Planning on traveling to Oslo with your children? This family-friendly guide will help you plan your trip from how to get there and where to stay to child friendly restaurants and activities.
How to get to Oslo
The easiest and most comfortable way to get to Oslo from abroad is by plane. There are multiple airlines flying to Oslo, and the easiest way to find the best flights for your trip is through Momondo – a website that gives you a complete overview of all available flights. I always use this to find the cheapest and fastest flights, as well as finding accommodation. If I don’t have to book my flights right away, I always set an alert so I get an email if the flights get cheaper.
Tips! Make sure you choose OSL as your destination, this is the main airport for people visiting Oslo.
The main airlines in Norway are Norwegian, SAS and Wideroe. If you plan on doing domestic flights, they would be the best airlines to check.
I would also recommend the more scenic way to travel domestically – and that is by train. The Norwegian train company is called VY, and on the VY website you can easily book your tickets and seats. For example, the route from Oslo to Bergen is breathtaking, and it also has its own family area with toys and childrens movies. That way you can enjoy the view while the kids are entertained.
Also read: Best hacks for a fuzz-free flight or train ride with kids
Most child friendly hotels in Oslo
Depending on your preferences, there are a lot of accomodation suitable for families.
There are a lot of hotels in the city centre or in the surrounding areas. I have not stayed in these hotels myself since I live in the city, but I am confident in recommending them based on the chains reputation (I have stayed in other hotels in these chains and always been satisfied), location and the ameneties.
Scandic Oslo City and Scandic Byporten are hotels in the heart of the city. They offer family rooms, connecting rooms for teenagers (upon request) and even has its own play area. Kids under 12 years stay for free! The hotels are only a short walk from Oslo Central station, where the airport express train stops. The hotels are in the middle of the city junction point, making traveling and exploring the city super easy. It is also a short walk from Oslos main library, Deichmanske Bjørvika, a stunning library with a whole floor designed for kids with books and a big, indoor play area. Perfect for those rainy days.
Also read: Indoor activities and playgrounds in Oslo
If you prefer staying out of the busy city centre, and would like a taste of the Norwegian nature I recommend checking out Scandic Holmenkollen Park. The hotel exterior is stunning, and the kids would feel like living in an old castle. Inside they have family rooms that accommodates up to 6 people, and they also have a swimming pool that kids from 5 and up can use along with an adult in the mornings. For adults and kids over 16 (along with an adult), they have the largest hotel gym in the Nordics.
Where to eat – child friendly restaurants in Oslo
Now that you have traveled to Oslo and found the hotel of your choice, I have a feeling you might be getting hungry? Hunger, or Hanger, is something we want to avoid, especially a hangry child. So lets set you up for success with a happy and full kid in these child friendly restaurants.
Nazar Café – One of the most child friendly restaurants I’ve visited in Oslo, is Nazar Café. They specialize in meditteranian food, and have their own kids menu with several options. The best thing about them is they have their own play area inside the restaurant. Grab a table near the play area, and the kids can run around and play while you enjoy two free hands to finish your meal. After you are done eating, you can enjoy the nice park and play ground right outside the restaurant.
Villa Paradiso Tivoli – Villa Paradiso is an italian food chain who have different locations in Oslo, and the one in Lilleborg (in between Sagene and Torshov) is where you are set the most up for success when you are dining with kids. The place is decorated with rockets, planes and four wheel bikes, so the first impression is very child friendly. They have a great play area with toys to keep your little ones occupied before and after eating. The kids menu is also great and consists of different pizzas and pastas. And the food is really good!
Child friendly activities
There are a lot of different things to do in Oslo, depending on your interests, preferred location and the weather. As there are so many things to choose from, I have written different posts to make it easy for you to find exactly what you are looking for.
Indoor activities for families
The best outdoor playgrounds – coming soon!
Museums and attractions for adults and kids – coming soon!
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