Active Holiday with Kids in Scandinavia: Denmark, Norway & Sweden
Planning an active holiday with kids in Scandinavia? Here is inspiration from Denmark, Norway and Sweden, plus practical tips for travelling with children.
In this article
Denmark, Norway and Sweden all make excellent bases for an active family holiday, from cycling and fossil hunting on the Danish coast to fjord kayaking in Norway and lake canoeing in Sweden. Here is what each country does best, plus what to pack.
An active holiday for the whole family
The best active family holidays mix easy days with a bit of a challenge. A gentle bike ride or a morning of fossil hunting suits younger children, while fjord kayaking or a longer hike works well once kids are a bit older.
A cabin, treehouse or glamping stay close to water or forest makes it easy. The kids can explore on their own doorstep, while you get a proper break in the evenings.
Active holidays with kids in Denmark
Denmark is easy to get around, which makes it a relaxed choice with young children. Hunt for fossils at Møns Klint, kayak the calm fjords near Copenhagen, or cycle the flat coastal routes on Fyn.
Family-friendly stays in Denmark
Active holidays with kids in Norway
Norway brings the drama, with fjords and mountains right outside the door. Paddle a kayak between the islands off Sørlandet, join a guided glacier walk on the west coast, or fish for trout in the lakes of Trøndelag. The scenery does most of the entertaining.
Family-friendly stays in Norway
Active holidays with kids in Sweden
Sweden's thousands of lakes and forests are made for slower adventures. Canoe across a still lake in Småland, cycle the gravel roads of Dalarna, or spend an afternoon picking berries and mushrooms right outside your cabin.
Family-friendly stays in Sweden
Packing tips for an active family holiday
Rain gear. Weather changes quickly along the coasts and in the mountains, even in summer.
Warm layers. Evenings by the water or in the forest get cool fast.
Sunscreen and insect repellent. Both matter more than you would expect, especially inland.
Life jackets near water. Check with the host that child sizes are available.
One planned activity a day. Leaves plenty of room for kids to find their own fun the rest of the time.
A board game or deck of cards. For quiet evenings or a rainy afternoon.
Ready for an active family holiday?
Denmark, Norway and Sweden each bring something different to an active holiday with kids, from easy coastal days to fjords and forest lakes. Pick a base close to the activities, pack for changeable weather, and let the kids do the rest.
Happy travels! Best, Kristian 👋
Frequently asked questions about an active holiday with kids in Scandinavia
Denmark tends to be the easiest starting point, with flat terrain, short distances and calm water suited to younger children. Norway and Sweden are better once kids are a little older and ready for fjords, forests and longer days outdoors.
Rain gear, warm layers, sunscreen and insect repellent are essential whatever the season. Check ahead if you need life jackets for activities on the water.
A cabin or glamping stay with its own outdoor space and quick access to water or forest gives kids room to roam and keeps the daily logistics simple.
June through August has the longest days and mildest weather across all three countries, though late spring and early autumn are quieter and still good for milder activities.
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