Best Things to Do in Oslo with Kids: 2025 City Break Guide
Are you trying to plan a trip to Oslo with kids and wondering if the Norwegian capital is a good destination for families? Compact, cultured, and cosmopolitan, Oslo has many child-friendly attractions ranging from expansive parks to interactive museums.
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Is Oslo Family Friendly?
Oslo is exceptionally family-friendly and one of the best places to visit with kids in Norway.
The city guarantees an unforgettable holiday, from the spacious Oslo playgrounds to the majestic fjords and scenic trails. Plus, it is easy to navigate and full of free (or discounted) activities for kids.
Whether you spend two weeks or two days in Oslo, you will never run out of fun things to do.
When is the Best Time to Visit Oslo
The best time to visit Oslo with kids is between May and August when the temperatures are the warmest and the daylight hours the longest.
However, prices are higher, and the city can be crowded, especially during the peak season of July to August. Alternatively, you can schedule your trip in September or October when rates are cheaper.
If you want to see the amazing Christmas markets in Norway, winter, particularly December to early January, is a great time to visit Oslo. Just be sure to bring weather-appropriate clothing.
Oslo in June
In June, long summer days begin, and Oslo is the perfect place for hiking, biking, sailing, and sightseeing. Parks, playgrounds, resorts, and other outdoor attractions are open but usually not yet overrun by visitors.
One of the most fascinating phenomena to experience in Oslo for kids in June is the midnight sun, when the city enjoys 24 hours of daylight.
Weather in Oslo in June
Summer in Norway is from June to August. You can expect pleasant weather in June with an average of eight hours of sun, though there may be scattered rains. June can be a little cold for people used to warmer weather, but daytime temperatures can rise to as high as 68°F.
Average Temperatures in Oslo in June
Temperatures in June range from an average high of 68°F to an average low of 51°F.
Oslo Festivals in June
June offers a variety of festivals for locals and visitors. Favorites include: Piknik i Parken Music Festival, FOMA – Fornebu Music & Arts Festival, Miniøya Children’s Festival, and OverOslo Music Festival.
Oslo in September
Hotel and airfare prices typically drop after the peak season. Visiting in September means you save money on hotels and sidestep the long queues at popular tourist spots.
Despite September being a low season, many family-friendly attractions and tours remain open, so you’ll still have plenty of things to do with kids in Oslo.
Weather in Oslo in September
The weather in September is moderately chilly and relatively tolerable compared to the freezing temperatures of winter from December to February.
Average Temperatures in September
As autumn begins, the temperatures in Oslo play between an average high of59°F and an average low of 45°F.
How to Get to Oslo
As Norway’s capital, Oslo is an important transport hub. Many people make Oslo their starting point for exploring the rest of the country. You have the option to travel by air, land, or water.
Airports and Arriving by Plane to Oslo
Located in Gardermoen, about 50 km from the city center, Oslo Airport is the largest airport in Norway. It has 26 domestic and 158 international destinations.
While many of its routes are in Europe, it also serves long-haul flights to and from intercontinental destinations, such as New York and Dubai, and seasonal charter flights to Cuba, Mexico, and Thailand.
A high-speed railway connects the Oslo airport to the Oslo city center.
You can also fly to Oslo via Torp Sandefjord Airport, about 110 km from the capital. Torp is a low-cost airport, serving over 30 local and shorter international flights, many of which are with budget airlines. And speaking of budget-friendly, you can find cheap flights with WayAway.
Traveling to Oslo by Train
Norway has a huge train network that connects it to the rest of Europe, making travel to Oslo from Stockholm, Copenhagen, Gothenburg, and London (which takes around three days) possible. Book Your Train Tickets Here. I always use RailEurope >>>
Driving to Oslo
Getting to Oslo by car is an exciting option for families planning a road trip around Europe or those living near the Norwegian capital. Depending on where you’re from, you may need to take a ferry or two to reach the city.
Top 15 Things to Do in Oslo with Kids
Norway is famous for its breathtaking fjords, but there’s so much more to explore. From nature to culture to adventure, you’ll find lots of fun and fascinating things to do in Oslo with kids.
1. Explore the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
The best place to start your family adventure in Oslo is at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, also called the Norwegian Folk Museum (and Norse Folkemuseum).
This open-air museum also features some indoor exhibits. The property features 160 structures from different periods and places throughout Norway as well as a complete stave church from Gol dated to 1200. It feels like you’ve stepped back in time.
As guests walk through the property, they’re greeted by people dressed in traditional costumes performing daily tasks such as chopping lumber and tending farm animals.
This is a fabulous way to learn about Norway’s history and traditions while enjoying the outdoors. If you have small children you’ll appreciate having the free space to run around.
An easy and enjoyable way to reach this museum is to take a ferry to the Bygdøy Peninsula. The service runs from April through October.
Catching the ferry is easy as it leaves every 20-30 minutes from the pier. It makes two stops: one at Dronningen (for the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History and Viking Ship Museum) and one at Bygdøynes (for the Kon-Tiki, Fram, and Norwegian Maritime Museum).
There’s a bus that runs year-round if you prefer that option. No matter how you arrive, you will be blown away by Norway’s largest collection of cultural history.
2. Learn About Polar Exploration at the Fram Museum
Home to the strongest wooden ship ever built, the Fram Museum tells the story of Norway’s polar exploration more than a hundred years ago.
The museum’s centerpiece is the Fram, the vessel used by Norwegian sailors to explore the Arctic and Antarctic regions between 1893 and 1912. You can climb aboard the ship and discover how its crew survived the coldest places on Earth.
Guests can experience sub-zero temperatures and the Northern Lights with the polar simulator. There is also a gallery with images of polar animals, such as bears, walruses, and penguins.
Fram Museum is in Bygdøy, an area known for its string of museums, including the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, the Norwegian Maritime Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum, and the Viking Ship Museum. It is easy to reach by ferry.
3. See the Sculptures at Frogner Park
Frogner Park sprawls 45 hectares of gorgeous landscapes and artworks. It’s home to the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park, the world’s most expansive sculpture park by the same artist. Here, you’ll find over 200 statues by Gustave Vigeland, including The Wheel of Life, The Angry Boy, and The Monolith.
In the summer, you can grab a picnic, hop on a tram, and explore at your leisure. The kids will enjoy the freedom of running around the park. In the winter, it’s still worth a visit to see the fascinating bronze, wrought iron, and granite sculptures trimmed with snow!
The park is free to enter and open daily, 24 hours a day, all year round. View Frogner Park Tours and Activities
4. Visit the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology
The perfect destination for curious minds, the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology is a must-see when you’re in Oslo with kids. With over 100 installations and 25 exhibitions on natural science, technology, medicine, and industry, the museum provides fun and exciting learning experiences for the whole family.
In the museum complex, you will find the Robot Center, the Planetarium, and the National Medical Museum, which shows medical history from 1850 to the present. There is also a café and a souvenir shop.
5. Explore the Kon Tiki Museum
In 1947 Thor Heyerdahl gained worldwide fame when he sailed for 101 days across the Pacific Ocean on a balsa wood raft named Kon-Tiki. At the Kon-Tiki Museum, visitors can learn about Thor’s voyage and his subsequent expeditions on reed boats, the Ra II and the Tigris.
The museum also houses a 10-meter replica of the whale shark the voyagers encountered on their travel, Thor Heyerdahl’s library, which contains 8,000 books, a collection of Easter Island artifacts, and a playground for children.
Families might enjoy watching the movie “Kon-Tiki” before heading to the museum to put everything in context. It’s not a big museum, but fascinating to think Thor was able to conquer the ocean on a raft. Book a Kon-Tiki Museum Tour
6. Become a Pop Star at Popsenteret
Want to be a pop star for a day? At Popsenteret, you can dress up like one, design an album cover, learn musical instruments from legendary musicians, and even record your song! But there’s more! You can also learn about Norwegian pop culture and music dating back to 1904.
7. Walk Around Downtown Oslo
Norway’s capital city is very walkable and our kids enjoyed strolling along and taking in the sights. We walked from the magnificent Oslo Opera House (where you can walk on the roof), over to the Central Oslo train station, and down the main thoroughfare, Karl Johans Gate.
Karl Johans Gate (gate means street) is the city’s main thoroughfare. This pedestrian zone stretches from the downtown train station to Palace Park, which surrounds the Royal Palace.
Along the way, we stumbled across a beach volleyball tournament, street performers, a gelato shop (where we stopped of course), a bookstore, and finally the Royal Palace. It was a long walk, but we took our time and the kids enjoyed every moment! Check Out the Best Walking Tours in Oslo
8. Learn at the International Museum of Children’s Art
The International Museum of Children’s Art is an inspirational visit for the whole family. The first of its kind, it’s the first museum dedicated solely to art created by children from around the world.
The museum is a great way to inspire young artists, and older kids will appreciate the social topics many of the exhibits address through art. Younger children will have the best time at this interactive museum with all of the hands-on activities available to them.
Keep in mind that the museum is closed from mid-December through mid-January each year.
9. Admire the Views from the Holmenkollen Ski Jump
Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower is one of Oslo’s top attractions, and it’s a great place to bring the kids! Just a quick metro ride out of town to the Holmenkollen metro stop and you will enjoy Oslo from an entirely different perspective.
Holmenkollen hosts World Cup Nordic skiing events every year and has the world’s oldest skiing museum with over 4000 years of skiing history on display. Plus, the newly renovated ski museum was just redone for its 100th anniversary, so it’s a big deal.
There’s a ski simulator allowing visitors to feel what a ski jump would be like, and a new zipline that takes you over the Holmenkollen Ski Jump! The main attraction is the observation deck at the top of the ski jump, where you’ll enjoy amazing views of Oslo below.
10. Get Cozy with Farm Animals at EKT Rideskole og Husdyrpark
Just 10 minutes from the city center, you’ll find EKT Husdyrpark, a petting farm home to common domestic animals such as goats, sheep, chickens, cows, rabbits, pigs, geese, and different kinds of swimming birds.
Most of the animals roam free, and kids can come near them. Guests can cuddle with rabbits, ride a pony or a horse-drawn carriage, meet newly hatched chicks, or watch a horse show. It has a playground, a picnic area, and a snack bar open on weekends.
11. Visit Akershus Castle and Fortress with Kids
If your kids have seen the movie “Frozen,” you’ll want to make a stop at Akershus Fortress, which was the inspiration for Elsa and Anna’s castle! Even if they haven’t, it’s worth a visit to this beautiful medieval fortress on the waterfront.
The castle and royal residence were both built in 1299 and went through many fortifications to protect the city from sieges over the years. In the 19th century, the fortress was used as a prison, but the majority of the complex still retains much of its original grandeur.
Visitors will enjoy learning about the history of the castle and exploring the banquet halls and royal rooms.
Note the wallpaper pattern in the banquet hall is the same one found in Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at Walt Disney World! I only noticed when I visited WDW on a subsequent trip. It’s fun to connect the dots between the two places.
Walking the grounds of the fortress is free, there is only an admission fee to enter the buildings.
12. Enjoy the Rides at the Tusenfryd Amusement Park
If your family loves theme parks, you’ll want to plan a trip out to the TusenFryd Amusement Park. Located just outside of Oslo, it’s Norway’s largest amusement park, featuring over 30 rides and attractions.
The park is open late April through mid-October and includes a water park during the summer months. It is packed with a wealth of playgrounds, water play areas, and rides just for younger kids!
To get to TusenFryd, the best thing to do is use public transportation, especially since you won’t need a car the rest of the time you’re in Oslo. Just take Route 505 from the Oslo bus terminal towards TusenFryd.
13. Take a Quirky Photo at the Paradox Museum
Are you wondering what to do in Oslo with kids on a rainy day? Check out the Paradox Museum, home to 70 paradox-based displays, mind-bending optical illusions, and interactive exhibits.
You can learn the science behind the dazzling exhibitions in this specialty museum. To top it all, you can snap fun and incredible photos with mind-blowing backgrounds and special effects.
14. Meet the Dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is in the Botanical Garden and features geological, zoological, and climate exhibitions. It houses the world’s oldest, most perfectly preserved primate fossil, estimated to date back to 47 million years ago.
One of the unique exhibits in the museum is the Klimahuset (Climate House), where you’ll learn about the climate and climate change.
At the Botanical Garden, you’ll discover over 5,000 plant species. The geological exhibitions display fossils, meteorites, an entire crystal cave, and a life-size Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton.
If you need to grab a bite, the museum has a café that serves freshly-made meals and beverages. There’s also a picnic area in the Garden House.
Want to learn fascinating Norway facts? After visiting the Natural History Museum, join a discovery tour of the renowned landmarks in Oslo.
15. Take a sunset cruise of Oslo Fjord
During your family adventure in Oslo, don’t miss out on a magical sunset cruise! Watch the city buildings turn dark and see landmarks like the Opera House and the Akershus Fortress from a new perspective. It’s like a scenic history lesson without the classroom!
This might just be what everyone needs after a day of exploring the city. And let’s not forget the photos! A sunset cruise offers some of the most photogenic backdrops you could ask for.
So, be sure to include a sunset cruise in your Oslo itinerary. It’s a wonderful way to see the city from a different angle and enjoy some quality family time. View Oslo Fjord Sightseeing Tours
Family Tours in Oslo
If you are traveling with older children or teens, why not book one of these family-friendly Oslo tours?
- Food tour – Sample Norwegian cuisine and discover Oslo’s hidden gems.
- Christmas Market tour – If you’re visiting during the markets, don’t miss out on this guided tour with a local.
- Oslo Highlights Bicycle tour – This 3-hour small group bike tour is the perfect way to explore the city and learn about its history.
Where to Stay in Oslo with Kids
Accommodation can make or break your family vacation, so it’s important to choose the right lodgings. While Oslo is small compared to most capital cities in Europe, it has plenty of cozy and child-friendly places to stay. Here are our top picks.
Sommerro: Luxury
Families might also enjoy the newly opened Sommerro with a year-round rooftop pool and some amazing city views. The property is housed in the former headquarters of the city’s electric company.
It offers unique Art Deco rooms, 7 on-property restaurants and bars, its own cinema, and live entertainment regularly. Located in the city’s west end, families will have easy access to Frogner Park, shopping, and Aker Brygge Wharf. Check Prices Here!
Amerikalinjen: Mid-Range
Another good option for families in Oslo is Amerikalinjen, adjacent to the Central Station, in the former Norwegian America Line headquarters. This means guests have easy access to the Oslo Opera House and the city center.
The rooms are elegantly decorated, and the common spaces and restaurants are stunning and inviting. There’s also a well-equipped fitness center and Finnish sauna if parents want a break.
Located in the city’s west end, families will have easy access to Frogner Park, shopping, and Aker Brygge Wharf. Check Prices Here!
Thon Hotel Spectrum: Budget
Oslo is expensive, but we found reasonable lodging for our family of five at Thon Hotel Spectrum which included breakfast and was a short walk to the main train station and the central downtown area. Check Prices Here!
How to save money with an Oslo Pass
Many of the attractions I mentioned can be visited for free with an Oslo Pass. This includes admission to over 30 museums and attractions, free public transportation, free parking in public car parks, and many other perks.
If you don’t wish to buy an Oslo Pass, many attractions offer discounted family passes to their attractions.
Getting Around Oslo
Getting around Oslo with kids is easy and convenient, thanks to the city’s efficient and well-connected transportation system. The best way to travel with the city is on buses or trams as they are readily and extensively available throughout Oslo. It also has ferries, taxis, bicycles, and the T-bane metro system.
Trams and Buses: The bus and tram lines service Oslo’s downtown area, but they also have routes to the suburbs. They typically operate until midnight and are the best option for going to Bygdøy and Vigeland Park.
T-bane Metro: The metro system is spread throughout the city and the suburbs. It’s best suited for commuters traveling long distances to attractions outside the city center. If you choose the metro, check the route map to avoid getting into the wrong platform.
Ferry: Between March and October, ferries are an excellent option for traveling to the Oslofjord island and Bygdøy, where you’ll find many famous museums. There are also ferry sightseeing tours that take guests to the waterfront by the Oslo City Hall and Oslo Opera House.
On Foot and By Bike: Oslo is a compact city and a fantastic place to explore on foot or bike in the warmer months, as many attractions are within walking distance from each other. Bike rentals (helmets, locks, and maps provided for an additional charge) are available online.
Day Trips from Oslo with Kids
The region surrounding Oslo makes for a lovely day trip and a welcome break from the bustle of the city. Bask in beautiful nature, explore idyllic towns, sample authentic Norwegian delicacies, and shop for unique handmade souvenirs in these family-friendly destinations outside the capital.
Tønsberg
The oldest city in Norway, Tønsberg is the perfect destination for those who want to learn about the country’s Viking history.
As you stroll down the city’s scenic harbor, you’ll find a replica of the Viking ship found in an ancient burial mound in the area.
Other attractions include the ruins of a 13th-century castle on the Slottfjjell hilltop and the Haugar Art Museum, which showcases contemporary art from local artists.
How to Get to Tønsberg from Oslo: Tønsberg is an hour and 15-minute trip from Oslo by train. The train departs from the Olso Station hourly and operates daily. Get Your Train Tickets Here >>>
Lillehammer
The ski resort town of Lillehammer is best known for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics, but it has so much more to offer its visitors.
Here you’ll find the Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jump, the Olympic Bobsled, the Luge Track, and the Norwegian Olympic Museum. The town’s main attraction is the Maihaugen, an open-air museum that displays Norwegian houses from the 13th century to the present.
How to get to Lillehammer from Oslo: Take the train from the Olso Station to Lillehammer. The journey takes about two hours. Get Your Train Tickets Here >>>
Drøbak
The small and charming town of Drøbak lies along the southern coast of the Oslofjord. Home to a Santa post office, Drøbak is the only place in Norway, and probably the whole world, that’s dressed up as a Christmas village year-round.
The town is also a quick boat ride from the historic Oscarsborg Fortress, which, in 1940, sank the German heavy cruiser Blücher, delaying invasion.
How to Get to Drøbak from Oslo: The best way to get to Drøbak is by bus, which takes about 50 minutes for a regular bus and 40 minutes for an express bus. The bus departs from the Oslo Bus Terminal near Oslo Central Station and arrives at the Drøbak harbor. Get Your Bus Tickets Here >>>
During warmer months, you can take a 1-1/2 ferry ride from Aker Brygge in central Oslo to the town.
Why Oslo Should Be on Your Norway Itinerary
Norway is known for its stunning natural beauty with its fjords and forests, waterfalls, and Northern Lights. Oslo is all of this and more with its world-class museums and architecture on display throughout the city and along its beautiful waterfront. The city is extremely family-friendly and easy to navigate using your feet or public transportation. It’s one of the best places in Scandinavia for families.