Family Guide: The 10 Best Museums in Sweden for Families with Children
April 11, 2025
Sweden is not only beautiful landscapes and modern cities, but also a treasure trove of knowledge and culture enclosed within the walls of fascinating museums. When planning a family trip to this Scandinavian country, be sure to include a visit to one or more of the top 10 museums we present in this guide. Each offers unique educational and entertaining experiences tailored for both young and adult visitors. From interactive natural history exhibitions to time travel to the Viking Age to state-of-the-art pop music exhibits, these destinations guarantee unforgettable memories and inspiring discoveries for the whole family. Get ready for a fascinating journey through Swedish history, culture and science!
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Natural wonders and musical excitement
Start our journey with the Museum of Natural History in Stockholm, which is a true paradise for young explorers. It's a place where nature comes alive at your fingertips, offering fascinating exhibits and interactive displays. Here, children can see an impressive whale skeleton, explore the mysteries of the cosmos in the Cosmonova planetarium or learn about the diversity of life on Earth. The museum is famous for its high-quality exhibits, as evidenced by visitor reviews: 'Mega place, quality of exhibits is master class. Everything works and lets you explore'. It is worth planning at least 3-4 hours for a visit to take full advantage of the rich educational offer.
In contrast, let's now move to the world of pop music by visiting ABBA The Museum. This is a place that will delight not only fans of the legendary band, but anyone who loves music and interactive experiences. The museum offers a unique journey through ABBA's history, allowing visitors to feel like members of the band. 'You can mix music, feel like a member of the band. You can go into the studio and sing the ABBA band's hits to yourself,' one visitor reports. It's the perfect place to spark a passion for music in children and show them what the disco era was like. It's worth buying tickets online, as they are cheaper than at the venue.
For classical art lovers, the Nationalmuseum is a must-stop. This is Sweden's largest art museum, offering an impressive collection of paintings, sculpture and arts and crafts. While it may seem less appealing to the youngest, the museum makes sure that art is accessible to all ages. 'The painting collection is the most valuable part of the exhibition,' - emphasizes one reviewer. Works by masters such as El Greco and Rembrandt are worth noting.
Comparing the three museums, each offers a unique experience. The Museum of Natural History is ideal for families with children of all ages, especially those interested in natural sciences. ABBA The Museum is great for families with teenagers and music fans. The Nationalmuseum, on the other hand, will be the best choice for families with older children interested in art and history. All three places are well suited for families, offering amenities such as cafes, souvenir stores and places to relax.
History at your fingertips
Another place that is sure to delight the whole family is the Vasa Museum in Stockholm. This is a unique opportunity to see an authentic 17th-century warship that sank during its maiden voyage and was recovered after more than 300 years. The museum offers a fascinating journey back in time, allowing visitors to learn about the ship's history, the lives of sailors and shipbuilding techniques. 'This place probably made the biggest impression on me of the entire trip to Stockholm,' - shares the impressions of one visitor. The exhibits are well described and multimedia presentations help to understand the historical context. It's worth planning at least 2-3 hours for the tour.
For those who want to experience a broader spectrum of Swedish history and culture, the Stockholm Open Air Museum is an ideal choice. It is the world's oldest outdoor museum, offering a journey through centuries of Swedish history. Families can see traditional Swedish homes, craft workshops and even a mini zoo with native animal species. 'A great place. Includes park, zoo, ancient buildings, bazaar and more,' one visitor describes. The open-air museum is a place where one can spend a whole day, combining learning with entertainment and outdoor relaxation.
For lovers of legends and stories, the Museum of Legends in Ljungby is a fascinating proposition. This small but content-rich museum offers insights into the world of Swedish myths and legends. 'An interesting museum for both children and adults,' - reads one review. Interactive exhibitions and engaging guides make it possible for even the youngest visitors to feel the magic of ancient stories.
The Museum of Swedish History in Stockholm is another place not to miss on the list of family attractions. It offers a comprehensive look at the country's history from prehistoric times to the present. Of particular interest is the exhibition dedicated to the Wikinds. 'I especially recommend the section devoted to the Vikings. A fantastically told story of the explorers and conquerors of the new world,' one visitor enthuses. The museum is free of charge, which is an added advantage for families planning a travel budget.
Comparing the four museums, each offers a unique approach to presenting history. The Vasa Museum focuses on a single but extremely fascinating exhibit, which may be particularly appealing to older children and teens with an interest in the sea and ships. The open-air museum offers the most comprehensive experience, combining history, culture and nature, making it ideal for families with children of all ages. The Museum of Legends in Ljungby is intimate but charming, especially for families with younger children who enjoy stories and legends. The Museum of Swedish History, on the other hand, offers the most comprehensive look at the country's history, which may be of particular interest to older children and teens with a passion for history.
Art, armies and daily life of bygone eras
Millesgården Museum is another gem on the map of Swedish museums that will delight both adults and children. This place combines an art gallery, a beautiful sculpture garden and the former home of artist Carl Milles. 'A beautiful place, full of art and nature. A great vantage point on Stockholm,' is how one visitor describes it. Children will enjoy exploring the garden full of fascinating sculptures, while parents can admire the artwork and the city skyline. It's the perfect place for a quiet but inspiring day full of artistic excitement.
For families interested in military history, the Stockholm Army Museum is a must stop. The museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of the Swedish army from the Middle Ages to modern times. 'A good place for those fascinated by the army and military, but also for total laymen. Important events brilliantly described in a concise but well-informative structure,' reads one review. Interactive exhibitions and the opportunity to 'touch history' ensure that even the youngest visitors will not be bored.
The Hallwyl Museum, on the other hand, is an extraordinary opportunity to look inside a 19th-century aristocratic mansion. This place allows you to travel back in time and see how a wealthy family lived at the turn of the 20th century. 'A magnificent museum of the bourgeoisie. Unusual interiors that give the huge building the character of a palace' - one visitor enthuses. For children, it's a great history lesson and an opportunity to compare daily life in the past and today.
Comparing the three museums, each offers a unique look at different aspects of Swedish culture and history. Millesgården Museum is the perfect place for families who appreciate art and nature, offering a space for relaxation and contemplation. The Army Museum in Stockholm will be fascinating for families with children (especially boys) interested in military history and technology. The Hallwyl Museum, on the other hand, is a great option for families wanting to learn about the daily life of bygone eras, especially appealing to girls interested in fashion and the lifestyle of the aristocracy.
To sum up our guide to the 10 best museums in Sweden for families with children, it's worth noting that each of these places offers unique educational and entertaining experiences. From fascinating nature exhibits at the Museum of Natural History, to interactive music experiences at ABBA The Museum, to time travel at the Vasa Museum or Skansen, each museum has something unique to offer.
When planning a visit, it's a good idea to consider the age and interests of your children, as well as the amount of time you can spend visiting. Some museums, like Skansen or Vasa Museum, require several hours to fully appreciate their offerings. Others, like the Museum of Legends in Ljungby or The Hallwyl Museum, can be visited in less time.
Keep practicalities in mind, too - many museums offer discounts for children and students, and some, like the Museum of Swedish History, are completely free. It's a good idea to check the official websites of the museums before your visit for up-to-date information on ticket prices, opening hours and any special events for families.
Whichever museums you choose, you can be sure that you will be in for a fascinating journey through Swedish history, culture and science. It's not only an opportunity to learn, but more importantly to spend time together and create unforgettable family memories. Swedish museums are proof that education can be a fascinating adventure for the whole family!
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