72 Hours in Stockholm with Kids

Walk in the footsteps of Vikings and Nobel Prize winners along Stockholm’s stunning island shores and pristine city streets. Ancient history and nature are celebrated in tandem with urban amenities that make the Swedish capital a superb place to explore with young children, tweens and teens alike.

Ciao Bambino travel partner Alex Filho, an expert in Nordic and Scandinavian excursions, joined us in curating this three-day Stockholm itinerary. “This is, of course, very subjective, and it will depend on your family’s budget, interests and age of the kids,” Alex notes, encouraging families to work closely with a travel advisor for the best experience. 

Best Family Itinerary for 72 Hours in Stockholm

At a Glance

Day 1: Spend the day on Djurgården, the city’s greenest island and museum hub.

Day 2: Take to the water for a private archipelago tour.

Day 3: Step back in time as you explore Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town.

Day 1: Museum Tours on Djurgården

“In terms of activities for kids, Stockholm has a few unique parks and museums which are very much worth the visit,” says Alex. Touted as the oldest open-air museum in the world, Skansen brings Sweden’s cultural heritage to life. Each of the 150-plus buildings on site was transplanted from around the country. Inside those open to the public, staff in period dress (from the 1700s to the 1950s) interpret the traditions, trades and tales specific to each historic venue–whether a farm or pharmacy, a bakery or bookbinding shop.

Next, follow signs for Skansen’s popular zoo. Kids and animal lovers will enjoy close-up encounters with Nordic creatures. An interactive petting zoo and two indoor aquariums add to the fun.

It’s easy to spend half the day (or a full day) exploring Skansen, especially if you’re visiting around holidays like Midsummer or Christmas, when marketplaces and other special events take place. Onsite restaurants and cafes make it easy to break for lunch or a Swedish fika, a coffee break paired with a tasty treat, before continuing on your journey.

If the weather permits, make your way to your next stop by foot or bike. Djurgården, part of the Royal National City Park, is very pedestrian-friendly and all the more enjoyable for its lush greenery.

Afternoon Options

For the whole family: The Vasa Museum houses an ornate warship that sank on her maiden voyage in 1628, salvaged from Stockholm Harbor in the 1960s. Exhibits tell the story of the ship’s creation, her tragic downfall and the feats of restoration that continue today. Spend as little as one hour taking in the highlights and you’ll see why the Vasa ranks among the most-visited museums in Scandinavia. Admission is free for children under 18.

For young kids: Junibacken is all about the magic of storytelling. Live performances and imaginative exhibits engage curious minds, while the Story Train takes everyone on an enchanting ride inspired by children’s books.

For tweens & teens: Learn about the region’s seafaring heritage and lore at The Viking Museum, which includes a ride that takes patrons through a 10th-century Viking saga. Music enthusiasts will have a blast at ABBA The Museum. Learn about the Swedish pop stars, then sing and dance along with them on stage in a virtual experience sure to be worthy of TikTok or Instagram.

Day 2: Boat Around the Archipelago

From guided fishing trips to hiking adventures, there’s so much to see and do by water when visiting Stockholm. Some of the city’s 14 islands are accessible only by boat, adding to the allure of venturing to their shores. 

Beyond the city parameters, some 30,000 isles in the Baltic Sea comprise the Stockholm Archipelago. This maritime expanse has something in store to satisfy every traveler’s taste. Hiking trails run the gamut from leisurely forest walks to rugged cliffside treks, while beautiful places to swim and kayak abound. Islands like Vaxholm and Sandhamn are home to charming towns, complete with top-notch restaurants, boutiques and historic sites. Working with experts like Alex, CB travel advisors can plan the perfect Stockholm boating day for your family’s interests and desired time frame.

TIP: Always keep your eyes peeled for seals, eagles and even moose when island-hopping.

Alternative Idea for Day 2

If a boating excursion doesn’t sound appealing, there are plenty of ways to relish the waterfront–no sea legs required. The unofficial capital of the archipelago, Vaxholm is easily accessible by car (less than a 40-minute drive from Stockholm’s city center). Spend the day touring a historic military fortress, strolling cobblestone streets and popping into local art galleries and cafes. With its expansive dessert buffet and idyllic waterside vista, Hembygdsgårds Café gets rave reviews.

Day 3: Take in the Storied Sights of Old Town

Teeming with colorful buildings and vestiges of medieval times, Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town, brims with character. A private guided walking tour ensures you don’t miss famous spots such as the 35-inch-wide Alley of Marten Trotzig, the 13th-century Storkyrkan cathedral and the Royal Palace.

Special kids’ programs enhance the experience of visiting the Swedish monarchy’s grand Stockholm palace. Although many official functions take place inside the 11-story estate, much of the palace remains open to the public year-round. The combination of kid-friendly activities, history and architecture will have the whole family walking away in awe. 

Stick around the area for dinner. Highly rated restaurants are easy to come by in Old Town, some serving authentic Swedish meals and others dishing up inventive twists on regional fare. It’s very common to find children’s menus or half-portion options intended for kids at restaurants all over Sweden, and Gamla Stan is no exception.

Planning Considerations

Transportation: Many locals and visitors get around the city by underground metro, tram, bus and water ferry. However, for a short 3-day trip, hiring a driver is well worth the time saved. “Stockholm is not an easy city to move about independently,” says Alex. “The city is built on 14 islands connected by 50 bridges and hundreds of bypasses and tunnels, so having a private driver is paramount to make the most of your 72 hours.”

Strollers: Some of the sites mentioned above prohibit the use of strollers. Be sure to check with each venue ahead of time if that’s a consideration for your trip.

Weather: May through September is the best time to visit Stockholm. Peak travel season, June to August, promises pleasant temps and long daylight hours. At the height of summer, sunlight lingers for up to 18 hours. Stick to the shoulder months for smaller crowds, slightly lower hotel prices and darker nights. 

Family-friendly accommodations: No matter your budget, there are numerous hotel options around Stockholm. You might decide where to settle in for your 72-hour stay based on location. Old Town is a great area for families, as it’s particularly easy to walk right outside and sightsee by foot. Grand Hotel Stockholm, which sits on the water overlooking the Royal Palace, is one CB client favorite, but we can help you find and book the ideal accommodations for your needs and itinerary — and CB Advisors have access to special perks and amenities you can’t get on your own, like complimentary upgrades, breakfast credits and more. Get in touch for booking help.

Relevant Links: 

Browse all ideas for kid-friendly city breaks on Ciao Bambino

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Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.