Writer: Anna Nilsson Spets
The secret grandchildren's trip - Winter edition. Every year I go on at least two outings with my grandchildren Alice and Elsa, aged 8 and almost 6. This time, however, it was tricky to come up with a clue, the only thing they knew was that we were going by train.
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On Sunday morning, coffee and drinks are purchased for the train, it is important to keep the sugar level at the top! My daughter Emma and the children's aunt join us and at Spottkoppen at the central station in the capital we meet up with great-aunt Astrid, my sister.
Today's excursion destination is Paradox, the illusion museum, which is conveniently located in the centre right by Hötorget. Nice for small feet and old legs not to have to walk so far.
Paradox is one of Stockholm's newer museums, opened in 2022. We have booked a ticket online and it is recommended. A visit takes about an hour. There is no direct age limit, but from 5 years and up is probably good.
We bundle our coats into lockable boxes and are greeted by staff dressed in colourful patterned overalls. The museum is made up of 70 different stations, each with its own special characteristics, here you don't know what is reality or illusion.
It's colourful, it flashes and spins and some things make you dizzy. The holograms are exciting and show different things at different angles. The eye says one thing but the reality is completely different.
The tunnel feels crooked and gravity makes you wobble.
You can peek inside a giant kaleidoscope and the photo shows many, many copies of itself.
Each station has a detailed description of what you can experience, in both Swedish and English.
There is also a pole at each site, where you get the best photo angle.
The Zero Gravity Room is not included in the price of admission, but those who pay extra can try free-floating. We prefer to stay at ground level ...
In the upside down room there are tables and chairs on the ceiling, you take your picture and turn the photo upside down and vips; MAGIC !
Paradox, well what does that mean?
Wikipedia says a lot but in short, it is a mismatch between what a theory states and what common sense expects.
At the exit there is a small shop where you can buy both this and that such as puzzle cubes, books and other things.
You can't eat or have a coffee in the museum itself, but when the grandchildren are allowed to decide, it's ... silly. Phew. But who can refuse these cuties?
The day ended amidst fart cushions and fake poo at Buttericks, where many childhood memories popped up. The icing on the cake was an authentic Swedish fika with semla, an otherworldly experience for a Swedish expat.
Photo: Emma Karlström Spets and Grandma Anna
Good to know about Paradox Museum
- Location: Stockholm (Also available in Gothenburg and other cities in other countries)
- Address in Stockholm: Sergelgatan 20, 111 57 Stockholm
- Read more: Museum website
more inspiration for travelling with grandchildren
Here you can read about more trips that Grandma Anna made with her grandchildren Alice and Elsa:
- Astrid Lindgren's World in Vimmerby - Grandma Anna's secret journey in 2024
- Efteling theme park in the Netherlands - Grandma Anna crosses the line
- Gothenburg and Slottsskogen - secret journey summer edition 2025
- Junibacken in Stockholm - Aunt Anna goes to childhood
- Kolmården - Aunt Anna travelling around the world
- Kungsbyn in Västerås - with Grandma Anna and the grandchildren
- Liseberg and Gränna - Grandma Anna is spinning round
- National Museum of Natural History in Stockholm - Grandma Anna's secret winter journey
- Uppsala with the grandchildren - Grandma Anna botanises
- Tom Tits in Södertälje - Grandma Anna experiments
Follow Anna here:
Anna Nilsson Spets
You might also like:
Swedish Museum of Natural History - Grandma Anna's secret winter journey
Nordiska museet 150 years - Jubilee bridge and new exhibitions
Junibacken Stockholm with the grandchildren - Aunt Anna walks in childhood
Tom Tits in Södertälje - Grandma Anna experiments
Today, Äventyrs opens in Stockholm - a modern adventure museum in the city centre
English (UK) 
Svenska
BP says:
I have read and heard a lot about this museum. Not a negative word yet. So that's a good rating. With my non-existent balance, however, I am doubtful if I made it through the tunnel there;-)
I like your colourful sweater, very nice!
08 March 2026 - 18:07
Anna Nilsson Spets says:
Thanks for reading, I also have shitty balance but it was not that bad. I have knitted the jumper on leftover yarns. Have a good time
08 March 2026 - 19:02
Jossu says:
What a perfect destination for both young and old. Many opportunities to take fun pictures.
The Zero Gravity Room sounded interesting, but might not have appealed to me as I'd probably have been dizzy with kaleidoscopes, tunnels and everything else I'd seen.
08 March 2026 - 19:27
Anna Nilsson Spets says:
Yes it was a good destination, really.
Thank you for reading
09 March 2026 - 6:06
bmlarsreseblogg says:
We were at Paradox Museum, four pensioners and oh what fun we had! It really suits all ages!
08 March 2026 - 20:22
Anna Nilsson Spets says:
Exactly, hence a fun pick.
Thank you for reading
09 March 2026 - 19:26
Hanneles boktips says:
Nice, I came home today from Jämtland, greeted the ten and twelve year old. pre-ordered really good breakfast on the train for 85 SEK: coffee, yoghurt, organic müssli, eggs, cheese, vegetables, jam, organic Bregott, rye bread, sourdough bread, apple juice. Very full.
09 March 2026 - 23:27
Anna Nilsson Spets says:
That sounds nice. But sad for both you and me with grandchildren so far away.
10 March 2026 - 8:17