What’s On and Where to Go with Kids: January

It’s a brand new year and that means new things to explore and more fun to be had, especially for the kids!

January is one of the slower, sleepier months on the calendar but don’t let the post-holiday ennui stop you from getting out there and enjoying all that Stockholm has to offer. Here’s some great ideas for the kids – or even the kid in you. Enjoy!

Disney on Ice: Worlds of Fantasy

You can’t go wrong with a Disney spectacular on ice and it’s no secret that kids marvel at the talent on display.  This annual show at the Ericson Globe Arena has shows several times each day during its run but it’s popular so make sure you book ahead.  2 – 6 January

My2014

Culture, future, lifestyle, sports – My2014 is held at Stockholmmässan and focuses on activities and interests of all kinds for kids from 7-16.  There’s an 80 kronor entry fee for ages 7 and up (under 7 – free entry) and well worth the price of admission because no matter what your child is into he or she will find something here. 3-6 January

Modern Museum

Stockholm’s fabulous Modern Museum offers special activities for kids during the holidays, along with an excellent collection that will keep your art-loving child in awe for hours.  The holiday program offers tours of the galleries, followed by a workshop where kids can explore their inner Picasso. For ages 4+. 12-4pm.  2-4 January

 ArméMuseum

Stockkholm’s Armémuseum is one of the most fascinating in the city. It looks at history through various exhibitions such as simple, everyday items from a certain period, or munitions used in a particular war. There is also a dress up section where you’re invited to try on uniforms from different time periods and countries.  This is also where the changing of the guard at the Palace leaves from, so if you time it right you’ll be able to enjoy that up close and personal. Guided tours in English daily at 12.00. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11.00 – 20.00

Cirkus Cirkörs

Here’s a chance for your child or the whole family to try out the circus!  45 minute classes with up to 30 participants will give your child a chance to try their hand at performing in a fun atmosphere with great guidance. Dansenshus also stages regular shows that might delight the little dancer in your family. Circus classes run through 6 January

Swimming Lessons

It’s a new year and it’s time to start thinking about swimming lessons. Sweden has an enormous number of lakes and other waterways so swimming well is an important skill here, both for safety and pleasure.   There are quite a number of swimming halls dotted in and around the city, all of which offer swimming lessons to kids as well as adults.  A number of them also offer lessons for the disabled.  There is often a queue for lessons so book early to secure a spot. New classes are starting all the time.

Cycling

Why not take advantage of what’s been one of the more milder winters in recent memory and bike the city?  If you don’t have your own bike there are plenty around for rental, either from Stockholm’s cycling scheme or from private rental firms.  The air at this time of year is incredibly fresh and what better way to enjoy it than on the well-marked bike lanes throughout the city –  or even better, on Djurgården.

Skansen

Personally, I think Skansen‘s charms are best enjoyed during the winter months. Reindeer talks, along with grilling hot dogs in Bollnäs Square,  just works better when it’s cold and dark.  Skansen may be a bit sleepier during the winter months but it still offers a full schedule and by visiting during the winter you avoid the mad crowds that sometimes overtake the park in the summer. Open daily 10.00 – 16.00

Do you have more ideas on what to do with the kids during January?  Tell us about it in the comments below or head on over to our forums!

Judi Lembke

Judi Lembke is an experienced  editor and writer who, when she’s not shackled to her computer, enjoys reading, cooking and sometimes watching embarrassingly bad reality TV.  Judi also works with communications and thinks coming up with clever ideas is about as much fun as one can have without taking off one’s clothes.