Sweden for Kids: Music, Language, Food, and Fascinating Facts
Sweden is a country filled with beautiful landscapes, friendly people, unique traditions, and fascinating stories that make it an exciting place for children to explore. From holiday customs and games to delicious foods and magical folk tales, Swedish culture offers plenty of ways for kids to learn and have fun while discovering a new language.
Daily Life and Manners in Sweden
Swedish people are often described as polite, quiet, and respectful. They avoid raising their voices in public and prefer calm, thoughtful conversations. It is common to say “thank you” and show appreciation, as kindness is not taken for granted. Swedes also value personal space and often avoid unnecessary contact. For example, on a bus, they may choose a seat away from others if possible. Despite these customs, Swedes are very helpful, especially to visitors.
In Swedish culture, the idea of “lagom” is important. It means “just the right amount” and guides how people behave and live. Swedes believe in balance—not too much, not too little. This also means they avoid bragging and prefer everyone to be treated equally, especially children. Competitiveness is often discouraged, and children are taught that everyone is valuable in their own way.
Family Life and Guest Etiquette
When invited to a Swedish home, guests are expected to be on time—not too early, not too late. It is also polite to bring a small gift like flowers, but never white lilies or chrysanthemums, as these are funeral flowers. Visitors are often asked to remove their shoes at the door, especially in informal settings.
Meals in Sweden are respectful occasions. You should wait for the host or hostess to begin eating before you start. It is also polite to only take as much food as you can finish. Swedes value quiet and calm meals, and topics like business are usually avoided during dinner.
Swedish Holidays and Traditions
One of the most important Swedish holidays is Midsummer, celebrated between June 20th and 26th. Families gather in the countryside, eat traditional foods like pickled herring and strawberries, and dance around a maypole. Children love this holiday for the music and outdoor games.
Another special holiday is Christmas, celebrated on December 24th. At 3 p.m., nearly every family in Sweden watches a classic Disney TV show called “Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar God Jul” (Donald Duck and His Friends Wish You a Merry Christmas). This has been a tradition since 1959.
Other celebrations include:
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Waffle Day (March 25): Families eat waffles.
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Valborg (April 30): People light bonfires to welcome spring.
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Easter: Children dress up as witches and go door to door asking for candy.
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Flag Day (June 6): The national day of Sweden.
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Crayfish Parties (August): Families and friends enjoy crayfish in outdoor gatherings.
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Advent and All Saints Day: Important religious and family-centered holidays.
Children also look forward to Saturday Candy, when eating sweets is allowed to protect their teeth. Most schools don’t allow candy on weekdays.
Games and Activities for Kids
Swedish children play a variety of fun traditional games:
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Maypole Dancing: Children dance around a pole decorated with ribbons during Midsummer.
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Kubb: A tossing game similar to bowling but with wooden blocks.
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Blindbock: A game like Marco Polo, played on land where one child is blindfolded and tries to find others by sound.
Sweden also celebrates Children’s Day on November 20th along with other countries, focusing on children’s health, happiness, and rights.
Swedish Foods and Desserts
Potatoes are a staple in Swedish meals, often served with meat dishes like kalops (a beef stew) and blodpudding (blood pudding) eaten with lingonberry jam and bacon.
Popular desserts include:
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Pannkakor: Thin Swedish pancakes made with flour, eggs, and milk.
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Pepparkakor: Crispy spiced cookies popular during Christmas.
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Swedish Apple Pie: A crustless pie made with apples, sugar, and cinnamon.
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Sugar Browned Potatoes and Swedish Rice Dessert are also common treats.
Places to Visit with Kids
Families visiting Sweden can enjoy:
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Lycksele Djurpark: An outdoor zoo with native animals.
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Pite Havsbad: A beach resort with water slides and pools.
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Aquaria Water Museum in Stockholm: A fun place to explore sea life and rainforest environments.
These attractions offer exciting and educational experiences for children.
Famous Swedish Stories
Pippi Longstocking, created by Astrid Lindgren, is a strong and adventurous girl who inspires children to be brave and imaginative.
The Tomten, another classic by Lindgren, tells the tale of a small troll who comforts animals on a cold winter night, promising that spring will come soon.
These stories are widely read in Swedish schools and homes.
Fun Facts About Sweden
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IKEA, the famous furniture store, is from Sweden.
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In summer, the sun rises at 3:30 a.m.; in winter, it sets by 3:30 p.m.
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Swedes don’t use the word “please” in their language.
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Kids dress up as witches for Easter.
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The Swedish language is the most spoken in Scandinavia.
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In Sweden, “a little” often means “a lot”!
Learn Swedish with Dinolingo
If your child wants to learn more about Swedish culture and language, Dinolingo is the perfect place to start. With over 50 languages available, Dinolingo offers Swedish lessons for kids aged 2 to 14 through engaging videos, songs, games, and worksheets. One subscription allows access for up to 6 users, and materials can be used on web, iOS, or Android devices. Dinolingo also provides offline resources, a parent dashboard, and a fun reward system to keep children motivated.
Conclusion
Swedish culture is rich in traditions, stories, and values that make it a wonderful learning journey for children. Whether it’s dancing around a maypole, baking spiced cookies, or listening to tales of brave characters like Pippi Longstocking, there is always something fun and educational to discover. Exploring Swedish life through language and culture not only teaches kids about another country but also opens their minds to new perspectives and global connections.