Are you planning a family vacation in Stockholm and looking for activities that both kids and adults will enjoy? As a Stockholm local and parent of two toddlers, I understand the challenge of finding kid-friendly places that keep the whole family entertained.
In this guide, I’m excited to share with you our favorite family-friendly discoveries in Stockholm. From exploring the historical wonders of Gamla Stan to the joyful rides at Gröna Lund, these are tried-and-tested spots that promise fun for all ages.
Whether you’re looking for a cultural activity or just a pleasant day out, this guide is packed with things to do to make your Stockholm visit with kids a stress-free and memorable adventure.
Table of Contents
Junibacken – The Storybook World
The best place you can take your kids in Stockholm is Junibacken, a magical place that feels like stepping into a storybook. It’s a special spot in Stockholm that both kids and adults will love.
We totally loved the Story Train. It’s a fun ride that takes you through the stories of Astrid Lindgren. You’ll see characters like Pippi Longstocking and Ronia the Robber’s Daughter come to life.
When you buy your ticket, you also get to see a performance. This is included, so make sure to get theater tickets too (You need to add them to your order separately, but there is no extra cost).
There is plenty of space for children to play at Junibacken, and there are different play areas for different ages. Your kids can climb, slide, and have a great time.
You’ll find Junibacken on Djurgarden Island. It’s open from 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening, Sunday to Friday. On Saturdays, it opens early at 9 and closes at 5.
If you’re coming with a baby or a little kid, bring a carrier as you cannot enter with a stroller. You can park your stroller outside, and if you don’t have a lock, you can buy a lock at the entrance.
Skansen – Open-Air Museum and Zoo
Skansen is a unique outdoor museum and zoo on the lovely Djurgarden Island. It’s the world’s first open-air museum, and it offers a wonderful mix of history, culture, and animals.
At Skansen, it’s like stepping back in time. You and your kids can explore old buildings and farms that show how life used to be in Sweden. It’s a great way for your children to see and learn about Swedish traditions and life in the countryside in a fun and hands-on way.
The zoo at Skansen is always a favorite for kids. They’ll love seeing animals like bears, moose, and otters. The zoo staff gives talks and shows how they feed the animals, which is both fun and educational. Make sure to check the schedules at the entrance so you don’t miss it.
Skansen is open every day throughout the year. Their hours change with the seasons, so it’s a good idea to check their website for the latest information.
There are places to eat at Skansen, but you can also bring your own food. It’s a perfect spot for a family picnic or barbecue.
Getting to Skansen is easy. Just take tram number 7 from T-Centralen, and it will take you to the entrance of the park.
Vasa Museum – A Shipwreck Adventure
Take your family on an adventure at the Vasa Museum, where you’ll step back into the 17th century. The Vasa is the museum’s star attraction. The ship sank on its maiden voyage. Centuries later, it was found in remarkable condition. Now, it’s displayed for everyone to see.
The museum is full of exciting stories about the Vasa and life at sea in the 1600s. Kids will have a great time doing fun things on the ship. They can learn how to tie sailor’s knots and explore the lower decks.
When you get to the museum, pick up a Family Trail brochure. It’s a fun guide that helps you and your kids find all the cool stuff in the museum.
Make sure to watch the Vasa Piglet Film. It’s a short, 17-minute movie that’s perfect for kids over three. The film is available in different languages, so check the times to find one that works for you.
Remember to bring a sweater! The museum is kept cool, between 18-20°C, to keep the ship in good shape.
Vasa Museum is also located on Djurgarden Island, so to get there take tram number 7 from T-Centralen.
Stockholm City Hall
Stockholm City Hall, nestled in the heart of Central Stockholm, is not just a historic building but a must-see attraction for families. To see the City Hall, you need to join a guided tour. These tours last about 45 minutes and are a great way to learn about this place. You’ll see the Blue Hall, The Golden Hall, the Council Chamber, and the Gallery of the Prince.
Remember, you can’t book tickets in advance. You’ll need to buy them on the day of your visit.
You can buy tickets at the City Hall Shop, located at Hantverkargatan 1. Make sure to check the hours before you go.
If it’s summer, don’t miss the chance to climb the tower. The climb is a bit tough, but the views of Central Stockholm, Lake Mälaren, and the archipelago are well worth the effort. Plus, it’s a good way to get a panoramic view of the city’s best attractions.
The City Hall Park is a great spot for families. It’s a nice place to relax, let your kids play, and maybe have a picnic with a beautiful view.
Gröna Lund – Fun and Thrills for Everyone
Gröna Lund on the island of Djurgården is a top spot for family fun in Stockholm, especially if you’re looking for an amusement park with a mix of rides for all ages. It’s one of the main attractions near the city centre and is easy to get to by public transportation.
Even my 18-month-old loved the classic carousel and the little Ferris wheel. If you have young kids, try out Spindelpigan and Mumieelefanterna, too. Just ensure your child can sit up alone, as they can’t ride on your lap.
For the adults, the park offers several thrilling roller coasters. The Monter roller coaster is a must. My husband and I took turns riding it, and it was a thrill!
The park has a charming, old-time feel that adds to the fun. And in the summer, there are concerts with artists from all over and local musicians. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy live music and the city’s lights in the background.
Tom Tits Experiment – A Day of Science Fun
For a day of science fun, you have to take your family to Tom Tits Experiment. This isn’t just any science museum – it’s a hands-on adventure in Södertälje, just a short trip from Stockholm. It’s perfect for kids to touch, play, and learn about science.
At Tom Tits Experiment, kids get to do real science experiments. They’ll learn about things like physics and biology in a fun, interactive way. It’s a great place to spark their curiosity and love for science.
There’s just as much fun outside as inside. The museum has a big maze, a water play area, and a playground. It’s great for families who want to mix learning with outdoor play.
My kids had a lot of fun here, they enjoyed the Soap Bubble show, check the program on the screens so you don’t miss this.
Plan to spend a whole day here, as there’s a lot to see and do. You can bring your own food or grab snacks and lunch at the restaurant.
You can take your stroller inside, but there’s only one elevator, which might get busy. There’s also a spot to leave strollers on the first floor if you prefer.
Stockholm’s National Museum – Art for All Ages
Stockholm’s National Museum is a great place for families. It is filled with art and cultural treasures. Here, you can see a variety of art, such as paintings, sculptures, and fancy decorations.
The museum has lots of fun stuff for kids and families. One cool thing is the Oculus Walk. It’s a do-it-yourself tour where kids can explore paintings in a fun way. Just ask for an Oculus tool, a map, and a pencil at the information desk on the ground floor. The map comes in different languages, which is really helpful.
For kids aged 6-11, there’s the Villa Curiosa exhibition. It’s open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10.30 a.m. to 4.15 p.m. You need timed tickets to get in. I haven’t been there yet, but I’ve heard great things about it.
The museum also has workshops for kids as young as four. You don’t need to book in advance, just drop in. It’s free, and every week there’s a new theme. It’s a fun way for kids to get creative and make their own art.
Good news for families: kids and teens under 20 get in for free!
The National Museum is a wonderful place to spark your children’s creativity and love for art.
Nobel Museum – Inspiring Future Achievers
Visit the Nobel Museum with your family and dive into a world of inspiration. This museum is in the Börshuset at Stortorget in the Old Town. It celebrates Nobel Prize winners and their work in science, literature, and peace.
The museum has displays that teach children about the accomplishments of Nobel Prize winners. It’s a great way to show them how important these discoveries and ideas are.
Kids will love the hands-on science activities in the museum’s workshop. They can also have fun in the Bubble Chamber, a room full of games and books just for kids.
The Nobel Museum is all about sparking curiosity and dreaming of big achievements. It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and stays open later on Fridays. Plus, it’s free for anyone 18 and under.
Museum of Natural History – Exploring the Natural World
The Natural History Museum in Stockholm is a must-visit for families who love nature. Located at Frescativägen 40, it’s a place where the mysteries of the universe and our planet come alive.
Getting there is very easy, just a short walk from the Universitetet subway station on the red line.
The museum has ten amazing permanent exhibitions. They cover everything from space to the secrets of Earth.
Got a little dinosaur fan? You’ll want to head straight to the Fossils and Evolution exhibition. It’s filled with cool models and real fossils, perfect for young explorers.
Don’t miss the Cosmonova, a huge 23-meter dome screen for IMAX® films. Just remember, kids under two are not allowed in the theatre.
The museum is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with longer weekend hours. Good news: They offer free entry for kids and teens under 18! For Cosmonova, you’ll need to buy a separate ticket.
Kulturhuset – Art and Culture Hub for Kids
Kulturhuset is the heart of art and culture for young children in Stockholm. Children can join creative workshops to explore their artistic talents. They can try painting and theater.
The shows at Kulturhuset are specially designed for children. They are fun, engaging, and easy to understand. Plus, with cozy reading spots and a family-friendly café, it’s a warm and welcoming place for everyone.
Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town, is one of the best places for families to explore. There’s so much to see and do that both kids and parents will love, from the historic buildings to the fun activities.
The Royal Palace is a main attraction, especially watching the guards change daily. The Royal Palace is open from 10 am to 4 pm (Oct-Apr) and 10 am to 5 pm (May-Sep). The Palace offers activity trails for children aged 5-12. Once completed, you can return the sheet to claim a reward. My children are not old enough, so I still need to do it.
In the summer months, many people like to watch the Changing of the Guards and listen to the military band. It’s held daily at 12:15 pm (weekdays) and 1:15 pm (Sundays) in summer. For the rest of the year, you can check the schedule here.
You can also visit the Children’s Armoury a special activity on the Royal Armoury located in the south-eastern corner of the Royal Palace.
There’s also a fun playground called Junotäppan, where kids can play while parents relax with a coffee. Also, souvenir shops sell interesting moose items and the famous Dala horse.
You can also find cozy cafes where you can have a fika. A fika is a Swedish coffee break with something sweet. Try the kanelbulle or Kardemummabulle.
Drottningholm Palace
The Drottningholm Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is wonderful for families visiting Stockholm. The gardens of the palace are inspired by the famous Versailles gardens. You can immediately notice that when you arrive there. They’re big, so they’re perfect for kids to explore and parents to relax.
Getting there is easy, even though it’s outside the city center. To get to Drottningholm, take the T-bana to Brommaplan on the green line. Then, switch to either bus 177 or 176.
During the summer, a boat leaves from City Hall Quay and goes straight to Drottningholm.
For families, the palace offers educational photo hunts. Kids can have fun searching for lions, plants, flowers, animals, or feathers on maps offered by the palace. These hunts are suitable for children aged 4–12, but anyone can participate.
The huge garden outside is the best part for families, especially with little kids. You can walk around, have a picnic, and let your kids run and play.
Abba Museum
The ABBA Museum in Stockholm is a really fun place for families. It’s all about ABBA, the famous music group from Sweden. In the museum, you can see the clothes they wore on stage and lots of cool stuff from their concerts. But the best part is that you and your kids can join in. You can sing and dance with ABBA videos.
There are different rooms to explore, each one showing something special about ABBA’s music and their life. It’s a great place for families who like music and want to have fun together. Your family can learn about ABBA’s music, dance to their songs, and have a really good time.
The ABBA Museum in Stockholm is a great place for families to visit together. It’s perfect for all generations. Easily accessible, it’s located right next to Gröna Lund on Djurgården Island.
Though small, the museum packs a lot of fun. You won’t need more than a couple of hours to explore it. Everyone, from kids to grandparents, can have fun singing and dancing with ABBA’s holograms.
Nordiska museet
The Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet) in Stockholm is a great place for families to visit. The building itself it’s pretty impressive. The museum has exhibits about Swedish history. It displays clothing, toys, swords, and farm tools. This collection shows Swedish culture and history to adults and kids.
Families love the Children’s Playhouse. It offers interactive, educational fun for kids. There is a special area for imaginative play. It’s recommended for kids 5 years and up.
Viking museum
The Viking Museum in Stockholm is a great place for families to have fun and learn about Vikings.
The coolest part of the museum is a ride called Ragnfrid’s Saga. On this ride, you go on an exciting trip with a Viking named Harald, traveling back to the 10th century. It’s like a mini-adventure that teaches you about Viking life. The ride might be scary for little kids, especially those under 7. It’s loud and dark, so they should go with an adult.
Families who enjoy stories and learning about the past will love this museum. The Viking Museum makes history fun with things to see and do that kids of all ages will enjoy. If you’re going there with your family, try to get there early when it’s not too busy. You can go on the ride more than once, which is great if your kids really like it.
Moderna Museet
The Moderna Museet in Stockholm is a cool place for families who like art. It’s on a beautiful island called Skeppsholmen and has lots of modern art, like paintings and sculptures. This museum is good for families who enjoy seeing and talking about different kinds of art. There’s something interesting for everyone, from kids to adults.
If you go to the Moderna Museet with your family, look out for special activities for kids. They sometimes have workshops where kids can make their own art, which is really fun. It’s also a good idea to join a tour if you can, especially one for families. These tours explain the art in a way that’s easy for kids to understand. You can check this page for more information.
This museum is great for families who love being creative and learning new things. Some of the best things to see are the famous artworks by big artists like Picasso. Plus, they always have new art shows to see. The museum is in a pretty spot too, making it a nice day out for the whole family.
Vaxholm and the Stockholm archipelago
Vaxholm and the Stockholm archipelago are among the best places in Central Stockholm for family vacations, especially for those who love nature and the Baltic Sea. Vaxholm is a pretty little town near the water with colorful houses and a big old fortress to explore. The archipelago consists of many small islands and is peaceful and beautiful that’s perfect for a nature-filled city break.
When you visit Vaxholm and the islands, taking a boat ride is an entertaining activity. You can see lots of pretty views from the water. In Vaxholm, make sure to visit the big fortress. It’s interesting and fun for both kids and adults.
These places are perfect for families who love being outdoors. You can swim and kayak. There are also places to walk or bike. Or you can just relax on a beach or have a picnic. Vaxholm and the islands are good for families who want to see a quieter, more natural side of Stockholm.
If you’re traveling to Stockholm, here are some posts that you should check out as well:
- Best Top 20 Playgrounds in Stockholm
- Best Things to do in Stockholm in Winter with kids
- Christmas in Sweden with Kids
TRAVEL RESOURCES
✈️ Buy flight tickets in advance
Always buy flight tickets in advance! The place to find the best prices for flight tickets is Skyscanner.com
🏠 Book your accommodation
Booking.com is easy to use and has many options and filters you can use to book in advance and check availability.
🚙 Renting a Car
I recommend Discover Cars because they always have the best rates and great customer service.
🎡 Plan tours and activities
Viator is an excellent place to start looking for activities. They provide a huge selection and great prices.
