Europe · Best Jun–Aug
Stockholm packing list for families
Stockholm swings from nearly endless summer daylight to short, snowy winter days, and the packing list changes completely with it. Here is what our family brings for museums, ferries, and island days.
Photo by Mai Sakura on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Stockholm
- Stockholm is built on islands, so ferries are part of the fun. We stay near Djurgården or Gamla Stan and let the kids ride the boat to Skansen, the Vasa Museum and Junibacken.
- Bring a card that works abroad without fees and leave most of the cash at home. Plenty of cafés and shops in Stockholm won't accept it at all.
- Midsummer weekend is magical, but much of the city empties out as locals head to the countryside, and some shops close. Plan a day in the archipelago or at Skansen's celebration instead of shopping.
Best timeJun–Aug
PlugsType C/F, bring an adapter
MoneySwedish krona (largely cashless, and many places don't take cash)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Stockholm
This time of year
Shop this list
Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing5
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Lightweight fleece layerKristina's pickSummer evenings on the water turn cool quickly.
Shoes2
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Waterproof winter bootsWinter visits mean slush and icy cobblestones in Gamla Stan.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Little ones6
Lightweight travel strollerKristina's pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Kids' sleep maskJune sunsets can come after 10 p.m., and tents and cabins rarely have shades.
Little things13
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Tap night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Motion sickness bandsArchipelago ferry rides can get choppy.
Documents & tech5
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType C/F, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Nordic layers
Charcoal, oatmeal, forest, rust
For photos
- Rust or red pops against snow and black sand
- Matching knit hats for the whole crew
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Stockholm weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33°F 1°C | Cold and dark, with about six hours of daylight, snow and slush possible | |
| February | 33°F 1°C | Cold and dark, with about six hours of daylight, snow and slush possible | |
| March | 39°F 4°C | Cold to cool and slowly brightening, with lingering snow early | |
| April | 50°F 10°C | Cold to cool and slowly brightening, with lingering snow early | Gröna Lund amusement park is open on Djurgården |
| May | 61°F 16°C | Mild to warm with very long days and bright nights around midsummer | Gröna Lund amusement park is open on Djurgården |
| June | 69°F 21°C | Mild to warm with very long days and bright nights around midsummer | Midsummer celebrations with maypoles, flower crowns and dancing Archipelago boat season, with day trips to islands like Vaxholm Gröna Lund amusement park is open on Djurgården |
| July | 73°F 23°C | Mild to warm with very long days and bright nights around midsummer | Archipelago boat season, with day trips to islands like Vaxholm Gröna Lund amusement park is open on Djurgården |
| August | 70°F 21°C | Mild to warm with very long days and bright nights around midsummer | Archipelago boat season, with day trips to islands like Vaxholm Gröna Lund amusement park is open on Djurgården |
| September | 61°F 16°C | Crisp and colorful in September, turning wet, gray and dark by November | Gröna Lund amusement park is open on Djurgården |
| October | 49°F 9°C | Crisp and colorful in September, turning wet, gray and dark by November | |
| November | 40°F 4°C | Crisp and colorful in September, turning wet, gray and dark by November | Christmas markets, including the one in Gamla Stan's main square |
| December | 35°F 2°C | Cold and dark, with about six hours of daylight, snow and slush possible | Lucia on December 13, with candlelit processions and saffron buns Christmas markets, including the one in Gamla Stan's main square |
Questions families ask
Stockholm with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Stockholm with kids?
The best time is Jun–Aug. Mild to warm with very long days and bright nights around midsummer
What's the weather like in Stockholm?
Typical daytime highs range from about 33°F (1°C) in January to about 73°F (23°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Stockholm?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Stockholm?
Type C/F, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Stockholm with kids?
Stockholm is built on islands, so ferries are part of the fun. We stay near Djurgården or Gamla Stan and let the kids ride the boat to Skansen, the Vasa Museum and Junibacken.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.