10 Family-Friendly Activities to Enjoy in Bergen, Norway

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Bergen, Norway is known for its stunning scenery and vibrant culture, but it’s also one of the rainiest and pricier cities globally. Visitors should be aware that public restrooms are scarce (though shopping malls offer paid facilities), and the cobblestone streets can be a challenge for travel strollers. On the upside, breastfeeding in public is widely accepted, and seeing kids with their devices in restaurants is a common sight. Here’s a list of my top recommendations for things to do with your kids in Bergen.

1. Explore the Mountains: Bergen is enveloped by seven majestic mountains, with Fløyen being the most accessible via funicular. On a clear day, grab a one-way ticket to the top and enjoy the scenic descent on foot (if your knees allow). Fløyen features a public playground and several family-friendly hiking trails. Don’t forget to pack a picnic—grab a one-time-use BBQ grill (“engangsgrill”) and some hot dogs at local grocery stores during summer!
2. Visit Ulriken: The higher of the two easily reachable mountains, Ulriken, requires a cable car ride to reach the summit. While it’s possible to hike to the top, be prepared for a challenging trek and dress warmly, even in summer. Unlike Fløyen, Ulriken does not have organized activities for children, so bring your own snacks and drinks.
3. Aquarium Adventure: If rain interrupts your plans, the aquarium is a fantastic indoor activity for young children, featuring crocodiles, penguins, and sea lions. Although it’s a bit tricky to get to, it’s worth the effort. For convenience, consider a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket that connects to both the aquarium and Ulriken.
4. Children’s Science Museum: This museum is a hit with kids but tends to be crowded on weekends. It offers numerous engaging activities, and adults will enjoy the fun as well. Nearby, Kode 4 features a dedicated kids’ area called KunstLab, and the maritime museum offers free entry for children with fun dress-up opportunities.
5. Indoor Water Park Fun: A bus ride away is “Vannkanten,” an indoor water park filled with warm pools, thrilling slides, and a climbing wall. After swimming, head to the adjacent pizza restaurant with a play area, or visit the indoor ice-skating rink for some family curling lessons (book in advance). The complex also includes a bowling alley, making it easy to spend an entire day here.
6. Family Dining: If you’re looking for a kid-friendly meal, check out Pasta Sentralen, a local Italian restaurant that’s both affordable and has a small play area with Legos and a foosball table to keep the little ones entertained.
7. Enjoy the Parks: Nygårdsparken’s lower section is popular with families, especially on sunny weekends. Bring some bread to feed the ducks, and don’t forget a frisbee! However, exercise caution in parks due to the city’s drug issues—avoid allowing kids to play in bushes.
8. A Visit to IKEA: Did you know Bergen hosts the largest IKEA in the world? It’s worth the bus ride for its supervised indoor playground, where you can leave your kids for free while you relax with a coffee. The cafeteria is also budget-friendly, making it a great spot for an affordable meal.
9. Tram Ride to Lagunen: Take a scenic ride on the tram (“bybanen”) with free Wi-Fi onboard. At the final stop, Lagunen, you’ll find a large shopping mall that features a staffed playground for kids under 7 (though it’s not free).
10. Community Playgroups: Want to mingle with locals? Ask your hotel for information on “åpen barnehager,” community playgroups typically run by churches. These free venues cater to children aged 0-6 and are a wonderful way to meet other parents.

Bonus: For those looking for something to do indoors, movies in Bergen are primarily subtitled, so check local listings for options. The science museum and aquarium often show free 3D films in English, with classic children’s movies available at the Public Library on Sundays.

Bergen is a beautiful city with plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy, rain or shine. For more tips on family planning and insemination options, visit this helpful blog post. If you’re considering at-home insemination, check out Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kits for reliable supplies. And for more insight into pregnancy options, WebMD offers an excellent resource.

Have a great time exploring Bergen with your family!