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14 Beautiful Cities In Scandinavia To Visit With Kids

Are you planning a vacation to Scandinavia with your family? Or are you wondering which cities to visit in Scandinavia with kids? You have come to the right place!

Since my husband and I became parents, we have taken our kids on many (city) trips. Traveling as a family is very different from traveling as a couple, but just as much (if not more) fun.

Sharing adventures and learning about new cultures with your kids is a wonderful and enriching experience!

To provide you with lots of travel Scandinavia inspiration, I’ve asked fellow family bloggers about their favorite kid-friendly cities in Scandinavia.

Scandinavian cities to visit with kids

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Oslo City Museum - Oslo with kids

Beautiful cities in Scandinavia with kids: map

Click here for the interactive map

The best cities in Scandinavia to visit with kids

  1. Aarhus, Denmark
  2. Bergen, Norway
  3. Copenhagen, Denmark
  4. Gothenburg, Zweden
  5. Helsingør, Denmark
  6. Helsinki, Finland
  7. Malmö, Sweden
  8. Oslo, Norway
  9. Reykjavik, Iceland
  10. Rovaniemi, Finland
  11. Stavanger, Norway
  12. Stockholm, Sweden
  13. Tromsø, Norway
  14. Trondheim, Norway

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14 family-friendly cities in Scandinavia

1. Aarhus, Denmark

den-gamle-by-aarhus-denmark-phenomenalglobe.com

Rachel from Wanderu: Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city, is a fantastic place for kids to learn and have fun.

If you’re flying into the country, you can easily take the bus from Copenhagen to Aarhus, and the city itself has fantastic public transport. 

 Visit the Viking Museum, with replicated and original artifacts from the Viking Age. If you’re visiting in July, you can continue the theme with the annual Viking Moot festival, which includes real Viking boat-making and archery competitions. 

Den Gamle By (which literally translates to “The Old City”), located in the Aarhus Botanical Gardens, transports you back to life before the 1900s with antique buildings and live reenactors.

It’s a great way to take in some history and walk around, and there are fresh bakeries to keep you fuelled. 

For a more cultural activity, swing by the RoS Art Museum. Even if your kiddos don’t appreciate fine art, they’ll love exploring the gorgeous rainbow walkway at the top of the museum!

The museum also hosts several children-focused events throughout the year, so be sure to check their site before your visit.

And, the must-see for all kids and families, is of course Legoland Billund. Lego is a Danish company, so there’s a little extra love and care for the Legolands on their home turf.

Even older kids, teens, and adults can enjoy the Lego art, playing with Lego bricks, and of course the exciting rides!

Click here for the best rated hotels for families in Aarhus

2. Bergen, Norway

View from Mt. Floyen - Bergen with kids

Dhara from It's Not About the Miles: Bergen, the second-largest city in Norway, is a wonderful city to visit with kids, with lots of fun things to do.

Take a ride on the funicular to the top of Mt. Floyen, for panoramic views over the city. At the top, look for the cashmere goats of Mt. Floyen, which help to keep vegetation in control.

Younger children will love the Troll Forest trail, where you can look for trolls and cross a “Three Billy Goats Gruff” bridge. There is also a kids' playground with slides and swings.

Older kids can try the obstacle course leading into the forest. With older kids, you can walk down the mountain back to Bergen in about an hour.

In the city, kids interested in history will enjoy seeing interiors from Hanseatic League times at the Hanseatic Museum in Bryggen.

You can also visit the famous fish market of Bergen and stroll around Bryggen, the UNESCO site in Bergen.

Kids of all ages will enjoy interactive exhibits at the VilVite BergenScience Center. Another fun museum is the Children's Art Museum in KODE4, part of Bergen's downtown art museum complex.

Or embark on a sightseeing boat trip from Bergen to discover the beautiful and varied landscapes of western Norway's famous fjords. Check availability here.

Click here for the best rated hotels for families in Bergen

3. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen with kids

Anjali from Travel Melodies: Time and again, Copenhagen is named one of the best European cities to travel with kids. It's no surprise, as Copenhagen loves kids.

The statement is also true the other way around: kids love Copenhagen. The vibrant city surprisingly embraces kids of all ages and interests. From dewy-eyed one-year-olds to critical and ever-demanding teenagers.

Children’s beloved fairytale writer, Hans Christian Anderson’s home is a big small capital city. Copenhagen is big enough to have all the luxuries and comforts of a metropolitan and small enough to be navigated effortlessly with kids.

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There are fairy-tale castles and colorful and eye-catching buildings. You can find the world’s oldest and second-oldest amusement parks as well as an unconventional science center.

Visit the largest aquarium in Northern Europe or the largest open-air museum in the world. Have a picnic at one of the carefully designed open green spaces or grab a bite at one of the restaurants serving innovative kids' menus.

This city has so many fun activities for kids that they won't want to leave Copenhagen. Oh, and did I mention a mere 3-hour drive from Copenhagen can take you to the birthplace of Lego – Billund?

Efficient public transportation with child-specific needs makes it easy to navigate the city with kids.

Whether your little ones know or don't know how to ride a bike, there's no better place in the world to make them ride or make them learn to ride than in the world’s favorite biking city of Copenhagen.

Rent a junior bike from any of the bike rentals and let them ride the city. With exclusive bike lanes, bike bridges, and the Danish Cycling Federation’s Route Planner, cycling has never been easier.

Alternatively, you can rent a bike trailer where you pedal for the kids while they admire Copenhagen. Fælledparken Traffic Playground is the best place to introduce your kids to cycling education.

Click here for the best-rated hotels for families in Copenhagen

4. Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg-park-phenomenalglobe.com

Melissa from Parenthood and Passports: Gothenburg is Sweden’s second largest city. Home to 600,000 people, this clean, walkable city is the perfect place to visit with kids on the Sweden West Coast.  

Home to one of the largest botanical gardens in Northern Europe, the lovely 40-acre garden is great for an evening stroll or a relaxing afternoon on a nice day.

The beautiful green space also boasts a state-of-the-art playground where kids can have fun while parents relax.  

For those with older children looking for something more extreme or exciting, check out Liseberg, an amusement park with approximately 40 thrill rides for all ages.

However, one of the best things to do in Gothenburg is to take part in a Swedish Fika, a daily afternoon break usually enjoyed with coffee and something sweet.

Gothenburg-Haga-phenomenalglobe.com

Head to Haga, the oldest district in the city, get a cinnamon roll, and enjoy a moment of relaxation along the pedestrian boulevards.

Explore this charming neighborhood with a local guide to uncover all the mysteries of the beautifully preserved timber houses, boutique shops, and pleasant cafés in an area that dates back to the mid-17th century.

If your kids prefer playing over history, take your sweet treat to go and head to the nearby park to find a cool grassy area to sit in and spend family time while you enjoy your Fika.

While you can easily explore much of Gothenburg on foot, public transportation or a car might be helpful if you plan to visit Liseberg or any of the city's great museums.

Click here for the best rated hotels for families in Gothenburg

5. Helsingør, Denmark

Helsingør-Denmark-phenomenalglobe.com

Josephine from JosephineRemo.com: Helsingør is a great and family-friendly town just 40 km north of Copenhagen. The city is easily reached by a direct train and can, due to its size, be enjoyed by walking. 

The city itself is a charming, friendly, and safe place, that offers a lot of great and fun activities for both adults and children. 

The main attraction of Helsingør is the famous Kronborg Castle, known from the Shakespeare story “Hamlet”.

Build in the 1420s the ancient castle is a magnificent place, that will teleport anyone back to the old times of glorious kings and queens. Visiting the dungeons is another fun and eerie attraction, that can be enjoyed at any age. 

As Helsingør is a historical port town of Denmark, the old harbor still plays a significant part in the city.

Besides being beautiful you also have the beach, a minigolf field, the Maritime Museum of Denmark which offers pirate roleplays, and the Øresund Aquarium which allows children to touch the different fish. 

For children especially fond of cars and airplanes, the Danish Museum of Science & Technology is an interactive and interesting space, that can easily be reached by bus.

Click here for the best rated hotels for families in Helsingør

6. Helsinki, Finland

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Pamela from the Directionally Challenged Traveler: Helsinki is a compact capital city with plenty to offer families.

The capital city of Finland has a variety of activities that will entertain all types of travelers. History lovers will love to explore Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress, the largest sea fortress in the world.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in 1748 and is an outdoor museum. There are a number of museums on the island as well including the Suomenlinna Toy Museum. 

You can also learn about history in Senate Square, home to the iconic Helsinki Cathedral as well as the Helsinki City Museum. Both of these are two of the best free things to do in Helsinki.

The Oodi library is more than just a beautiful building. You can borrow board games and books, but also spend time using a 3D printer, music studio, and photography studio! Just be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time. 

Another great activity with kids is to take a cruise along Helsinki's beautiful canal and take in the sights along the shores, including city highlights such as the Helsinki Zoo, and the fleet of icebreakers.

The public transportation in Helsinki is reliable and affordable. If you're staying in Helsinki for a few days, the Helsinki card offers great value for money.

It covers public transportation and entrance to a few attractions, including the Suomenlinna Fortress. Get your Helsinki Card here. 

Click here for the best rated hotels for families in Helsinki

7. Malmö, Sweden

malmo-with-kids-phenomenalglobe.com

Bradley from Dream Big, Travel Far: Malmö is another excellent kid-friendly city to check out.

This coastal city is an especially fantastic destination for those road-tripping from Sweden to Denmark (or vice versa), thanks to the famous Öresund Bridge, which runs around five miles connecting the two countries.

Although it’s Sweden’s third-largest city, there is still a really chill and relaxed atmosphere that can be nice for the children. The combination of historical heritage and modern lifestyle makes it such a lovely place.

Don’t miss out on Malmö Castle, a state-owned fortress founded back in 1434. This is a really important fortress in Swedish history that’s also home to beautiful nature, history, and art.

After some sightseeing, grab a bite at one of the many cafes and restaurants in Lilla Torg, a little square in the Malmö Old Town.

With cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and quaint shops selling local handmade souvenirs, the entire family will be able to find something they like here!

Plus, those visiting Malmö in December should drop by the rows of Christmas markets near the Gustaf Adolfs torg.

Click here for the best rated hotels for families in Malmö

8. Oslo, Norway

Oslo Opera House - Oslo with kids

Halef and Michael from The Round The World Guys: although it has a reputation for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, Oslo has its own charm that suits every age, including children.

In general, Norwegians and other Scandinavians are very friendly with kids. Drivers drive carefully and road safety is a priority. Whether on a bike or on foot, Oslo is a lot of fun to explore with children!

?️ Explore the diverse and unique islands and colorful houses of the Oslo Fjord on a sightseeing cruise. Discover charming landscapes, amazing city views, and the beautiful hills surrounding Oslo. Click here to book.

There are plenty of other outdoor exploration options and even a dedicated  museum just for kids.

Some of Oslo's landmarks, including Oslo City Hall, and the Oslo Opera House ramps, can be extremely fun for kids.

One budget tip: while it really depends on what you like to do, we recommend that you consider buying the Oslo Pass.

It can save you a lot of money and there are discounted passes for kids, which can be very useful and helpful for the whole family! Get your Oslo Pass here.

Click here for the best rated hotels for families in Oslo

9. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik seafront - Reykjavik with kids

Jenny from Travelynn Family: whether you’re using the city as a base for your Iceland travels, or just spending an afternoon, Reykjavik is a fascinating place to explore in its own right, with lots to keeps kids entertained (in both good and bad weather).

We visited Reykjavik at the end of a 5 day Iceland road trip with our kids (aged 3 and 5). 

Start by taking a walk along the seafront to The Sun Voyager and get a birds eye view of the city from the top of Hallgrímskirkja, then perhaps pop along to Laugardalslaug.

Laugardalslaug is the largest geothermal swimming pool in Iceland, complete with a slide and hot pools. Entry is only ISK980 (approx. £6.20) for adults, ISK160 (approx. £1) for children, and FREE for children under 5 (a fraction of entry costs to the Blue Lagoon).

If you want to escape the cold or wet weather, check out one of the city's museums. The Saga Museum, or Whales of Iceland, is your best bet with kids.

And finally, you must try out a hot dog from the renowned Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, mouth-wateringly delicious!

Click here for the best rated hotels for families in Reykjavik

10. Rovaniemi, Finland

Santapark in Rovaniemi - Lapland with kids

Kylie from Our Overseas Adventures: Rovaniemi in Lapland is a fabulous city in Finland to visit with kids, because it's the one and only ‘official' home of Santa Claus!

When visiting this remote part of the world you can pay a visit to the big man himself, post a letter from Santa's post office and visit the fun Santa Park Arctic World Christmas theme park.

You can also cross the official Arctic Circle line itself which is quite a thrill for kids and adults alike.

One of the best things about Rovaniemi is that it's a year-round destination. In the summer months, you can stay up late and show your kids the wonders of the Midnight Sun.

You may like to pack a travel blackout blind for this as it can be hard to sleep with 24 hour light!

There are also many family-friendly hikes through pristine forests where you can pick blueberries and cloudberries and spot wild reindeer.

In the winter months, there's still plenty to do if you wrap up warm including spotting the Northern Lights, many winter sports like skiing and ice-skating, or seeing incredible working husky dogs in action.

Or let your kids experience one of nature's most spectacular shows, the magical Northern Lights!

While it's never guaranteed you'll see the Aurora Borealis, this tour with local guides will take you to up to three different locations to maximize your chance. Check availability.

Click here for the best rated hotels for families in Rovaniemi

11. Stavanger, Norway

Nicky from Go Live Young: this summer we spent three spectacular weeks on a road trip through Norway. Stavanger quickly became our favorite Norwegian city as it's a wonderful city to visit with kids.

Stavanger on the west coast of Norway has many things going for it: its location on the edge of the Lysefjord, a beautiful bustling old town, several interesting museums, and some spectacular hikes with dramatic scenery all within easy distance of the city.

There is plenty to do in Stavanger! You can wander its cobbled-stone Old Town and colorful town center.

Or visit a child-friendly and interactive museum, like the Norwegian Canning Museum (to learn about Stavanger’s sardine canning history) and the Norwegian Petroleum Museum (to learn about oil exploration).

Alternatively, you can cruise the Lysefjord for spectacular fjord views or enjoy the outdoors by hiking to Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) for even more spectacular fjord views.

Stavanger is super family friendly and should not be missed on any Norway itinerary!

Click here for the best rated hotels for families in Stavanger

12. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm with kids

Tea Gudek from the Culture Tourist: from chasing the Vikings to enjoying in Swedish food, Stockholm is a great place to visit with kids. It’s located on fourteen islands and a beautiful green city, with parks and trees everywhere.

Whether you have just a day in Stockholm or maybe even a week, there are plenty of things that will keep the entire family entertained.

In the center of Stockholm and Gamla Stan area, many cobbled streets and historical buildings can be found. It’s also where the Royal Palace is situated and where your kids can watch the daily changing of the guards.

Stockholm is home to many museums that are either completely dedicated to kids or have large areas with workshops and fun activities for children.

Djurgården Island, also known as the island of museums, is where majority of them can be found. Completely covered with forest, this lovely spot is where you'll find many restaurants, some of the best views on Stockholm and Tivoli Amusement Park.

Skansen, world’s oldest open air museum is where an old 19th Century village can be explored with people explaining how life looked like back in that time.

In the Vasa Museum a real 17th Century ship that sunk on its maiden voyage is on display. And Junibacken is a children books museum with a ‘story train’ taking you on a journey in a world of some of the most famous Swedish stories.

Click here for the best rated hotels for families in Stockholm

13. Tromsø, Norway

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Allison of Eternal Arrival: one of the best places in Scandinavia to visit with kids is Tromsø!

This beautiful city north of the Arctic Circle is fun to visit anytime, but kids in particular will enjoy it during the winter months, when Tromso has a ton of fun winter activities!

Winter in Tromsø means tons of fun, kid-friendly activities. Kids can visit a reindeer farm and learn from Sami reindeer herders, the Indigenous people of Sapmi (a region that spans Northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia). They can feed the reindeer and even go reindeer sledding!

Kids will also love the chance to meet friendly Alaskan huskies and go dog sledding. Depending on the age of the kids, they may be able to self-drive a sled, or enjoy being pulled in a sled led by an expert musher.

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Kids of all ages will also enjoy the Polaria arctic experience center, which focuses on Arctic wildlife and environments — it's the northernmost aquarium in the world!

Another fun activity is taking a day tour to the Tromsø Ice Domes, the ice hotel 1.5 hours outside of Tromsø.

Older kids interested in wildlife and science will enjoy fjord wildlife cruises, whale-watching excursions (where they can try to spot orcas and humpbacks in the wild), or going on a Tromso Northern lights tour.

Tromso is a small and walkable city with excellent public transportation connecting the city to the airport, and most tours provide transportation, so you can rely on a mix of walking, buses, and tours to explore Tromso.

Click here for the best rated hotels for families in Tromsø

14. Trondheim, Norway

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Yulia from Miss Tourist: Trondheim is one of the best Scandinavian cities to visit with kids thanks to its perfect blend of outdoor activities and educational experiences that even the youngest of crowds can enjoy!

Located on the coast in central Norway, this calm city truly has a great mix of things to do for all ages.

Enjoy the outdoors with the kids by kayaking along the Nidelva river and admire the colorful traditional buildings standing on stilts.

Have a picnic in one of the many big green parks, or visit Pirabadet for a day of swimming, water slides, whirlpools, and more. 

Take the whole family to the Trondheim Science Center, the Trøndelag Folk Museum, or Rockheim (Norwegian pop music museum) to exercise the mind, or check out one of the countless events and festivals throughout the year!

Aside from the waterways, cycling is the best way to get around the city and a super popular activity amongst locals. Thanks to the world’s first bicycle lift, you don’t even need to work up a sweat!

But if you want to get a bit further and explore the region, make sure to rent a car and visit Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park where you can look for reindeer and musk ox!

Click here for the best rated hotels for families in Trondheim

Family city trips in Scandinavia: in conclusion

I hope this list has inspired you to plan a family trip to Scandinavia. If you've got any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or send me a message, I'm happy to help!

Also read which kid-friendly cities to visit in the U.K.

Are you planning a city trip to Scandinavia with your family? Check out these 7 great cities to visit with kids! Read up on the best kid-friendly activities, places to visit and family friendly hotels in these vibrant cities in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland! #familytravel #scandinavia #citytrip

This post was updated in December 2022

Ross

Wednesday 13th of October 2021

Great read ! I am planning on travelling with my wife and two children (2 yr & 6 yr) to Oslo then taking a ferry to Copenhagen followed by a bus into Malmö. Considering starting further north in Norway. Would love to do Finland but have so far planned this trip on a budget under £1500 across 2 weeks not including spending money. COVID has stopped my trip twice so next august I’m doing it 100% London to Oslo is only £25 each so loads of ways to cut costs.

Lotte

Friday 15th of October 2021

Hi Ross,

Thanks, happy to hear you enjoyed the post:-) Your trip sounds wonderful! I loved Norway and thought it was absolutely stunning. In fact, it's probably the country with the most impressive nature in Europe that I've visited.

Yeah... Covid has stopped lots of trips, sorry to hear you had to postpone as well. Great ticket deal, that goes a long way in cutting the costs. Smart budgeting is definitely necessary in Scandinavia, beautiful but expensive;-) Have a wonderful family trip and thank you for reading.

Lotte

Anjali

Friday 1st of February 2019

Wow! The post has come out well. Thank you so much for the collaboration opportunity.

I love Scandinavia and Nordics region. It has a different and unique feel that pulls me.

We have explored Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden. Hope to tick Iceland off our list in June this year.

Lotte

Friday 1st of February 2019

Thanks Anjali, happy to hear that:-) I also love the Nordic regions, the nature there is spectacular... Enjoy your trip to Iceland in June! Lotte