Norway is a great place to travel as a family, and its charming cities are no exception. From museums to playgrounds, aquariums to mountaintops, there are plenty of kid-friendly activity options in Oslo, Bergen, and Alesund.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect vacation destination that caters to the entire family, look no further than the breathtaking landscapes and captivating culture of Norway. This Scandinavian nation presents an unparalleled experience, where you’ll delve deep into a fascinating European heritage and simultaneously marvel at the country’s astounding natural beauty. Norway’s stellar reputation for safety and its welcoming atmosphere only amplify its allure, solidifying its position as an ideal place to create unforgettable memories with your children. The three cities highlighted below showcase some of the very best, most accessible, and family-friendly experiences this incredible nation has to offer. Prepare to be inspired, and delve into our expert tips, which will help you meticulously plan your next extraordinary family adventure to Norway.
**Highlights**
* Witness the thrilling spectacle of snakes and crocodiles being fed their dinner at Reptilpark in Oslo, a truly unforgettable experience.
* Embark on an exhilarating funicular ride up Mount Fløyen in Bergen, where you can spend quality time amidst whimsical hilltop trolls, creating magical moments.
* Dedicate a day to exploring the serene beauty of Godøy Island near Alesund, and step back in time as you visit a historic 150-year-old lighthouse, a beacon of maritime history.
**Oslo: Vikings, Playgrounds, and Reptiles**
No journey to Norway would truly be complete without a captivating stop in its vibrant capital city, Oslo. You’ll immediately notice that the city’s relatively small size contributes to a cozy and intimate atmosphere, making it perfect for leisurely walks and exploration on foot. A truly superb attraction that appeals to visitors of all ages is the renowned Viking Ship Museum. Youngsters and those who are young at heart won’t be able to contain their excitement and awe as they come face-to-face with the world’s best-preserved collection of authentic Viking ships. After immersing yourselves in Viking history, take a short, pleasant walk to the Frammuseet (The Fram Museum), a fascinating museum dedicated entirely to Arctic exploration. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to experience a simulated Northern Lights display, learn about the courageous explorers who bravely fought off polar bears in the harsh Arctic environment, and even venture inside a real wooden vessel that was historically used in the late 1800s to explore the Arctic’s icy depths.
After immersing yourselves in the cultural and historical wonders of Oslo, burn off some of that youthful energy at Oslo’s expansive and inviting Frognerparken (Frogner Park). As the largest park located in Central Oslo, this family-friendly refuge offers an outdoor swimming pool complex, complete with a thrilling diving platform and a separate, safe children’s pool. Within the sprawling park, you’ll also discover a generously sized children’s playground, providing ample space for play and recreation. Furthermore, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Vigeland Park, a truly unique outdoor sculpture park that showcases over 200 works by one of Norway’s most celebrated artists, the incredibly talented sculptor Gustav Vigeland.
If you happen to visit Oslo on a rainy or blustery day, seek shelter and excitement indoors at the Oslo Reptilpark (The Reptile Park). This captivating homage to all things small and scaly is usually a crowd-pleaser with children. Plan your visit strategically to coincide with the public feeding time, which takes place on Tuesdays at 5 PM, where you can witness the fascinating spectacle of snakes and crocodiles enjoying their dinner. After your reptile encounter, you’re only a five-minute walk away from the prestigious National Gallery, where you can make a memorable stop to view Edvard Munch’s world-renowned masterpiece, “The Scream.”
**Bergen: Nautical Charm & Mountaintop Trolls**
Nestled amidst majestic mountains and enchanting nearby fjords, Norway’s second largest town, Bergen, is consistently a crowd-pleaser and a favorite among travelers. After all, who could resist falling in love with this charming town, which served as the very inspiration for the fictional village of Arendelle from Disney’s beloved movie, Frozen?
Children are sure to be especially captivated by Bryggen, the colorful and historic nautical village centered on the bustling wharf. This UNESCO World Heritage site holds a wealth of attractions that will stir the imagination, offering a wonderful opportunity to take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and soak in the atmosphere. Just a short 15-minute walk away is the not-to-be-missed Norges Fiskerimuseum (Norwegian Fisheries Museum). This engaging museum features lots of hands-on exhibitions that have been designed specifically for children, including an interactive fishing exhibit that will pique their interest. There’s also a fascinating feature that highlights the devastating damage that trash can inflict upon our oceans, raising awareness of important environmental issues. Be sure to inquire about renting a rowboat or a kid’s kayak, allowing children to paddle around the picturesque harbor and enjoy the maritime scenery.
In close proximity to Bryggen, you can hop aboard the Fløibanen funicular to ascend to the summit of Mount Fløyen, where you’ll be immediately greeted by breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding fjords. At the summit, there’s also a wonderful troll-themed play area, adorned with large, whimsical trolls that youngsters will absolutely love getting their picture taken with. Furthermore, there are some incredibly scenic hiking trails for those who enjoy exploring on foot, and a delightful restaurant where you can savor a delicious meal with stunning views. It’s worth noting that Bergen’s famous and bustling fish market is conveniently located about a five-minute walk from where you catch the funicular. At the market, children will be amazed by the wide variety of edible sea creatures on display, and it’s also a great place to grab some of the freshest and most delectable fish and chips you’ll likely ever encounter.
Bergen is also an exceptional base from which to embark on explorations of Norway’s legendary fjords and waterways. If you’re traveling with youngsters who are better suited to shorter boat cruises, there are numerous options available that will hit the highlights with convenient half-day tours of fjords, mountains, and stunning waterfalls. You can also opt for an all-day tour that will take you on an unforgettable journey all the way out to see the majestic Sognefjord, which is the world’s second longest fjord.
**Alesund: Architecture & Islands**
Alesund is a captivating and architecturally unique art-nouveau town that offers families a multitude of engaging activities and attractions. One of the most popular and highly recommended is undoubtedly the Atlanterhavsparken (Atlantic Sea Park Aquarium). While there are several aquariums located throughout the country, this particular one consistently wins accolades as not only the best in Norway, but also as the top marine park in all of Northern Europe. Rather than featuring a diverse range of aquatic creatures from around the world, Atlanterhavsparken intentionally focuses on showcasing an extraordinary array of predominately local fish and fauna, allowing visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s marine ecosystem. And, of course, there are penguins too! Be sure to check the aquarium’s website to find out about special programs and interactive feeding times, which are particularly engaging for children.
Embark on a guided tour or choose to drive yourself to the tiny collection of neighboring islands that surround Alesund. Each island is a picturesque gem in its own right, but the undisputed favorite is the enchanting island of Godøy, renowned for its beautiful beach and the historic 150-year old Alnes Lighthouse. Climb to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline, imagining how this beacon once guided boats safely towards the once-bustling fishing community. There’s also a charming restaurant located on the island that serves delicious waffles, a treat that the whole family will undoubtedly love digging into.
For the absolute best photo opportunities of Alesund, head up Aksla mountain to the viewpoint at the very top. If you’re looking to test your family’s mettle and endurance, you can attempt to climb all 418 steps that lead to the summit (see how long the kids manage to call out each and every step as they ascend). If you don’t feel like testing your lung capacity, the city also offers a convenient train that will transport you to the top. The panoramic vistas of the town and the surrounding Sunnmøre Alps are truly spectacular, and the popular Fjellstua restaurant is located at the summit, where you can indulge in a delightful meal while overlooking the breathtaking sea.
**Family Travel Tips**
Norwegians have a deep appreciation for family travel, and this is clearly reflected in the abundance of kid-friendly options that you’ll find when planning your trip to Norway.
Despite the potential for larger crowds, the ideal time to take your family to Norway is during the peak tourist season, which generally runs from June to August each year. During this time, you’ll be greeted by mild and pleasant weather, enjoy long hours of daylight, and all of the attractions listed above will be open and readily accessible. This is also the time of year when you’ll find a solid selection of lodging deals that are specifically tailored for families.
When booking your accommodation, make sure to specifically request a “family room” to ensure that you have ample space and comfort for your entire family. Otherwise, you may inadvertently end up in an uncomfortably small space. Many hotels and hostels throughout Norway thoughtfully provide dedicated play areas and other kid-friendly amenities to enhance the experience for families. If you’re concerned that the midnight sun might potentially pose a problem at bedtime, call ahead to your chosen accommodation to make sure that your room has black-out style window coverings.
In terms of getting around, public transport in Norway offers a treasure trove of valuable child discounts. Children under the age of 4 travel for free when sitting on a parent’s lap on buses and trains, while older children are entitled to a generous 50% reduced fare. If you plan on renting a car during your trip, be sure to reserve a car seat for your little one well in advance, particularly if you’re traveling during the popular and busy summer months.
Household items tend to be noticeably pricier in Norway than they are in the US and much of Europe. Therefore, for parents of small children and babies, it’s advisable to stock up on essential needs such as diapers, baby food, and formula before embarking on your trip. That being said, if you happen to run out of supplies while you’re traveling, rest assured that anything you need can likely be found in pharmacies and grocery stores throughout the country.
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