Parks and attractions for kids in Oslo

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.