Lapland with Kids: What to Know & Do for the Ultimate Family Holiday

For families seeking an unforgettable winter adventure, Lapland with kids is pure enchantment. Imagine your children’s delight as they meet Father Christmas in his snowy homeland, dash through the Arctic on husky sleds, and marvel at the northern lights. From reindeer sleigh rides to snow-laden forests, every moment is magical.

A family trip to Lapland offers cosy glass igloos, thrilling winter activities, and festive cheer, ensuring cherished memories for years to come. Discover some of our top things to do on your family adventure in Lapland this year.

What's the best age to visit Lapland?

Lapland offers magical experiences for all ages, making it the perfect family destination. While there’s no single best age to visit Lapland, different activities cater to different age groups. Read on to see the best things to do with kids of different age group.

Younger kids (4-6)

Visiting the reindeer farms to get up close with these friendly animals always excites children. The Reindeer sleigh and horse sleigh rides are slower and often shorter than husky safaris too, so they're better suited for giving families with smaller children a splash of adventure.

Sledging is another great option, and snow tank trips are enclosed and often heated, protecting little adventurers from the harsh elements.

Experience our Apukka Glass Igloos Resort Aurora Break, perfect for families with small children.

Older kids (6-10)

Older children may be seeking more excitement, and a husky ride offers a thrilling ride across snowy trails, with faster speeds and an exhilarating rush. Since these trips expose riders to the wind chill, they’re best suited for slightly older adventurers.

Family-friendly snowmobiling is another fantastic way to explore Lapland’s winter wonderland, available in select locations with special routes designed for younger riders. For a break from the cold, kids can try ice fishing, visit a snow hotel, or learn traditional Sámi crafts for a hands-on cultural experience.

Travelling with older children? Check out our Rovaniemi Winter Weekend Break for the ultimate, action-packed adventure.

Big kids (teens and adults)

Dive headfirst (literally) into Swedish and Finnish Lapland culture by spending an afternoon in a traditional smoke sauna and jumping into a frozen river, or strap on some cross-country skis to explore the wilderness on two feet. 

Lapland adventures offer year-round excitement. In winter, chase the northern lights, go snowshoeing, or take a reindeer safari across the Arctic Circle. Visiting an ice hotel or snow village is always fun during winter, too - savour delicious hot chocolate or delicious soup to warm your bones and snuggle up next to a fire after a day in the snow.

Summer brings endless daylight, perfect for mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking through pristine lakes. Whether it’s husky sledding in the snow or wild swimming under the midnight sun, Lapland breaks promise unforgettable moments in nature’s most stunning playground.

Take your loved ones on the ultimate family journey in Lapland: Family Fun in Swedish Lapland.

Best time to visit & best things to do in Lapland with kids

The best time for a Lapland family adventure depends on what you want to experience. Many different Lapland excursions need different conditions, from snowy to sun-drenched. See which season suits you best.

December – March: snow adventures & visiting Santa's Lapland

This is the peak season for a Lapland adventure. Between these months, you can take younger children to enjoy Santa Claus trips and other magical winter activities like husky sledding. For older children and adults, this is the perfect time to embark on Lapland day trips like dashing through the glittering landscape on an adrenaline-packed snowmobile safari or heading out through the woods on snowshoes to see the aurora borealis.

Our Lapland Break at Wilderness Hotel Saariselkä tour boasts thrilling winter activities like snowmobile safaris and husky rides, perfect for December to March.

November - April: quiet seasons

During these months, Lapland offers a serene escape with fewer crowds, allowing families to enjoy the snowy beauty in peace. With tranquil snow-covered landscapes, this is the perfect time for those seeking a more intimate experience with nature. Enjoy activities like snowshoeing, ice fishing, and winter hikes without the hustle and bustle of peak season.

Seeking a quiet Lapland adventure? Why not uncover the beauty of Swedish and Finnish Lapland with our Arctic Circle by Rail tour?

May – August: midnight sun

From May to August, Lapland comes alive under the midnight sun, offering families endless daylight to explore. Engage in mountain biking, kayaking, and wildlife watching, perfect for active adventurers. The extended daylight hours create a magical setting to experience Lapland’s stunning landscapes and unique wildlife in full bloom. This is the ideal time for families who enjoy outdoor activities while soaking up the natural beauty of the Arctic. It’s a unique chance to see Lapland in a different light, quite literally!

There's nothing quite like experiencing Lapland under the midnight sun. If you're looking for a summer adventure, see our Arctic Retreat Summer Short Break.

Experience the Midnight Sun in Finland: A Guide to the Best Viewing Spots.

September – October: autumn & northern lights

Autumn transforms Lapland into a vibrant canvas of golden hues, creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures. These months offer early northern lights sightings, providing a magical experience for families. The cooler temperatures and quieter atmosphere also make it an ideal time for hiking, wildlife watching, and enjoying the breathtaking scenery. With fewer tourists, you’ll have a more peaceful and intimate experience while chasing the aurora borealis in one of the best places in the world.

Chase the northern lights through Lapland with our Northern Lights at the Hotel Wilderness Nellim tour.

Where to go & stay in Lapland with kids

After many years of our team at Regent exploring this incredible, adventure-filled Arctic region, we know the perfect Lapland destinations for you to visit. If you're wondering where to go in Lapland with kids, we know the perfect places:

Rovaniemi: Santa Claus Village

Rovaniemi is a magical destination for families, offering a visit to Santa Claus Village, where kids can meet Santa year-round. The town also has fun activities like reindeer sleigh rides, snowman-building, and exciting excursions to the Arctic Circle.

Levi: skiing & family resorts

Levi is the ideal destination for family-friendly skiing holidays. With a range of ski resorts tailored for all levels, families can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and winter activities, plus a variety of cosy accommodations.

Saariselkä: northern lights & tobogganing

Saariselkä is a northern lights hotspot. In addition to nighttime aurora watching, it offers fun winter activities like tobogganing, huskies, and a relaxed atmosphere for families to explore this snowy paradise.

Best family accommodation options: Lapland hotels

From glass igloos with floor-to-ceiling windows perfect for spotting the elusive aurora to unique treehouse hotels, we have a wide range of options for you. See below for our top five Lapland hotels:

• Golden Crown Levi Igloos
• Arctic Treehouse Hotel
• Apukka Glass Igloos Resort
• Aurora Village
• Invisible Forest Lodge

For something truly unique, see our Treehotel Winter Break tour, where you can sleep perched high in the alpine trees, where you're more likely to see a glimpse of the aurora borealis.

What to pack for a Lapland family holiday?

From snow suits and boots to good-quality hiking gear, our 'How to dress for the Arctic' blog tells you everything you'll need to pack for a holiday to Lapland.

How Long to Stay in Lapland?

We recommend staying in Lapland for four-five days. This allows ample time for Santa visits, winter activities, and exploring the northern lights without feeling rushed. If you're keen on outdoor adventures like skiing or snowmobiling, consider extending your stay. For those wishing to embrace both winter and summer activities, a week-long visit may be ideal.

Plan your Lapland family holiday with us today

From flights and Santa encounters to exciting reindeer sleigh rides and visits to Santa Park, we’re here to help create the perfect adventure. Discover the best Lapland holidays for families with our expert team.