Voices from Oslo: Outdoor activities for the whole family
Welcome to Voices from Oslo, where we share insights, stories, and lessons learned from internationals in Oslo who have been in your shoes.
Culture for kids: our favorite spots in Oslo
by Lorelou Desjardins (15 July 2025)
When I first arrived in Norway, I had no idea how much my life, and my children’s lives, would change because of nature. Back home in France, winter was something we mostly endured indoors. Here in Oslo, I quickly learned that Norwegians don’t just tolerate the outdoors; they love it in all seasons. In fact, kids go outside every day during the school year, no matter the weather, so that helps children adjust quickly.
I remember our first winter in Oslo vividly. We borrowed skis from BUA, a free rental service, and went to Sognsvann to try cross-country skiing as a family. It was a disaster! I fell every two meters, my kids were crying because their hands were cold, and I couldn’t figure out how to keep the skis attached properly. I wished someone had told me to bring extra mittens and a thermos of hot chocolate.
But we tried again the next weekend, and now, a few years later, my kids love skiing. My family in France can’t believe that children here happily go skiing in temperatures I used to consider “emergency indoor weather.”
Winter Activities
Skiing in Oslomarka
If your child has skis, you can take them to areas like Sognsvann, Frognerseteren, or Østmarka. And it also helps that so many of these places are accessible with public transportation!
Snow conditions vary, so always check the weather before heading out. Don’t have skis? No problem. BUA is a nationwide network where you can borrow outdoor gear (like skis, sleds, and skates) for free. There are several locations in Oslo, and you just need to register online with your Norwegian phone number.
Ice skating
My kids love skating at Spikersuppa in the city centre and Frogner Stadion. Both places rent out skates, making it easy even for newcomers. When lakes freeze thick enough, places like Sognsvann and Nøklevann become natural ice rinks, but always check official ice safety reports before venturing onto the ice.
Sledging
One of our family’s favorite winter activities is sledging. It’s cheap and can be done anywhere there’s a hill. Korketrekkeren, the famous Olympic sledge slope in Midstuen, is thrilling but steep, so it’s best for older kids and adults. Helmets are a must. Akeforeningen even offers sledging courses for children aged 10 to 14.
New to winter activities?
If your children aren't born with skis on their feet like Norwegians are, no problem, they'll pick it up quickly! You can take some skiing, skating, or snowboarding lessons as well, to get your family ready.
The Skiing Association (Skiforeningen) runs around 142 courses for children in Oslo and Asker, organized by birth year. Most are in Norwegian, but thye also provided some classes in English.
Other places like Aktiv i Oslo also offers skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids from age five.
Read more from Lorelou: Dressing your kids all year round
Summer Activities
When the snow melts, Oslo turns green and lush, and outdoor adventures shift from snow to sunshine. I personally love summers in Oslo and have a tendency not to want to even leave town during this period.
Oslo offers amazing activities all year long, but summers turn Oslo into a holiday paradise. There are so many beaches, islands, farms to explore.
Exploring nature
Walking in Oslomarka is free and perfect for families.
But if you’d like more organized activities, check out DNT (the Norwegian Trekking Association). They run family-friendly hikes and maintain 590 cabins across Norway including in the Oslo fjord. Here are some options for family-focused memberships:
- Barnas Turlag: For kids aged 0–12 and their families, offering easy trips and outdoor fun. Membership costs NOK 150 per year.
- Turboklubben: Also NOK 150 annually, focuses on kids aged 4–7, teaching them about animals, maps, and nature.
In Norway, the concept of friluftsliv (translating to something like "open air living"), is deeply rooted in the culture and a core part of Norwegian identity. Friluftsliv is all about enjoying nature in all weather, and in many different ways! It’s not just a hobby; it’s part of daily life, and kids learn to love it early.
Swimming in summer
Swimming in lakes and the fjord is free and widely enjoyed. Popular lakes include Nøklevann, Sognsvann, Lutvann, and Bogstadvannet. Beaches along the fjord, like Hvervenbukta, Bygdøy, and the islands of Gressholmen and Hovedøya, are perfect for sunny days. However, these spots aren’t staffed by lifeguards, so parents must supervise closely.
Visiting farms
One activity that surprised me was how many farms exist right in and around Oslo. EKT Rideskole og Husdyrpark, Bogstad Besøksgård, Stovner Ridesenter, and Skjerven Gård all offer children a chance to meet animals, ride ponies, and learn about rural life, a unique contrast to city living.
Moving to Norway changed how I think about the outdoors. Where I once saw bad weather or inconvenience, I now see an opportunity for adventure. My children have become little Norwegians, happiest when skiing, sledging, or wading into icy fjord waters.
Outdoor life here has taught our family resilience, curiosity, and a deep respect for nature. If you’re new to Oslo, don’t be afraid to step outside, even in the snow. It might just change your life, too.
