Stockholm is one of Europe’s most child-friendly cities, but it can also be one of the pricier ones. The good news is that some of the best things to do with kids here don’t cost a thing. Here’s our pick of 10 free things to do in Stockholm with kids.
#1. See Some Art in the Subway
Stockholm’s subway system doubles as one of the world’s longest art galleries. Over 150 artists have decorated most of the network’s stations with sculptures, mosaics, paintings, installations and engravings.
Don’t miss Kungsträdgården station, one of the most beautiful stops on the line.
#2. Watch the Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard takes place in front of the Royal Palace in Gamla Stan, with guards marching through the city accompanied by a military band before arriving at the palace. It’s a fun, free spectacle for kids of all ages — and a nice excuse for a “Christopher Robin went down with Alice” moment for any A.A. Milne fans in the family.
#3. Enjoy Culture at the Children’s Room
The Children’s Room (Rum för Barn), on the fourth floor of Kulturhuset, is a library-style space divided into sections for children aged 0–11, with books, toys and games to explore.
There’s also a picnic area for snacks or packed lunches. It’s popular, especially at peak times, so if you can visit outside the busiest hours you’ll have more room to enjoy the facilities.
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#4. Stroll Around Gamla Stan
With its winding alleyways, old buildings, small squares and the Royal Palace, Gamla Stan (Old Town) is a wonderful place for a family wander. Much of it is pedestrianised, so you don’t have to worry about traffic while the kids explore.
You’ll find plenty to see — the Royal Palace, restaurants, cafés, bars and shops — along narrow cobblestone streets lined with buildings in different shades of gold.
See if you can find Mårten Trotzigs gränd, the narrowest alley in Gamla Stan, just 90 centimetres wide at its narrowest point.
#5. Go Swimming at a City Beach
Stockholm has proper sandy beaches right in the city. Långholmsbadet and Smedsuddsbadet both offer good family swimming spots, though they can get busy in summer.
Smedsuddsbadet is popular with families thanks to its sandy beach and large lawn for sunbathing, plus showers, toilets and a café.
Långholmsbadet is a ten-minute walk from Hornstull subway station. It’s a family-friendly sandy spot, though the beach itself is on the small side — if it’s crowded, head to the other side of the bridge, where you can get into the water from the rocks.
Hägerstensbadet and Kampementsbadet are outdoor pools with toddler pools if beach swimming isn’t your thing.
#6. Enjoy Great Views from the Cliffs
Walk the Monteliusvägen cliff path for some of the best views in the city. Located on the northern shore of Södermalm island, this narrow footpath runs roughly 500m along the cliffs, offering impressive views over downtown Stockholm.
Monteliusvägen doesn’t always appear on maps, since it’s a small walking lane. It runs parallel to Bastugatan — from the central station, head over the Centralbron bridge, along Hornsgatan, then Bellmansgatan. The path begins near Skolgränd.
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#7. Have a Picnic at Djurgården
The island of Djurgården isn’t large, but it’s a lovely place to spend an afternoon picnicking and relaxing. Several of Stockholm’s top museums and attractions are here too, along with cafés and restaurants — but you don’t need to spend a cent to enjoy the island itself.
You can:
- wander along Kärleksstigen, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel’s path
- take a look at Carl XI’s hunting lodge
- sit under the oak tree where Swedish bard Bellman is said to have written his famous “Epistle 25”
- explore the island and enjoy a picnic
You can reach Djurgården on foot, by the Djurgården ferry from Gamla Stan/Slussen, by tram from Norrmalmstorg, or by bus.
#8. Bergius Botanical Gardens
The outdoor areas of the Bergius Botanical Gardens are free to visit year-round, and it’s a beautiful spot for a walk or a picnic. Kids will enjoy exploring features like the Japanese Fishpond, Italian Terrace and Herb Garden.
The hothouses — the Edvard Anderson Conservatory and the Victoria House — hold more exotic plants, including giant waterlilies. There is an admission charge for these greenhouses; check current family pricing and any child concessions on the gardens’ website before you go.
#9. Climb on Some Fruit
This has to be one of the most unusual playgrounds around. The Fruit and Scent Playground (Doft och Fruktparken), on the island of Liljeholmen in south Stockholm, has fruit-themed equipment — a banana slide, strawberry spinners, cherry swings, an orange see-saw and a watermelon jungle gym.
The playground sits near Trekanten lake in Triangle Park, with a large open area nearby for ball games, sunbathing and picnicking.
#10. Museum of Modern Art
The Moderna Museet (Museum of Modern Art), on the island of Skeppsholmen in central Stockholm, holds a fine collection of art and photography, including works by Picasso, Matisse and Dalí.
It’s also a very family-friendly museum, with a kids’ reading corner, pushchair parking, baby carriers and baby-changing facilities. On Family Sundays, there’s typically a guided tour for families followed by a hands-on workshop, and holiday activities often run during school breaks.
Admission policies for children and free-entry evenings can change, so check the Moderna Museet website for current opening times and any free-entry slots before you visit.
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Over to You
Have you got a favourite free thing to do in Stockholm with kids? Share it with us in the comments below — we love hearing your family travel tips!
FAQs: Free Things to Do in Stockholm with Kids
Is Stockholm affordable for families?
Stockholm can be pricey for eating out and paid attractions, but the city has a great range of free options — from subway art to beaches, parks and playgrounds — that make a family visit much more budget-friendly.
What’s the best free activity for younger children?
The Children’s Room at Kulturhuset and the Fruit and Scent Playground on Liljeholmen are both great picks for younger kids, offering plenty to explore without spending anything.
Do I need to book any of these in advance?
No — these are all free-roam, drop-in spots. You don’t need tickets or bookings to enjoy the subway art, Gamla Stan, the beaches, the cliff walk, or the parks and playgrounds listed here.
Do I still need a ticket to ride the subway and see the art?
Yes — while viewing the art itself is free, you’ll need a valid ticket to access the subway platforms, since you’re using the public transport network to reach the stations.
Are the museum and garden entry policies still the same?
Details like free-entry evenings, family concessions and children’s admission can change over time, so it’s worth checking the relevant museum or gardens website for the latest information before your visit.
Save These Ideas for Later
No printable this time, but it’s worth bookmarking or saving this page so you have your free Stockholm activity list handy for your trip. You might also like browsing our other Stockholm family travel guides for more ideas.
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