Travelling in Norway with small kids? Here are some tips on the best places to go, things to do, and practical advice for a fun family holiday.
Norway is a very safe and child-friendly place. In fact, the whole country is a natural playground, and we don't mind if our kids get a bit dirty ... we even encourage it! And don't worry, if it's raining, there is plenty of indoor fun as well. Here are some good tips on how to make sure the kids have a wonderful time – and mum and dad too!
1. Theme parks for small kids
Most theme parks in Norway have designated play areas with activities that are perfect for small kids. You'll even find parks designed for the youngest children, like the adventure park Lilleputthammer, beside Hunderfossen Amusement Park, close to Lillehammer in Eastern Norway. The kids will feel like giants in the parks' miniature town and have lots of fun on its mini rollercoasters!
At Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park (Dyreparken), the biggest of its kind in Norway, lots of rides and activities are especially designed for small kids. In both Dyreparken and the excellent amusement park Kongeparken in Stavanger, you can stay overnight in fairytale houses or cool glamping tents. A night to remember, forever! The amusement park Tusenfryd has several attractions for the little ones, including a fairytale forest! All three parks have plenty of action for bigger kids, too.
Foldvik Family Park in Vestfold county offer more than 40 fun activities for children of all ages, including bouncy castles, toboggan run, a water park and more.
Get ready for a fun day with the little ones:
Book nowÅlTopcamp Hallingdal
Top modern 5 stars first class experience camping and activity centre, close to the center of Ål, in the middle of Hallingdal. The combination of a top class camping site and huge variation of activities is uniquely in Norway. River cottages along the Hallingdal river, caravans and rental sites for caravans and mobile homes. First class restaurant and lots of activities and experiences: experience the mountains and nature, the playground, Høyt og Lavt climbing park, the farm and a lot of activities for the children all year around. As the only campsite in Scandinavia,Topcamp Hallingdal was in January 2015 admitted as member of Leading Campings Europe. These are the things you will find here: - 19 architect drawn high standard camping cabins - 180 comfortable sites for caravans and mobile home - 9 large caravans for rent - Unique stilt-cabins - Main building with restaurant - Tent places - Dump station for caravans and mobile home For online booking https://topcamp.no/en/hallingdal Activities: High and Low Climbing park: Climbing park with more than 50 elements on poles and trees. Everything from mini-tracks for the smallest ones to an extreme track for the thoughest ones. High and Low zip-line: A wire track with a rope which lets you sail past the trees, high over the ground and over Hallingdalselva river. Hallingkastet: A platform playground in several stages . You can climb, run, slide and pull from platform to platform up to 11 metres above the ground. There is also a climbing net and Norway's longest spiral slide. Playground appliances and jumping pillow on the ground. Hurramegrundt: Indoor giant playground on 300 sqm on several floors. Largest play centre between Oslo and Bergen. Aktivitetshuset: Has a large climbing wall where you can challenge yourself and reach new heights. Animal-Farm: With animals like rabbits, goats and many other petting-animals. During the high season you can try to drive a tractor or ride a pony. Open during summer holiday and autumn holiday. You can also paddle canoes, go fishing, play ball games and a lot more. There is also a playroom for the smallest children. Hallingtunet: Is an arena for shows, concerts and other events. Kropp og Helse Velværesenter: An offer for everyone in need of some extra wellness. Winter: Cross country trail: A 3 km ski trail will be prepared at the holiday park, where 1 km is floodlit. The trail is suitable for children, but everyone is welcome to use it. The trails starts by the reception, then goes along the river to the activity house and over to Vangen where there is a round on the field. Floodlit between 3.30 pm - 11.00 pm. Toboggan and ice skating: at the back of the activity house you can try the toboggan slope. Here you will also find the ice skating rink. Free of use for everyone, but at your own risk. Restaurant and serving: First class restaurant with local food in focus. Offers also food course and party-menues. There is also a cafeteria / snack bar and a large kiosk/store with selected groceries.
VinterbroTusenFryd - Norway's largest amusement park
TusenFryd is Norway's largest amusement park, offering excitement, laughter and experiences for the whole family. Here you will find over 30 attractions, including some of Europe's most unique roller coasters. Our latest big news Storm is a unique roller coaster in a European context.
2. A day at the beach
Sunny weather (or at least not pouring rain), a bucket and a crab line – now you're all set for a fun day at the beach!
Beaches are the perfect place for family adventures. Go crabbing, hire a paddle boat, dive off a pier into refreshing water, and cool down with an ice cream. Or, take the little ones on a stroll along the shore and look for beautiful shells and other treasure.
On most beaches you will have plenty of space for the whole family. Remember to bring a parasol for some shade on hot days! You'll find several Blue Flag certified beaches in Norway, which means they have clean water and a clean coastline, and provide good safety and access for all.
Find the perfect spot:
3. Wonderful farm visits
Play in the hay, cuddle cute animals, and maybe try horse riding for the first time? Going to a welcoming visitor farm is guaranteed to be a success, for both you and the kids.
You can find visitor farms with plenty of fun farm activities throughout the country. Let the kids run free and say hi to the goats, take part in feeding the animals, and, in some places, ride a real tractor! Want to extend your visit? Some farms offer overnight stays, giving your family more time to enjoy the fun and relaxing countryside.
Check out these farms, packed with family activities:
ÅlTormodset
Tormodset summer farm is situated in Votndalsåsen 950 metres above sea level. From Rv7, follow the road through Liagardane or Votndalen. Sale of sour cream and traditional dairy products. Open daily from approximately 1st July - 19th August (2018). Short distance to the popular place to go swimming in river Lya. Telephone +47 971 59 770/ +47 32 08 42 30. Toll road
SnåsaDravlanseteren/Summer Mountain Farm
Welcome to Dravlanseteren Summer Mountain Farm! Nestled in picturesque surroundings with captivating views over Snåsa and Lake Snåsavatnet, Dravlanseteren Summer Mountain Farm offers a serene retreat. En route from the parking area, you'll pass by Lake Bjørnsjøen, perfect for a refreshing swim or trying your hand at fishing. Today, Dravlanseteren Summer Mountain Farm stands as a modern mountain farm, offering ideal opportunities for families and children to immerse themselves in mountain farm life. There are numerous activities to keep the children engaged while the adults savor a cup of coffee. The farm is home to a delightful assortment of animals, including cows, horses, rabbits, chickens, and dogs. If you happen to visit when the barn work is underway, you are warmly invited to participate in tasks such as milking, feeding, and milk separation. Dining: We extend an invitation for coffee and refreshments, along with snacks or dinner (dinner reservations required). Our menu includes sour cream porridge, a cured ham platter, and, when our baking oven is fired up, you can even order stone-baked pizzas. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for pizza evenings. Open Dates for 2023: July 1st - July 31st Directions: Dravlanseteren Summer Mountain Farm is conveniently situated in Snåsa, just 10 km from the E6 highway and 7 km from the train station. Drive past Snåsa Hotel, take the left exit towards Dravland, and follow it to the road's end. Park your vehicle next to the sign. From the parking area, it's a 2 km walk along a dirt road, which is also suitable for biking. The mountain farm is located right at the treeline, where the landscape transitions from spruce forest to more open terrain, featuring marshes and pine forests. A short 2 km walk from the mountain farm will take you to Lake Okssjøen. It's a pleasant stroll through easy terrain, and while the fish may not be massive, they are eager to bite, making it an ideal spot, especially for families with young children. Fishing License: Fishing licenses can be purchased at Snåsa Hotel, which you pass on your way here. If you lack fishing equipment, you can rent it from us. We also have a small boat available for rent. Opening hours to be confirmed. Outside of the Season: We welcome groups of 10-15 people, offering 'easy outdoor living' with a taste of mountain farm life. We tailor arrangements according to your preferences. Here are some possibilities: Summer/Autumn: Guided or self-guided fishing trips to Lake Okssjøen, complete with a fireside lunch. Activities around the farm, including archery, frisbee golf, air rifle shooting, and nature trails. Dinner is available upon your return from the fishing trip. Winter: We announce our opening and meal service times on Facebook. Dinners must be pre-ordered, but coffee is available on a drop-in basis. We have both indoor and outdoor seating. Snowmobiles can be rented at Snåsa Hotel. We are in close proximity to numerous miles of recreational trails, providing excellent opportunities for snowmobile adventures. If you prefer skiing, the mountain farm serves as an excellent starting point for those seeking un-groomed trail skiing. Skiing to Lake Okssjøen, where you can enjoy ice fishing and a bonfire in the spring sun, is a wonderful experience.
Looking for a truly unique experience? Greet some llamas or go for a guided walk with alpacas! These cute, charming animals are guaranteed to make you laugh along the way.
Here's where you can meet them:
4. Zoos and wildlife parks
Get close to bears, wolves and other exciting animals in a zoo or wildlife park, or have a fun day at an aquarium! In some parks, you can even pet the mighty king of the forest, the moose. Or how about spending a night with the wolves? In Namsskogan family park, you can sleep safe and sound in the wolves' lair – an unforgettable experience.
Remember to check when the feeding takes place, so you can get a closer look at the fascinating animals!
Find a zoo, wildlife park or aquarium:
TunhovdLangedrag Wildlife park
The houses at Langedrag are situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty. They look like fairytale castles, 1000 metres above sea level with a breathtaking view over mountains and lakes. Eva and Edvin K. Thorson started building the farm in 1978. They wanted to realise their dream of a farm where visitors could experience nature and animals at a closer range than anywhere else. 'In awe of life' is the motto at Langedrag. In the Nature Park you can find animals like reindeer, mouflon sheep, mountain fox, horses, goats, wild boars and lynxes. Few other places in the world would let you enter the wolf enclosure, like you can at Langedrag. Every Thursday and Friday in summer you can accompany us on a trip to our summer farm in the mountains. At the farm we make crisp bread on traditional hot plates and tell the stories of the area and its people.
ÅlesundThe Atlantic Ocean Park in Ålesund
The Atlanterhavsparken is one of the most particular Aquariums in Europe. The Aquarium is built into the coastal landscape at Tueneset, the coastline west in Ålesund. Study the large landscape tanks that unfiltrted shows life in sea along the Norwegian coast and in the Atlantic Ocean. This is the Norwegian Aquarium.
GeiloLangedrag Naturpark
Welcome to Langedrag Nature Park AS. Eva and Edvin K.Thorson (1918 - 2011) with family are founders of Langedrag. Edvin is also the entrepreneur behind EKT health-jersey and EKT Riding School at Ekeberg in Oslo. The philosophy behind both health-jersey and Langedrag is: Nature is our best teacher. In scenic surroundings lay the Langedrag houses as a fairy-tale castle in 1000 m.a.s overlooking lakes and mountains between Hallingdal and Numedal The construction of the farm began in 1978. The Thorson family wanted to realize the dream of a farm where visitors can get unique animal and nature experiences. With great respect for nature's own selection over millions of years, we have at Langedrag taken care of several wild animals, and tried to take care of the most primitive breeds within each races. With us you can experience close encounters and cuddling with both wild animals and livestock. The farm has about 20 different species / races and a total of about 300 individuals. Welcome to a day visits, overnight stay or camps all year round at Langedrag, as individuals or groups. Tour with feeding of the animals each day during the school holidays and weekends from 12.30. Also for groups by appointment. Langedrag has 100 beds, and throughout the year there is the possibility of accommodation with us. Feel part of life on the farm and use it as a starting point for trips in beautiful mountain terrain all seasons, 1000 m.as. Full pension with homemade food in a pleasant living environment characterized by wood and timber, as well as a variety of experiences with animals. Dining in pleasant surroundings, cafeteria, dining room and large lounge with fireplace. Welcome to an experience to remember. Experience wolves and lynx up close. Join the Arctic fox and bring it up in your lap! Few other places in the world can you see man walk into the wolf and 'talk' to them Visit the reindeer and feed them from your hand Join milking goats, do you dare to taste? Take a ride on horseback - try balancing on horseback (voltige) How about joining a seterdag or other led program Excellent hiking and skiing terrain -good trails from the farm Experience elk, king of the forest, in one of Europe's largest elg-encloser Dog sledding in beautiful mountain terrain, summer and winter Take natural knowledge proof, play providing learning for adults and children. Climbing park with 9 challenges Muskox. Discover proximity to a bygone prehistoric era! Langedrag also offers: Leirskole Camp school takes its starting point in life on the farm and the surrounding nature. From Monday to Friday throughout the schoolyear 3-4 schoolclasses are staying on the farm and taking part in the daily care of the animals in stables and barns. Rideleir • Activity Pursuits • Family Camp • Riding camp. Teaching horse riding and caring for horses, as well as become familiar with all our other animals. Experienced instructors. • Activity Camp. Children 9-16 years. Exciting activities with animals and the outdoors from dawn to dusk. • Family Camp or grandparents- and grandchilderen camp. Exciting and educational program for children and adults together. Daily care in stables and barns, milking and horse riding, hiking to the mountain with goats and horse, cheesemaking, plant dyeing, canoeing, charcoal burning, visit arctic foxes, reindeer and moose. Experiences for life.
FlåBear Park
Get up close and personal with bears, elk, lynx and other exotic animals! In Bjørneparken our presenters will give free animal talks and escort you to animal encounters, every hour, every day. The animals include a variety of Norwegian predators and wild animals, as well as familiar domestic farm animals. We also have the largest crocodile exhibition in Norway, with 30 crocodiles, snakes and tortoises. Our animals are housed in large natural enclosures. You can watch the animals up close and learn about them from our dedicated presenters. We have loads for the kids to explore and do in our play areas, like obstacle courses, zip-line, rollercoaster, outdoor and indoor playgrounds, and several restaurants. Bjørneparken is full of unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Welcome to Bjørneparken! For more information: www.bjorneparken.no.
5. Hiking with kids
Hiking can be a fun adventure for the whole family. Keep in mind that you don't need to take a long walk – short hikes can be just as rewarding! Search for easy hiking trails suitable for kids, find idyllic lakes where you can go fishing together, and a nice bathing spot to cool down.
The mountains and forests are full of exciting mysteries for the little ones to explore. Study anthills, climb trees and explore trails. Can you spot any birds and animals? Nature is the best playground!
Remember to plan extra time when hiking with small children, and don't forget to bring along some chocolate and plenty of water!
Get more useful tips on hiking with kids:
6. Fun bike parks
Bike parks are becoming increasingly popular in Norway, with new ones popping up around the country. They're great fun for adults and children alike, and suitable for smaller children who have just started to ride a bike. Try riding a pump track, where you 'pump' around the track instead of pedalling. It' so easy, even the smallest member of the family can do it!
The Trysil, Hemsedal, Geilo and Hafjell area is home to several amazing bike parks:
Practical tips for travelling with kids:
- If driving, plan short trips with lots of stops. Visit a farm along the way, stop at a museum or go for a swim – you can make the journey into a holiday in itself.
- Car bingo is fun and keeps the children occupied during the drive. By playing the game and looking out the window, they may even avoid getting car sick.
- Podcasts are a good alternative to screens, and children can listen while looking at the scenery.
- Keep a bag available in case of car sickness. And plan for toilet stops before it's too late!
- All over the country, you'll find playgrounds at every elementary school, which everyone is free to use during holidays when schools are closed.
- Don't plan too much! One activity a day is enough.
- Choose a base where you can stay for a longer time. You'll save yourself a lot of stress and packing!
- Travelling by train? Some long distance trains have family-friendly carriages and playrooms. You can also book a space for your stroller on most journeys.
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