FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Take the Kids to Stockholm’s Djurgarden

by Barbara Rogers

Apr 6, 2018

© Stillman Rogers

Age Specific / Kids

It would be hard to imagine a child-friendlier capital than Stockholm. Start with how easy it is to get around, even with small children: The subway has stroller ramps and elevators, buses have straight-on entry without steps, adults with children in strollers ride free, children under 7 ride free anytime and those under 12 don’t pay on weekends. Restaurants almost always have highchairs and most have children’s menus. The Swedish people bring their children everywhere and welcome you to do the same.

Sweden, Stockholm,

© Stillman Rogers

Then there are all the attractions that appeal to kids. The central island of Djurgarden is the place to start, with enough diversions to keep any family busy for days. You can get here by buses 44 or 47 or by boat from Slussen (year-round) and from Nybroplan (in the summer).

Skansen

More than 150 houses and buildings dating before 1900 have been saved from all parts of Sweden to create this historical village. Craftspeople demonstrate glassblowing, metal working, wood carving, basketry, weaving and other skills of the past, and kids will like the colorful costumes, folk dancing and music. At the children’s zoo they can meet reindeer, wolves, brown bears, moose, otters and seals. Skansen is open year-round.

Junibacken

Before going to Stockholm, you might want to find Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking books for young children. The sights and activities here are fun even without knowing Pippi, but a familiarity with the stories makes it even better. It’s like meeting an old friend in a strange city. Children ride a train over the rooftops to meet the characters from Pippi’s world and can play in her house and dress in the costumes. You can read along with the narration in English (ask for it when you arrive) and there are all sorts of interactive games and events like puppet shows. Junibacken is open year-round.

Stockholm, Sweden, Vasa Ship Museum, detail,

© Stillman Rogers

Gröna Lund

While the kids squeal and thrill at the rides and entertainment in this squeaky-clean amusement park, you’ll love watching the beautiful vintage carousels, Ferris wheels and kiddie rides, which have been here and kept in perfect repair since the park opened more than a century ago. Be here on summer evenings for concerts that draw performers from all over the world. Open May–September.

Vasa Museet (Vasa Ship Museum)

While older kids may not fall in love with the world of Pippi Longstocking, they are more likely to appreciate the restored Royal Warship Vasa, which sank into Stockholm harbor on her first trip, in 1628. The magnificent ship is restored in full glory, inside a soaring museum that allows you to see it from all angles and peer into its gun ports, then tricks you into believing you’re inside its stunning salons and cabins (the passages actually take you to recreations of these alongside the ship). The amazing thing is this ship lay in the mud until 1961, when salvage and restoration began. Begin with the film explaining the history and the salvage process. Kids will especially enjoy viewing the world from a real “crow’s nest” suspended high above the exhibits.

#WhereverFamily

Insta Feed
Destinations / North America
Oct 2, 2023

Fall and Halloween Family Fun Await at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Mansfield, Pennsylvania

With cooler weather and fall colors on its way, it’s time to plan your fall family travels. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort PA Wilds in Mansfield is the perfect destination, and with both scary and not-so-scary events, kids and parents alike can celebrate the festive season with trick-or-treating, fall crafts, fun with the Yogi Bear characters and more.

United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates

As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.

Destinations / North America
Oct 2, 2023

4 U.S. Oktoberfest Events for Families to Enjoy

Oktoberfest is not all about beer. Although beer does play a major role, many of these German-themed fall festivals include activities fun for the whole family. You don’t need to travel to Munich to enjoy the oom-pah bands, lively dances, colorful Bavarian dress and traditional German foods; you can find them in almost all regions of the United States this October. Here are some good choices for families:

Destinations / Europe
Sep 29, 2023

How to Find the Best Gelato (And Spot the Fake Stuff) on Your Travels Through Rome

Rome is a city full of musts for visitors. You must visit the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps. And the list goes on, all the way down to trying gelato. No trip to Rome would be complete without the obligatory sweet treat, and for good reason. Gelato is delicious, refreshing and it comes in every flavor you can imagine. But while you can find it just about everywhere you turn in the Eternal City, it’s important to know not all gelatos are created equal. The city is brimming with fakes, and once you know how to tell the difference, not only will you see the fake stuff everywhere, but you will also refuse to settle for less than authentic.

Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet

United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.

Destinations / North America
Sep 29, 2023

Kidzania: A City Built for Kids, Run by Kids

Looking for a unique, fun and educational activity for the kids during your next family travels? Well, Kidzania has you covered. Located in Dallas, Texas, this city is not only built for kids but also run by kids. It’s unlike any other entertainment parks; in Kidzania, kids learn useful knowledge, skills and experiences, all while having the chance to be independent.