Organised activities for 5-year-olds in Oslo

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

Ole Deviks vei 17, Alna

Sports play for the youngest at Teisen IF, the club's offering for children too small for the football teams. The club is based at the clubhouse in Ole Deviks vei and runs the Bryn pitch, and has been the neighbourhood club at Teisen since 1971.

ages 3-5

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

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 from age 4 for the youngest, an intermediate group from 6 and an advanced group from 8, in premises at Trasop in the east of the city.

ages 4-18

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

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

Grefsen skole, Nordre Aker

A parent-run neighbourhood orchestra recruiting mainly from Grefsen school, with tuition on violin, viola, cello and double bass and rehearsals at the school. Together with Grefsen school's junior strings and Engebråten Ungdomsstrykere it forms an unbroken path from age five to eighteen, so children can stay in the same community throughout their school years. The termly fee is 3,000 kroner, and instruments can be rented for 400 kroner a term.

ages 5-18

Njårdhallen, Vestre Aker

Gymnastics group adapted for children and youth with intellectual disabilities, at Njårdhallen on Makrellbekken. Njård offers para gymnastics both within the children's programme (ages 3 to 13) and for youth from 14, with training adapted to each gymnast. Gymnastics builds strength, flexibility and body control at every level.

ages 3-18

Sonja Henie ishall og Frogner stadion, Frogner

Figure skating courses for children and young people in the Sonja Henie ice hall and at Frogner stadium. The club is one of Norway's oldest, founded in 1864, and welcomes beginners who have barely stood on skates. Figure skating is spins, jumps and edge work on ice, and asks more of technique than of speed. The club usually lends out skates for the first few sessions.

ages 5-18

Lambertseter idrettspark, Nordstrand

Peter Pan barneidrett, the multi-sport group at Lambertseter IF for children aged 4 to 9. Over the season the group tries athletics, football, handball, gymnastics, dance, cycling, skiing, skating and sledging, so a child gets to sample many sports before settling on one. Plenty of play, and the threshold is low. Approved for the Oslo leisure card.

ages 4-9

Ekebergveien 243, Nordstrand

A pop choir at Nordstrand, split into Popkids for children aged five to nine, Popsingers for teenagers and Vokalkompaniet for those who want to go further. They sing pop, new and old, rather than the classical repertoire most children's choirs stick to - an alternative for children who would rather sing what they actually listen to. POPrommet is a private music school that also teaches singing, instruments and songwriting, so singers can add individual lessons alongside the choir.

ages 5-18

Grünerhallen, Grünerløkka

Ice hockey for children and youth in the middle of Grünerløkka, at one of the city's most central clubs. The skating and hockey school welcomes the very youngest with no experience needed, and the club has teams in several age groups for both girls and boys. A short trip for many inner-city families.

ages 5-18

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

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

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

Furuset Forum, Alna

All-round sports school for children aged three to six, Wednesdays 17.00 to 17.55 at Furuset Forum. Play comes first, and the children try a different sport most weeks rather than specialising early.

ages 3-6

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

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

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

Kalbakken, Grorud

A taekwondo club with its own dojang at Kalbakken, right below Kalbakken youth club, and training sessions also in the gym at Nordtvet school. The club has dedicated children's groups with belt gradings - beginners and more advanced from five to nine, a separate group for ten to thirteen, and a youth group from fourteen and up. Children train kicks, technique and self-discipline in a safe setting. A solid local martial arts option in a district with few organised niche sports.

ages 5-18

Idrettens Hus Nordbyen, Stovner

The Rommen branch of Norsk Ballettinstitutt, with classical ballet, hip hop and jazz dance for children and youth. The same progression as at the main branch, without families in Groruddalen having to travel into the centre.

ages 4-18

Lille Tøyen, Grünerløkka

A grassroots football club taking players from age five upwards, founded in 1982 and run by volunteers from the Lille Tøyen, Hasle and Lilleberg areas. The club takes all ability levels, and describes itself as much as a meeting place for parents and neighbours as for the players. Approved for the Oslo leisure card.

ages 5-18

Mortensrud, Søndre Nordstrand

All-round sports for children at Mortensrud, Mondays from 17:00 to 18:00, year round. Children try many sports in different settings, in the gym, the forest, on the field, on snow and ice, focusing on solid basic motor skills through play adapted to each child's level.

ages 3-8

Majorstuen, Frogner

A dance school in Professor Dahls gate at Majorstuen with a broad programme for children and youth, from a parent-and-child group for ages 2-4 and dance play for 3- and 4-year-olds 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, and also runs classes at Løren and in Lillestrøm. Dance builds rhythm, posture and confidence.

ages 2-18

Oppsal, Østensjø

A dance studio at Oppsal with courses split by age and school year: children's dance for ages 4 and 5, jazz for Years 1 to 4, and street and mixed dance from Year 5. The studio also runs adult classes, but the children's groups are separate. Approved for the Oslo leisure card.

ages 4-18

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

Nordstrand Arena, Nordstrand

The handball section at Bækkelagets Sportsklub is one of the city's biggest handball communities, with around 850 active members from the youngest up and home matches at Nordstrand Arena. The club takes in children from about age five, with play and ball skills before it gets serious. A broad programme where most children find a team that fits.

ages 5-18

Valhall Arena, Gamle Oslo

A martial arts centre at Valhall Arena with three age-based groups for children and teenagers: Små helter for ages 5 to 8, jiu-jitsu for 9 to 11 and a separate group for 12 to 15, plus a girls-only jiu-jitsu class. The centre runs muay thai, MMA, submission wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu across four halls, so a child who starts young can stay on. The timetable is on the front page of their website, and beginners' courses all start together at the beginning of term. Approved for the Oslo leisure card.

ages 5-15

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

Stavangergata, Sagene

A dance and musical theatre school with courses in musicals, drama, singing, jazz, ballet, modern dance and children's dance. Note that this is an ambitious school rather than a drop-in option: all courses require registration, places are limited, and the school states that it makes demands of participants so it can work towards results. Approved for the Oslo leisure card.

ages 4-18

Karen Platous vei 31, Stovner

A martial arts club with groups from age two: 2 to 6, 7 to 10 and 11 to 15 train taekwondo, kickboxing and hapkido. Founded in 2005, it draws children from Bjerke, Stovner, Alna and Grorud, training at several venues in Groruddalen.

ages 2-18

Madserud, Frogner

A tennis school for children and youth aged 5 to 18 at Madserud, between Frognerparken and Skøyen. Teaching follows the international 'Play & Stay' concept, where children are divided into red, orange, green and yellow levels with adapted balls and court sizes - so they play real tennis from the first lesson. The club also has a dedicated kindergarten programme.

ages 5-18

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

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

Fjellhallen, Søndre Nordstrand

A parent-run handball group at Fjellhallen, with play-based sessions for the youngest born 2019 to 2021 teams up to the under-13s, and a girls' youth side for those born 2010 to 2013. The season runs from August to June. Your child can try a few sessions before joining, so it costs nothing to find out whether it suits.

ages 5-16

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

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

Høyenhall skole, Østensjø

A school choir of around sixty singers aged 5 to 13, founded in 1967 and one of the oldest children's choirs in the Østensjø district. The choir rehearses at Høyenhall school and is split into age groups, so the youngest sing with children their own age rather than in a choir pitched at pupils who have been at it for years. The year includes concerts, a Christmas performance and appearances in the local area. You do not have to attend Høyenhall school to join. Approved for the Oslo leisure card.

ages 5-13

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

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

Holmenkollen, Vestre Aker

A ski club in Holmenkollen where the point is to have fun on skis together. Children learn to ski as a group rather than to compete, and the Marka terrain is right outside.

ages 5-18

Stovnerhallen, Stovner

The dance groups at Stovner Sportsklubb, in Stovnerhallen. One of several sports in a deliberately broad club, so children can switch or combine without changing club.

ages 5-18

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

Voldsløkka, Sagene

The same weekly theatre programme from Oslo Culture School as at Manglerud, but at Voldsløkka kulturstasjon in Sagene. Theatre play, improvisation and stage performance for children aged five to twelve, as a year-round place.

ages 5-12

Bygdø Kongsgård, Frogner

A riding school at the King's own farm on Bygdøy, run by the Norwegian Folk Museum. The programme is an introduction to horses and riding as a hobby, for beginners to slightly experienced riders, with all riding on three outdoor arenas and in the area around the farm. The youngest course, Knøttekurs, takes children from 3 to 6/7, and an accompanying adult has to lead the horse. Terms follow the school year, and the farm also runs riding camps in the summer holidays.

ages 3-18

Rustad idrettsplass, Østensjø

All-round sports for kindergarten-age children, three to six, split by birth year into groups of about twenty. Each group trains one day a week, indoors and outdoors, with play and mastery as the aim.

ages 3-6

Kollbanen, Nordberg, Nordre Aker

The cross country section of IL Koll, with training groups from age 5-6 upwards, organised by school year. The club is based at Kollbanen behind Nordberg church, with the Nordmarka forest as its nearest neighbour, and also has ski jumping hills at the same grounds. A natural pick for families in Tåsen, Nordberg and Korsvoll who want ski training within walking distance of the forest.

ages 5-16

Stovnerhallen, Stovner

All-round sport for the youngest at Stovner Sportsklubb: children get to try many sports through play, with the emphasis on motor skills and the joy of moving rather than competition. The most common way into organised sport for five-year-olds.

ages 4-18

Slemdal, Vestre Aker

Heming is one of the country's largest alpine skiing communities for children and youth, with ski school and training groups from around age five. The club is based at Slemdal with a short trip to the slopes in Oslo's winter park, welcoming both those who want winter fun and those who want to commit. Alpine skiing brings speed, mastery and plenty of fresh air.

ages 5-18

Odalsgata 7, Gamle Oslo

Children's and family group in Framfylkingen, the Norwegian trade union confederation's family organisation, for Gamle Oslo. The group meets about once a month for activities like theatre, outdoor life and community engagement, for children of all ages together with their families. Annual membership costs 50 kroner.

ages 0-16

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

Bestum skole, Ullern

A string orchestra for children and young people, founded in 1952, with around seventy members aged 5 to 16. It recruits from across the Ullern district rather than from a single school. Lessons take place at both Bestum and Skøyen schools, while the orchestra rehearsals themselves are at Bestum. Taking members from age 5 is unusually early for strings. Approved for the Oslo leisure card.

ages 5-16

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

Nedre Akerselva, Grønland, Gamle Oslo

Free try-out river kayaking on the Akerselva, every Saturday from 13:00 to 15:30 in season (autumn 2026 until 26 September). Certified activity leaders instruct, and kayak, life vest and paddle are lent out for free. No registration, just drop in; small children paddle together with an adult.

ages 4-16

Idrettens Hus Nordbyen, Stovner

The dance groups at Høybråten og Stovner IL, for children and youth. One of nine sports in the club, so it is easy to switch or combine without having to find a new one.

ages 5-18

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

Ekebergsletta, Nordstrand

One of Norway's largest riding schools, on Ekebergsletta ten minutes from the city centre. Pony courses from age five, regular riding-school courses at all levels and dedicated jumping courses for those who want to go further - all in the middle of a petting farm with cows, goats and rabbits. Courses run through the school year, and the centre also holds day courses during the school holidays.

ages 5-18

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

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

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