Looking for fun affordable things to do on a weekend in Olso with kids? Traveling to Oslo, Norway from the UK is a quick trip, and airfare can be incredibly affordable. Even though the airlines make it easy to travel to Norway, Oslo is reported to be the third most expensive city to live in the world. But don’t let that statistic steer you away from this amazing fjord filled, nautical and artsy city. There are many affordable ways to enjoy 2 days in Oslo without breaking the bank. And a couple of days is all you need to have the perfect weekend in Oslo with kids.
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Getting Around In Oslo On A Weekend
Getting around is super easy. From clearing customs at Gardermoen to the Oslo city center to reaching the outermost city limits to Mortensrud, our family of four navigated without a hitch. One direct train puts you in the city center in 20 minutes, close to City Hall where you can see the top of the Radisson Blu Hotel.
From the city center train stop, you can switch to the metro line which will take you wherever you need to go. The train ticket you purchase at Oslo Gardermoen airport will cover your full trip so be specific with your journey when you buy. Kids aged 4-15 travel free with you on the metro and trains Saturdays and Sundays. A nice bonus to travel Oslo with kids!
Where To Stay In Oslo
Looking for where to stay in Oslo? Perfectly located, with a pool (one of the few) and family-friendly, Radisson Blu is a great place to stay for your Oslo weekend. Book in advance because it sells out quickly. Though we didn’t stay at the Radisson Blu, it’s the hubs go-to for every Oslo business trip which he has many.
Why didn’t we stay there? We had the opportunity to stay with our family that lives in Oslo. We lucked out on not needing to book a hotel but Radisson Blu would be our top choice.
Once airfare and hotel are out of the way, get ready to pack for two nautical, artsy, and Disney inspiring days for the perfect weekend in Oslo with kids.
2 Days In Oslo Itinerary
While this post highlights Oslo in summer-like conditions, many of these things to see can be enjoyed year-round. For your convenience, this 2-day itinerary lists what to do in Oslo in order of morning, lunch, and afternoon.
Day 1 Things To See in Oslo
Day 1 is centered around what to do in Oslo city center.
Start Your Morning In Aker Brygge
Aker Brygge is the waterside development across from City Hall. Grab breakfast at the Espresso House to the right of the docks along the development which has options for everyone: croissants, sandwiches, muffins, and yogurt parfaits. Everyone is kind and speaks English so don’t panic if you can’t translate. Breakfast and a snack to go for our family of four cost NOK 331 or $41. Download the GlobeConvert app before you go.
Across From City Hall is Aker Brygge
Go Fjord Sightseeing On A Weekend In Oslo
At 10:30, catch the 2 hour Oslo Fjord Sightseeing boat trip. The first boat leaves at 10:30 and is incredibly popular on a sunny day. We managed to visit Oslo on record-breaking temperature days (as high as 30C or 90F) so we were grateful that we made the 10:30 boat despite the long line. No need to buy sunscreen because the boat has some for you to use. This will save you on cash if you forgot to pack!
The boat trip is lovely and worth the money. Do not skip out on this scenic and tranquil experience. Although it was NOK 945 ($116) for our family of four, it was totally worth it.
The sailboat is gorgeous and takes you pass the Oslo Opera House, a number of bays, and through many islands showing off classic Norwegian summer homes and bathing houses. And on a 30 C day, there is no better place to be than at the bow of the ship with the cool sea breeze on your face. The boat trip lasts 2 hours. A fjord sightseeing tour is a fabulous way to kick-off a weekend in Oslo with kids. Just amazing!
Explore Akershus Fortress
Once you return to land, walk east to explore the Akershus Fortress, which was the inspiration for the outside grounds of Disney Frozen. Walk up the grassy hill through the park and you’ll see a Roosevelt statue on your right. This is a marker to let you know you’re heading in the right direction. Head straight across the grass, wind around the buildings on your right, and enter through the main gates.
As you enterAkershus Fortress, a pond will be in front of you and the visitor center will be on your left. Stop by to grab a free fortress trail map before you start the fortress walk. There are numbers all over the grounds to explain what everything is. The castle itself is under renovation, but the Norway Resistance Museum is open. There are lots of places to explore. Aside from the Resistance Museum, the rest of the fortress is free to explore…including toilets (always important when traveling with small kiddos).
Akershus Fortress
Enjoy Lunch By The Water At Pappabuene
Once you’ve walked up your appetite, head back to Aker Brygga to grab a seafood lunch at Pappabuene with good music and stunning views.
Beware of opening lunchtimes relative to your schedule since not all places are open during traditional lunchtimes. For instance, Pappabuene started serving food at 2 pm, which was exactly when we arrived so it worked out perfectly.
Though the menu doesn’t offer a specific kid-friendly one, all menu options can be made half the size at half the price. Salads, fish sandwiches, seafood, and light snacks are all on the menu. Lunch for our family of four, with a couple of Fantas, glasses of wine and beer, totaled NOK 972 or $120.
Where to eat along the water in Oslo
Visit Oslo City Hall
After lunch, cross the street to City Hall. Poke your head in to see the impressive paintings and where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded every year. And don’t forget to check out the clock on the backside!
Oslo City Hall
Enjoy The Park Areas Along Stortingsgata
Keep walking north to reach Stortingsgata but pause along the way to take in various water fountains and park areas for your kids to explore or to grab an ice cream.
Lots of parks for kids to run or to picnic in Oslo
Take A Family Photo At The Royal Palace
Turn left and walk to the Royal Palace to grab a family photo on the steps. Then trace your steps back to make your way to Universitetsgata to visit the National Gallery.
The Royal Palace
Find “The Scream” At The National Gallery
The National Gallery is home to Edvard Munch’s famous painting, “The Scream”. Since the museum shop is immediately accessible upon entrance, we admittedly considered simply buying the postcard and skipping the actual walkthrough of the museum. A postcard counts as seeing “The Scream”, right?
The Scream At The National Gallery
How To Visit The National Gallery In Oslo With Kids
With children, museums can be tough especially when it’s already been a long day for them. After realizing the opportunity, we chose to go in but turned it into a game for the kids to avoid complaining. This is a really fun way to get the kids excited about things to see in Oslo!
Buy “The Scream” postcard for each child and let them know that if they can find the art on their own, with no running and staying in your sight, then finding “The Scream” earns them ice cream. The game totally worked and we needed postcards anyway. Win-win situation. The National Gallery museum cost NOK 240 or $30 (kids were free!) and was one of our favorite things to do during our weekend in Oslo.
Get Cozy In An Oslo Ice Bar (with kids, too!)
Delay the ice cream stop and cool off instead by popping into the Magic Ice Bar.
The Magic Ice Bar is diagonal from the National Gallery museum and a unique experience to try in Oslo. Where else do you get to wear huge fur coats, gloves, drink out of ice glasses and sit on ice furniture? The family cost to enter is NOK 515 or $63 and includes 2 ice wine beverages and 2 sodas of choice.
If you arrive in the late afternoon or early pm hours, you’ll likely have the place to yourself to take great photos or even do some private flossing. Our 6 and 8-year-old thought it was the coolest thing that they forgot about their ice cream reward.
Magic Ice Bar in Downtown Oslo
Shop Along Karl Johans Gate
Head back towards city center in the direction of Karl Johans gate. Take in the buzz of The Grand Hotel patio as you walk east to hit Oslo’s main shopping area.
If you are looking for Norway souvenirs, stop at Way Nor near Zara, to either buy a Norwegian trinket or grab a photo with the large moose in the window display.
Shopping area in Oslo
Visit The Oslo Flower Market
Keep walking towards the cathedral and find the flower market on Stortorvet, where they might be giving away free plants. Perfect gift for family hosts!
Oslo Flower Market
Eat Dinner At Taverna’n
For a casual dinner to end the busy day hit Tarverna’n Oslo. Pizzas, seafood, pasta, and even fish and chips, the Taverna’n menu satisfies the pickiest of eaters. Service is superb and the food is fabulous. Dinner and drinks for 11 people (7 kids and 4 adults) cost NOK 3,207 or $395. Not bad for Oslo standards and reservations were made within 24 hours.
Grab Ice Cream Nearby To Celebrate The Day
Taverna’n is conveniently nearby a 7-11 that offers frozen yogurt and lots of toppings. Ice cream is well deserved after sightseeing in Oslo for an entire day.
Day 2 Things To See In Oslo
Day 2 primarily focuses on super fun things to do in Oslo just outside of the city center.
Visit The Viking Ship Museum
Kick-off day 2 in Oslo by going to Bygdoy’s Viking Ship Museum, home to three incredible Viking ships. The museum plays a continuous 15-minute movie and has several artifacts from burial ships on display. Kids will not be disappointed and are free to enter. Adults are NOK 100 or $12 each.
The Viking Ship Museum
Go To Ekebergparken Sculpture Park
Head to Ekebergparken Sculpture Park to take in the exotic art pieces, like the Sarah Lucas “Deep Cream Maradona”, while your kids fancy a go on the rope swing, bridge, and playground. The free park is a great spot to allow the kids to run around and let off some energy before sitting down for a posh lunch with amazing city views and photo opportunity at the Ekeberg Restaurant.
Deep Cream Maradona
Experience A Posh Lunch At Ekeberg Restaurant
The Ekeberg Restaurant offers patio seating or indoor dining. Given the high temperature, we chose to eat inside and were not disappointed. Art adorns the walls on every corner, with touches of American influence. Though intimidating at first by the white linen tablecloths and glassware galore, this restaurant has a refreshing menu for all ages at typical Oslo prices. Even during our weekend in Oslo, we didn’t have to wait long to be seated.
Salads, burgers, pasta, and a shrimp cocktail later, the family was fully satisfied before heading to the next stop. Total cost for our family of four was NOK 900 or $110.
Ekeberg Restaurant
Explore Vigeland Park
A trip to Norway wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the world’s largest sculpture park, Vigeland Park. Home to hundreds of sculptures, grassy lawns, water fountains, a massive playground, and cafe, Vigeland Park is free for all to enter.
Grab an ice cream to cool off and stroll across the bridge for a look at the baby sculpture having a tantrum. You’ll want to see what the fuss is all about! And don’t miss a photo opportunity at the top of the steps by the human tower. Perfect selfie spot with the park in the background.
Vigeland Park Tantrum Sculpture
Find The Best Souvenir From An Oslo Antique Market
From Vigeland Park head towards the antique market to grab something precious to bring home with you.
The antique market is located on the corner of Professor Dahls gate and Neuberggata. You’ll find vintage clothes, dishes, and other antiques.
My only regret from this trip is that I didn’t buy a beautiful wood tray painted in whites and blues that I found at the market. Priced at NOK 150 or $18, I walked away. I’ve thought about it every day since!
Try Kransekake During Your Oslo Weekend
Though we had the honor of a traditional midsummers eve Norwegian meal with rice porridge, sour cream porridge, and dried meats, followed by a Kransekake for dessert there are other locations such as Kaffistova or Gamle Raadhus Restaurant to enjoy the same. (Well, not exactly the same but as close as you’ll get without local family to host an authentic Norwegian dinner for you.)
A traditional kransekake
Go For A Saltwater Dip In A Fjord
If you are lucky enough to experience sunny temperatures during weekend in Oslo, why not visit the outskirts of Oslo for a saltwater dip in a fjord to cool off and conclude your perfect weekend getaway in Oslo. It’s what the Norwegians do on unexpected warm June nights!
Try Hvervenbukta Beach in Ljansbrukveien, but be prepared to answer topless questions from your 8-year-old son because you’ll be sure to get at least one.
Hvervenbukta Beach in Ljansbrukveien
What To Pack For A Weekend In Oslo
To ensure the perfect weekend getaway in Oslo, there are a few key essentials to pack:
- Bring eye masks for the entire family to block out light. In early June, the sun rises at 4 am and sets at 10:30 pm. Because it’s so light out, it’s difficult to get the children to bed, so enjoy the long days but remember to bring eye masks. Check timeanddate.com before you go to know how much daylight you’ll have to plan your perfect weekend getaway in Oslo.
- Pack collapsible water bottles for each traveler. With so much walking, make sure you stay hydrated.
- Portable phone charger that easily attaches to your tote for easily traveling.
- Comfortable walking shoes! Read here for my recommendations on the best shoes to wear to walk Europe.
Wine Tips For 2-Days In Oslo
A weekend in Oslo with kids isn’t complete without wine! But here’s what you need to know if you are looking to enjoy wine at the end of your Oslo sightseeing day because finding wine is rather tricky in Norway.
- Buy wine at Vinmonopolet while in Oslo city center.
- Alcohol is only sold at government-operated shops called Vinmonopolet. We went to 3 or 4 different shops as indicated by Google Maps only to find a completely different store, headquarters, or for it to be shut down.
- Though there are a few Vinmonopolet scattered around Oslo, you will find success at this Vinmonopolet on your way to Vigeland Park. Just check ahead for open hours.
Final Weekend In Oslo With Kids Tips
Oslo, Norway has so much to offer that you will not be disappointed. Yes, the city is indeed expensive but offers a number of free entries and discounts when traveling Oslo with kids. Balance city time against fjord time and everyone will love it. 2 days is all you need for the perfect weekend in Oslo!
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