Oslo, the capital of Norway, is often the best place to start your Norwegian adventure. It is easy to fly into, easy to get around, and there are multiple transportation options to and from Oslo to other parts of the country. There is an endless amount of things to do in Oslo with kids. Oslo (and Norway in general) will prove to be a fun adventure that both you and your children will remember for years to come! This family-friendly city prides itself on having easy-to-use mass transportation, entertaining and engaging activities for all ages, and a love of nature and everything it has to offer. There is something here for everyone! Whether you are here for two days or two weeks, you will find that you never run out of places to explore, parks to enjoy, and ice cream to savor!
Things To Do In Oslo With Kids:
Places To Go and Adventures to Pursue
Oslo is full of fun and engaging experiences for all ages! Whether your family enjoys museum hopping, exploring local gardens, parks or forest, or taking in the majestic views of the fjords, you can find something entertaining and memorable for each member of your family. Here is our list of the 20 best things to do in Oslo with kids!
Frogner Park and Vigeland Sculpture Park
This beautiful park and sculpture garden was by far one of our favorite hangouts, so much so that we returned multiple times to play, picnic, stroll, and people watch. It is the largest sculpture park in the world created by a singular sculptor. The work of Gustav Vigeland is found throughout the park including many of his more famous pieces such as Sinnataggen (The Angry Boy), Monolitten (The Monolith) and Livshjulet (The Wheel of Life). Take the time to stroll through the park, pack a picnic, and let the kids run and play in the vast open lawns or on the playground near the mansion. There is no admission fee to get into the park and it is easily accessible via walking from the surrounding neighborhoods or through public transportation.
Vikingskipshuset (Viking Ship Museum)
This small but intriguing museum houses three beautiful and authentic Viking ships (Oseberg, Gokstad, and Tune) as well as other artifacts including jewelry, weapons and several beautiful carvings. Additionally, there is a movie (translated in multiple languages) that takes you on a journey through the Viking era. Although this museum is small by US standards, it is definitely worth seeing. Your children will be in awe of the massive ships that can be seen both from the ground level as well as above from various balconies. It is located on Bygdøy Peninsula and is easily accessible via bus 30 or the ferry that leave from Pier 3 by City Hall. For a free audio guide as well as information on the hours, ticket prices, and more check out The Museum of Cultural History website.
Norsk Folkemuseum (The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History)
This mostly open-air museum was one of our daughter’s favorite museums in Oslo. The museum houses over 150 buildings from different time periods and regions including the Gol Stave Church from the year 1200. On the weekends or during peak times in the summer, they have live animals roaming about, freshly-baked lefse, carriage rides, demonstrations, games, activities, and staff dressed up in period costumes. Additionally, they have in-door exhibits focused on Norwegian folk costumes, folk art, and Sami culture.
Our daughter loved running from building to building, many of which you could go into. Additionally, she loved seeing the animals and the different demonstrations (like candle making and carving) and of course grabbing a treat at the museum restaurant prior to heading to our next destination. The museum is located on Bygdøy Peninsula and is easily accessible via bus 30 or the ferry that leave from Pier 3 by City Hall. For a free audio guide as well as information on the hours, ticket prices, and more check out the Norsk Folkemuseum website.
Kon-Tiki Museum
In 1947, Thor Heyerdahl sailed across the Pacific Ocean on a balsawood raft, Kon-Tiki, to prove that Pre-Columbians could have sailed to Polynesia. The Kon-Tiki Museum houses the original vessels and maps of this excursion as well as exhibits on his other excursions and excavations. Every day at noon, the 1950’s award-winning Kon-Tiki movie plays in the cinema on the lower level of the museum.
Kids will find the raft and other vessels interesting as some of them closely resemble the rafts seen in Disney’s Moana. Although this museum may not be appreciated by younger kids, older kids and adults will find value in spending a short time visiting this museum. The museum is located on Bygdøy Peninsula and is easily accessible via bus 30 or the ferry that leave from Pier 3 by City Hall. For information on the hours, ticket prices, and more check out the Kon-Tiki Museum website.
Fram Museum (The Polar Ship Fram)
The Fram Museum is a fun and interactive museum dedicated to the history of Norway’s Artic and Antartic exploration. Explore the world’s strongest ship, the Fram. Test your strength by pulling a polar exploration pack. See if you are fast enough to survive a polar bear attack. Get a feel of how truly cold it was on the boat via a freezing cold polar simulator. Finally, grab a snack at the museum cafe and peruse through the gift shop. The museum hours vary depending on the season. It is located on Bygdøy Peninsula and is easily accessible via bus 30 or the ferry that leave from Pier 3 by City Hall. For more information on the hours, ticket prices, events, and more check out the Fram Museum website.
Huk Beach
Huk Beach is located on Bygdøy Peninsula and is the perfect place to end your day if the weather is nice and warm. Bring a bathing suit and enjoy the view/sunset and the chilly yet refreshing water. The kids will love running around, climbing on the rocks, and playing in the water. If you plan on staying late, bring a jacket or blanket as it can get chilly down by the water after sunset. If you plan on taking the bus back to the city center, check the bus schedule to make sure you don’t miss the last bus. In addition to the beach area, there are basketball and volleyball courts, a snack stand (near the bus stop), BBQ, toilets and showers.
Be warned: There are two beaches at Huk, a nudist beach and a textile (clothing) beach. Stay left on the path from the buses to reach the textile beach unless your family is feeling more free-spirited, then hang a right to the nudist beach!
Aker Brygge Wharf
The wharf is located along the inner harbor and across from the Akershus Fortress. There you can find restaurants with lots of outdoor seating, shopping, a children’s playground, and more. Enjoy lunch or dinner with expansive views of the Oslo Fjord at one of the many restaurants located along the waterfront. For dessert or an afternoon treat, make sure to stop by a local ice cream or cotton candy stand! Note: Some stands only take cash so keep a few Kroners on you for some fun treats!
Oslofjord Trips
Båtservice Sightseeing and Fjordtours provide a multitude of Oslofjord boat trips. We choose to go with Båtservice Sightseeing as they had a 2-hour sightseeing cruise via a “pirate ship”. At the time, our daughter was 4 and although she wasn’t as interested in the sights like the adults, she was enthralled with the pirate ship as well as the ice cream served on board. The boat trip is definitely doable with young kids; however, I would recommend not doing one of the dinner cruises unless you have older children and they really like prawns (the main item served). The boats leave from Pier 3 by City Hall. For information on pricing, tours, and more check out the Båtservice Sightseeing and Fjordtours websites.
Akershus Festning (Akershus Fortress)
The fortress is located within the inner harbor and is a short walk from Aker Brygge Wharf. Entrance into the fortress is free and guided tours are available during the summer. The castle and fortress are rich in history and date back to 1299. Visit the Akershus Fortress Visitors Centre for a trail map or to join a tour, or wing it and wander around the fortress at your own pace. During your tour or stroll be sure to look for the cannons (kids love to take pictures on them) and enjoy the architecture and views from the historic grounds. For a relaxing lunch or dinner with a view, pack a picnic and enjoy views of the fjord from the hills of the fortress! For information on the opening hours, events, and more check out the Akershus Fortress website.
The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is home to the King and Queen of Norway. It is surrounded by a park (Slottsparken) with ponds and statues scattered throughout the lush lawns and beautiful gardens. Pack a picnic and plan to spend a couple of hours enjoying the gardens while your children run and play. Make sure to be there during the changing of the guard (front of the palace). It takes place at 1:30 p.m. every day. Additionally, for those that are interested, guided tours are available during the summer and services are available in the palace chapel at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays. For more information on the history of the castle, guided tours, park rules or information on the royal family checkout The Royal House of Norway‘s (Det Norske Kongehus) website.
Den Norske Opera & Ballett (Oslo Opera House)
You may be surprised to learn that the Oslo Opera house is ranked as one of the top ten places in Oslo to visit. The Opera house is located right on the waterfront and the design of it allows you to walk on the roof and all the way to the top of the building. If you have time (especially if you or your children are theater or opera enthusiast), join a tour to see the inside of this unique architectural masterpiece including behind the stage and the set-design workshop. For information on the opening hours, guided tours, and more check out the Den Norske Opera & Ballett website. Note: Strollers/buggies are not allowed on the tours.
Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower
The current Holmenkollen Ski Jump may be relatively new (2011) but it’s history dates back over 100 years. Enjoy panoramic views of Oslo from the observation deck. Take time to explore the skiing museum and learn about over 4,000 years of skiing history and polar exploration artifacts. Zipline from the top of the ski tower to the base. Get a feel for what it’s like to ski down the Holmenkollen jump via the new ski simulator and explore the magical universe of Blåkollen where children can meet gnomes and Tåketrolls. For more information on the hours, ticket prices, group reservations, and more check out the Holmenkollen website.
TusenFryd Amusement Park
This is Norway’s largest amusement park with over 30 attractions/rides for all ages. In the summer you can also enjoy BadeFyre which has a large water slide and pool. If you are traveling with young kids, you can find plenty of gentle yet entertaining rides. Children under 95 cm (37 inches) are free and children 95 cm (37 inches) to 120 cm (47 inches) receive discounted rates. For on-the-go information and an interactive park map, download the TusenFrdy app from the Google Play or Apple store. For information on the hours, ticket prices, and attractions check out the TusenFryd website.
Popsenteret
If you have older kids that love to sing or if you are looking to change things up, check out the Popsenteret museum. It’s a fun and interactive museum that focuses on pop music. Take a tour of the place, learn about the history of Norwegian pop music, and then take a spin in their recording studio and mix your vocals with pre-recorded tracks. You can even have photos taken for your album cover. For information on the hours, ticket prices, and attractions check out the Popsenteret website.
Oslo Reptile Park
If your children are in love with all things creepy and crawly, this is the place to go! They have over 100 different reptiles including snakes, spiders, geckos, chameleons, poison dart frogs, and even crocodiles! Every Tuesday, you can watch the feeding of the snakes, crocodiles and other animals as well as get up close and personal with a python. The feeding schedules do change during off-peak times, so make sure to check out the Oslo Reptile Park website in advance for feeding times as well as ticket prices and any additional information you may need!
Nasjonalmuseet (National Gallery)
The National Gallery is currently closed until sometime in 2020 as it is being moved to a new location. When it reopens it will still house Edvard Munch’s famous painting “The Scream” as well as other important works by Norwegian artist such as J.C. Dahl and Thomas Fearnley. The old location had a Fairy Tale Room with depictions of trolls, princesses and other mythical creatures. Additionally, it had a drawing-room where kids could test out their skills. It is yet to be seen if the new gallery location will house similar kid-friendly paintings and interactive displays. For more information on the opening as well as their exhibits, check out the National Gallery website.
Norsk Teknisk Museum (Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology)
If you or your child is interested in science, technology, or medicine then this is the place for you! This museum boost over 100 interactive stations, 25 exhibits, and additional activities (Lego festival, astronomy shows, etc.) on the weekends. Experience first-hand building and creating with hammers, saws, laser cutters, and 3D printers. Learn about the moon landing, layers of optical illusions, different types of energy, and how DNA sequencing can determine racial identities. For more information on opening hours and ticket prices check out the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology website. For a copy of their brochure with English translations, click here.
Go For A Hike
You don’t have to go far to find some pretty amazing hill-top views and family-friendly hikes. The hike to Vettakollen is one of the most accessible and easiest hikes in the city. The trailhead is located 150 yards from the metro stop, Vettakollen Hillcrest, making it easily accessible. Nordmarka is another great destination if you are looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s accessible by the T-bane (light rail). Once you are there, there are endless trails and a small lake. Make sure to pack a bag with water, sunscreen, and snacks or a picnic. For more information on hikes in and around Oslo, checkout Atlas & Boots’s End of the Line: 5 Hiking Trails on the Oslo Metro, Outtt.com Hiking in Oslo, and Ut.no.
Outdoor Festivals & Celebrations
There is always something going on in Oslo! For a calendar of events including festivals, highlights of the week, operas, ballets, sporting events, etc. check out Visit Oslo. For child-specific events, check out the “What’s On For Children” section of Visit Oslo. If you are lucky enough to visit during the Syttende Mai (the 17th of May/Norwegian Constitution Day Celebration), make sure to check out my Norwegian Constitutions Day Celebration – Syttende Mai post so you know what to expect and what to wear for this very important celebration!
Indulge in Sweets, Treats, and Pølse
Norwegians are known for living a healthy lifestyle, but they do have a soft place in their hearts for is krem (Norwegian ice cream), sjokolade (Norwegian chocolate) and pølse (hotdog). You can’t fully experience Norway until you have tried each of these Norwegian specialties and your children will delight in these fun treats!
Is Krem (ice cream)
Is Krem (ice cream) which can be shortened to “is” (pronounced “ees”) is one of the Norwegian’s favorite desserts. You can find it everywhere including street stands, in restaurants, and at gas stations. There are three main types of ice cream in Norway. Saft is which is basically sherbert, fruit-based, popsicles. Kule is which is scooped ice cream. Soft is which is soft serve that you can add toppings to. Make sure to try all three and enjoy!
Note: If you go to someone’s house for a visit, do not be surprised if they offer you coffee and your children ice cream (without asking if it is ok). Additionally, if you are lucky enough to be in the country for Syttende Mai (the 17th of May/Norwegian Constitution Day Celebration), children are allowed to eat as much ice cream as they want! Not kidding! It’s a tradition and applies to visitors as well!
Sjokolade (chocolate)
Sjokolade (chocolate), specifically Norwegian chocolate is a delicacy in Norway. The most popular type of chocolate is made by a company called Freia. They make various chocolate bars with nuts, fruit, chili pepper, and sea salt. Their most popular bar is the sweet milk chocolate Melkesjokolade. It is so popular that it bears the tagline, “A little piece of Norway”. They also make Kvikk Lunsj which is like a Norwegian Kit-Kat bar, Firkløver which is milk chocolate with hazelnuts, and Walters Mandler which is milk chocolate with chopped, caramelized, salted almonds, as well as many other types of bars/flavors.
Note: If you love this chocolate, you can head to the factory for a factory tour! There you will learn about its history, as well as cast your own milk chocolate and create a customized wrapper for it. The only downside is children under 10 years old are not allowed on the tours. For more information, check out Frieda’s website.
Pølse (hotdog)
Pølse (hotdog) is an iconic Norwegian food that everyone should try at least once. Norwegians eat an average of 100 hotdogs per year! They can be found everywhere from street stands, to gas stations, to restaurants, and picnics. Norwegian pølse is unlike your typical American hotdog. It is often marinated in a unique broth, can be made from beef, pork, reindeer, or non-meat based sources like mushrooms and egg protein. Pølse med brød is a hotdog in a bun. Pølse med lumpe is a hotdog in a potato tortilla. The pølse can be topped with fried onions, ketchup, regular mustard, grov sennep (ground mustard), hotdog dressing, reke salat (shrimp salad, try it!), etc. The variations of pølse are endless and only bound by the limits of your imagination.
Things To Do In Oslo With Kids:
Tips & Tricks
Bring a stroller!
Norwegians walk or take public transportation most of the time and you should too! Make sure to bring a stroller if you have young kids as they will tire quickly. Every metro, tram, bus, and train we went on was able to accommodate strollers.
Oslo Pass
The pass saves you time and money while you explore everything Oslo has to offer. The Oslo Pass gives you free access to public transportation within Zones 1 and 2 of Oslo. Additionally, it gives you access to most museums and discounts at various restaurants and sightseeing tours. The Oslo pass is available to purchase online (requires actual voucher pick-up from the Oslo Visitor Centre) or at several locations throughout Oslo. Additionally, you can download the Oslo Pass – Official City Card App from the Goggle Play or Apple store, purchase the pass through the app and activate the pass through the app upon arrival. Passes are available for 24, 48, or 72 hours.
Picnic Like A Norwegian
Your whole family will enjoy picnicking in a park over sitting down at a restaurant. Picnicking gives the kids a chance to run and play and the adults a chance to lay back and relax. Purchase a engangsgrill (one-time use grill) from a grocery store. They are aluminum foil pans with charcoal and a grate. The grills will cost you a couple of dollars and can be tossed (in a grillboks receptacle found in most parks) once you are done with it. Make sure not to forget matches or a lighter and of course whatever meat or veggies you want to grill.
Alternatively, you can buy bread and unique sandwich toppings in any local grocery store. Norway is known for its butter, caviar in a tube, liver pate, goat cheese, and pickled herring. It’s also known for salamis, shrimp salad, and a variety of other fun and unique toppings. Be sure to try all that they have to offer!
Note: If you are grilling in the middle of a grass area, make sure to use the riser that comes with the grill in order to raise the grill off of the ground. This ensures that your grill is not burning the grass underneath. Additionally, make sure to dispose of your grill in a grillbok receptacle. This will prevent your coals from accidentally setting the park trashcan on fire.
Enjoy your trip! We hope our list helps you find fun and memorable things to do in Oslo with your kids! For more information, check out our other Norway related post!
These are some great suggestions! I’m mentally taking notes for our next trip!
I’m glad you liked it! There are so many fun things to do in Oslo! We are headed back in 2020 and I’m sure we will have even more to add to this list on our next trip!