Three Days In Stockholm With Kids

I hadn’t quite appreciated the size of Stockholm until we arrived in the Swedish capital in early September 2016. Spread across 14 islands with 57 bridges, there’s a lot to see. From world-class museums to theme parks, a Royal Palace and 800-year Old Town, we had three days there and left feeling we needed to come back and see more. Stockholm was the final stop on our road trip which had begun in Oslo. If we were planning the trip again, I would begin in Stockholm. With two children in tow (including a three-month-old baby), I think we had a touch of travel fatigue but still appreciated the unique, child-friendly city. Here’s a run down of what we did in three days in Stockholm.

Stockholm Opera House
Stockholm Opera House

Day 1

We arrived in Stockholm by train from Uppsala where we’d spent the night, dropping off the hire car we’d driven from Gothenburg. It was a straight forward 50 minute train journey. After checking into our hotel (the Radisson Blu near Central Station) we wandered over to Stockholm’s Old Town taking in some of the sights on the way including Stockhom’s Parliament and Royal Palace.

Stockholm's Parliament, Sweden
Stockholm’s Parliament

As detailed in my previous post, Gamla Stan failed to wow me as much as other European old towns. No doubt the large amount of tourists and unexpected warm weather contributed to the experience. Oh, and the two children in tow! We found some respite in Stockholm Cathedral which is worth a look. We wandered back to the hotel eating some overpriced sushi on the way.

Galam Stan, Stockholm old Town

Day 2

Making use of our Stockholm pass, we got up fairly early on Saturday, walked up the road from our hotel and caught the hop-on hop-off bus which was included in the pass. Our destination was the Vasa Museum located on Djurgården island. I’d read much about the museum which contains the world’s only preserved 17th century ship. It was on my Stockholm must-see list and it surpassed my expectations. The size of the ship is incredible and amazed us all. We spent around one hour there. Find out why the Vasa Museum needs to be on your must-see Stockholm list here.

Vasa Museum, Stockholm

Next door to the Vasa is the children’s museum, Junibacken. Dedicated to children’s literature with Sweden’s largest book shop, it mostly centres on the author, Astrid Lindgren, who wrote the Pipi Longstocking stories. The Stockholm pass came into its own here and we all got in free. Otherwise it would have cost SEK139 (£12.50) for children and for adults SEK159 (£14). We had to ditch the buggy in a designated area and I popped Cheeky in the KangaWrap. Baby carriers are available to hire. There’s also lockers and hangers for coats.

We first went into a large play area with quirky, fairy tale structures to explore as well as objects for role play including a shop and hot dog stall.

Junibacken museum, Stockholm

Then there is the ‘story train’, an indoor ride which takes you on a journey through Lindgren’s books and characters. It wasn’t very linear so if you’re unfamiliar with her works it won’t make a lot of sense (it didn’t to us anyway). You do get the option to listen in 15 different languages though so technically it should make sense!

Mrs T enjoyed watching the intricate models of scenes as the carriage ‘flew’ over them. Until the dragon appeared. Then the thunder and lightning came and there was mention of someone dying which left us answering a few questions from Mrs T. Fortunately, we were off the train and she was busy exploring a huge house and dress-up section before we had time to formulate an answer. We eventually dragged her away on the promise of lunch. The Junibacken museum was a bit strange in my adult mind and could do with a bit of updating but Mrs T really enjoyed it. There’s also a cafe there.

Junibacken museum, Stockholm

As we’d done my sightseeing picks, I let my husband’s take on the tour guide duties for the afternoon. He had read about the island of Södermalm and its vibrant, trendy credentials and good food. We got the boat (included in our pass) but then (following his lead) ended up going in the wrong direction. Twice. He then had to lift the pram up two flights of steep stairs in the pouring rain. At least we got a good view at the top though!

Gamla Stan, Sweden

We were definitely in need of some insider knowledge to get to the heart of the area. We made it to an indoor market where we had something to eat but left a little disappointed. We eventually found the right bus to take us closer to our hotel.

Day 3

One of my friends lived in Stockholm for a couple of years and recommended we take a boat tour of the archipelago. With the sun shining and a free tour included on our Stockholm Pass, we were sea bound, boarding the boat close to Stockholm’s Opera House. The boat tour was a great way to see the city and its surrounding islands – 30,000 of them in all!

Archipelago day trip, Stockholm

Colourful wooden houses line the shores of the bigger islands. The inhabitants can commute into the city on the government-funded ferry.

Boat tour in Stockholm, Sweden

At close to two and a half hours, my daughter’s patience was wearing thin towards the end. Our guide was excellent though and in between getting Cheeky to sleep in the KangaWrap and keeping my eye on Mrs T, I managed to get an overview of Stockholm’s history and watch the boats sail next to us.

Boat tour in Stockholm, Sweden

Our final day ended with us having a wander around the shops and going for a superb dinner at Sturehof, a sleek brasserie serving delicious seafood. It was our best meal in Stockholm and, although pricey, was worth it.

Mrs T, Cheeky and Wander Mum

So ended our Scandinavia trip. If we had an extra day in Stockholm and good weather, we would have paid a visit to Skansen, the world’s first open-air museum. Mrs T also looked longingly at the Gröna Lund amusement park as she spied the huge carousel and fairground rides. But, you can’t do everything and when in Stockholm, you need to prioritise. The ABBA museum will have to wait! I feel we got a good overview of the city and variety with something specifically for Mrs T thrown in too.

Gröna Lund Amusement Park, Stockholm

Where we stayed

We stayed at the Radisson Blu in a family room located next to central station. The hotel was in a good location and as we were arriving by train was very convenient. The friendly staff produced a soft toy for Mrs T on arrival but I wasn’t hugely impressed with the room. It was big enough with a living area, large sofa bed for Mrs T and a good amount of storage. However it was an inward facing room so had no daylight!  The windows we had looked down on the breakfast room. Yes, really!

Radisson Blu hotel, Stockholm

As we were there over a weekend, the hotel was very busy and the buffet breakfast rather chaotic. It included in the room price though and we stocked up on sandwiches for lunch. On the Monday it was far calmer. On the whole Swedish hotels are expensive and it’s not uncommon to forgo daylight. We paid around £180 a night.

Stockholm Pass

Valid for 48 hours from when it is first used, we used the two day Stockholm Pass (one and three day ones are available) which lets you into over 60 of Stockholm’s attractions and gives you free bus and boat tours. Adult two day pass costs 795 SEK (£70) Child (6-16) SEK 398 (£35). If you are planning to visit a few of the attractions and want to get the boat and sightseeing bus, look into getting the pass as it is very likely to save you money. Children under 6 are free.

*We were kindly given a Stockholm Pass free of charge to use during our time in Stockholm. All opinions are my own. 

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Three days in Stockholm With Kids

Tin Box traveller
Wander Mum


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Wander Mum

I've always loved to travel so when my two daughters came along, I didn't stop. Travelling as a family can have its ups and downs but I love showing my children the world and helping others navigate travelling with children in tow.

71 Comments
  1. Amazing! Stockholm is a amazing place!
    It is unbelievable that it spreads across 14 islands with 57 bridges!
    I really looking forward to go there after reading your blog!
    I am sure that I can have great fun there! 🙂

    1. I think you just have to commit to working your plans around them..like using the free transport and visiting the specific museums it has listed. Great for those who like to do lots!

  2. This brought back a lot of memories from my trip to Stockholm 3 years ago. I missed the ABBA museum as well. The sightseeing boat ride sound so interesting. Have to try that if I go again. #citytripping
    Upeksha recently posted…A Day in DublinMy Profile

  3. I grew up listening to Abba (that means giving away my age), so if I ever get to Stockholm, the first thing I would do is to visit the Abba Museum! I would also love to go on that boat tour, sounds lovely and relaxing 🙂 #Citytripping

  4. I love the look and sound of the Vasa Museum and the boat trip, neither of which have I done on my three visits. Need to go again for sure. Whoever designed the hotel and thought it a good idea to gaze out of your window at people eating muesli or peeling a laughing cow needs their bumps felt! Wilbur. #citytripping

    1. Haha – I know Wilbur! Totally crazy design to fit in as many room as possible I guess! The boat trip was fun. It would be good to visit some of the islands scattered around too.

  5. With our cruise only stopping in Stockholm for 8 hours, I’m still struggling to make up my mind whether to do Vasa + Old Town or Vasa + Junibacken. I’m slightly more inclined towards Junibacken especially after reading about your experience at Old Town and seeing that Mrs T enjoyed Junibacken. Plus the fact they it’s right next doors to Vasa. But to go to Stockholm and not see Old Town is like…. Oh well. I still have more than a month to make up my mind. #CityTripping
    Bumble Bee Mum recently posted…Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama – Monkeying around with Kids in KyotoMy Profile

    1. It’s a tough one Lee! The Old Town is great to see although you may get a similar experience from the streets of Tallinn…might be worth looking into.

  6. What a great and honest guide. We’re off to Sweden for the first time this summer – sadly not Stockholm but Skane, in the south. I really want to do a trip to Stockholm though whilst the kids are still young. The Vasa museum sounds amazing, and I bet they’d really enjoy Junibacken. It sounds like you can do quite a lot in a short amount of time.

  7. I think secretly I might enjoy the people watching prospect of having a window on the breakfast room. Well, not so secretly now, obviously! Pippi Longstocking! Loved those books when I was a child. Must get hold of them for the kids. And what a great experience to see the 17th century ship! Stockholm has just shot way up my list of places to visit.
    Sol Solntze recently posted…Running the City of Moscow with the Begushiy Gorod Urban Orienteering EventMy Profile

  8. I’d like to take my toddler to Sweden, shame it is so expensive! Vasa and the children’s museum look great though – I think she would really enjoy the latter. #MondayEscapes

  9. Your daughter is adorable. THAT HAIR! I went to Finland last year and loved it and I am hoping to go to Sweden soon. The archipelago boat tour is really similar to something we did in Finland – it is amazing how many island there are!
    Kit Graham recently posted…20 minute Chicken Burrito BowlsMy Profile

  10. Oh dear Mr Wander Mum…must try harder next time with the guide duties 😉 I’d love to visit the Vasa Museum to see that ship and the Junibacken museum sounds like it would entertain my two as well. Thanks for sharing your tips on what to see with #MondayEscapes
    Claire at Tin Box Traveller recently posted…Monday Escapes 08/05/17My Profile

  11. I’ve been to Stockholm pre kids, but think we need to go back and take the little ones! We’ve been to Denmark recently and loved it so I’d love to see more of Scandanavia. #mondayescapes

  12. this a really useful post. My grandfather was from Sweden and so i’d like to visit and explore our roots. so i have saved this for a future visit!

  13. Wow you did so much! Your children must be incredibly well behaved, thinking back to my teens at that age there would have been a lot of wingeing! We have never been to Scandinavia but are considering a trip this October half term I will definitely look into Stockholm. Thanks for a great review. #MondayEscapes

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