Plan Your Trip
Family Travel
The Low-down
Most of Scandinavia is very child-friendly, with domestic tourism largely dictated by the needs of those travelling as families. Theme parks, amusement parks, zoos and child-friendly beaches and activities are just part of the story, and although there are exceptions, businesses go out of their way to woo families, and children are rarely made to feel unwelcome. Most sights and activities are designed with kids in mind, with free or reduced admission for under-18s and plenty of hands-on exhibits. And what other region of the world can possibly claim such an iconic place to fuel a child’s imagination as the home of Santa Claus?
Accommodation
Bigger camping grounds and spa hotels are particularly kid-conscious, with heaps of facilities and activities designed with children in mind. Cots (cribs) are standard in many hotels but numbers may be limited.
Activities
In Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden you’ll find excellent theme parks, waterparks and holiday activities. Many museums have a dedicated children’s section with toys, games and dressing-up clothes.
Iceland is something of an exception: children are liked and have lots of freedom, but they’re treated as mini-adults, and there aren’t many attractions tailored specifically for kids.
Resources
For all-round information and advice, check out Lonely Planet’s Travel with Children.
Practicalities
Baby food, infant formula, soy and cow’s milk, disposable nappies (diapers) etc are widely available in Scandinavian supermarkets.
Car-rental firms hire out children’s safety seats at a nominal cost, but advance bookings are essential.
High chairs are standard in many restaurants but numbers may be limited.
Restaurants will often have children’s menu options, and there are lots of chain eateries aimed specifically at families.
Breastfeeding in public is common and often officially encouraged.
Many public toilets have baby-changing facilities.
Remember that distances in Scandinavia are vast and careful planning is required. Try not to cover too much ground (so as to avoid spending too much time in the car) and consider flying where possible.
When to Go
Easily the best time to travel in Scandinavia with children is the main tourist season that runs from mid-June to mid-August – this is when hotels offer the best deals for families, all sights and attractions are open and the weather is more conducive to a happy family holiday.
If you’ve come to Scandinavia for the northern lights or winter activities such as dog-sledding, don’t be put off by the bitterly cold weather. It’s all about coming prepared with the appropriate clothes (Scandinavian families don’t hide in their homes for 10 months of the year!) and winter can be a magical time to be here.
