What is Öppen Förskola?

How it works

Öppen förskola (literally "open preschool") is a free, drop-in activity for parents and children aged 0–6. You simply show up during opening hours — no registration, no booking, no membership.

You stay with your child the entire time. It's not daycare — it's a social space where parents meet other parents while kids play, do crafts, and explore together.

• Free — completely free, funded by the municipality
• Drop-in — no booking or registration needed
• Ages 0–6 — babies, toddlers and preschoolers welcome
• Parent stays — you don't leave your child
• Staff on site — trained preschool teachers lead activities
• Multilingual — many locations have staff who speak English

What happens during a session

A typical session includes free play with toys, art and craft activities, singing circles (sångstund), and sometimes outdoor play. Many locations serve coffee for parents — bring a mug.

Sessions usually run 2–3 hours, typically weekday mornings (9:00–12:00). Some locations have afternoon sessions too. You can arrive and leave whenever you want.

Why you should go

Öppen förskola is one of the best ways to break the isolation of early parenthood in Stockholm. You meet other parents in your neighbourhood, your child gets social interaction with other kids, and you get a few hours of structured activity without planning anything.

For expat families, it's especially valuable — you'll meet both Swedish and international parents, and your child starts picking up Swedish naturally through play.

What to bring

Not much! A change of clothes is a good idea, especially for the youngest ones. Most öppen förskola provide toys, crafts, and sometimes fika. Bring nappies and food for your child.