Our family vacation in Southern Norway offered a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. From hands-on museums to outdoor activities for both kids and adults, every day was an exciting experience. Here, I’ll guide you through some highlights—from discovering maritime history to action-packed fun at TrollAktiv.
Sjofartsmuseet Aust-Agder: Discovering the Region’s Maritime Past
Nestled by the water, Sjofartsmuseet Aust-Agder is a family-friendly museum with its own dock, parking, and a welcoming atmosphere. Our children (aged 4 and 8) were immediately drawn to the playful elements outside, such as a small lighthouse which gave house to some puzzles. As they admired the boats from the pier, my eldest asked, “Can we swim later?” However, their enthusiasm quickly shifted once we entered the museum and were handed a puzzle booklet for a scavenger hunt.
The booklet led the kids on a quest to find photos and colored letters scattered around the museum. Although the text was in Norwegian, the hunt was engaging, and their excitement didn’t waver.
Interactive Exhibits for All Ages
The museum focuses on the significance of the sea in Aust-Agder's history and offers hands-on activities that engage visitors of all ages. The kids enjoyed tying knots on a wobble board, sending messages from the captain’s table, and learning how to interpret maritime flags.
After completing the puzzle, the children proudly collected "sea coins" as a prize at the entrance. With a growing appetite, we headed to the in-house restaurant, where the activities continued. While they tested how much weight their clay boats could carry and made beaded bracelets, we ordered lunch.
Exploring Grimstad: Coastal Charm and Cultural Treasures
After lunch, we took a stroll into Grimstad, a picturesque coastal town known for its white wooden houses, narrow streets, and maritime atmosphere. This charming town offers plenty of boutique shops and cafes serving local specialties.
Grimstad’s cultural history is also fascinating—it was once home to Henrik Ibsen, the famous playwright. His former workplace, now the Ibsen Museum, offers a glimpse into the writer’s early life. We also enjoyed a scenic walk along the harbor, lined with sailboats and fishing vessels, before continuing to our next destination.
Family Fun at Syden Grimstad
A 1.5-kilometer walk along the waterfront brought us to Syden, a lively festival area with entertainment for the whole family. The venue is split into two parts—one with sports fields for unsupervised play area for children and another location which contains activities like beanbag toss, table tennis, and beach volleyball.
While the kids enjoyed their games, I sampled a locally produced soft drink. In the evenings there are also activities and shows, so keeping an eye on the agenda would not mind! We soon headed back to the car to drive to Marivold Camping, where we would spend the night in a cozy cabin by the sea. With the door code received by email, check-in was effortless. The scenic road leading to the seaside campground was narrow but had enough space for passing vehicles.
A Frozen-Inspired Visit to Arendal
The next morning, the kids were excited to visit Arendal, as they thought it resembled the town in Disney’s Frozen. We parked near a glass elevator, which gave us a fantastic view of the city and its grand cathedral. However, the kids were a bit disappointed that Arendal looked more modern than the town in the film—"There are too many houses," my eldest observed.
Thankfully, a nearby playground quickly distracted them, and we spent some time there before walking toward Vitensenteret Arendal, a science center perfect for curious minds.
Hands-On Learning at Vitensenteret
Vitensenteret is a haven for science enthusiasts, offering interactive exhibits focused on weight, the human body, marine life, and technology. The kids were captivated by a floor projection that reacted to their footsteps, making them feel like they were walking among fish.
We spent hours exploring the exhibits, from learning about gravity to testing their reaction speeds. When the science show started, we followed the crowd into a demonstration room. Although the show was in Norwegian, the experiments with liquid nitrogen were mesmerizing to watch.
A Time-Travel Adventure at KUBEN Museum
After our science-filled morning, we made one last stop at the KUBEN Museum, just five minutes from the parking area.
At KUBEN, the kids embarked on a treasure hunt, guided by a map featuring pictures of artifacts they had to find throughout the museum. On the top floor, the kids entered a magical "time-travel" room filled with ticking clocks. They were thrilled when pressing a button triggered clocks to spin, opening a hidden door into another world. The interactive design made it feel like we had stepped into Alice in Wonderland.
The children tried on old-fashioned clothes, "milked" a mechanical cow, and discovered hidden artifacts—keeping them engaged and excited throughout our visit.
Unwinding at Raet Camping
That night, we stayed at Raet Camping, a peaceful, car-free campsite nestled by the sea. The kids spent the morning playing in the playground while we prepared breakfast. Afterward, we walked along the Rullesteinstrand, a beach with smooth stones shaped by the waves.
Although our youngest slipped and soaked her foot, she laughed it off and continued hopping from stone to stone along the water’s edge—an impressive display of resilience!
Thrilling Adventures at TrollAktiv
After our slow start to the day, the afternoon was packed with action at TrollAktiv, where we used an Adventure Pass to access multiple activities. We started with the bag jump, which quickly became a family favorite.
The instructors explained the activity in Dutch, much to our surprise. Our eldest climbed the wooden platform, hesitated briefly, and then took the leap: "Wow, that tickles your belly!" she exclaimed. Meanwhile, our youngest needed a little encouragement but eventually took the plunge as well.
Tubing, Climbing, and Pizza Breaks
After several bag jumps, we moved on to the tube slide, which involved dragging inflatable tubes up the stairs—a challenging but rewarding effort. The kids loved every second of sliding down, repeating it until we were all too tired to continue.
We refueled with pizza and a game of chess. Just as our youngest declared “checkmate,” the pizzas arrived, and we enjoyed a delicious meal.
Next, we tackled the high ropes course. Our eldest braved the medium-level routes, while our youngest stuck to the beginner course. Both girls showed impressive determination and balance, navigating the wobbly bridges and cables high above the ground. When we reunited at the final zipline, it took some coaxing, but both kids conquered their fears and completed the course.
Cooling Down at Sørlandet Feriecenter
With temperatures rising above 25°C, we decided to skip the adventure golf and headed to Sørlandet Feriecenter for some much-needed relaxation. This seaside resort, our home for the next two nights, offered heated pools, sandy beaches, and plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Practical Information for Families
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Sjofartsmuseet Aust-Agder: Ideal for families with young children, featuring interactive exhibits and outdoor activities.
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Syden Grimstad: A fun festival venue with sports fields and family-friendly games.
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Vitensenteret Arendal: Perfect for science lovers, with hands-on experiments and engaging shows.
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KUBEN Museum: Explore Norwegian culture and history with interactive exhibits and treasure hunts for kids.
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TrollAktiv: The Adventure Pass offers access to activities like high ropes courses, tube slides, and more.
Where to Stay
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Marivold Camping Grimstad: Cozy cabins by the sea, along with tent and caravan spots.
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Raet Camping: A tranquil, car-free campsite with beautiful hiking routes and seaside views.
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Sørlandet Feriecenter: A family-friendly resort with pools, beaches, and plenty of activities for all ages.
This family vacation in Southern Norway left us with wonderful memories—from maritime discoveries to thrilling adventures. Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences or action-packed activities, this region offers something for everyone.
