When you had been going to design a metropolis that’s good to discover as a household, it could be the Scandinavians who’d handle it – and that’s precisely what they appear to have created if you happen to’re visiting Copenhagen with children.
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Sufficiently small to get round simply (even with a buggy), you’ll be able to bounce from the cobbled pedestrian streets of the Danish capital’s previous city to the town’s parks and the seashore close by, plus there are reserved locations for pushchairs on public transport in Copenhagen for youths.
Together with the world-famous Tivoli Gardens with its amusement park, the town’s iconic statue of the Little Mermaid is actually straight out of a fairytale. And when you won’t get Mediterranean-style fussing over infants, the Danes very democratically assume youngsters ought to get to take pleasure in themselves too, so that they’ll be welcome in every single place from cafes to particular household pleasant exhibitions in museums.
With loads to fill a protracted weekend with children in Copenhagen, this metropolis is nice even with little ones – as my toddler and I found. Listed here are 26 of the most effective issues to do in Copenhagen with children.
Try my full information to Denmark with children right here
Tivoli Gardens
Town’s second oldest amusement park, Tivoli Gardens is 180 years previous, so nonetheless one of many world’s oldest theme parks itself. And in addition to rides, there are fireworks each Saturday evening, plus loads of inexperienced area and lakes to wander spherical.
Be careful for themed shows throughout the 12 months too – hold a watch out for pumpkins at Halloween, whereas the park additionally will get dressed up for the festive season when it holds the Christmas honest (you’ll want to verify opening instances if you happen to’re visiting in winter because it does shut for durations between New 12 months and Easter).
When you don’t fancy the rides – or have small children who don’t – there’s nonetheless loads to have a look at as you wander spherical, gentler points of interest and little memento retailers, so that is someplace that’s nice for the entire household.
The Blue Planet aquarium
That is the largest aquarium in northern Europe, with water on all sides plus 5 completely different ‘arms’ overlaying completely different habitats, from sharks within the Ocean tank to brightly colored fish within the Coral Reef part.
And the structure of Denmark’s Nationwide Aquarium has the additional advantage you can select your personal route, in contrast to another aquariums which ship you spherical a specific path.
Spot rays and eels alongside the hammerhead sharks within the 4 million litre Ocean tank, in addition to butterflies and birds within the Amazonas space, plus piranhas and anacondas underneath a waterfall.
You can too select whether or not you wish to expertise 4 of the aquariums from underneath the water line or above for a special view.
Look out for mixed tickets to the Blue Planet with the hop-on hop-off bus with a reduction if you happen to use my code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Copenhagen Zoo
With greater than 3,000 animals and 264 species from all over the world in complete, the celebrities are the 2 large pandas, however there’s loads extra to find for animal lovers if you happen to’re visiting Copenhagen with children.
Spot native Nordic wildlife in addition to a tropical part (good for cold days or if you happen to’re visiting Copenhagen within the rain), to not point out a youngsters’s zoo the place children can meet pygmy goats and snakes at Copenhagen Zoo.
The ‘Arctic Ring’ can be dwelling to polar bears and seals, whereas you may also among the few Tasmanian devils to be present in captivity exterior of Tasmania, hippos and the inhabitants of the Elephant Home designed by Sir Norman Foster.
One of many oldest zoos in Europe, based in 1859, there are 27 acres to discover in addition to each day actions together with feeding programmes and particular experiences. Prebook skip-the-line tickets right here.
Entry to Copenhagen Zoo is included within the Copenhagen Card, together with public transport and greater than 80 different points of interest within the metropolis
Bakken deer park
The world’s oldest amusement park, now 426 years previous, is about in Bakken deer park (formally Dyrehavsbakken) simply north of the town.
There are extra rollercoasters on this veteran Copenhagen household attraction, round 400 deer roaming free – and if you happen to’re from the UK and feeling homesick, a London bus transformed right into a pub.
When you’re visiting Copenhagen with a toddler or youthful children, there are mild rides too in addition to a standard carousel and little practice, plus different amusements.
The Nature Playground, Valby Park
Within the Valbyparken, just a bit method exterior Copenhagen’s centre, that is the nation’s largest pure playground with paths by way of the small hills, an earthwork with a lookout level and climbing ropes, and 17 themed gardens to wander spherical.
Stretching throughout 20,000 metres squares, there’s a stunning mixture of actions like climbing, ropes and towers, with separate sections full of sand or flowers, plus a footbridge to attach completely different sections as children discover.
Excellent for burning off a little bit of power – earlier than an opportunity to refuel with some kanelsnegle (a cinammon roll, or actually a cinnamon snail).
Take a canal tour/harbour boat tour
Probably the greatest methods to see Copenhagen with children is from the water. The one-hour canal tour takes you previous among the metropolis’s primary points of interest – and it’s quick sufficient that even littler ones will benefit from the views till their consideration span runs out.
Venturing out across the harbour, you’ll additionally spot a few of Copenhagen’s key sights, from palaces to the Little Mermaid, and you may also discover mixed tickets for the hop-on hop-off bus and the Copenhagen boat tour.
The hop-on hop-off canal excursions are quickly suspended however there have beforehand been 48-hour tickets, which supplies you much more flexibility to discover by water.
Outdoors of the summer time, these do cease at fewer spots so it’s price checking upfront if you happen to’re planning to discover someplace specifically.
Take a strolling tour of Copenhagen with children
With its compact centre, Copenhagen is straightforward to discover on foot, so it’s an amazing metropolis to plan a strolling tour. When you’ve obtained children who gained’t wish to spend all day strolling round, this two-hour strolling tour ticks off 15 of Copenhagen’s high sights and is appropriate for any age (children aged 5 and underneath go free).
Or there are additionally longer excursions, together with this three-hour strolling tour that are open to all ages, though are prone to be higher for older children than toddlers.
Fancy a meals tour of Copenhagen with a twist? There’s really a Danish pastries strolling tour of Copenhagen taking you to 5 separate bakeries – and do you know, the Danes really name them Viennese pastries?!
For excursions aimed particularly at youngsters and households, take a look at the Scandikidstours, aimed toward children aged 6-12.
You can too discover a string of self-guided excursions of Copenhagen with varied video games and challenges concerned. Strive an outside escape sport themed across the Little Mermaid or a extra straight-forward treasure hunt tour – select between this scavenger hunt of Copenhagen and this household treasure hunt metropolis tour.
Take a motorbike tour of Copenhagen with children
Copenhagen is a metropolis designed for bikes – so why not discover with a guided bike tour? This three-hour bike tour of Copenhagen consists of the choice of reserving youngsters’s bikes, and takes you previous numerous the principle sights.
Alongside the way in which you’ll bike alongside the waterfront to the Little Mermaid statue, in addition to seeing Copenhagen’s lakes, and navigating the town centre through its bike lanes, all led by a neighborhood.
If you need a shorter choice, this 90-minute bike tour is appropriate for teenagers and older. Or save your legs a bit and hire an e-bike, with youngster seats and cargo trailers accessible for youths aged 2-8.
Copenhagen Hop on hop off bus tour
Probably the greatest methods to see the town’s sights with out an excessive amount of strolling for youthful children, or a good way to get your bearings in your first day, there are two primary hop-on-hop-off bus excursions to select from.
The Pink Sightseeing bus consists of an audio information plus a 60-minute canal tour, with 22 stops across the metropolis, together with Tivoli, the Amalienborg Palace, the Little Mermaid, Nyhavn and Christianshavn. Plus you get 24 hours limitless hop on hop off.
Or strive the 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket from Stromma, which lets you use each the inexperienced buses with the Stromma brand and the crimson Metropolis Sightseeing buses. The inexperienced buses have an electrical roof, in case of rain, and heated throughout winter if you happen to’re visiting Copenhagen exterior the summer time months. The route additionally takes in the same set of key sights within the metropolis.
The Hop model of the Copenhagen Card features a hop-on hop-off bus tour, though the Uncover card (which incorporates transport from the airport and within the metropolis centre, plus extra points of interest) doesn’t.
The Little Mermaid
Whether or not you see her from a ship tour, bus tour, strolling tour or every other method, you shouldn’t miss the image of the town – wander the pedestrian streets from Kongens Nytorv (King’s New Sq.) to Nyhavn, the harbour avenue with the brightly colored homes that’s one of many metropolis’s most well-known views, and gaze out to the Little Mermaid.
Relatively smaller than her iconic standing suggests (the clue is within the identify), it’s nonetheless an amazing choice for youths who love fairytales – and Disney motion pictures – plus a great motivator to wander alongside the waterfront with the statue as your objective.
To make your go to to the statue much more enjoyable, take a look at this Little Mermaid sport – a mixture of self-guided tour and quest, you resolve clues that unlock tales, and it takes you to 9 areas together with these linked to Hans Christian Andersen in addition to the Little Mermaid alongside the way in which.
The hop on hop off bus excursions will even take you to the Little Mermaid if you happen to do wish to see extra of Copenhagen’s sights with out tiring out small legs – there are two choices, together with Pink sightseeing and Stromma’s 48-hour ticket, with three routes in summer time
Altering of the Guard at Amalienborg Palace
Head to Amalienborg Palace, and day-after-day at midday you’ll be able to see the standard Altering of the Guard ceremony, which dates again to 1658.
The palace remains to be the house of the Danish royal household, and as soon as a day, the brand new guards depart close by Rosenborg Fortress at 11.30 to reach at Amalienborg at round noon.
Wearing ceremonial uniforms and bearskin hats, they’ll even be accompanied by a marching band if the monarch is in residence.
Much like different Altering of the Guard ceremonies in Europe, it’s probably the greatest free issues to do in Copenhagen with children: arrive early to get a great area to observe (and you may count on police to be directing spectators as to the place to face so that you aren’t standing proper within the guards’ path).
Amalienborg Palace Museum
When you’ve had a take a look at the outside of the Amalienborg Palace (and watched the Altering of the Guard), you’ll be able to head inside to study extra about Denmark’s royal historical past on the Amalienborg Museum, in addition to seeing a few of its luxurious rooms.
Set inside Christian VIII’s Palace, one in all 4 separate palaces which make up Amalienborg, you may also peek into Christian X’s examine, marvel on the Faberge Chamber and see the Gala Corridor which remains to be used for royal state events. Don’t miss the treasury with its priceless jewelry as properly.
Children aged 17 and underneath enter free. Bear in mind it’s closed on Mondays, though you’ll be able to take a look at the outside at any level – you may also discover the grounds and close by space utilizing this Amalienborg Palace Thriller Tour.
The Copenhagen Card (each the Uncover and Hop variations) consists of entry to the Amalienborg Palace, in addition to Rosenborg Fortress and Christiansborg
Rosenborg Fortress
For extra royal historical past, head to Rosenborg Fortress, dwelling to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, in addition to the nation’s royal regalia.
Courting again 400 years, it was constructed by Christian IV (additionally well-known for having greater than 20 youngsters!) and you may nonetheless see among the royal household’s possessions on show.
The Nice Corridor homes Denmark’s coronation thrones, in addition to three life-size silver lions, whereas wax figures of former inhabitants are additionally dotted across the different rooms to convey the fort to life. You can too go to among the king’s non-public chambers, together with the Winter Room, one of many oldest within the fort.
The Copenhagen Card (each the Uncover and Hop variations) consists of entry to Rosenborg Fortress, in addition to the Amalienborg Palace and Christiansborg – you at the moment must prebook a timeslot for Rosenborg Palace
After you’ve explored inside, you may also stroll round Rosenborg Backyard – often known as the King’s Backyard – which dates again to the early 1600s too. When you don’t plan to go contained in the fort, you’ll be able to go to these with out a ticket and benefit from the views of the palace exterior.
Kastellet fortress (the Citadel)
The royal palaces aren’t the one place to absorb some historical past in Copenhagen – the pentagon-shaped Kastellet (or Citadel) is without doubt one of the metropolis’s former defences, if you wish to battle off (imaginary) attackers moderately than see opulent halls.
As soon as a part of a fortification which encircled all the metropolis, Kastellet and the ramparts in Christianshavn are all that’s left at present.
Right now, it’s much less of a defensive construction (although there are nonetheless navy inside as its used as a barracks) with a public park inside and different historic buildings together with a windmill and the Citadel Church, in addition to some little museums and an info centre.
Throughout summer time, there are additionally live shows happening, and it’s simple to mix with a go to to the Little Mermaid close by – or a brief stroll from Rosenborg Fortress.
Christiansborg Palace
Christiansborg Palace was as soon as dwelling to the royal household, however now homes the Danish Parliament and different official our bodies such because the Supreme Court docket – however you’ll be able to nonetheless discover among the royal historical past inside.
The Royal Reception Rooms are open to the general public (until the monarch is definitely utilizing one for an official occasion) together with the Tower Room and the Oval Throne room (the place overseas ambassadors are nonetheless acquired at present), plus the Nice Corridor.
However you may also journey additional again in time and head into the ruins of the castles which predate the current Christiansborg Palace, a few of which date way back to 1167. The Blue Tower, a part of among the older ruins, was used to imprison vital prisoners of state.
You can too additionally see the previous Royal Kitchen, set for a gala dinner in 1937, together with sufficient meals for 275 visitors.
The Copenhagen Card (each the Uncover and Hop variations) consists of entry to the Christiansborg Palace, in addition to Rosenborg Fortress and Amalienborg
The Kids’s Museum on the Nationwide Museum of Denmark
Set within the Nationwide Museum of Denmark, and aimed toward 4 to 10-year-olds, there’s a complete string of interactive exhibitions and shows to convey historical past to life on the Kids’s Museum – and getting arms on is inspired.
Go to a Viking home and plan a raid, discover a Twenties home to see how youngsters lived only a hundred years in the past or strive cooking Center Ages-style.
And whereas among the shows in the principle museum are simply as fascinating, particularly with older children who’re fascinated by the Vikings, the youngsters’s museum part is good as every little thing is sort of actually marked ‘do contact’.
Children are inspired to relive life from Denmark’s historical past whether or not they make a snack in a medieval kitchen or take the helm in a Viking ship.
You can too look out for The Boredom Button, which might be tucked away wherever within the Nationwide Museum – and count on surprises once you push it, whether or not it’s work beginning to speak, assembly a fire-breathing dragon or a sword-swinging samurai. Kids underneath 18 enter free if you happen to’re in search of low-cost issues to do in Copenhagen with children too.
Purchase tickets to the Nationwide Museum of Denmark, together with exhibitions and the Kids’s Museum right here – underneath 18s enter free. You can too get mixed tickets to the Nationwide museum and Tivoli Gardens
Pure Historical past Museum of Denmark
Copenhagen’s Pure Historical past Museum is about within the nook of the town’s Botanical Backyard – which additionally makes it simple to go to each on the identical time.
A terrific choice if you happen to’re visiting Copenhagen within the rain with children, or with children who love pure historical past, you’ll be able to contact a meteorite within the mineral home, go to the butterfly home in summer time, and uncover extra of the pure world within the frequently altering exhibitions.
The subsequent to open in June 2024 known as Wild Fantastic World, overlaying the museum’s large assortment – every little thing from the tiniest creatures to large blue whales, stardust to gems and extra. There’s additionally an opportunity to peek behind the scenes and see how the collections encourage analysis to assist enhance the world for individuals and nature.
The Zoological Museum, which was beforehand a part of the Pure Historical past Museum, is now closed with plans for a brand new opening on the location.
Entry to the Pure Historical past Museum is included within the Copenhagen Card, together with public transport and greater than 80 different points of interest within the metropolis
Experimentarium Science Museum
This improbable interactive science centre is barely exterior Copenhagen metropolis centre nevertheless it’s properly price making the journey to go to Experimentarium.
There are three flooring to find, in addition to the rooftop backyard, together with the Bubblearium with its large cleaning soap bubbles, the change to freeze your shadow within the Labyrinth of Gentle, the ship simulator and big ball monitor within the Port plus numerous different exhibitions.
The Puzzler is for individuals who love a maths problem or a logic puzzle, whereas the Miniverse is aimed toward children aged 1-5. You may even step into the world of micro-organisms, be impressed to give you new brainwaves and play in Pulse Plaza, a sequence of loopy rooms impressed by our personal properties.
The truth is, there are virtually too many highlights to pick, however that is good for giant children and little ones to get studying as they play – discovering extra concerning the world has by no means been so enjoyable earlier than. You may take the metro, trains or buses to get there (or cycle alongside the waterfront from Copenhagen).
Entry to Experimentarium is included within the Copenhagen Card, together with public transport and greater than 80 different points of interest within the metropolis
Planetarium
Transport your self to outer area within the Copenhagen Planetarium Dome, the most important tilted dome in Europe with 8K decision – the subsequent smartest thing to boarding a rocket your self.
In addition to the unbelievable reveals, there are additionally a sequence of exhibitions, together with an opportunity to find what we’re fabricated from ranging from the Massive Bang, an opportunity to discover the rings of Saturn and see the most important moon rock on show exterior the US.
Tickets embody entry to the exhibitions and one present, in addition to household actions at weekends and throughout the college holidays. Proper within the coronary heart of Copenhagen, the Planetarium is simply 500m from Tivoli Gardens.
Entry to the Planetarium is included within the Copenhagen Card, together with public transport and greater than 80 different points of interest within the metropolis
Danish Battle Museum
When you wouldn’t usually put a warfare museum high of your wishlist on a metropolis break, it’s properly price contemplating the Danish Battle Museum, which covers warfare from the 1500s till modern-day.
So in addition to knights in armour, you may also uncover extra about present and up to date conflicts, stepping right into a Danish navy camp in Afghanistan in addition to displays on the warfare in Iraq.
You’ll discover samurai swords in addition to tales of wars with Sweden and England, displays on the Second World Battle and Chilly Battle, and a few extra enjoyable choices with tales from Danes who sailed the seven seas.
Set within the former seventeenth century arsenal on Slotsholmen, proper within the coronary heart of Copenhagen, there are additionally household actions throughout the summer time holidays. Entry is free for under-18s.
Entry is included within the Copenhagen Card, together with public transport and greater than 80 different points of interest within the metropolis
Open air museum (Frilandsmuseet)
Set somewhat method exterior Copenhagen, in order for you a style of Danish life in days passed by, the Open Air Museum is without doubt one of the oldest and largest open-air museums on the planet.
Buildings have been dismantled and reassembled throughout 86 acres of land, together with cottages and mills from Denmark, Sweden and the Faroe Islands, plus farm buildings and homes.
Masking virtually three centuries, from 1650 to 1940, you’ll be able to watch individuals baking bread, making wool and even study extra about beekeeping, plus the possibility to see an previous picket windmill in motion and experience in a horse-drawn carriage.
It’s round a 30-minute practice experience from Copenhagen (and included within the Copenhagen Card)
Guinness World Information Museum
Copenhagen is dwelling to the one Guinness World Information Museum in Europe, celebrating record-breaking achievements in artwork, music, sport, science and nature.
Set over 11 galleries on two flooring, you’ll be able to uncover extra concerning the world’s tallest man and the world’s smallest lady, but additionally see quirky information reminiscent of greater than 1.3 million dominoes falling over, strive the interactive Sport Zone.
It’s not large, so that you don’t must set a lot time apart, however for a fast go to and a few video games, it’s a enjoyable household pleasant choice.
Entry is included within the Copenhagen Card, together with public transport and greater than 80 different points of interest within the metropolis
Lego Retailer
Lego followers gained’t wish to miss Legoland in Billund, additional west in Denmark, however if you happen to don’t have likelihood to get out of the town, it’s nonetheless dwelling to the Lego flagship retailer.
It’s not the world’s greatest Lego Retailer (you’ll discover that in Leicester Sq. in London) nevertheless it’s exhausting to beat looking by way of bricks within the dwelling of Lego.
Set on Strøget, Copenhagen’s primary purchasing avenue, there are three primary areas, together with an interactive play zone the place you’ll be able to simply settle in and get constructing, plus info on Lego historical past and a few shows dotted across the story.
Plus you’ll be able to top off on lacking bricks from the Decide A Brick Wall, in addition to getting units in all the most well-liked themes, plus some unique to Copenhagen, in addition to Duplo for toddlers.
Extra purchasing in Copenhagen for youths
When you’re in search of different souvenirs, it’s exhausting to beat that trademark Scandi design in a string of unbiased boutiques from garments to nursery furnishings and toys.
Try Karrusella for toys and video games, or low cost designer style at Milibe clothes in Fredriksberg (on Gammel Kongevej) for a homegrown vary.
When you’re forking out, Illum division retailer has children ranges amongst its luxurious choices.
Theatre in Copenhagen with children
It won’t be an apparent alternative for a metropolis break in Copenhagen with children, however there are two theatres with reveals aimed toward youngsters and households. Det Lille Teater is greatest for 2 to 10-year-olds, and has some free performances, whereas the Anemone Teatret additionally has family-orientated afternoon reveals, for round 5 to 12 years.
For littler ones, the expertise is visible sufficient that any language hole isn’t as massive an issue and there are acquainted tales together with Pinocchio and the Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Better of all, it’s very centered on the youthful members of the viewers, and permitting them to understand the expertise – going to the theatre must be enjoyable, says the web site, including ‘We encourage all adults to let the youngsters expertise the present themselves and never touch upon all of the motion’.
The place to eat in Copenhagen with children
Torvehallerne Meals Market
With stall after stall of meals and useful tables dotted round Copenhagen’s primary market, Torvehallerne is a good place to eat and browse with children.
You may graze on every little thing from conventional smorrebrod and pastries to sushi and chocolate plus wine and low for the grown-ups.
When you’ve obtained youthful children (or choosy eaters), they’ll love the standard kanel snegle, or cinnamon snails (cinnamon rolls merely doesn’t have the identical ring)
Try what we considered Torvehallerne or see this put up for extra concepts on the place to eat in Copenhagen with children
Reffen avenue meals market
The successor to the favored Paper Island avenue meals market, Reffen is greater and higher with over 50 completely different meals stalls, bars and artistic workshops
Set in a former industrial space on the waterfront, Reffen makes use of previous delivery containers and recycled wooden for benches, whereas every stall has its personal design – managing to mix sustainability and an eclectic really feel.
Excellent if you happen to simply wish to seize an natural juice and hearken to some music, monitor down a standard Danish hotdog truck, or strive something from Peruvian, African and Romanian meals to Italian classics and New Orleans soul meals. There’s even a mini seashore with deckchairs looking to the water.
Try my full information to Denmark with children for extra suggestions and inspiration right here
**First printed 2013 – final up to date 2024**
PIN FOR LATER: THE TOP THINGS TO DO IN COPENHAGEN WITH KIDS
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Little mermaid/Torvehallerne copyright MummyTravels, all different photos courtesy of Depositphotos
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