Christmas treats for kids don’t get much better than going to Lapland and meeting the real Father Christmas – do they? But you do need to think about a few things to get the best out of it! So here are our top tips for your Lapland holiday of a lifetime trip to Lapland with kids!
1. What’s The Best Age To Take The Kids To Lapland?
The best age for visiting Lapland with kids is when they’re as old as they can be without the magic having already disappeared. Most of the companies don’t recommend the trip for children under 4 and I can see why.
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The temperatures can drop (we experienced -32), and the kids need to be able to understand how to keep themselves warm. The huskies and reindeer rides are potentially lost on the younger ones, and they are very much part of the overall experience for little explorers. In my heart of hearts, I’d say 6/7/8 are perfect ages.
2. How Long Should We Stay In Lapland?
A 2-3 night trip seems to be the most popular way to do Lapland. But there are also week-long trips and also day trips too. If you don’t want or need to do any of the additional activities, then a 2 night trip is long enough, as you get the afternoon on the day you arrive and the morning of the day you leave, in addition to your Search for Santa day. It is also cheaper to do the 2-night trip, as with a 3-night trip you get an adventure day, and the additional activities can start to add up.
3. When During The Season Is Best For Visiting ?
To be honest, I don’t think it matters too much which season you visit Lapland in. The temperature varies all the time (often between 0 and -32 degrees) and it isn’t warmer or colder at any time in the short six-week season.
Go whenever fits in with you and the kids school. We ended up heading there over Christmas which was very special but also involves more planning due to Christmas presents etc., at least returning those Santa delivers on Christmas morning.
4. Make Sure You Have Your Ski Jackets, Scarves, Hats And Gloves On The Plane
As it is freezing when you land and the kids will want to immediately throw snow!
5. When You Go To Get Your Thermal Gear From The Shop On The Way To The Hotel.
Try the mittens on – you don’t want them to be too big.
6. Take Lots Of Snacks
Like biscuits and chocolate bars with you for emergency meltdowns. Also, pack a large picnic for the plane as you’ll fly early and not get to the Lapland resort until way after the kids want lunch.
7. Take Hot Chocolate For Use With The Room Kettle!
I don’t think you can drink enough hot chocolate when you are out there in magical Lapland!
8. Take Some Charge Banks For Phones As The Temperature Means The Battery Goes Quick!
The same applies to cameras for capturing those special moments, although our Go Pro Hero 5 coped really well!
Get a Northern Lights app straight away!
Yes we did see them and without taking a trip to see them too. We were lucky we had a clear night. This was taken just outside the restaurant at the Tunturi Hotel on Christmas Day.
9. Take Three Sets Of Base Layers
ski socks, and two sets of gloves and hats each as these get wet (and possibly lost!)
10. Consider Not Booking Any Excursions Before You Go
You may find the tasters enough especially if it’s very cold. We didn’t actually do any of the extra activities due to the temperature, and enjoyed tobogganing and a wander on the hiking trails building snowmen, making snow angels and throwing snowballs – all free!
11. Take Hand Warmers For The Kids
Just the air activated kind not the gel ones as they last for the whole day
12. The Suits Are Very Bulky
And it will depend on the temperature as to whether you wear them or not. At -32 they were the only option but if it’s a lot warmer you may want to wear your own ski gear.
See More Tips For Visiting Lapland With Kids
Where to See Santa in London
Things To Do In Liverpool England
