Organised activities for 4-year-olds in Oslo

At 4, two things happen in the catalogue: multi-sport arrives properly, and the music offerings, choirs and music play run by the bands and culture schools, open their doors. Together with dance, gymnastics and swimming, the selection is many times larger than just a year earlier.

Multi-sport deserves a word of its own: one hour a week where the children try many sports through the year, run by the neighbourhood sports club. For a 4-year-old who wants to start something without knowing what, it is the easiest start there is, and most districts have a club offering it.

Worth knowing at age 4

Breadth beats specialising. The four-year-old who tries multi-sport, sings in a choir for six months and switches to gymnastics loses nothing by it, quite the opposite. Organised sports welcome beginners for many years yet.

Check whether an adult is expected in the hall or in the water. At 4 this varies a lot between activities, and it decides how many a family can realistically manage in a week. If the website doesn't say, it is worth an email before you sign up.

All the activities that welcome 4-year-olds

Want every age in one list? See the full overview of organised activities

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60 activities

Abildsø Ballett

Dans

Trasopp, Østensjø

A high-quality ballet school run by Grete Nerdrum, who has danced at the Norwegian National Opera. The programme is children's dance for the youngest and classical ballet for children and youth, in premises at Trasop in the east of the city.

ages 3-18

Alfa minigospel

Kor

Vestre Aker menighetshus, Ullevålsveien 117, Nordre Aker

A mini gospel choir for children from four years old through second grade, in the merged parish of Bakkehaugen, Majorstuen and Vestre Aker. Rehearsals run on Wednesdays 17:30-18:30 (outside school holidays) in the lower floor of the Vestre Aker parish house, Ullevalsveien 117. Halfway through there is a break in the parents' room with juice for the children and coffee for the grown-ups, a short devotion, and then a little more singing. Gospel is easy to take in: simple melodies, plenty of rhythm, and songs the children remember after the first rehearsal.

ages 4-8

Alna Ridesenter

Ridning

Alnaparken, Alna

A riding centre in Alnaparken with courses for almost every level, from toddler courses for the youngest around age three to regular riding-school groups. The centre offers drop-in riding at weekends (book ahead) and runs day camps in every school holiday, including Easter. One of few riding options in the east of the city with such a wide age range.

ages 3-18

Barn i vann Kantarellen

Svømming

Kantarellen, Søndre Nordstrand

Baby swimming and swimming courses in a warm therapy pool at Mortensrud, for children from newborn to around ten years old. Barn i vann emphasises water safety, play and mastery, with a parent in the water for the youngest. The pool is in the basement of the Kantarellen care and rehabilitation centre, with room for babies and toddlers alike.

ages 0-10

Barn i vann Stig skole

Svømming

Stig skole, Stovner

Baby swimming and swimming courses in a warm pool at 32 to 35 degrees, from the smallest babies up to children around ten years old. Barn i vann builds water confidence through play and regular courses, with a parent in the water for the youngest. The pool is at Stig skole in the Groruddalen valley.

ages 0-10

Barnas Turlag Oslo

Friluft

Turer i marka og på fjellet, Sentrum

The Norwegian Trekking Association's own programme for families with children, with hikes, play and activities for children aged 0 to 12. Barnas Turlag Oslo arranges everything from short local walks in the forest to mountain trips and camps, both for the whole family and for children on their own. Membership costs around 150 kroner a year - among the most affordable organised children's offerings in the city.

ages 0-12

Bygdø Tennisklubb

Tennis

Bygdøy, Frogner

A tennis club on Bygdøy with offerings for children from as young as four, including tennis for kindergarten children and at the after-school programme in the afternoon. The tennis school has a long tradition in the local area and takes everyone from first-graders to upper secondary pupils, in groups or private lessons. One of the city's most child-friendly tennis options.

ages 4-18

Bårdar Danseinstitutt

Dans

Sentrum, Sentrum

One of the city's best-known dance institutes, centrally in Oslo, with safe and inspiring dance classes for children and youth from age three. Over 50 weekly courses cover ballet, jazz, hip hop, show and much more, with performances for the children to look forward to. Dance builds rhythm, joy and confidence.

ages 4-18

Dance Popup

Dans

Ensjø, Gamle Oslo

Dance courses for children aged two to twelve in more than twenty dance styles, from children's dance to hip hop, focused on letting children feel seen and experience mastery. The studio is at Ensjø, and they also run courses at several locations in Oslo and Akershus.

ages 2-12

Dancespace

Dans

Oluf Onsums vei 9B, Nordstrand

A dance studio at Ryen with a clear progression through childhood. Children's dance is for four- and five-year-olds, preparatory ballet and jazz for six- and seven-year-olds, and from age eight you start ballet and jazz level 1 and work up through the levels. Hip-hop and break start at six and follow the same ladder, with modern, commercial and musical theatre further up.

ages 4-16

Danseløvene

Dans

Hasleveien 28b, Grünerløkka

A dance school by Carl Berner with one of the largest course selections in Oslo, grouped by age. The youngest start in parent-and-child classes, and from there come ballet, hip-hop and breakdance for children and teenagers. New courses start each term, and the school also hosts dance birthday parties.

ages 2-12

Den Norske Ballettskole

Dans

Carl Berner, Grünerløkka

A dance school and academy centrally in Oslo with a broad course programme for children and youth from around three to eighteen. In addition to classical ballet there's theatre, breakdance, funk jazz, modern and musical dance, so children can try many styles. A serious environment with clear progression for those who want to commit.

ages 3-18

Det Ukrainske Barnekoret Credo

Kor

Mørtelverksbakken 5, Bjerke

A choir for children and young people from four to sixteen, founded in Oslo in 2023 by conductor and music teacher Larysa Smaga. The choir is open to everyone - both children with Ukrainian backgrounds and children of other nationalities who want to sing together - and the repertoire is Ukrainian and international. The children develop in a warm and trusting atmosphere, and for the Ukrainian families the choir is a place where the connection to their own culture is kept alive. One of few choirs in the city that welcomes four-year-olds.

ages 4-16

Furuset Ishockey

Ishockey

Furuset Forum, Alna

A large ice-hockey club in the Groruddalen valley with its home rink at Furuset Forum. The skating and hockey school welcomes the youngest from age four with no experience needed, and the club has teams up through the age groups from U7. A broad, active hockey scene in a part of the city with long ice traditions.

ages 4-18

Furuset Tennis IF

Tennis

Furuset Forum, Alna

The tennis section of Furuset IF, with a tennis school split into classes for ages 3-6, 6-12 and 13-19. The youngest attend «blue tennis», a 45-minute preparatory class where an adult over sixteen takes part actively alongside the child, and where the exercises are as much about coordination, balance and ball control as about tennis. The club says the class suits five and six year olds best, but that three and four year olds are welcome to try too. From age six the tennis school follows the TennisKids model with colour levels: red tennis on a mini court with balls travelling at 25 per cent of normal speed, then orange tennis on a mid-size court with balls at 50 per cent. Court hire is included in the junior membership.

ages 3-18

Høybråten og Stovner Turn

Turn

Idrettens Hus Nordbyen, Stovner

The gymnastics group at Høybråten og Stovner IL, with the motto 'gymnastics for everyone' and offerings from age two. Play, acrobatics and competition at all levels, in a dedicated hall at Idrettens Hus Nordbyen.

ages 2-18

Høyenhall Gymnastikkforening

Turn

Høyenhallen, Østensjø

Community gymnastics at Høyenhallen by Manglerud metro station, with playful gymnastics for four- and five-year-olds and then groups by school year all the way to tenth grade. The exercises follow the national gymnastics ladder of a hundred graded skills, and those who want more can move up to a dedicated advanced group.

ages 4-16

IL i BUL Allidrett

Allidrett

Bislett, St. Hanshaugen

The sports section of Bondeungdomslaget in Oslo, founded in 1913, with all-round sports for the youngest and long traditions in cross-country skiing, ski jumping, orienteering and athletics. The all-round programme gives children a broad start before they eventually pick a discipline, and the club is based centrally by Bislett. A club with Nynorsk roots and over a hundred years behind it.

ages 4-12

Kirkenær Ballettskole

Dans

Smestad, Ullern

A long-established ballet school at Smestad, founded in 1955, with children's dance for the youngest from three to five in a safe and lively setting. Classical ballet, jazz and modern dance follow up through the age groups, with teachers who hold higher dance education.

ages 3-18

Kjelsås IL Allidrett

Allidrett

Kjelsås, Nordre Aker

All-round sports for children between the age of four and starting school, in one of Oslo's large grassroots clubs. In the sessions the children practise basic motor skills - jumping, hopping, running and throwing - through varied games and exercises, with no competitive pressure. A safe, social first encounter with organised sport, right in the neighbourhood.

ages 4-6

Klemetsrud IL Allidrett

Allidrett

Klemetsrud idrettspark, Mortensrud, Søndre Nordstrand

All-round sports for the youngest at Klemetsrud IL, the neighbourhood club for Mortensrud, Stenbråten, Klemetsrud, Bjørnerud and Dal/Brenna. Children take part from the year they turn four until they start first grade, trying a broad range of sports through play and simple exercises. The club has a low membership fee, and you can try a couple of sessions before joining.

ages 4-6

Kolibri Musikkakademi

Kulturskole

Josefines gate 17 (Majorstuen) og Munkedamsveien 66 (Sentrum), Frogner

A private music school with branches in Josefines gate near Majorstuen and Munkedamsveien in the centre, teaching children and adults piano, guitar and singing. The school splits pupils into three age groups, from four and five year olds via six to eighteen and on to adults. Tuition is one-to-one with dedicated teachers, adapted to the pupil's age and level, and dedicated summer courses run in the holidays. A flexible option for children who want to learn an instrument at their own pace.

ages 4-18

Kor i Holmlia kirke

Kor

Holmlia kirke, Søndre Nordstrand

Holmlia parish has several choirs, for both children and adults, in one of the city's most multicultural districts. For the youngest there is HoBaKLUZZ, an activity and singing group for all children from nought to ten, meeting on Tuesdays 5.30 to 6.30pm. Tween Sing takes years 5 to 8 straight afterwards, and Sjibbolet Ten Sing is for everyone from year 8 and up, on Thursdays. Church choirs are traditionally among the most affordable and inclusive music offerings there are, and here children sing alongside peers from the neighbourhood.

ages 0-18

Lambertseter Bryteklubb

Bryting

Lambertseter, Nordstrand

A wrestling club with groups from as young as four and up, in a modern wrestling hall in operation since January 2018 and considered among the best in Northern Europe. The youngest train basic motor skills and falling technique through play, while the older ones wrestle properly. One of few martial arts options in the city that welcomes children this young.

ages 4-18

Lambertseter Svømmeklubb

Svømming

Lambertseter bad, Nordstrand

One of Norway's largest swimming schools, with around 2,000 participants a week. Courses are split into toddlers from age two, children from five, and teenagers up to seventeen, following the national federation's levels. Lessons run at Lambertseter, Holmlia and Bøler pools and at Oppsal and Hauketo schools, and those who want more can move on to the club's recruit and competition squads.

ages 2-17

Ludo barnekor (Grefsen menighet)

Kor

Grefsen kirke, Nordre Aker

A children's choir for the very youngest, from three to eight years old, rehearsing in Grefsen church every other Monday in even-numbered weeks. Short half-hour sessions are adapted to small children who don't sit still for long, and the barrier is low - all you need is a wish to sing. One of few choirs in the city that welcomes three-year-olds.

ages 3-8

MAYA Musikk & Kulturskole

Dans

Ljan, Nordstrand

One of Norway's largest private culture schools, offering dance, music, theatre and visual art for children and youth. MAYA teaches at a number of locations across Oslo and Bærum; the address here is the head office at Ljan. A good fit for children who want to combine dance with other art forms.

ages 3-18

MAYA Musikk & Kulturskole

Kunst

16 undervisningssteder i Oslo og Bærum, Sentrum

A private school of arts that has taught children music, dance, theatre and visual art since 1981, with 16 teaching locations around Oslo and Bærum. The drawing and painting courses for children let young artists explore different techniques in safe, small groups - and the school also offers singing and instrument tuition for those who would rather play than paint. Rolling enrolment through the year.

ages 4-18

Monolitten IL Allidrett

Allidrett

Bygdøy, Frogner

All-round sports at Bygdø Monolitten IL, the neighbourhood club on the Bygdøy peninsula, which also covers football, handball and floorball. The all-round programme gives the youngest a broad introduction to sport through play and varied activities, close to home for families on the peninsula. A small club with close follow-up.

ages 4-12

Njård Turn

Turn

Njårdhallen, Vestre Aker

Njård's biggest section, in Njårdhallen at Makrellbekken. Playful gymnastics is split into ages three to four and five to six, the gymnastics school into years one and two, three and four, and five to seven, and from year eight there is a separate group for teenagers. The club also has para gymnastics for both children and youth. The youngest are in the gym hall while the older ones train in the main hall. Gymnastics is the foundation for most other sports and builds strength, suppleness and body control.

ages 3-16

Nordberg Barnegospel

Kor

Nordberg kirke, Kringsjågrenda 1, Nordre Aker

A children's gospel choir in Nordberg parish at Kringsjå, with two groups. Lille-Bago is for children from four up to and including year 2 and rehearses on Wednesdays 5-5.45pm, and Store-Bago is for years 3 and 4 and rehearses on Wednesdays 6-7.15pm. Both meet in the parish room next to the church. Children's gospel is a simpler and more rhythmic way into choral singing than the classical repertoire, and the threshold is low - you sign up by contacting the choir's contact person.

ages 4-10

Nordstrand Soul Kids

Kor

Nordstrand kirke, Nordstrand

A children's choir for ages 4-9 in Nordstrand parish, where joy, community and musical development through play and song are central. The repertoire sits closer to gospel and soul than traditional church music, so it really swings - and the youngest get to sing with no requirement to read music.

ages 4-9

Nordstrand Tennisklubb

Tennis

Seterveien 15, Nordstrand

A long-established tennis club with courts in Seterveien: six outdoor clay courts and dedicated mini-tennis courts outside, plus an indoor hall (NTK-hallen) with four courts so children can play year-round. Courses for beginners from age four and on up to competitive play.

ages 4-18

Norsk Ballettinstitutt

Dans

Majorstuen, Frogner

A dance school at Majorstuen with a broad programme for children and youth, from children's dance for the youngest to classical ballet, jazz and hip hop. The institute has groups divided by age and level, with performances for the children to look forward to. Dance builds rhythm, posture and confidence.

ages 3-18

Norsk Ballettinstitutt avd. Løren

Dans

Løren, Bjerke

Norsk Ballettinstitutt's branch at Løren, with its own dance studio in the basement of Løren school. The focus here is courses for children and juniors: dance play from age three, children's ballet, classical ballet, jazz and hip hop.

ages 3-18

Oslo Idrettslag Skøyter

Kunstløp

Jordal idrettspark, Gamle Oslo

A figure-skating club running a skating school at Jordal, in the heart of the district. The youngest (from age 3) get a play-based introduction to skating and figure skating, while older children can progress to basic and advanced groups. A rare niche sport that's easy to try.

ages 3-15

Oslo Idrettslag Svømming

Svømming

Norges idrettshøgskole, Nordre Aker

Swimming all the way from baby classes to club level. Baby courses take children from ten weeks, toddler courses run from two to four with an adult in the water, and the swimming school then follows the national levels of diving, floating, gliding and propulsion. Courses are held at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Lovisenberg and Bergtunet, and the club also offers synchronised swimming.

ages 0-16

Oslo Judo Klubb

Judo

Olaf Helsets vei 5, Østensjø

One of Norway's largest judo clubs, in new premises at Skullerud. Children's groups are split by birth year, with a dedicated group for the youngest from around age four, and beginners are admitted year round. The club emphasises all-round training, respect for your training partner and a good atmosphere, and there is seating by the mat for parents who want to watch.

ages 4-16

Oslo Kulturfabrikk

Kulturskole

Grefsen, Hasle, Smestad og Vålerenga skoler, Sentrum

A private school of arts teaching right after school hours at Grefsen, Hasle, Smestad and Vålerenga schools, plus in its own premises. The programme spans music play for the very youngest (from age 1) via singing, drawing and instruments to musical theatre with real performances, for children up to around 12. Practical for families: children go straight from the classroom to arts class.

ages 4-12

Oslo Parkour Park

Parkour

Konows gate 1-3, Gamle Oslo

A dedicated parkour hall in Gamlebyen with organised sessions for children and youth from three to sixteen, split into four levels from beginner to advanced. Alongside the courses there is free training for children and a youth jam, where you train in the hall with an instructor present. The facility has a sprung floor, bars and permanent parkour elements, so jumps and landings can be practised all year whatever the weather. Membership can be taken by term or by month.

ages 3-16

Oslo Turnforening

Turn

Haslehallen, Grünerløkka

Norway's largest gymnastics club, with the whole ladder gathered at Haslehallen. Playful gymnastics takes the youngest from around age two, the gymnastics levels follow the first school years, and beyond that come parkour, adaptive gymnastics, team and apparatus gymnastics plus dedicated youth groups. The club runs both community and competitive squads.

ages 2-18

Paulus barnesang og barnekor

Kor

Paulus kirke, Grünerløkka, Grünerløkka

Paulus and Sofienberg parish gathers children in Paulus church every other Tuesday for dinner and children's singing - a combination that makes it easy for families to make it after work and kindergarten. The meal is part of the arrangement, and the singing is pitched so that both four-year-olds and school children can join in.

ages 4-12

Romsås IL Allidrett

Allidrett

Romsås, Grorud

Romsås sports club runs free all-round sports, handball and dance school for children in the district - a deliberate choice so that nobody is left out for financial reasons. The club was founded in 1972 and has over 650 members, with sections for football, handball, floorball, orienteering, gymnastics and dance. A rare free offering in organised sport.

ages 4-12

Røa IL Barnegym og Allidrett

Allidrett

Røahallen, Vestre Aker

Røa Allianseidrettslag welcomes the very youngest to Barnegym in Røahallen, for boys and girls aged three to five. Once the children start school they move on to all-round sports, where they try the disciplines the club covers - from bandy and football to athletics, cross-country skiing and cycling. One of the city's broadest neighbourhood offerings for the youngest.

ages 3-12

Sagene IF Allidrett

Allidrett

Bjølsenhallen og skolene på Sagene, Sagene

All-round sports for the youngest children at one of the city's large grassroots clubs: they get to try many different sports through play, with the emphasis on motor skills and the joy of moving rather than competition. Groups are split by birth year, with separate sessions for four- and five-year-olds, and a new cohort joins in the new year. The club's own page lists which birth years apply right now. Sessions run one afternoon a week at Nordpolen, Bentsebrua or Fernanda Nissen schools, or in Bjølsenhallen, so most families in Sagene have a short walk. The club runs on volunteers and expects parents to pitch in.

ages 4-5

Skiforeningen: Barnas skiskole

Langrenn

Ti steder på hverdager, seks i helgene, Sentrum

The Norwegian Ski Association's ski school for children aged 3 to 12, where four-year-olds and up learn basic skiing technique through play. Weekday courses run at ten different ski school locations around the city, and at weekends there are courses for families and individuals at six locations. The classic first encounter with skis for Oslo children.

ages 3-12

Sportsklubben Njård Allidrett

Allidrett

Njårdhallen, Slemdal, Vestre Aker

All-round sports for children at Njård, one of the largest clubs in the west of the city, based at Njårdhallen in Slemdal. The children get a taste of several of the club's sports - including gymnastics, handball and tennis - in a format where play and mastery come first, before they eventually pick one discipline to pursue.

ages 4-10

Sportsklubben Speed

Svømming

Tøyenbadet, Grünerløkka

A swimming club based at Tøyenbadet, with courses for children and teenagers at every level and a clear route onward to training and competition. The club also runs swimming for nurseries and schools, and together with Lambertseter and Oslo Idrettslag takes part in the free summer swimming funded by the City of Oslo.

ages 4-16

Studio Step Up

Dans

Nordstrand, Oppsal og Lambertseter, Nordstrand

An award-winning dance studio with branches in several districts in the south and east of the city. The range is unusually broad: children's ballet, children's dance, musical dance, jazz, hip hop, cheer dance, acrobatics/gymnastics, freestyle disco, modern and competition dance - so children can switch styles without switching school. Welcomes children from kindergarten age.

ages 3-18

Subsdans

Dans

Grünerløkka, Grünerløkka

A dance school in Schous Kulturbryggeri at Grünerløkka, with courses from age four and up in styles such as hip hop, breakdance and dancehall. They emphasise personal development and building each pupil's self-confidence.

ages 4-18

Svømmeakademiet

Svømming

Sagene bad, Sagene

Swimming courses in small groups with adult instructors, split into separate tracks for ages four to seven and eight to thirteen. The youngest start with water familiarisation and work through three levels, while the older ones begin on a beginner course and move on to technique. Courses run at Sagene bad and Montebello bad.

ages 4-13

Søndre Nordstrand Rideklubb

Ridning

Lofsrud gård, Mortensrud, Søndre Nordstrand

A riding club founded in 1991 at the municipal Lofsrud farm at Mortensrud, with around 500 members. Pony courses for the youngest from age three in groups of at most five, riding school at all levels and dedicated vaulting courses, with an emphasis on horse welfare. The club also hosts children's birthday parties. The largest equestrian offering in the south of the city.

ages 3-18

Søndre Aas gård og miljøsenter

Fritidsklubb

Rosenholmveien 11, Søndre Nordstrand

The borough's farm at Rosenholm with outdoor activities: a riding school for everyone over nine, pony-led rides for the youngest and therapy riding. A green offering where children care for animals and spend time outdoors.

ages 4-18

Sørkedalens Idrettsforening Allidrett

Allidrett

Sørkedalen, Vestre Aker

All-round sports at one of Oslo's oldest sports clubs, founded in 1886 as Sørkedalen Ski Club. The club has developed from a pure ski club into a grassroots club, and the all-round group for the youngest combines varied activity with social gatherings. Sport in rural surroundings in the far north-west of the city, with the forest as the nearest neighbour.

ages 4-12

The Zone Dance Studio

Dans

Sagene, Sagene

A large dance studio in Myrens Verksted at Sagene, with a broad range of courses for both adults and children. Children get to try different styles in a setting with many classes and experienced instructors.

ages 4-18

Undring naturgrupper

Friluft

Østensjøvannet bålplass, Østensjø

Nature groups by Østensjøvannet where children investigate whatever they find, together with adults who have both a natural science and a teaching background. Sessions follow the children's own urge to explore rather than a fixed programme, and the leaders put words to the species and phenomena the children meet along the way. Small groups with a high adult to child ratio, and no equipment is needed. Sessions run on Mondays through the term, with ages 4 to 5 at 17:00 and ages 6 to 10 at 18:00. The price is 1600 kroner per term, which is six sessions. Undring say they are flexible about age and can mix the groups. Meet at the campfire site; sign up by email or phone.

ages 4-10

Uranienborg Turn

Turn

Uranienborg skole, Frogner

A gymnastics club with a broad children's programme in the gyms at Uranienborg school, from playful gymnastics for the youngest to groups for older children. Registration is per group ahead of each term, and those who want to go further can be selected for the club's competition squad.

ages 3-16

Vestre Aker Strykeorkester

Orkester

Slemdal skole, Vestre Aker

One of Norway's largest string orchestras for children and young people, parent-run and working with Oslo kulturskole. Pupils get individual tuition on violin, viola, cello or double bass at several of the primary schools in Vestre Aker, plus a weekly orchestra rehearsal in a group matched to level and age. The orchestra is split into Vestre Aker Gresshopper, Lillestryk, Storestryk, Kammerkameratene and Kammerorkester, and the joint rehearsals are at Slemdal school on Thursdays. The oldest players carry on until they are nineteen.

ages 4-18

Vestre Akers Skiklub Allidrett

Allidrett

Vestre Aker, Vestre Aker

All-round sports in an inclusive club covering football, volleyball, cross-country skiing, badminton, floorball and orienteering - and which uses that whole breadth for the youngest. The children try several of the club's sports through the year, with the forest and local facilities close by. A good way to find out what your child actually enjoys.

ages 4-12

Vinderen Dansestudio

Dans

Vinderen, Vestre Aker

A cosy dance studio at Vinderen with courses in most genres for children and youth, from preschool age and up. Whether the child wants to start with classical ballet or try more modern styles, there are groups for both beginners and the experienced. A close, safe dance community on the west side.

ages 3-18