Fun activities for children in Stockholm

With everything from crazy golf to karaoke, O'Learys Event Center in Tolv Stockholm (Tele2 Arena) is packed with fun activities. Combine, for example, a game of shuffleboard and some bowling with a visit to the American restaurant.

Experience the feeling of floating in the air with the help of the world's highest wind tunnel. Bodyflight is a fantastic activity where you can try out how it feels to fly, without having to throw yourself out of an airplane. Before your flight you're provided with equipment and a safety briefing, then you just fly as the rest of your group watches. Suits families with children from three years old and up.

At Kulturhuset Stadsteatern there's plenty of fun to be had for culturally interested children and young people. There are two libraries for 0–9-year-olds and 10–13-year-olds, performances and concerts for children of all ages, workshops, holiday programmes, studios, and much more that encourages creativity, joy, and reflection.

Leos Lekland playground has everything you can imagine in the way of fun indoor activities: trampolines, climbing walls, slides, ball pools and much more. Fun for children of all ages, from the tiniest to the teenage. Why not compete with your kids to see who's fastest on the tiger slide?

A cultural paradise for children and young people. Dieselverkstaden in Sickla runs masses of courses, in music production, drama and pottery, among other things, as well as various activities such as climbing and theatre workshops. Don't miss the café and library.

Kulturhuset in the middle of Sergels torg has masses of creative and cultural activities for children and young people. Take part in workshops, paint in the art studio, learn to dance, read in the library and watch theatrical performances.

Supercenter wants to address the lack of football fields, which leads many children to stop playing football all together. They want to make football accessible to more people, with a high-tech indoor centre where you can play football on artificial grass. The focus is on ball control and techniques, with lots of fun thrown in. 

If you want to skateboard, Sthlm Skatepark at Fryshuset is the place to go. There are mini ramps, pools and vert ramps, and each week they hold sessions for girls, veterans and beginners.

The historic Royal Opera House stands firmly on three pillars: opera, dance, and activities for children and young people. As well as child-friendly performances, 'Children's Saturday' is on the programme every weekend, where younger visitors can try baroque dance, ballet, and opera singing, try on costumes from the opera's magical costume department, and other fun activities. Over many of the school holidays, activities for children are arranged almost daily.

Let the floor transform into a stormy sea, the walls into the walls of a secret fortress, and the doors into fluttering pirate sails at Funplays in Uppsala, where the only limit is your imagination. The enormous play area is equipped with trampolines, slides, climbing frames, ball pits, and other activities for children of all ages, as well as a cafe where you can refuel when all that play makes your tummy rumble.

At Sports Club in Vallentuna, you'll find Europe's largest indoor obstacle course, with over 130 obstacles for both children and adults. You can gradually challenge yourself with a wristband grading system; once you've completed all obstacles in a course, you'll receive a silicone wristband of a specific colour showing that you've completed the course.

At John Scott's the whole family can combine food with fun activities such as billiards, bowling and shuffleboard. The American-inspired restaurants welcomes kids with a children's menu and a warm, friendly atmosphere.

Water slides, wave pools and paddling pools - adventure pools are always a big hit with the kids. Get yourself along to a fun swimming baths in town or make an outing to a centre a little further away.

Jump, bounce, somersault and throw yourself around on the large trampolines at Jumpyard. As well as bouncing on the trampolines, you can climb on the climbing wall, play football, complete the ninja course and more. Fun for all the family!

Sweden's oldest tivoli is, not surprisingly, many kids' favourite attraction in Stockholm. With a stunning waterfront location in Djurgården, Gröna Lund has masses of rides, places to eat and other fun activities. Perfect for a full day out.

One of Stockholm's most unique attractions, Skansen has masses of activities for children all year round. Visit the park's historic buildings, try pony riding, say hello to the Nordic animals or check out the extra activities they put on during the holidays. During the summer months, the organic café Koloni is open next to the bandstand, serving pancakes and other goodies.

Head out to Skansen in teams and solve an exciting riddle using codes and passwords. Adventure Skansen is similar to an escape room and the game is suitable for participants of all ages, both adults and children. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and don't forget to bring a bottle of water.

Get to know creatures great and small at one of Stockholm's city farms, where the motto is "Learn by doing". In order for as many people as possible to be able to do just that, it's always free to visit the farms, while activities and fika cost a small fee.

This public park in Tumba has lots of activities and events for children of all ages. Visit the playground, say hello to the animals in the petting zoo, see theatrical performances and check out the special holiday activities - there's plenty to do here all year round.

Stockholm's many parks and playgrounds have helped countless children work off excess their energy over the years. In certain playgrounds, free play applies, while others are manned and offer all kinds of activities. During the summer months, little ones can cool off in the paddling pools.

The French national sport, boules, is great fun for all ages. Choose one of Boulebar's indoor or outdoor lanes, depending on the weather, and challenge the whole family. Boulebar also serves French food and drinks.

Summertime and sun's out? Pack a towel and find a nice outdoor bathing spot! Stockholm has plenty of popular places to swim both in the city centre and slightly further afield. Just choose whether you prefer to swim off the rocks or a beach.

Stockholm has masses of leafy parks, walks and spectacular views. Take a long walk, stroll along the waterfront, discover charming cobbled alleyways and stop off for something to eat and drink along the way.

Recommendations for walks with nice café stops along the way:

- From Djurgårdsbron, walk along Djurgårdskanalen to Rosendals Trädgård or take a walk via Skansen to Café Ekorren.
- Walk around the island of Långholmen and back to Lasse i parken in Hornstull.
- Visit Bergianska trädgården and round off your walk at Gamla Orangeriet.
- Explore the heights of Södermalm and check out the views from Södra Teatern's terrace.

You don't need to go far to be able to ski and snowboard in Stockholm. Just a few minutes from the city centre, Hammarbybacken has several downhill runs, a ski school, café and views over the city. There are also plenty of places you can go cross-country skiing - for example Hellasgården in Nacka nature reserve, which has ski hire and a café.

If you want to discover the enchanted world of Astrid Lindgren's beloved children's books, this is the place to go. Junibacken opened in 1996 and includes the popular fairytale train that takes visitors on a journey through Lindgren's various stories. Play in Pippi Longstocking's house, Villa Villekulla, watch a theatrical performance, eat in the circus-themed restaurant or browse the large children's bookstore.

The world-famous ship Vasa sank on her maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged from Stockholm's strait over three hundred years later, in 1961. Today, it stands as the world's best-preserved 17th-century ship, captivating both adults and children alike. As well as the exhibitions, visitors can enjoy a wide range of programmes, as well as enjoying refreshments and meals in the restaurant.

Everyone has some relationship to toys, whether they're a child now or were a child long ago – we all have favourites that are never forgotten. At the Stockholm Toy Museum, there's a great chance that both you and your child will find something to spark your memories; there are thousands of toys, comic books, and other items that are brought to life with the help of lights, sounds, set designers, and artists. The museum also features a restaurant with children's favourites on the menu.

Magnificent Skoklosters Castle, one of the world's best preserved baroque castles, has something to offer both young and old. Younger visitors can take part in activities at the family activity centre, Paradiset, next to the castle, where you can grow plants, do arts and crafts and play, while exploring the castle's countless salons and nooks and crannies will impress most visitors. Meet the aristocracy who lived and worked here and take in the atmosphere of a bygone age. 

In an old 19th-century barn in Bålsta, a large art, comic, and toy museum has been created, complete with its own jungle. The walls are adorned with a collection of comic-inspired art and original comic drawings, one of the world's finest antique Disney collections, and a Tarzan treehouse over three levels complete a slide, hanging bridge, and Secret Arne's Lab – among many other attractions. The museum also features a large playground with picnic tables and barbecue facilities.

The Nobel Prize Museum in the Old Town has plenty of exciting exhibitions, tours and activities to discover for children. Learn everything there is to know about the Nobel Prize and meet peace activists, authors and researchers. The playroom and workshop are especially fun for children.

At Stockholm's Museum of Natural History you can learn all about the history of our planet, humans and animals. Explore the human body, learn about the animals that live in Swedish forests and discover the world of dinosaurs. Experience 3D cinema in the dome-shaped IMAX cinema, Cosmonova.

The Museum of Science and Technology allows small geniuses to explore innovations, experiment and find their own ideas. Visit the museum's Megamind section, 2000 square metres of experimental fun for all ages, or arrange a children's party here.

Take the whole family along with you to Södertälje, south of Stockholm, for a day out at Tom Tits Experiment. There are several floors packed with experiments and experiences that are fun for all ages as well as educational. Try out standing in the middle of a huge soap bubble, creating amazing shadows or balancing on a tightrope.

Upplevelsemuseet in the Globen Shopping centre is no ordinary museum. You don't just look at the exhibits here, you smell, taste and try out masses of exhibits from all over the world that you've probably never experienced before. Hold an African giant snail, smell the most disgusting smells in the animal kingdom or taste the food of the future.

Moderna Museet offers family-friendly art experiences both on-site and digitally from home. The museum also has family activities such as art workshops, holiday programs, and baby tours.

Lots of children are fascinated by police officers and their uniforms. You can explore that, and much more, at the Police Museum, which is based around questions about what the Swedish police force looks like, what they do and what role they play in our democratic society. Find out what kind of cop you are - whether you have the precision required to become a forensics technician, or the patience required of a detective.

Which were the vehicles that first served Stockholm, and how have they developed in today's modern city? At the Stockholm Transport Museum you get to experience Stockholm and the vehicles that have served the city for over one hundred and fifty years in a playful way, from horse and carriage to state-of-the-art trains.

Explore traditions and objects from all over the world at the Museum of Ethnography. The museum arranges family tours with creative workshops and there are always plenty of extra activities around the school holidays. The museum restaurant serves organic Asian dishes and cakes and pastries.

Fjärilshuset is a tropical oasis in the middle of Stockholm where you can walk among colourful butterflie in tropical greenhouses and discover the world of sharks in the 30 metre long aquarium. Don't miss the feeding of the koi carps.

Even the smallest children at welcome at Tittut Puppet Theatre. Forget the world outside: at this theatre almost anything can happen. Children always take centre stage here, with captivating and creative performances that capture their imagination. As Sweden's oldest children's theatre they have more than 40 years of experience in drawing children into the thrilling world of the theatre.

Cosmonova, part of the Museum of Natural History, shows educational and entertaining films on an enormous, dome-shaped screen. See films about astronomy, animals and more or watch 3D films which draw the viewer right into the action.

This charming arthouse cinema is a must for all young film lovers. Zita shows critically acclaimed films from all over the world and has a whole programme for both new and classic films for children up to twelve years old called Barnens Bio.

Watch theatrical performances for children and young people of all ages. You'll find the theatre on the corner of Sveavägen and Odengatan, but the theatre group also tours all over Sweden.

Unga Dramaten puts on theatrical performances for children between 3 and 16 years old, but all ages are welcome. The whole family can take a seat in the intimate theatre and experience the different worlds performed on stage.

Is there anything more delicious than ice cream? Probably not. Stockholm's selection of specialist ice cream bars grows each year and wherever you are in town you're guaranteed to find a spot nearby where you can cool off with adelicious scoop or two.