A weekend in Oslo with a teenager

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.

Dronningens gate 16, 0152 Oslo

The Cinematheque in the city centre screens classic and new children's films every weekend - 1pm for the youngest and 3pm a family film for slightly older children. A cheaper, calmer alternative to the big cinema, with films curated for kids.

Øvre Slottsgate 3, 0157 Oslo

Free workshop in the Winter Garden at Sentralen every Saturday and Sunday, 11am-4pm: drawing, painting, glue, Duplo, a reading corner and rotating guest activities (storytelling, art, woodwork and more). Best for children aged 2-6, but everyone is welcome.

Bogstad Gård, Sørkedalen, Oslo

Organic, Debio-certified visitor farm by Bogstadvannet, run by the City of Oslo. Children can meet farm animals such as cows, sheep, pigs and hens, and the area around the farm is great for a walk and a picnic by the lake.

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.

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.

Vulkan 1, 0182 Oslo

Norway's national stage for dance, with a regular programme of dance performances for children of all ages - from baby dance for the youngest to interactive shows for older children. Also hosts Family Days with baby dance, contact play, creative dance workshops and children's performances.

Anne-Cath. Vestlys plass 1, 0150 Oslo

Deichman puts on plays, storytelling sessions and children's films for slightly older kids at several of its 22 branches in Oslo. Check the programme at your local library.

Ivan Bjørndalsgate 28, 0472 Oslo

Norway's largest improv theatre, with its own theatre bar and outdoor seating. Has regular Saturday shows for children at 1pm: 'Lekene slår tilbake' on the main stage (autumn) and 'Fantasikontoret' on the intimate stage (from November). The children's shows are usually recommended from age 5–6 («Evighetsbiblioteket» from age 6). Check the programme for the current show and age recommendation.

Torshovgata 33, 0476 Oslo

Popular puppet theatre in the old tram depot (Trikkestallen) at Torshov, run by Oslo Nye Teater/Égal Teater. The intimate shows suit the youngest children well, and the short running time makes it a great first theatre experience. NB: Oslo Nye has decided to close the Trikkestallen stage – the puppet theatre is moving to Centralteatret and the main stage, so check the venue on oslonye.no before you go.

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.

Ekebergveien 99, 1181 Oslo

Petting farm on Ekebergsletta, ten minutes from the city centre, with over 100 animals roaming free or in a fenced area you can enter: horses, cows, goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, geese, chickens and peacocks. Also offers horseback and pony riding. Open all year.

Urtegata 50, 0187 Oslo

A free, open meeting place for families run by the Red Cross, at Urtegata 50 in Grønland. Open to all families on Mondays and Thursdays, 4:30-7:30pm (with separate days for single parents), and Saturdays noon-3pm, no registration needed. In summer there's a varied program including pottery, science shows, animal visits, dance, theatre and first-aid courses for kids, plus free weekly outings to places like Tusenfryd, Ekeberg petting zoo, Oslo climbing park, Tøyenbadet pool and Marienlyst mini-golf. Run in partnership with the MARTE network centre for single parents.

Karl Fossums vei 1, 0984 Oslo

A free, open meeting place for families run by the Red Cross, at Nedre Fossum farm, Karl Fossums vei 1. Open to all families on Wednesdays 4:30-7:30pm and Sundays noon-3pm, no registration needed. In summer there's a varied program including storytelling, science shows, first-aid courses for kids, animal visits, a chess tournament, painting and dance workshops, plus free weekly outings to places like Tusenfryd, Tøyenbadet pool, Oslo climbing park and Marienlyst mini-golf.

Veitvetveien 8, 0596 Oslo

A free, open meeting place for families run by the Red Cross, at Veitvetveien 8 (Veitvet centre, 3rd floor). Open to all families on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30-7:30pm, and Saturdays noon-3pm for outings, no registration needed. Wednesdays also feature Norwegian language classes 5-7pm with light refreshments. Families can join free weekly summer outings, including to Tusenfryd, Frognerseteren, the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology, Ekeberg petting zoo, Oslo climbing park and Jumpyard.

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.

Vollsveien 13H, 1366 Lysaker

Climbing centre with dedicated children's rooms for children aged 2-10: a room with auto-belay for harness climbing, and a bouldering room with rope-free climbing for the youngest. No booking or experience required. Also offers climbing groups for ages 7-9, 10-13 and 13-18, plus climbing camps during school holidays.

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.

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.

Oslo

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.

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.

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.

Kompveien 1031, 1925 Blaker

A visitor farm with many different animals: deer, horses, ponies, sheep, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, pigs, chickens, peacocks, llamas, alpacas, donkeys and exotic birds. Also offers pony rides, climbing courses, nature playgrounds, high jumping and a forest trail. Open mainly on weekends and select weekdays, with themed events like Easter and Halloween. Note: located in Blaker (Aurskog-Høland/Fetsund area), about a 30-minute drive from Oslo.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Skedsmogata 23, 0655 Oslo

Organic children's farm two minutes from Ensjø metro station, run by volunteers. Free entry to sheep, donkeys, hens and other animals, with the farm open a few hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays in season. Note: it closes for summer (roughly weeks 26-33) while the animals graze in the forest - check their Facebook page before visiting.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Sam Eydes vei 13, 1081 Oslo

The City of Oslo's free visitor farm in Groruddalen, between Furuset and Lindeberg, with horses, sheep, cows, calves, goats, chickens, turkeys, geese, rabbits and guinea pigs. A calm farm experience where children can get close to both large and small animals.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Trondheimsveien 644, 0964 Oslo

Treetop climbing park at 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.

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.

Pilestredet 27, 0164 Oslo

Same concept as the Urtegata branch: a small, unstaffed bouldering wall accessible around the clock via an app. Best suited for older children and teens.

Urtegata 48, 0187 Oslo

Small, unstaffed bouldering wall (Kilter Board) accessible around the clock via an app, for up to about 6 people at a time. Best suited for older children and teens - not especially set up for the very youngest.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kampen park, Oslo

Splash pool in Kampen park, popular and well-visited by families on warm days. Shallow water for the youngest, a playground and large lawns in one of the city's loveliest neighbourhood parks, at Kampen.

Torshovdalen, Oslo

Splash pool in Torshovdalen, the park corridor between Torshov and Sinsen. Shallow water for splashing on warm days, with large lawns, a playground and plenty of room for a picnic in a popular green space.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Gardeveien 15, 0369 Oslo

In the old tram hall from 1913, the family can get up close to historic trams and metro cars, or try being a driver in the simulator inside the Holmenkollen line car. Open Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday 11am-3pm.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nøklevann, Østmarka, Oslo

Old smallholding in the forest by Nøklevann in Østmarka, about 1.3 km from Bøler metro station. Children can say hello to the farm animals, and the walk in pairs nicely with a swim or a picnic by the lake.

Ekebergveien 103, 1178 Oslo

Two 18-hole mini golf courses with waterfalls, rivers and bridges, centrally located on Ekeberg. Offers birthday packages for children, including a free round of mini golf for the birthday child. Café on site.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Holtegata 15, 0259 Oslo

Family programme with dinner and activities. After dinner, the youngest can join baby singing while older children can take part in the church's choir school.

Klosterenga park, 0656 Oslo

Fountains, water-filled sculptures and running water from a wall in Klosterenga park, where the Hovinbekken stream flows through a system of channels, basins and pools. Popular with children on warm days.

Lodalsparken, Kværnerbyen, 0195 Oslo

A water mirror shaped like a river in Lodalsparken in Kværnerbyen, where children can wade and hop from stone to stone while the grown-ups watch from the seating areas nearby. The water is among the cleanest in Oslo, and in winter the mirror becomes a skating rink.

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.

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.

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.

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.