Hello again! I know it’s been a few days. We’ve been traveling and the kids are on vacation for two weeks! It’s Winter Break in Stockholm and I’m thinking back one year ago to when our nephews visited us (click here) — what fun we had!
I’m often asked “what to do with bigger kids in Stockholm” and today, I’d like to share my “short list” of “what to do with big kids in Stockholm (approximately ages: 6-13 but many of these things are great with little ones, too.) I’m also teaming up with fellow Stockholm based blogger, Mina, from minipiccolini, today, who will share her favorite things to do in Stockholm with babies and toddlers (click here.) I wanted to share a broad list and think that there’s something for everyone here. Happy Travels!
With a VAT tax of about 25 %, Stockholm isn’t a bargain but, there is a lot you can do and enjoy without going over board — it’s really a city to walk and discover. Since Stockholm’s built on 14 islands — if you follow the water, it’s hard to go wrong. The city buses are easy and ferries also help you easily move around. (If you are traveling with a baby buggy, you’ll ride for free on the bus with your baby in a buggy.) Each area of the city has a spirit of it’s own. Many of the museums have great cafes for easy breaks and views to enjoy.
Old Town: find the narrowest street in the city and see the changing of the guard.
ACTIVITIES:
Walk, take the bus or subway — these are all easy ways to get around Stockholm. English is spoken everywhere and people, generally, like to practice. There are also ferries available to shuttle between Djurgården, Slussen (Old Town) and Nybrokajen (center) and you can purchase tickets on-site. These are three areas with a lot to see and this is a great way to get around town, while offering another perspective to the town.
Wasa Museum: (Vasamuseet) The Wasa sank on her maiden voyage in Stockholm 1628 and was salvaged 1961. This museum encases the full ship and is a must see. (Note: closed March 18 – April 30 for reconstruction). This is on the island of Djurgården with offers endless strolling (see more below under parks.)
Vikings: The island of Birka (The former Viking Capital with a viking village, experience the Sveakampen viking games where children and adults are invited to join the action or try working as an archaeologist under expert supervision – even wooden sword making at times.)
Kulturhuset: Rum for Barn This cultural city center has a exhibits for children and an area just for little ones called Rum for Barn. I was here all of the time, when the kids were toddlers — they had a great atelier where the kids can paint and paint without worrying about being messy and the library is great, too with titles in many languages! It’s worth mentioning for older children too because of the weekly craft in this same atelier. In the “Rum for Barn” there are special weekly craft projects designed for older children and it’s located in the center of the city — very convenient to just pop in. I will mention the Lava Studio, on the ground floor of Kulturhuset is for children between 13 – 23. We haven’t graduated to Lava so have no first hand experience, but, I do love looking in the windows. Stop by Designtorget, too. It’s a market with Nordic designers. You might find something interesting to take home here. (click here.)Music and Dance:
Konserthuset: Music series for kids, Musical Treasure hunts and regular concerts.
The Royal Ballet/Opera. It’s more than the show, it’s the costumes, the atmosphere, the orchestra, the stage… (See the Nutcracker, if visiting over Christmas and New Years Holidays)
Islands
short excursion: Waxholm boat to the island: Fjäderholmarna. This little island is the first one out of the city. The short boat ride is way to get a first feel for the archipelago and the island has everything from restaurants to artisans. (It opens for the season on April 28, 2013)
excursion: Waxholm boat to island; Sandhamn. This island is one of the outer most islands of the Stockholm Archipelago with a fantastic white sandy beach, restaurants, lodging, bakery and sailing regattas; as well the the soft, quiet backdrop of the Baltic Sea.
short excursion: Ski at Hammarbybacken: Ski at the city limits. Rentals are available on site and the view of the city from this little hill is fantastic. All of the kids used it almost as our “winter park” and while small if is unique, convenient and fun.
Above left: Leaving coins in the paws of the lions, between the Opera and the Palace, is a tradition to give to someone in need. Stockholm has a high standard of living but, it’s something we still always do. Above Right: The city tourist ferry will take you right up to the Fotographiska Museet; or walk or pick up a city bike to get there — it’s a great path to use up some kid energy with a beautiful view back into the city and a busy waterway where cruise ships and ferries move.
Many of Stockholm’s museums have great art rooms and special weekend programs for kids that are designed around current exhibits. I’ve included links with all of the museums listed below so that you can check these out before choosing. Many, too, have fantastic settings for their cafes which make wonderful breaks and nice shops where I’ve found unique things for the kids rooms and where I often buy presents. (The Modern and Fotographiska are two on my favorite views in town and both have very nice menus.)
2. Architecture Museum * The art classes we’ve participated in here have been very, very good for big kids — I still moon of the one that we missed where kids built their own mini Eames Chair! This is in the same building as the Modern. We were there in December. See their Gingerbread House exhibit, here.
3. National * This is currently closed for renovations but will open in a temporary location on June 13, 2013.
4. Junibacken * This is the Pipplångstocking Museum. It’s primarily for 6 and under but, is still special if your children are familiar with Pippi — the National Treasure — complete with temporary exhibits, a train ride through Astrid Lindgren’s tales and a beautiful setting.
5. Wasa Museum: A must see.
6. Nordiska Museum *
7. Aquaria Aquarium: Fish, frogs and a great stop on the tram, coming from the city center.
8. Tekniska Museet * This is a good technology museum with lots of hands-on for active kids.
9. Etnografiskamuseet (great break art activities and cafe) and near by: Sea Museum
10. Police Museum
11. Skansen. See above where it is also listed above as an activity.
12. Stadshuset See above where it is also listed above as an activity.
13. Royal Palace (Museums)
14. Fotographiska Museum. Cafe with such a fantastic view
15. Tom Titts Experiment * This is a fantastic science and discover museum for older kids. It’s out of the city but car, bus or train will get you there.
Djurgården is an beloved by both tourists and those who live here. The whole island is a park and is it also home to the amusement park, Grona Lund, and many museums (Wasa, Junibacken, Nordiska, Skansen and the Aquarium, all mentioned below), points of interest with other museums and restaurants — of the perfect place to take a picnic. Don’t miss one of my favorite cafes, Rosendals trädgården — a green house and cafe with many interesting nooks and crannies for the kids to explore — including a labyrinth and play park.
I’ll share some of my favorite Stockholm restaurants with kids very soon! What else do you want to know about Stockholm? Do you want to know about favorite shopping? I’d love to hear from you and know what you’re thinking about and looking for! Stockholm deserves some summer photos, too. The sun is “almost” midnight sun and the colors absolutely dance! I hope your week has been great!
