Nordic capitals are well equipped for entertaining children & teenagers, with everything from interactive museums and nature-based playgrounds to outdoor adventures and family-friendly attractions.

Planning a holiday to Scandinavia with kids or teens? You’re in luck. The Nordic capitals are not only beautiful and clean, but incredibly family-friendly - offering a mix of exciting attractions, nature-based experiences and cultural gems designed with young travellers in mind. Whether it’s imaginative playgrounds, music museums or outdoor adventures, there’s something for every age and interest.

Attractions for Children & Teenagers in the Nordic Capitals

Copenhagen - parks for everyone

It’s a great time to explore Scandinavia with children, as a new generation of Nordic playgrounds is transforming how kids engage with urban spaces. Designed to encourage imaginative and even ‘risky’ play, these parks let children reconnect with nature - even during a city break.

In Copenhagen, try Rødkilde Park, the Garden of the Senses in Fælledparken, or the Valby Nature park. These are not your average playgrounds - think climbing structures made from natural materials, spaces that stimulate the senses, and the chance to interact with water, sand, mud and more.

Older kids and teens? Let them roam free in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s iconic fun park, which blends old-world charm with modern thrills. Add in a visit to the massive Fælledparken skate and sports areas, or hire bikes to explore the city's vast network of cycle paths.

Teenagers especially will enjoy Copenhagen’s effortlessly cool style - it’s a capital with the buzz of a fashion hub, full of local boutiques, sneaker shops and vintage finds.

Image: Visit Copenhagen

Stockholm - super cool & super fun

In Stockholm, families can get their groove on at the ABBA museum - an absolute hit with both kids and grown-ups. It’s hands-on, interactive and full of surprises. Step onto a virtual stage with the band, test your vocals in a sound booth, ride the ABBA helicopter, and spot yourselves in hilarious music videos afterwards.

Our kids spent over an hour in the Swedish Music Hall of Fame, mesmerised by the electric guitars and visitors jamming on Yamaha pianos.

Just next door is Skansen Open-Air Museum & Zoo, a family favourite. Wander through historical buildings, meet Nordic wildlife, and take in sweeping views of Stockholm from Royal Djurgården. Don’t miss the small but quirky aquarium, featuring everything from curious lemurs and snapping turtles to naked mole rats in clear tubes — a dream for fans of Deadly 60.

As in Copenhagen, Stockholm has fashion appeal in spades. Let your teenagers loose in the city centre, especially at Sweden’s own H&M — and beyond, into the city’s wealth of edgy, youthful boutiques.

We’ve also designed a special 4-day mini break, the Stockholm Family Fun Long Weekend, tailored for active families. It includes a scenic kayaking tour through Stockholm’s waterways and a hands-on candy cane making experience in the old town.

Oslo - outdoor adventures for kids

Nature, nature - and more nature! Oslo may be a compact capital, but it’s overflowing with green spaces, fjord views and forested adventures. While it doesn’t have the same density of playgrounds or amusement parks as other cities, it more than makes up for it with its access to the wild.

In summer, rent bikes and take the family to Bygdøy Island - enjoy a picnic on the low coastal cliffs, swim off the rocks, or go crab fishing with a bit of string and a bucket. As evening falls, walk up the sloped roof of Oslo’s iconic Opera House and watch the sunset over the fjord.

Autumn is perfect for blueberry picking in the nearby hills. Come winter, Oslo turns into a snowy playground - jump on a local train and head straight to the forest for tobogganing down the Korketrekkeren (Corkscrew), try cross-country skiing, or catch locals in action at the Holmenkollen ski jump. Then warm up with hot chocolate at one of the many scenic, mountaintop cafés.

Budget-friendly tips for families

Despite their reputation, these Nordic capitals can be surprisingly budget-friendly - especially for families. You’ll find:

• Hot dogs and casual eats around most corners
• Affordable bakeries and small Asian restaurants
• A strong picnic culture - especially in summer
• Public grills in parks, perfect for a DIY sausage or burger night

We also offer a range of self-catering accommodation options in our family packages, which makes feeding a family easier (and more economical).

Many of the experiences listed above are free or low-cost, making them ideal for extended stays or multi-city holidays.

We’ve also created a 4-day Oslo Family Fun Long Weekend travel package. This short break includes local and sustainable activities - like packrafting on Oslo’s waterways and a unique alpaca walk through the surrounding farmlands and forests.

Overall, whether you’re travelling with small kids or screen-happy teens, Scandinavia’s capitals provide the perfect balance of culture, adventure, and nature - all within safe, clean, and easily navigable cities. Add in direct flights, family-friendly accommodation, and authentic local experiences, and you’ve got a family holiday to remember.

Image Credit: Visit Oslo, Didrick Stenersen