Voices from Oslo: Cultural activities for children

Culture for kids: our favorite spots in Oslo

by Lorelou Desjardins (15 July 2025)

When I first moved to Oslo, I thought culture meant quiet museums and grown-up art galleries. I couldn’t imagine my children finding much joy in wandering art exhibitions... But Oslo proved me completely wrong!

I’ve discovered that this city is filled with cultural treasures designed especially for kids, and often for free, or at affordable prices. My children now beg me to go to museums, libraries, and creative workshops. It’s become one of the best surprises of living here. We've really made it part of everyday life here.

Here’s a glimpse into some of the cultural activities my family loves, and that I wish I’d known about sooner.

Explore Oslo with kids, like a local:

Deichman Bjørvika Library (free)

One of our favourite places is Deichman Bjørvika, Oslo’s main public library. With five bright, modern floors, it’s a wonderland for kids. My children can lose themselves in books in several languages, listen to storytelling sessions, or join creative workshops.

Deichman has 22 branches across Oslo, many with fantastic children’s sections, so you can definitely find one near you!

The Bjørvika location has an entire floor for children, even with a pram parking! There is an area for babies and another one for older children who can sit and read with their parents. It’s a perfect spot for international families wanting free activities and resources.

Vigeland Sculpture Park (free)

At Vigeland Park in Frogner, my kids love running among the sculptures, climbing on bridges, and exploring fountains. It’s open year-round and completely free. And tucked away inside the park is one of the best playgrounds in the city, huge and designed for all ages. My children can play here for hours, and it's the perfect place for a picnic.

And this isn't only a summer or sunny day activity! Frognerparken is open all year round, you just need the right gear.

Sentralen (free)

Every weekend, Sentralen, a cultural and innovation hub in central Oslo, opens its doors for free arts and crafts activities for children. We’ve made everything from clay animals to colourful masks. Check the venue's social media or Visit Oslo's "What's On" Barnekalender for updated schedules.

Munch Museum

At Bjørvika, the Munch Museum offers family-friendly exhibitions and workshops. Children can follow special trails designed just for them, discovering hidden works of art placed at their eye level. It’s a lovely way for kids to connect with Edvard Munch’s iconic art. This is one of my personal favorites because it has been designed for children!

Paradox Museum

The Paradox museum is a playful space filled with optical illusions and interactive exhibits that twist your sense of reality. My kids love the photo opportunities and trying to figure out how the illusions work.

Natural History Museum

At Tøyen, the Natural History Museum houses dinosaur skeletons, fascinating fossils, minerals, and the beautiful Botanical Garden. My kids adore the insect exhibitions and exploring the lush outdoor gardens afterwards.

Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology

Located at Kjelsås, this technical museum is pure joy for curious children. Interactive exhibits cover space, transportation, energy, and technology. My kids could spend hours pressing buttons, launching rockets, and exploring science through play. Kids are allowed to “drive” old cars and planes! This is an all-time family favorite, for sure. Their website only exists in Norwegian, but the museum is very accessible if you don’t speak Norwegian.

Oslo Reptile Park

Right in the city centre, Oslo Reptile Park lets children get close to snakes, turtles, lizards, and even spiders. My kids still talk about the day they held a real snake!

Norwegian Maritime Museum

Also on Bygdøy, this museum dives into Norway’s maritime history, from Viking ships to modern vessels. Interactive exhibits and model ships keep kids fascinated.

Some final tips from my international family in Oslo, to yours:

• The Visit Oslo website has a great section for family activities and a calender of children’s events, both free and paid. I have been in Oslo for many years and I use this calender almost every week, because it has the best updates.
• While some cultural attractions have entrance fees, many are discounted for children or even free on certain days! Many museums also offer free admission for children under a certain age.
• Memberships in trade unions or OBOS (Norway's largest housing developer and association) often provide discounts to Oslo museums.
• Always check for family tickets, combo passes, and free activity days.
• Moving to Oslo opened up a cultural world I never expected for my kids. From music in the Opera House to holding snakes downtown, Oslo has shown me that culture here is for everyone, even the littlest explorers.

Lykke til (good luck) and welcome to Oslo!