10 tips to budget-friendly family adventures

Plan an exciting summer holiday for the entire family by exploring the free experiences on offer around Oslo. Here are some destinations and activities guaranteed to appeal to children.

Close-up of a girl staring at a cod which she is holding close to her face.

Try your luck at fishing in the Farris lake. Photo: Terje Rakke

Coastal Path - Drammen to Holmestrand

Travel: Take the train from Oslo to Drammen or Holmestrand.

Experience: Explore the coastal path, with its beautiful coastal landscapes, sandy beaches and opportunities to collect seashells and search for little animals on the shoreline. Perfect for picnics and adventures by the sea. Let the kids make a mini-aquarium with their finds from the beach.

Location: Drammen and Holmestrand

Coastal Culture Park - Horten

Travel: Take the train from Oslo to Skoppum, followed by a short bus ride to Horten.

Experience: Children can discover exciting historic buildings and play on the beaches at the Coastal Culture Park. A great place for play and learning.

Location: Horten

Moss town and coast

Travel: By train to and from Oslo.

Experience: Explore the historic centre of Moss, visit the Moss Town and Industry Museum (free entry) and enjoy beach life at Sjøbadet or Refsnes beaches. Children will enjoy swimming and building sancastles.

Location: Moss

Fetsund Lenser

Travel: By train from Oslo to Nerdrum.

Experience: Balance on floating logs and explore historic houses in the water at Fetsund Lenser. The impressive delta of the Glomma River is perfect for family picnics and discovery tours.

Location: Fetsund

Beech Tree Forest - Larvik

Travel: By train from Oslo to Larvik.

Experience: Let the children run free in Norway’s oldest open space. The Beech Tree Forest features excellent hiking trails and perfect picnic spots where children can discover nature and play among the impressive trees. Go butterfly hunting or teach the children about different types of tree.

Location: Larvik

Fredriksten Fortress - Halden

Travel: By train from Oslo to Halden.

Experience: Take the children on a journey through time at Fredriksten Fortress. Explore the old walls, run around in the open spaces and enjoy a picnic in beautiful surroundings. Arrange a treasure hunt or teach your children about history through play.

Location: Halden

A boy and a girl smiling at the camera, they are lying in sleeping bags in a tent.

Many possibilities for experiences around Oslo. Photo: Terje Rakke, @emiliebhar

The Farris lake - Larvik

Travel: By train from Oslo to Larvik.

Experience: Bring your children to the Farris lake for a day of swimming or to try their luck at fishing. A great destination for a family day out in the open air.

Location: Larvik

Medieval Park - Hamar

Travel: By train from Oslo to Hamar.

Experience: Children will enjoy exploring the ruins and historic areas in the Medieval Park. This is a great place to learn about history through play and adventure.

Location: Hamar

Coastal Path - Sandefjord

Travel: By train from Oslo to Sandefjord.

Experience: Walk the Coastal Path in Sandefjord and discover beautiful views and little beaches. Children can play in the sand, swim and collect seashells.

Location: Sandefjord

Bring your tent or hammock on a trip to Nordmarka

Travel: By train to Oslo and onwards by underground train to Sognsvann, Frognerseteren or other stops in Nordmarka.

Experience: Bring hammocks or tents to stay overnight. Children will enjoy sleeping outside in nature, exploring the woods, making flower crowns and cooking on a camping stove. Make pancakes out in the open, tell stories around the campfire and enjoy a night under the stars.

Location: Nordmarka near Oslo

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