kidssummer1 250x375 10 Affordable Summer Activities in Sandnes for Kids
Below is a list of relatively non-pricey and fun activities in Sandnes for children:

1. Stroll around Sandnes town centre – this is a great way to get fresh air, especially when there’s
good weather. There is a little park near Vitenfabrikken (the Science Factory). The park features
some lovely flowers, particularly around May 17 (Norway’s Constitution Day). Cost: free.

2. Sandnes library – the library has a children’s area that includes children’s books and DVDs.
There are a few comfortable sofas and children’s furniture in this area, where both children and
adults can sit, talk and share stories. It’s worth checking out the library’s website to find out
information on the different activities and displays for children during the summer and at other
times throughout the year. Cost: free. More information (including summer opening hours) here.

3. Boat-watching and stroll outside the Sandnes Kulturhus – it sounds very simple, but this is
a wonderful activity my kids and I like to do, especially as they are fascinated by boats and love
watching them. The view of the water is quite serene and the Sandnes library a stone’s throw away –
the library is inside the Kulturhus building, so you can combine a library trip with boat-watching and
strolling around the area. Cost: free.
Sandnes kulturhusJarvin 250x160 10 Affordable Summer Activities in Sandnes for Kids

4. Train ride from Sandnes town to Stavanger town – this is another fascinating activity for many
children, simply by just being on the train (especially if they love watching Thomas the Tank Engine).
When you arrive at Stavanger train station, there is an old train on display inside the building. You
can then venture towards the Stavanger town centre where there are plenty of other activities
(walking around the lake, going to the Children’s Museum or library, etc). Cost: tickets are roughly
43kr one way for adults. Children under four years of age travel free. More information on ticket
prices and timetables here.

5. Baby Kino (Cinema) in Sandnes – SF Kino Sandnes (the Sandnes cinema theatre) usually holds
movies for parents and their babies at around midday (12:15pm) on Thursdays. The sound and
lighting is adjusted and there are complimentary chocolates at the back of the room. The cinema
is located centrally in Sandnes. Cost: 80kr for adults, free for babies. More information here.

6. Stokkelandsvannet (also known as Stokkalandsvatnet) – this lake in the Sandnes suburb of
Ganddal is quite a peaceful place to visit. It is a large lake and the trail around it (roughly 4km) is used
for jogging and walking. It’s a great way for the family to enjoy the outdoors at a relatively low-key
pace and to get some fresh summer air. You can drive there or catch a train from Sandnes station to
Ganddal station and then walk to the lake/trail. Cost: no cost to visit the area, but the train ride from
Sandnes to Ganddal is roughly 34kr one way for adults. Children under four years of age travel free.
More information on train ticket fares and timetables here.

7. Vitenfabrikken (the Science Factory) – this science centre is part of the Jærmuseet organization. There is a summer program and weekend program. This place features interesting facts about the modern history of Sandnes as well as activities that stimulate children’s interest in science and mathematics. There are many interactive activities for the kids. Cost: free for children under 4 years old, 40kr per child between 4-17 years, 50kr for students, and 80kr for adults. There is a
special rate of 200kr for a family comprising 2 adults and 2 children. More information here.

8. Dolly Dimples restaurant at Forus, Sandnes – this is a good spot if you’re after a bite to eat
and want to relax a bit while the children can eat (if they like pizza) and play. The restaurant has
a nice play area where children can play games, climb a little, move around and have fun. It’s less
crowded than some other restaurants I’ve been to that have a play area, so while my kids play, I get a
little “me” time. This Dolly Dimples restaurant is located at Luramyrveien 77, very close to the Forus
Akutten medical centre near IKEA at Forus. Cost: varies depending on what you order (children’s
pizza is about 50kr). More information here.

9. Build a Bear Workshop – you can find the workshop at Kvadrat shopping centre in Sandnes. Here
you and your child/children can customize your own teddy bear. There are roughly 30 different types
to choose from. You can also choose for the bear to have its own “voice” (different sounds or songs).
Your child can give the teddy bear a name, its own story, and then receive a “teddy bear certificate”.
Cost: There are different types of teddy bears, with the starting price of 129kr. More information
here or phone 51 67 84 41.

10. Capella Play at Kvadrat –this is one of my favourite places to bring the kids when I’m feeling a
little tired. I try to go there when it’s quiet (usually before 3pm on weekdays). There, the kids can
play – my older child likes to try the more adventurous activities while my younger child likes to play
in a small, quiet area for younger toddlers/older babies. I can sit, relax and eat. There is a common/
shared computer with internet access, as well as magazines and newspapers. I used to come here
to study while my son kept himself entertained. If your child is three years old or older, you can
discuss with the staff some sort of arrangement in which you can shop while your child remains there
(supervised). Cost: 75kr for a child ticket for the first hour, followed by 37.5kr for every half hour
after. An adult ticket costs 25kr and a day ticket costs 160kr. Food prices vary. More information here.

The above-mentioned activities and places are some of my favourite things to do with my kids, as
we live in Sandnes. Of course, there are plenty of other equally great places for family activities that
I have not mentioned, such as Eventyrlandet, Kongeparken, Rogaland Arboretum (this is one of my
son’s favourite places, as he’s full of energy and loves the outdoors and plenty of space), and Metro
Bowling. Information on some of these places is also found on this website:

• Summer Activities for Families & Children in the Stavanger Area
• Children Activities
• Celebrating Your Child’s Birthday in Stavanger

*Please note that the above-mentioned prices in this article are subject to change in the future.

estelle avatar 10 Affordable Summer Activities in Sandnes for Kids

About Estelle Pettersen

Estelle is an Australian who has been living in Norway since June 2006. She is married to a Norwegian and has two children. She has worked in journalism, integrated marketing communications, and as a senior strategy consultant in both the public and private sectors. Estelle loves reading, writing, history, travelling and spending time with her family. She has written published material resulting from her studies (MBA) and her work. She wants to keep writing, learn new things, and improve her Norwegian skills.