Meatballs and more Three restaurants were big winners with our family. First up, Griffins Steakhouse, which is handily near Stockholm Central Station (for many hotels and the Arlanda airport train). Beyond its crowd-pleasing steaks, Griffins also serves Swedish pork belly and a farm chicken and fries that kids beg to return for. Meanwhile, Berns is the best brunch spot in town (Saturday and Sunday only, so book ahead), with its famous buffet that runs from herring to made-on-the-spot sushi to cinnamon buns and pastries. To dine in its historic ballroom is an experience in itself. And – call us predictable – but we loved our trip to Ikea for meatballs; the central location on Hamngatan and the novelty of the Swedish krona prices made it a thrill of a meal. griffinssteakhouse.se; berns.se; ikea.com
Ride the rollercoaster Not many world capitals can claim to have a theme park in the city centre, but that’s the way Stockholm rolls – or rather, rides – choosing to give prime real estate to Grona Lund’s rollercoasters in order to keep locals, families and visitors in town, rather than fleeing to the fringes. Serious riders will love Monster (painted all black) where suspended seats toss and turn and Insane (in which back-to-front seats go the full 360), while nostalgic types will appreciate old-school attractions such as Skeeball and the shooting gallery. We particularly loved Kattingflygaren: old-fashioned swings that whizz over the water for great views of surrounding Djurgarden neighbourhood. gronalund.com
Midsummer, Skansen
Historic hotel hasselbacken Even if you’re not lucky enough to be checking in, we recommend a trip to Hotel Hasselbacken on leafy island Djurgarden, for its outdoor terrace restaurant, where kids can play table tennis or skittles while grown-ups linger over lunch. The historic hotel is the home of the Hasselbacken potato – baked and sliced fan-style, covered in cheese or butter – so children will be happy to hang around. Overnight guests can use the hotel sauna and bicycles, or decompress each evening in stylish rooms (with internationally known Svenskt Tenn fabrics), many of which have water views. This is a quintessentially Swedish stay and as family-focused as hotels get. Junior Suite (2 adults, 2 children) B&B from £315 per night hasselbacken.com
Playtime in the animal garden Literally meaning “animal garden”, Djurgarden is the greenest of Stockholm’s island neighbourhoods and a lovely place to run – or cycle - off steam. Apart from the obvious attractions of Grona Lund theme park, you’ll find Skansen, which is the world’s oldest outdoor museum and showcases Swedish nature and culture; there are farmyard animals, craft days and replica homes where actors introduce visitors to ancient customs such as pottery, baking and reindeer rearing. For free fun, follow the new sculpture trail in Princess Estelle Park (named after Princess Estelle of Sweden, age 13), where contemporary installations made from metal, wood, and even lifebelts, are on display in amazing rural locations. skansen.se
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