The sun is out, the weather is fair and the kids are demanding to go out to play! But living in the city – where to go? Never fear, check out the YLC list of parklekar, or playgrounds with added extras, in Stockholm.
So, we’ve all been there. Either you’re living in the city centre, or just in town over the day, but when you’re desperate to find a cheap and cheerful activity for fractious children, parklek is the magic word. A parklek differs from an ordinary playground in that there are generally trikes, carts and other fun stuff to borrow, there are staff around who often organize fun activities and there is generally hot dogs to grill and eat outdoors together with other children and parents.
For those parents who don’t necessarily consider this their cup of tea – there is exactly that – a nice cheap cup of tea or coffee, and generally buns too. And biscuits. And a moment to sit back while your kids run wild in the park. Enjoy!
Vasaparkens parklek (Vasastan)
Where: Dalagatan 11C
Open: Mon-Wed, Fri 9am-5pm, Thursdays 9am-7pm (5-7pm youth) Sat, Sun 11am-5pm
Outdoor toys to borrow : Yes
Indoor activities: No
Fika: Yes
Grill: Mon and Thurs at 3pm, Sundays at noon.
Toilets: Yes
Extra: Trampolines and a stationary truck from the 50s
Contact: 08-343 638, 076-100 64 80
Stora Blecktornsparken (Södermalm)
Where: Katarina Bangata 80
Open: Mon-Thurs 9.15am-5.15pm, Fri 9.30am-5pm Sat, Sun 11am-4pm (April to September but closed weekends between Midsummer and August 20th)
Outdoor toys to borrow: Yes
Indoor activities: Yes. Open play group Mon-Thursday 10am to 3pm and Fridays 10am-1pm. (Closed between Midsummer and August 20th)
Fika: Yes
Grill: Every Wednesday (bring what you want to throw on the barbecue).
Toilets: Yes
Extra: Petting zoo with sheep, pigs, rabbits, goats and guinea pigs. Freshly made waffles are served every Friday 2pm-4pm.
Contact: 08-508 132 54, 08-508 132 69
Humlegårdens Parklek (Östermalm)
Where: Karlavägen 32
Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat, Sun 11am-5pm (During the summer holidays not manned on weekends)
Outdoor toys to borrow: Yes
Indoor activities: No
Fika: Yes
Grill: Yes
Toilets: Yes
Extra: Special activities on Sundays with woodwork, big National Day party on June 6h and Midsummer party on June 20th.
Contact: 08-215 998
Björns Trädgård (Södermalm)
Where: Götgatan 45
Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Outdoor toys to borrow: Yes
Indoor activities: Yes. Playgroup for children 0-5 years old on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9am-1pm (singalong starts at 10.30am).
Fika: Yes
Grill: Yes, barbecue fired up very Thursday. Hot Dog sausages can be bought on site.
Toilets: Yes
Extra: Skateboarding ramp for older kids
Contact: 08-508 132 62
Rålambshovs Parklek (Kungsholmen)
Where: Smedsuddsvägen 6
Open: Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm , Fri 9am-3pm, Saturdays 10am-3pm (even weeks only)
Outdoor toys to borrow: Yes
Indoor activities: Table-tennis tables, air-hockey, drawing materials and space to hang out.
Fika: Yes
Grill: Yes. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 11am-3.30pm and Saturdays (even weeks) 0.30am-2pm. Sausages, burgers and buns can be bought on site.
Toilets: Yes
Extra: Tuesdays 2pm-3.30pm woodwork, Wednesdays 2pm-3.30pm woodwork for the younger children. Large range of toys and games materiel to be borrowed. Skate ramp and paddling pool during summer months.
Contact: 08-618 62 91
Tessinparkens Parklek (Gärdet)
Where: Askrikegatan 5
Open: 9am-5pm daily (closed week 28-32)
Outdoor toys to borrow: Yes
Indoor activities: Song and Rhythm playgroup for children on wednesdays at 4pm (10/4-26/6). Table-tennis tables to use and books to read.
Fika: Bring your own (microwave available)
Grill: Yes.
Toilets: Yes
Extra: Petting zoo with rabbits and guinea pigs
Contact: 08-667 31 18
And there are many more that can be explored! For a list (in Swedish) of ALL the city’s parklekar, please click here. If you have one you’d like to recommend, let us know!
Rebecca Martin
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