a city like Stockholm which makes incredible pastries.
Try Mellqvist Kaffebar for amazing cardamom buns or Café Pascal that serves tasty food alongside its pastries. Wherever you choose to fika, however, (yes, fika is both a noun and a verb!) it’s highly unlikely that you will go wrong!
Stockholm Family Hotels
We stayed at the Nordic C Hotel, which is brilliantly located near the Arlanda Express trains. Rooms are on the small side but prices are good for this part of town, and breakfast is excellent! Haymarket by Scandic is another good option; good-looking and centrally located.
Other popular family hotels include the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, beautiful Freys Hotel, the Nobis Hotel and Hotel Skeppsholmen or take a look at the options below.
Getting to Stockholm
As the capital of Sweden and the country’s biggest city, Stockholm is a well-connected transport hub. There are two airports within easy reach of Stockholm and a further two airports around 100km from the city.
Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) is the biggest airport in Sweden and is served by direct flights from destinations in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It’s the main hub for Scandinavian Airlines and handles flights from some 30 domestic destinations.
The airport is well connected to the city; dedicated airport buses depart from terminal five every 10–15 minutes taking 45 minutes to reach City Terminalen in Norrmalm. There’s also the Arlanda Express train, which takes 20 minutes to get from terminal two to the Central Station, with departures every 10–15 minutes throughout the day.
Stockholm Skavsta Airport sits about 100km southwest of the capital, close to the town of Nyköping. It’s mainly serviced by Ryanair and Wizz Air flights. Airport buses operated by Flygbussarna run between Skavsta and Stockholm’s City Terminalen. The journey takes around 80 minutes.
There is also Stockholm Västerås Airport, which sits 100km northwest of the city.
Photos from Depositphotos.com
Everything I read made me want to visit more and more! I love all of the dress up and playing opportunities for kids! Stockholm looks like an amazing family travel destination and I am adding it to our bucket list!
Thanks Bryanna! We agree, it really does seem to have everything for kids. Lucky Swedes! 🙂
We had a great time in Stockholm on a cruise a few years ago but didn’t have enough time to fully explore and have wanted to go back ever since! I’d go back just for the ABBA Museum!! 🙂
Haha, me too!
Yes to all of these! We did not do the Yasuragi Kids (but I want to now) or the Ghost Walk (want to do that too). Stockholm was one of our favorite Scandinavian cities and I am sure we will return one day. Making notes to add these to our “to do” list!
Thank you! What did you do in Stockholm that we missed from the list? I really can’t wait to go back!
Stockholm looks super family-friendly! I love all of these fun activities. Definitely pinning this for future reference!
Thanks! Honestly, it’s such a lovely city that I’m tempted to pack up and move there!
Love Stockholm and Sweden! Need to plan a return visit, it’s been too long.
When did you go and what did you do? I can’t wait to go back!!
Brilliant information on this amazing city! I live in Stockholm and love it every single day. (Psst: a little type-o on the Vasa page: You write that the ship was constructed in 1626, and sank in 1928. As you know, it sank 300 years earlier.) Thank you for your very informative article on this glorious city. I agree with your enthusiasm:
Stockholm is a spectacular place to see! 🙂
Well spotted Karyn, thank you! And thank you for your kind comments, we both loved visiting Stockholm and I can only imagine what a wonderful city it is to live in!