A weekend in Oslo with a teenager

Spikersuppa, Karl Johans gate, 0159 Oslo

A free outdoor ice rink in the middle of Karl Johan between the Parliament and the National Theatre, open every day through winter until 9pm. Skates can be rented on site, so you don't need your own gear, and the lights and Christmas atmosphere make it extra special. A classic winter activity in the heart of the city.

Holmenkollveien 200, 0791 Oslo

Oslo's most famous sledding hill, a roughly 2.5 km run from Frognerseteren to Midtstuen with a 255-metre drop in elevation. Take the Holmenkollen line to Frognerseteren, rent a sled from Akeforeningen or Tomm Murstad, and take the metro back from Midtstuen for another round. The hill is steep and winding in places, so keep a close eye on the youngest. Only open when there's enough snow - check the website for current conditions.

Oslo

The westernmost of the cabin islands, with swimming from smooth rocks in calm surroundings. Nice for a quiet day on the water, but mostly rocks and little sand, so bring water shoes for the youngest.

Frederiks gate 2, 0164 Oslo

In this museum, the whole family can get up close to the world's only preserved Viking helmet and real Egyptian mummies, along with artefacts from antiquity and the Middle Ages and a large coin collection. Everyone under 18 enters free.

Rolf Hofmos gate 4, 0655 Oslo

Ice cream bar/gelateria with handmade ice cream from local, natural ingredients, considered one of Oslo's best ice cream spots. Has a small play area for children.

Smalvollveien 34, 0667 Oslo

Indoor go-kart track at Alnabru with its own track for children from age 5 and faster cars for older kids and adults. Popular for birthday parties, and you can drive whatever the weather, all year round.

Asak Søndre gård, 1923 Sørum

Scandinavia's second-largest treetop climbing park, with 41 zip lines and 21 colour-coded courses for various ages and skill levels, about 30 minutes from Oslo.

Brynjulf Bulls plass 3, 0250 Oslo

In 'Urskogen Silva', children can create their own fantasy creature and watch it come to life digitally, while the Fairy Tale Room lets the youngest meet familiar storybook characters. Children aged 2-17 enter free (ticket required).

Tryvannsveien 64, 0791 Oslo

The city's largest alpine ski resort, with around 18-20 runs for all levels, a dedicated children's area and ski rental at Toppsenteret. Perfect for families who want to try downhill skiing without travelling far from the city - check the website for current opening hours and season.

Wergelandsveien 29, 0167 Oslo

Free children's room (Sjeherasad) on the first floor, open to everyone on Mondays from 10am to 2pm outside the school holidays. You can browse the books, climb the climbing frame and jump in the cushion amphitheatre. Litteraturhuset also has a regular children's programme with films, book readings and more, and welcomes kindergarten groups in the mornings.

Vulkan 13, 0178 Oslo

Indoor climbing and bouldering centre by Mathallen at Vulkan, run by Kolsås Klatreklubb, with three climbing walls and 26 top-rope stations. Centrally located, and a nice place to try climbing with slightly older children.

Bygning 62, Akershus festning, 0015 Oslo

A free military-history museum at Akershus Fortress, with tanks, cannons and uniforms many children find exciting. Children can climb into a real tank, follow the development from Viking swords to fighter jets, and try a shooter simulator. For the youngest there's a discovery trail with an activity booklet.

Oslo

A small, quiet cabin island closest to the city centre, with swimming from smooth rocks and little coves. Nice for a calm day away from the crowds. Bring water shoes, as it is mostly rocks and little sand.

Nobels gate 32, 0268 Oslo

The artist's own studio and home by Frognerparken, where you see how the sculptures in the Vigeland Park came to be - plaster models, drawings and tools in large, light halls. The museum has family Sundays and workshops where children can model in clay themselves. Lovely to combine with a walk in the adjacent park.

Oslo

Swimming spot with clean water in Østmarka, more natural and forest-close than the sea baths near the centre - a good choice for a quiet day by the water.

Selvbyggerveien/Rødbergveien, Årvoll, Oslo

One of Groruddalen's most popular swimming spots, with an asphalt bottom and grassy slopes around the pond. Relatively shallow water that makes it well suited for learning to swim. Blue Flag-certified beach.

Plogveien 22, 0681 Oslo

Pool facility in Manglerud with a 25-metre pool, a training/therapy pool, jacuzzi, sauna, a dedicated children's pool and a 51-metre-long slide (swimming ability required). Diving boards at 1, 3 and 5 metres.

Oslo

An idyllic cabin island with red and green boathouses, swimming from smooth rocks and a few small patches of sand, and paths around the whole island. Calm surroundings, but mostly rocks, so water shoes are handy for the youngest.

Museumsveien 10, 0287 Oslo

On the historic farmstead, children can feed animals, try old-fashioned toys, ride the popular tractor 'Gråtass' and run freely around the large open-air museum area with over 160 old buildings from all over the country, including the stave church from Gol. Everyone under 18 enters free.

Stavangergata 28, 0467 Oslo

Indoor skate hall of 2,300 square metres with street, bowl, micro ramp and a full-size vert. Helmets and skateboards are lent out at no extra cost and are included in the ticket, so you can turn up empty-handed. At weekends the hall is reserved for family skating from 11am to 1pm, set up for families with children. Otherwise it is open Monday to Friday 2pm-10pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am-8pm, with courses on Tuesdays and Thursdays outside the holidays, and dedicated skateboard camps in the autumn, winter and summer breaks. Under-18s pay less than adults. Only skateboarding is allowed in the hall. Check current hours and prices on the website.

Nordmarka

A traditional café in the middle of Nordmarka, and one of the classic destinations for Oslo families. The walk follows good forest roads from Sognsvann or Kikut, and many push a pram the whole way. The café is known for its home baking, and for many children that is precisely the point of the trip: something to walk towards. In winter the ski trails pass the door. There is no street address, as it sits in the forest; use a map or the marked trails.

Kirkeveien, 0268 Oslo

The world's largest sculpture park made by a single artist (Gustav Vigeland), with over 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and wrought iron - including the famous Sinnataggen (Angry Boy). Children can run freely among the sculptures, and right by the main entrance lies Frognerborgen, Norway's largest playground with a climbing castle, swings and a sandpit. Free and open around the clock.

Hyttegata 3, 3616 Kongsberg

A mine train 2.3 kilometres into the mountain, then 342 metres below ground in what was Norway's largest silver mine. The journey in is in open carriages and children are given helmets. It stays cool year-round, around six degrees, so bring a jumper even in July. For many children the train itself is the highlight, and the mix of darkness, echoes and a story about people who worked here for 335 years leaves a mark. About an hour and a half from Oslo.

Sars' gate 1, 0562 Oslo

An interactive museum about climate and nature in the Botanical Garden at Tøyen, made for children and youth to understand and experience, not just read. The exhibition uses light, sound and activities to show how the climate works and what we can do. Right outside lies the whole garden, free to wander.

Kongeveien 5, 0787 Oslo

Skiforeningen's ski courses for children, focused on the joy of skiing, play and mastery rather than competition. Weekend courses run over five Saturdays or Sundays, and the youngest from age three can take part together with an adult, while weekday courses run during the day through nurseries and schools. Courses are held at ski school venues in and around Oslo, including Holmenkollen and Sørkedalen. Membership gives a discount on the course fee.

Jordalgata 1, 0657 Oslo

One of Norway's largest skateparks: 2,200 square metres of concrete by Jordal sports park, opened in 2022. The elements are laid out for different skill levels, so beginners find gentle ledges while the more advanced have plenty to work on. LED lighting means it can be used once the evenings get dark. Free and open around the clock.

Oslo

The city's most central sea bath, in Bjørvika, with its own sheltered children's pool, bathing ladders and large wooden sun decks. Close to the centre and easy to reach on foot or by tram, but it fills up quickly on sunny days.

Tryvannsveien 64, 0791 Oslo

One of Scandinavia's largest treetop climbing parks, at Tryvann, with over 227 elements and its own toddler park for children from age 3. The courses are graded by difficulty, and everyone gets a safety briefing before starting.

Strandpromenaden 2, 0252 Oslo

A contemporary-art museum out on Tjuvholmen, in a landmark building by Renzo Piano surrounded by a sculpture park by the fjord. The art is often big, strange and playful - easy for children to be fascinated by - and the museum runs family workshops on weekends. The city beach and outdoor sculptures are free to explore.

Helgesens gate 90, 0563 Oslo

New pool facility in Tøyen with its own children's pool (32 degrees), a warm jacuzzi and an outdoor pool open year-round. The children's area has fountains and is designed for calm play and bathing for the youngest.

Rosenholmveien 11, 1252 Oslo

Farm and environment centre in Holmlia with an activity programme for children and youth built around horses and horse activities, animal care and gardening. A green breathing space in the city where children learn to look after animals and grow things through the season.

Akershus festning, 0015 Oslo

The old fortress and castle on a rise by the fjord are free to wander, with ramparts, cannons, cobblestones and uniformed guards. Children can run on the lawns, look out over the harbour and pretend to defend the city. A living piece of Oslo history out in the open air, in the middle of the centre.

Bygdøynesveien 36, 0286 Oslo

The exhibitions on the Kon-Tiki and Ra rafts have their own stories made for children, following the crab Johannes and the monkey Safi through Thor Heyerdahl's expeditions. Compact and easy to visit with small children.

Oslo

Smaller, local swimming spot in Grorud - a nice and often quieter alternative for families in the area. Fresh water with grassy banks around it and a short walk from Grorud, well suited to the youngest.

Snøfonna 5, 1470 Lørenskog

Norway's only indoor ski centre, open all year with snow and around minus two degrees. There are alpine slopes for all levels, a snowboard and freestyle park, a cross-country loop and a dedicated beginner area with a conveyor belt. For the youngest, SNØborgen is built for children aged three to ten, with climbing, snow tunnels and ice slides, and the ski school takes children year-round. Note: located in Lørenskog, not Oslo municipality, but easy to reach by shuttle bus from Lørenskog station.

Bygdøy allé, 0287 Oslo

The King's farm on Bygdøy, with grazing cows, sheep and its own pony stable children can visit, in the middle of a large, open cultural landscape. Families can wander the farm lanes, see the animals and bring a picnic, and in summer there's pony riding and farm activities. A quiet, rural breathing space just minutes from the centre.

Oslo

Lovely swimming water with a small sandy beach by Ammerud, well suited for a quiet afternoon with the youngest. A freshwater tarn in a green corridor with trails around it, smaller and more sheltered than the big sea baths.

Lille Frøens vei 4, 0369 Oslo

The world's first museum dedicated to art made by children, in a small house at Frøen. Here hang drawings, paintings and sculptures made by children from all over the world, with creative workshops and rooms for play and expression. Note: the museum has limited opening hours - check barnekunst.no before you go.

Tåsenveien 26, 0853 Oslo

A workshop at Tåsen where children make their own jewellery and ceramics and learn basic techniques from scratch. The jewellery course suits ages eight and up, and children over nine can take part on their own, while younger ones join with an adult. No experience is needed, and it works well for a rainy day indoors.

Myrens Verksted, Torshov, Oslo

Large climbing and bouldering hall of 2,400 sqm at Myrens Verksted, with walls up to 14 metres and its own bouldering section. Equipment rental and courses make it easy for beginners and children to get started.

Søndre gate 1, 0550 Oslo

Outdoor 18-hole mini golf course at the bottom of Grünerløkka along the Akerselva river. Open daily in summer, noon-9pm (weather permitting), with both an easy and a difficult course. Pizza and soft drinks can be ordered at the course.

Tåsenveien 2, 0462 Oslo

A food-culture centre just for children in an old farm at Geitmyra, where kids get to cook real food from scratch, grow things in the kitchen garden and learn where food comes from. They run cooking courses, holiday activities and family days in large, inviting kitchens. A tasty and slightly unusual niche in the middle of the city.

Fryds vei 25, 1407 Vinterbro

Norway's largest amusement park, about 20 km south of Oslo, with roller coasters, carousels and dedicated areas for the youngest. It is open in the summer season, and a direct bus runs from the Oslo bus terminal to the entrance.

Frognerstranda, 0273 Oslo

Two ramps on the grass between the cycle path and the sea, by the entrance to Bygdøy: a traditional ramp and a spine miniramp. They were moved here from Vika when construction of the National Museum began. A small setup, but with a fjord view and outdoor gym equipment nearby. Free and open around the clock.

Hansteens gate 1, 0253 Oslo

A ceramics workshop in Vika, close to Solli plass, with dedicated children's courses where children aged six to nine shape and decorate clay together with an adult. A calm, creative indoor activity whatever the weather, in bright premises in the city centre.

Aastatunet 12 A og B, 0988 Oslo

New municipal pool complex at Stovner, the most extensive one in Groruddalen. Six pools: a 25-metre competition pool (2 metres deep, 28 degrees), a diving pool with 1 and 3 metre boards (3.6 metres deep, 28 degrees), a teaching pool with an adjustable floor (32 degrees), a family pool (1.6 metres deep, 32 degrees) and a children's pool from 30 to 60 centimetres deep (32 degrees). There is also a water slide, a jacuzzi, a hot tub and a cold plunge. The slide is open Monday to Friday 11am-7pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm, and the minimum age for it is 7. Children must be over 10 and able to swim to bathe on their own, and entry is free for children under 3. The pool is now in operation, with a café on site and opening hours published week by week, so check the city's page before you go.

Oslo

Sea bath with a bathing platform, diving tower and large grassy areas to lie on right by the city centre. The beach has small stones at the water's edge, so water shoes are a good idea for the youngest.

Stordamveien 47, 0671 Oslo

A beginner-friendly trail loop in wooded terrain with a firm woodchip surface and a few boardwalks to cross. The trail comes in two parts: an easy, fairly flat loop through the trees, or the newer extension with sharper turns, steep mounds and a couple of rollers. A playground, barbecue spots and a ball court are right next to it.

Vestlys plass 1, 0150 Oslo

Oslo's new main library by the Opera has a whole children's floor on the second level, with books, cushions, play nooks, workshops and a regular children's programme. Most things are free (paper and materials are charged at cost), and you can stay as long as you like - perfect on a rainy day. The building itself is an experience, with views toward the fjord and the Opera.

Hegermanns gate 20, 0478 Oslo

Outdoor 18-hole mini golf course by Torshovparken. Open daily in summer, noon-9pm (weather permitting). 70 kr for adults, 50 kr for children.

Eidsvegen 90, 2166 Rånåsfoss

An idyllic outdoor pool by the Glomma river, a five-minute walk from Rånåsfoss station. A large main pool and a separate children's pool for the youngest, with a kiosk, showers, toilets and a lifeguard on duty. Children under 7 swim free. Note: about 45 minutes from Oslo (Nes municipality), and only open in summer (typically late June to mid-August, noon-7pm).

Sonja Henies vei 31, 1311 Høvikodden

In the dedicated children's workshop 'Labben', kids can draw and freely explore shape, colour and materials, inspired by the exhibitions. Staffed by museum educators on Sundays and during school holidays, with family tours of current exhibitions every Sunday. Children under 18 enter free. Note: located in Bærum, not Oslo municipality.

Oslo

Child-friendly swimming spot with a lovely sandy beach, smooth rocks, a diving board and a cosy kiosk/toilet building from 2009. Grassy lawn with tables and benches for picnics.

Oslo

Swimming spot with a long tradition (a bathing culture dating back to 1890), with a bathing pier with steps down to the water, diving opportunities from the pier, a toilet and a lovely beach promenade with views towards Ulvøya.

St. Olavs gate 2, 0165 Oslo

Small animal park in the middle of central Oslo with over 100 animals: snakes, geckos, lizards, frog species, tarantulas, a dwarf crocodile, monkeys, turtles and fish.

Halvdan Svartes gate 58, 0266 Oslo

The city museum in the old Frogner manor in the middle of Frognerparken tells Oslo's story across 1,000 years. Children and young people up to and including age 25 get in free, adults pay, and the first Thursday of every month is free for everyone. Children meet models, old objects and changing exhibitions, and outside lie the whole park and playground. A calm cultural stop that's easy with small children.

Plogveien 22, 0681 Oslo

A cycling park by Manglerud swimming pool where children practise cycling skills on tracks of varying difficulty, built for learning, mastery and the joy of cycling. Suitable from balance-bike age and up, and free. In winter a ski track is prepared on the wide main loop. Skate park and swimming pool right next door.

Oslo

Sheltered, child-friendly cove on Bygdøy with fine sand, calmer and less crowded than Huk. A good choice for those who want to avoid crowds with small children.

Sars' gate 1, 0562 Oslo

A free, lush garden at Tøyen with thousands of plants, ponds, a fragrant systematic collection and plenty of room to wander and run. For children it's like a calm, green oasis in the middle of the city - bring a blanket and a picnic. The Palm House and Victoria House with tropical plants charge a small entry, the rest is free year round.

Oslo

Oslo's longest and arguably best sandy beach (about 250 metres, crescent-shaped), with a kiosk, toilets, drinking water, barbecue spots and the option to camp for up to two days in a designated area.

Ekebergveien 103, 1178 Oslo

Two 18-hole mini golf courses with waterfalls, rivers and bridges, centrally located on Ekeberg, 36 holes in all. They host birthday parties for children aged 7 to 16. Café on site. The courses open by Easter, and they may close early in heavy rain.

Oslo

Swimming spot near Holmlia with plenty of room to play on land and a large car park, popular among families from southern Oslo. Shallow water near the shore, big lawns and an old farmstead make it a great spot for a whole day.

Middelthuns gate 26, 0368 Oslo

A large outdoor ice surface next to Frognerparken, with a bandy rink and a 400 metre speed skating oval. The ice is usually laid in October over two to three weeks and stays from November until mid March. The ground is open to the public even when organised sport is going on, and the Church City Mission's Skattekammeret runs a lending centre at the stadium, so you do not need to own skates. The changing rooms open after 4pm. Public and training times are listed in the calendar on oslo.kommune.no. In summer the same surface is an eleven a side artificial grass pitch.

Sars' gate 1, 0562 Oslo

Here children can meet dinosaur skeletons and animals from all over the world, then run free in the Botanical Garden right outside. Guided tours for children on weekends in autumn and winter. Children under 6 enter free.

Trygve Lies plass 1, 1051 Oslo

Municipal swimming pool at Furuset shopping centre, right by the metro. The children's pool is large by Oslo standards: 10 metres long, 4 metres wide and 90 centimetres deep, deep enough for older children to practise in but shallow enough to stand up in. The main pool is 25 metres and 0.80 to 1.85 metres deep. Both are kept at 28 degrees. Sauna on weekdays 2.30-7pm and at weekends 10am-4pm. Lockers need your own padlock. Children must be over 12 and able to swim to bathe on their own, and one swimming-capable adult in the water may look after up to two children.

Bølerlia 3D, 0691 Oslo

Municipal swimming pool right by Bøler shopping centre, with a single 25-metre pool from 0.9 to 1.8 metres deep. The water is kept at 32 degrees, warmer than most of the other municipal halls, which makes up for there being no separate children's pool, slide or diving board here. Sauna on weekdays from 12.30pm, and the pool closes half an hour after the ticket office. Children must be over 12 and able to swim to bathe on their own; younger children and non-swimmers must be under the continuous supervision of a swimming-capable adult over 18. The hall closes for a few weeks each summer, so check the municipality's opening hours before you go.

Bispegata, 0192 Oslo

A park in Gamle Oslo built over the ruins of the medieval city, with remains of old churches and a royal manor and a large reflecting pool. Children can clamber on the ruins, splash by the water in summer and hear about Oslo as the city looked 800 years ago. Free and open around the clock, with plenty of room to play.

Bygdøynesveien 37, 0286 Oslo

The museum invites children into the exhibition 'Oppdag havet' ('Discover the Ocean'), where they can, among other things, explore a submarine simulator, and on weekends children aged 4-12 can build their own boat in the popular boat workshop. All children enter free.

Oslo

Lake in the Oslo forest with a sandy beach, three bathing platforms along the water, a kiosk, a beach volleyball court, six toilets (four wheelchair accessible) and a universally accessible path and ramp down to the water.

Oslo

Swimming spot near Klemetsrud in southern Oslo, a quiet local alternative away from the most visited sea baths. A freshwater tarn surrounded by forest and trails, with shallow water that suits families well.

Ammerudgrenda, 0959 Oslo

Oslo's first pumptrack, built in 2020 by the cycling club LilloVelo together with the municipality. The off-road cycling track is made so children and young people can try it without equipment or sign-up, and the lighting means it can be used year round. Free and open to all.

Seterbråtveien 4, 1271 Oslo

Oslo's first asphalt pump track, in the middle of Bjørndal sports park. You ride a bike, skateboard or scooter through rollers and berms without pedalling, and the track suits beginners and experienced riders alike. Free and open to everyone, with artificial turf pitches, tennis courts and street basket in the same park.

Olaf Helsets vei 5, 0694 Oslo

One of Norway's largest climbing centres, with lead and top-rope climbing across several floors, a strength training room, a dedicated children's area and 20 auto-belay devices.

Rosenholmveien 22, 1252 Oslo

Large indoor trampoline park with dedicated Minisprett sessions for the youngest (0-6) together with an adult, in addition to regular jumping for the whole family. Check current opening hours in the booking system on the website.

Trondheimsveien 644, 0964 Oslo

Treetop climbing park by Bånkall farm in Groruddalen, with 12 courses and around 80 elements at varying heights and difficulty levels, including a dedicated children's course for ages 3-6 where an adult follows along from the ground, and several zip lines. Children under 7 must otherwise climb together with an adult on the courses. Helmet and harness included, with a safety briefing before climbing. Open in season (April-October) - check current opening hours on the website.

Utmarkveien 4, 0689 Oslo

A concrete park right beside Bøler school, with a skate area plus play and training equipment. Alongside bowls, stairs, rails and ledges there is a long ramp for scooters and BMX, and good space for the youngest to practise cycling. A short walk from Bøler metro station.

Holmlia senter vei 34, 1255 Oslo

Municipal swimming pool at Holmlia with a 25-metre pool from 0.9 to 1.8 metres deep and a small splash pool of 2.15 x 2.15 metres and 30 centimetres deep. Both are kept at 28 degrees. Sauna, and changing rooms with lockers. Pram parking is set aside outside the ticket office, and the hall has two accessible changing rooms and a pool hoist operated by staff. Children must be over 12 and able to swim to bathe on their own, and one swimming-capable adult in the water may look after up to two children.

Kolstadgata 1, 0652 Oslo

A library only for children aged 10 to 15 - no adults allowed in. Biblo Tøyen is an imaginative universe with workshops, games, an old truck and tram to hang out in, and loads of books, where the young people themselves are in charge. Completely free, and a unique space unlike anywhere else.

Oslo

A slightly more sheltered swimming spot on Bygdøy with lovely smooth rocks and patches of sand, a good alternative when Huk is full. The green areas around it leave room for a blanket and a picnic, and it is a short walk from the bus.

Langbølgen 24, 1155 Oslo

Swimming pool at Lambertseter run by Lambertseter Swimming Club, with public swimming and a swim school. Hosts pool birthday parties on Saturdays: one hour in the pool with a dedicated activity leader running games and relays, and one hour for changing and food in a private room. Recommended from age 7, and the children must be confident in the water - otherwise one adult per five children must join them in the pool. Bring your own food; the pool lends out a hot-dog cooker and sets the table.

Edvard Munchs plass 1, 0194 Oslo

MUNCH has a broad children's programme: sensory painting for the very youngest, 'Barnas kunstdag' (Children's Art Day) for 3-8-year-olds almost every Sunday, and workshops during school holidays for slightly older children. Strollers are not allowed inside the exhibitions, but baby carriers can be borrowed.

Lundveien 3, 1900 Fetsund

A log-driving museum and wetland centre where the Glomma meets Øyeren, about forty minutes from Oslo. Timber was floated and sorted here with booms until 1985, and the site stands as it was, with jetties, boats and buildings to walk between. The mix of open-air industrial history and wetland birdlife works for both younger and older children, and much of it is outdoors.

Møllergata 24, 0179 Oslo

Indoor laser tag in the middle of the city centre, with a multi-level maze, plus paintball, an obstacle course and sumo wrestling. An action-packed indoor option that suits birthday parties and slightly older children.

Konows gate 1-3, 0192 Oslo

Indoor parkour hall with obstacles, sprung flooring and climbing elements. Offers parkour courses for children and youth aged 3-16 across several levels, free training sessions for families, birthday parties and holiday camps.

Oslo

Outdoor recreation area with a sandy beach, modern granite ramps along the water, fixed barbecue spots, several grassy areas, a boules court and playgrounds.

Middelthuns gate 28, 0368 Oslo

Oslo's classic outdoor pool with a 50-metre pool, diving tower and its own children's pool with a slide. Note: closed for renovation until 2027 - check status before visiting.

Møllergata 12, 0179 Oslo

Indoor 18-hole mini golf integrated into a bar with a camping theme, near Youngstorget. A nice daytime activity on weekends (opens at noon Saturday and Sunday), but becomes more of a beer-and-drinks venue later in the evening - 20-year age limit applies after 7pm.

Trollvannsveien 2, Oslo

The city's largest alpine ski resort on the east side, with a safe children's area featuring a conveyor lift and mini-slalom on the Trollvann side, plus ski rental for both children and adults. Grefsenkleiva has longer runs for more experienced skiers. Check the website for current opening hours and season.

Skoglistubben 21, 1470 Lørenskog

Large indoor entertainment centre (formerly Megafun, now part of the Skyland chain) with trampolines, a multi-storey play area, a laser play zone, 6D cinema and a wind tunnel. Suitable for all ages and popular for birthday parties. Note: located in Lørenskog, not Oslo municipality.

Kjelsåsveien 143, 0491 Oslo

Voted Oslo's most fun museum for children, with over 100 interactive installations where kids can create a tornado, play a laser harp, drive a mini train and try VR covering transport, science, medicine and industrial history. SkaperLab for children/youth aged 12-16 with programming, music and 3D printing.

Nesodden

Idyllic swimming spot on Nesodden with a sandy beach and smooth rocks good for fishing, with a lovely view over Bunnefjorden. Can be combined with food from Hellviktangen art café, located right next door.

Holmenkollveien 200, 0791 Oslo

The last stop on the Holmenkollen line is the very gateway to Nordmarka, with a grand view over Oslo, the venerable café and easy walks straight into the forest. In winter it's the starting point for sledding in Korketrekkeren and floodlit trails; in summer berries, swimming in forest tarns and stroller walks. Free to be here - take the line all the way up.

Oslo

One of Oslo's most popular swimming spots, with large grass and sand areas, a new toilet building (18 toilets, two accessible), a kiosk, showers, drinking water and courts for beach volleyball and basketball.

Havnegata 4, 1441 Drøbak

The only aquarium in eastern Norway, down by the harbour in Drøbak. More than 50 tanks from 30 litres to a 25,000-litre pool, with a children's tunnel, a jellyfish tank and a touch pool where children can handle creatures from the fjord. Small enough for a two-year-old to manage, and concrete enough to hold an eight-year-old. Drøbak makes a good day out in itself, with the Christmas house and the boat to Oscarsborg within walking distance.

Rosenkrantz' gate 11, 0159 Oslo

Interactive illusion museum right by Karl Johan, with sensory challenges and optical illusions that captivate both children and adults. Separate children's tickets from age 4 and free entry for those under 3.

Kongeveien 5, 0787 Oslo

The world's oldest ski museum sits inside the ski jump itself at Holmenkollen, with 4,000 years of skiing history, polar gear and a ski simulator where children can 'ski' downhill and jump. The same ticket takes you up the jump tower, 64 metres above ground, with a 360-degree view over all of Oslo. In summer there's a zip line from the top.

Oslo

Popular lake with a sandy beach, a bonfire spot, toilets (including accessible), outdoor showers, a summer kiosk, a lovely floating dock and good parking. Universally accessible with bathing steps and a ramp.

Bygdøynesveien 39, 0286 Oslo

The polar-ship museum at Bygdøy where children can board the Fram itself, the strongest wooden ship ever built, and explore three floors of polar history. A new 4D simulator takes you on a polar voyage, and the whole experience lets children climb, peek and discover. Bus 30 or the ferry from City Hall pier.

Karl Fossums vei 1, 0984 Oslo

A meeting place for parents and families with children aged 0-18 in the Stovner district, based in a white house and red barn at Nedre Fossum farm. Offers a free "Babytreff" baby meetup for parents with infants (0-10 months) every Monday, noon-3pm, in partnership with a local open kindergarten, "Naboprat" - free drop-in sessions on topics like language development, sleep and seasonal activities - plus family events with the Red Cross Family Centre roughly once a month.

Bygning 21, Akershus festning, 0015 Oslo

A museum about the Norwegian resistance during the Second World War, in an old stone house at Akershus Fortress. The exhibition tells powerful stories of sabotage, underground newspapers and everyday courage, best suited to older children learning about the war at school. Combine it with a walk around the fortress itself.

Brynjulf Bulls plass 1, 0250 Oslo

The museum about the Nobel Peace Prize by the City Hall square, with glowing, modern exhibitions and stories of peace laureates from around the world. It's more sensory and visual than an ordinary museum, and the centre runs family tours and workshops. Best for older children, but the room of glowing 'laureates' fascinates most.

Kirsten Flagstads plass 1, 0150 Oslo

The Opera House in Bjørvika is built so you can walk straight up onto the roof - the sloping marble surfaces rise from the ground to the top, and it's free. Children love running up and down the slopes, and from the top you have a wide view over the fjord, the city and the boats. Bring good shoes; the marble can be slippery when wet.

Oslo

Idyllic island eight minutes by boat from Aker Brygge, with several lovely spots for swimming and sunbathing (sand, smooth rocks and grassy areas), a kiosk/café by the monastery ruins, and accessible toilets in summer.

Kongsveien 23, 0193 Oslo

Sculpture park with over 40 artworks and panoramic views over Oslo, free and open around the clock all year. For families: the Hakkespettene activity house with art workshops, a small climbing park with balance elements and a low zip line, plus a sensory wall and animal-spotting tasks inside the museum (separate opening hours). The park has sloping terrain with paths and some gravel/uneven ground in places.

Romsås Senter 1, 0970 Oslo

Municipal swimming pool at Romsås shopping centre, and the city pool best set up for the youngest: the splash pool is 4 x 3 metres, half a metre deep and kept at 33 degrees, with a small slide, an umbrella fountain and a side shower. The main pool is 25 metres and 32 degrees. Sauna and changing rooms with lockers - bring your own padlock. The accessible changing rooms have baby changing tables. Children must be over 12 and able to swim to bathe on their own, and one swimming-capable adult in the water may look after up to two children. Check the opening hours before you go, the hall closes for a few weeks in summer.

Veitvetveien 8, 0596 Oslo

Norway's largest bowling hall with 26 lanes, plus billiards, an arcade and a restaurant. Child-friendly lanes with bumper rails and lighter balls mean even the youngest can join in the bowling.

Oslo

A nature reserve in the inner fjord with a small sandy beach below Gressholmen Kro and smooth rocks towards Rambergøya. Calm and rural, with a café on the island. As a nature reserve it has some rules, so stick to the paths and beaches.

Munch Brygge, Bjørvika, Oslo

Urban paddling in the heart of the city: Mad Goats takes the whole family on guided kayak and SUP tours through Bjørvika and out on the Oslofjord, including through a 300-metre tunnel that ends right by the Opera House. All equipment is included and no paddling experience is needed. Guided tours suit ages 10 and up (separate courses from age 14, and under-18s need written consent from a guardian). They also rent out kayaks and SUPs and have floating saunas at Tjuvholmen. Meet at Munch Brygge in Bjørvika.