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In a game as expansive asSkyrim, it makes sense that settling down and building a family is an appealing aspect. There are many children around Skyrim in need of a home, and you may provide them with one when you’re ready. All it takes it a bit of preparation.
To prepare for adoption, you’ll need to have appropriate lodgings for them. You’ll also have to ensure that the orphanage in Riften is allowing adoptions, otherwise the entire process will come to a halt. The Dragonborn can do many things, so why not start a family?
How To Unlock Adoption
In order to adopt, you’ll have to meet a few criteria. First and foremost,you’ll need a home with a room for the children. These rooms can befurnished in any housein Skyrim, providingtwo children’s beds and dressers.
Additionally, for most children, you’ll need to haveremoved Grelod the Kindfrom her position atHonorhall Orphanage in Riften. So long as she is in charge,you won’t be able to adoptany children since she keeps them for her cruelty.
This can be done as part of the Dark Brotherhood questline, but you can also do so without being prompted. You only need tocomplete Innocence Lost.
After Grelod is gone, you’llreceive a letter from Constance Michelstating thatthe orphange is open to adoptionsonce again, and the children are eager to find a new home. You can also make your way there and talk to her directly.
You canonly adopt two children, and thechoices are permanent. The use of mods may allow more adoptions.
All Adoptable Children
Honorhall Orphanage
There are initially four children at the orphanage in Riften. These children each come with unique personalities and are eager to be adopted. There are three boys and one girl, and you can speak to them freely before deciding to adopt any of them.
Other children may appear in the orphanage when their parents are killed elsewhere in the game.
All City Orphans
Across themajor cities of Skyrim, there are abandoned children due to theCivil War questsand the cruelties of living so far north in Tamriel. These children can also be adopted to take them off the streets andgive them a place to call home.
There are four available children to adopt from the cities:
Other Adoptable Children
Most children in Skyrimcan be adopted if their parents dieprematurely. This can be due to the numerous dragon attacks, vampire attacks, and other unfortunate events (like murder if you’re feeling up to it).
If the child sees you murder their parents, or the guards catch you, you will not be able to adopt them.
These children include:
Once their parents are deceased, the children willtake a few days to arrive at Honorhall Orphanage, where you may adopt them.
