10 Things to do in Stockholm with Kids

Sweden's capital is a city that perfectly combines its rich history with a modern and welcoming atmosphere. This Nordic city is known for its beauty, its islands and its cultural diversity. Discover the best things to do in Stockholm, a destination that will make even the youngest members of the family daydream.

An amusement park, a natural history museum, a museum that defies logic, a botanical garden or the place that collects all the inspiration of the Nobel Prize winners... And a fairy world, my favourite! Read on to make your trip with children to Stockholm a dream.

Just the thought of being able to buy tickets to the Toy Museum is enough to get your imagination going, isn't it? That's why this is an experience not to be missed if you're travelling with children.

With a collection of over 40,000 toys of all kinds and from various eras: from dolls to action figures, comics, soft toys, cars, trains and board games... Children will be amazed to discover toys from different eras and cultures.

A curiosity about the place where the museum is located: it is a building with a very peculiar history, as it was once a secret military bunker used by the Swedish Navy after World War II.

The museum allows you to play some classics like pinball or Space Race, you can discover the evolution of toys throughout history, and there are always themed exhibitions. Enjoy them!

Children may have a slightly different view of the Vikings than adults, but both young and old will enjoy this museum, that's for sure!

The Vikings were ancient warriors and explorers who lived in the area of Sweden, Norway and Denmark between the 8th and 11th centuries AD. So at the Viking Museum, you and your little ones can immerse yourselves in the world of these warriors and discover how they lived, what they did and how they dressed - you can even feel like a real Viking! You'll see artefacts from the period, Viking costumes, films inspired by the Vikings and interactive areas - it's like travelling back in time! Plus, the guides will tell you the most interesting facts about Viking culture, but that's not all.

But that's not all, the highlight of the museum is the Viking train, "The Saga of Ragnfrid"! Experience a "magic train" that will take you on a journey through the life of the Vikings. On it, you will hear sounds you might hear on, for example, a Viking ship, and see special effects that will make you feel like you are sailing and fighting like a real warrior.

The Vikings were also great traders, and their adventures influenced the whole of Europe. So not only will you learn about their wars, but also about how their culture left its mark on Europe.

Skansen is an open-air museum that presents the history of Sweden through historic buildings and Scandinavian wildlife. Children can interact with reindeer, moose and other native species. Sounds interesting, doesn't it?

This museum is ideal for discovering what Sweden was like before the industrial revolution - imagine being surrounded by typical Swedish houses, farms and people dressed in period costumes! Here, the little ones can learn, for example, how old farmers made butter, how classic Swedish shoes are made, how fabric was made in the old days and how glass is blown by hand.

There is also a zoo area where you can see moose, grizzly bears, reindeer and bison up close . It's like being on a Swedish safari! Finally, don't forget to enjoy "fika", which is what tea or coffee time is known as in Sweden. In Skansen Park you can enjoy this custom by trying some desserts, snacks and hot drinks that are great when it's cold. Which isn't too difficult in Sweden, really.

Junibacken is the definition of a fantasy world. It's a treasure trove if you love children's literature, and it's the perfect destination to visit with children. If you know Astrid Lindgren, author of Pipi Longstocking, you will enjoy this visit as much as the little ones. And what can you find in Junibacken? I'll tell you in a moment:

Astrid Lindgren's Fairy World

Basically, it's as if her fairy tales leap from the pages straight into real life. As you explore these magical settings, you can listen to the stories narrated by Astrid Lindgren herself. Impressive!

You can also hop on the Story Train (which is literally a train), and take a tour through the fairytale settings: From Villa Villekulla to the exciting world of Pipi Longstocking.

Stockholm's largest children's bookshop

If you love reading, you'll be pleased to know that Junibacken has the largest children's bookshop in Stockholm. Here you will find a wide selection of stories in different languages. The best thing is that you can also sweeten up with the delicious homemade dessert that you can redeem at the on-site restaurant, as it is included in the entrance fee - I can't wait to try it again!

If you are planning a visit to Stockholm with your children, you have to include this amusement park. Gröna Lund is no ordinary amusement park, located on the island of Djurgården. Have you ever imagined riding a roller coaster surrounded by water?

Gröna Lund offers a wide variety of rides designed for both young and old (but not just because they're older, they have to be the bravest), and I'm not afraid of some of the rides! Classic carousels, roller coasters or themed rides: you're sure to find the perfect place to have a great time.

You'll also find live entertainment throughout the day, a wide variety of restaurants and food stalls to suit all tastes, and souvenir shops where you're sure to find a souvenir to take home with you.

If you're looking for an educational visit for children in Stockholm, the Nobel Prize Museum is the perfect place! In this museum, children and adults alike can learn a lot of interesting things about brilliant scientists, genius writers, inspiring leaders and peace advocates.

The museum was created by Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor, and it was he himself who founded the renowned Nobel Prizes. You may be familiar with these awards, but you may not know how many disciplines they are awarded in: science, medicine, literature, economics and peace - one of which is sure to be your favourite!

During your visit, you will have unlimited access to both temporary and permanent exhibits that will show you how these brilliant minds changed the world with their innovative ideas. For example, in the permanent exhibition "Cultures of Creativity", you will discover how Martin Luther King and the writer Selma Lagerlöf came to inspire entire generations. Do you know Selma Lagerlöf? She was the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1909. Fascinating!

The history of the Nobel Prizes, and of this museum, goes back to 1901. Considering that the 20th century has been full of innovation in all fields of knowledge, imagine what you can discover here! Plus, if you're visiting the museum with children, admission is free for children under 18.

This beautiful botanical garden is a peaceful place for a family stroll, where children can explore the themed areas and learn about Sweden's flora.

It is located on the outskirts of Stockholm in the Frescati area, but is easy to reach from the city centre by metro on line 14. Remember that you can use the Stockholm Tourist Card to get around. Remember that you can use the Stockholm Tourist Card to get around. Read on to discover what awaits you in this garden!

Children will learn the importance of respecting the plants and animals they will encounter in the garden. How? Before starting the visit, they will pick up a map of the garden and can plan an exploration route according to the areas they are most interested in, such as the rose garden or the water lily pond at Victoria House.

This will give them a sense of direction and purpose during the visit. I especially recommend seeing Edvard Anderson's greenhouse, where plants from all over the world are gathered in different areas, from lavender to tea to cocoa!

Also, during the tour following his map, there will be treasure hunts or games for them, so they will be eager to get to the next point on the map! On their website you can check what activities are available at the time of your visit. Guided tours adapted for children are also available. They will learn a lot more and will love following the plant identification challenges along the way.

Stockholm's Old Town is known as Gamla Stan- you've probably seen pictures of its beautiful colourful buildings many times! It is a maze of cobblestone streets where you can discover charming shops and cafes. If you're travelling to Stockholm with your children, you can't miss the opportunity to explore Gamla Stan on a guided tour specially designed for families.

This experience combines the city's rich history with an interesting stroll through the streets, allowing you to get a feel for the atmosphere and let the kids learn about the history of a culture that is new to them. By the way! If you want something more intimate and personalised, there is even the option of booking a private tour. For the little ones, a guided tour will help them see all of Stockholm's old town in a very special way. They won't just walk the streets, they will learn why each place is important or what happened there centuries ago.

And what places can you see on such a tour? For example, the Royal Palace, Stortorget Square and the impressive Stockholm Cathedral. This cathedral has hosted royal coronations, weddings (such as that of Sweden's Victoria in 2010) and other historical events in the city since its founding in the 13th century. In addition, the guides often encourage children to ask questions and participate, arousing their curiosity and making them learn more.

Imagine a place where paradoxes and illusions take over reality. That's exactly what you'll find at the Paradox Museum. Here, logic becomes something different from what we're used to.

The idea of the museum is "write your own story", so feel free to let your mind fly. And the kings of imagination are the children, so they will enjoy Paradox to the fullest, you'll see. Without a doubt this is one of the best museums in Stockholm.

You can explore more than 70 breathtaking exhibits. Would you like to talk to a talking piano that predicts the future? Or challenge your balancing skills in an otherworldly tunnel? How about watching a merry-go-round that appears and disappears as it spins in all directions? It can be a lot more fun than a roller coaster, really.

The key to understand is that optical illusions are a true art form and you will become an active part of the magic of this place.

If you have a little scientist at home, the Natural History Museum should be an essential stop on your trip to Stockholm. Here, you can explore what life was like for the dinosaurs, what the climate is like in the polar regions, or what the rocks inside the Earth are like. There is also a planetarium, and Cosmonova: an IMAX cinema with impressive documentaries on astronomy, among other sciences. Who knows if your children will discover your future profession here?

This historic museum has lockers where you can leave your luggage or bags if you prefer to be more comfortable, picnic areas to enjoy the outdoors, restaurants and audio guides. It's about 5 kilometres from Gamla Stan, but there is a metro line and city buses that run to the museum from there.

Although for visiting this and other museums, the best option is the Stockholm Sightseeing Bus, as it has stops nearby and you can hop on and off as many times as you like to explore the city at your own pace.