Theatre, cinema and culture for kids in Oslo

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.

Kirkeveien 34, 0266 Oslo

Puppet theatre in a small red house in Frognerparken, next to the Frogner tennis courts. The shows are made for different age groups, from «Molefonkens ballong» for the youngest (ages 2-4) via «Molefonken» (ages 1-6) to the puppet cabaret «Den magiske kiste» (ages 3-8). Several shows are followed by a workshop where children make their own theatre puppet.

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.

Kirsten Flagstads plass 1, 0150 Oslo

Children aged four to seven sing, dance and play their way through a current opera or ballet performance at the Opera House in Bjørvika. A playful introduction to the performing arts made for the youngest, and an affordable first experience at 50 kr.

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.

Stortingsgata 28, 0161 Oslo

Storytime and author visits one or two Saturdays a month (except summer), best for children aged 3-6. Everyone gets a bun after the reading.

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.

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.

Sandviksveien 130, 1365 Blommenholm

Art and culture house in a historic villa from 1890 by the sea in Sandvika. The main offering for children is Sanseloftet, a 400 sqm sensory experience spread across nine rooms with colours, scents and light, made for children aged 3-12 (adults only enter accompanied by a child). Creative workshops are also held on weekends, and children's birthday parties can be arranged. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-4pm. Note: located in Bærum, not Oslo municipality.

Flere steder i Oslo

Norwegian pop-up literature project creating interactive theatre experiences for children aged 0-11 (individual shows are often aimed at ages 3-9), where children explore familiar stories through listening, play, movement and creating. Includes storytelling theatre, games tied to the story, creative workshops and a pop-up bookshop. Has staged shows such as Peter Pan, The Gruffalo and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. No fixed address - performs at various venues in Oslo, including Sentralen, Det Andre Teatret, Deichman Bjørvika and Tøyen (Vaterland/MiniØya).

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, both on the main stage and on the intimate stage. The children's shows are usually recommended from age 5-6. The programme changes through the season, so check what is playing and the recommended age.

Kirsten Flagstads plass 1, 0150 Oslo

Dedicated children's tours of the Opera House, focused on experience rather than facts. They are scheduled alongside family activities, including Saturdays with Lørdagssang, so check the programme before you go. Note: strollers are not allowed on the tour.

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.

Hausmanns gate 28, 0182 Oslo

Knøttekino is tailored for children aged 2-5 with lowered sound and lighting, shorter films, and screening rooms furnished with sofas, blankets and cushions. Babykino is set up for breastfeeding, bottle-feeding and nappy changes, with low volume and dimmed lights - room for crying, cuddling and babbling.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.