Kids and Family in Oslo

Oslo is a children’s paradise and, therefore, also a parent’s paradise. No matter where one goes in Oslo, one is bound to see children: with their barnehage (school) class on the trikken (tram), with their parents at Frogner Park’s playground, on skis or a sledge in Nordmarka in winter, or accompanying their parents in strollers, carriers or bicycle trailers.

Family life in Oslo

Children are very much a part of Oslo’s way of life and are well cared for and included. As such, Oslo is a great place to raise a family. The government gives several benefits to families with children, and the more, the better. Norwegian society is set up to care for children, from school to family life. Oslo is also an exceptionally safe place for children.

With a year of maternity leave, mothers are often out walking with their children or meeting with other mothers in cafés. Pavements can be crowded with baby carriages pushed by both men and women. These groups are jokingly referred to as Mamma Mafian (Baby Brigade) when they crowd cafés all day long.

There are always events in the city for children, from festivals and theatres to museum exhibits. There is also a wide variety of offers for mothers and their children, such as ‘Mommy and Me’ yoga, swimming and dance lessons at gyms, as well as daycare at larger gyms. Some workplaces offer daycare and even incorporate playrooms with adjoining offices for working parents.