The end of our family trip was a reunion in Stockholm where many of our relatives live. The kids enjoyed a long train ride on the top observation deck.
Kerstin found us an amazing hostell in Södermalm close to open parks, restaurants, and a small beach. One of the highlights of the trip was our first night, when we sat at the nearby playground catching up over several boxes of wine. Adults can drink at the playground after hours, NBD.
It's been a few years since we played tourist in Stockholm and we took full advantage of the fantastic weather to roam the Djurgarden. Seeing the Vasa ship is one of our must-dos, and I still remember my very first time seeing it with Mattias and Sune many years ago.
We blocked off one afternoon for a family beach gathering. Minimal fuss or planning, we met on a lawn with some blankets and balls, ordered takeout and relished in the warm sun.
Eager to escape the crowds during the Stockholm's Pride parade, the next morning we took a 20 minute ferry ride to Fjäderholmarna to wander and relax. The island used to be a place for fisherman to stop and trade, but today it houses small museums on Stockholm's fishing history and a number of artisan shops and restaurants.
The boy's highlight was a blacksmith forge that allowed them to make their own metal hooks. Only requirement was safety glasses and these boys were hammering away at molten metal.
Upon returning we met up with the rest of the family that braved the sun and crowds of the pride parade. There was an evening concert in the heart of the city and it was fun to hear how everyone's day was spent. Tired and covered in glitter, we made our way home late in the summer lit night.
Much of our time we spent wandering the city's historic districts and sights with family members. One afternoon we talked over to the Royal Palace and strolled the narrow cobble stone lanes of Gamla Stan. The boys love being the bigger cousins and interacting with female cousins is especially novel.
Sweden has some of the very best playgrounds I've ever seen, and the parks in Stockholm were next level. Anders Franzens Varv was a miniature village built for imaginative play.
Despite being in the city and having so many people to see, our time in Stockholm was not too structured and felt very chill. Without the pressure to see everything we focused on playing, relaxing, and connecting. After all the travel and adventure, it was the perfect way to end our family vacation.
