Skansen at Djurgården

The world's oldest open-air museum

Skansen on Djurgården in Stockholm is the world's oldest open-air museum, with Nordic animals and historical settings gathered across a large outdoor site. Here families can walk between farmsteads, environments and animal enclosures and get a sense of how people used to live in Sweden.

Why children usually like Skansen

Skansen works well when kids need both to explore and to be active. There's lots to see without everything needing to happen at a fast pace.

• Younger children often get fascinated by the animals and the distinct sights along the walk.
• For preschoolers it's often just exciting enough to walk between different settings and see what's around the next corner.
• School-age children can get more out of the historical settings and talk about how everyday life used to be.

When is it best?

Skansen is primarily an outdoor experience, so dressing for the weather makes a big difference. A weekday can feel calmer if you want more space and a slower pace, while weekends and school holidays often work well if you want to make the visit into a longer family outing.

Practical for families with children

The area is large, so it's better to plan for a shorter circuit with breaks than to try to see everything at once.

• Bring a stroller if younger children tire easily, but expect walks and varied terrain.
• Bring extra layers of clothing, especially if you plan to be outdoors for a long time.
• Have a simple plan for food and rest breaks to make the visit smoother with young children.
• Check current opening hours, tickets and the day's program before you go.