In the event you had been going to design a metropolis that’s good to discover as a household, it might be the Scandinavians who’d handle it – and that’s precisely what they appear to have created when you’re visiting Copenhagen with children.
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Sufficiently small to get round simply (even with a buggy), you possibly can leap from the cobbled pedestrian streets of the Danish capital’s previous city to 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, 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 suppose youngsters ought to get to get pleasure from themselves too, in order that they’ll be welcome in all places 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 below are 26 of the very best issues to do in Copenhagen with children.
Take a look at my full information to Denmark with children right here
Tivoli Gardens
The 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 house and lakes to wander spherical.
Be careful for themed shows in the course of the yr too – preserve a watch out for pumpkins at Halloween, whereas the park additionally will get dressed up for the festive season when it holds the Christmas truthful (make sure you verify opening occasions when you’re visiting in winter because it does shut for intervals between New 12 months and Easter).
In the event 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 most important aquarium in northern Europe, with water on all sides plus 5 totally different ‘arms’ masking totally 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 that you may select your personal route, not like 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 beneath a waterfall.
You may also select whether or not you need to expertise 4 of the aquariums from beneath 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 when you use my code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Copenhagen Zoo
With greater than 3,000 animals and 264 species from all over the world in complete, the celebs are the 2 big pandas, however there’s loads extra to find for animal lovers when you’re visiting Copenhagen with children.
Spot native Nordic wildlife in addition to a tropical part (good for cold days or when you’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 also be residence to polar bears and seals, whereas you too can a number of the few Tasmanian devils to be present in captivity outdoors 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 every 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 ready in Bakken deer park (formally Dyrehavsbakken) simply north of town.
There are extra rollercoasters on this veteran Copenhagen household attraction, round 400 deer roaming free – and when you’re from the UK and feeling homesick, a London bus transformed right into a pub.
In the event you’re visiting Copenhagen with a toddler or youthful children, there are mild rides too in addition to a standard carousel and little prepare, plus different amusements.
The Nature Playground, Valby Park
Within the Valbyparken, just a bit manner outdoors Copenhagen’s centre, that is the nation’s largest pure playground with paths by means 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 totally different sections as children discover.
Excellent for burning off a little bit of vitality – earlier than an opportunity to refuel with some kanelsnegle (a cinammon roll, or actually a cinnamon snail).
Take a canal tour/harbour boat tour
Among the finest methods to see Copenhagen with children is from the water. The one-hour canal tour takes you previous a number of the metropolis’s predominant 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 too can discover mixed tickets for the hop-on hop-off bus and the Copenhagen boat tour.
The hop-on hop-off canal excursions are briefly suspended however there have beforehand been 48-hour tickets, which provides you much more flexibility to discover by water.
Outdoors of the summer season, these do cease at fewer spots so it’s price checking prematurely when you’re planning to discover someplace particularly.
Take a strolling tour of Copenhagen with children
With its compact centre, Copenhagen is straightforward to discover on foot, so it’s an ideal metropolis to plan a strolling tour. In the event you’ve acquired children who received’t need to spend all day strolling round, this two-hour strolling tour ticks off 15 of Copenhagen’s prime sights and is appropriate for any age (children aged 5 and beneath go free).
Or there are additionally longer excursions, together with this three-hour strolling tour that are open to all ages, though are more likely to be higher for older children than toddlers.
Fancy a meals tour of Copenhagen with a twist? There’s truly a Danish pastries strolling tour of Copenhagen taking you to 5 separate bakeries – and do you know, the Danes truly name them Viennese pastries?!
For excursions aimed particularly at youngsters and households, take a look at the Scandikidstours, geared toward children aged 6-12.
You may also discover a string of self-guided excursions of Copenhagen with varied video games and challenges concerned. Strive an out of doors escape recreation 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 motorcycle 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 a number of 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 town centre by way of 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 baby seats and cargo trailers out there for youths aged 2-8.
Copenhagen Hop on hop off bus tour
Among the finest methods to see 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 predominant hop-on-hop-off bus excursions to select from.
The Crimson 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 pink Metropolis Sightseeing buses. The inexperienced buses have an electrical roof, in case of rain, and heated throughout winter when you’re visiting Copenhagen outdoors the summer season months. The route additionally takes in an analogous 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 manner, you shouldn’t miss the image of 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.
Somewhat smaller than her iconic standing suggests (the clue is within the identify), it’s nonetheless an ideal choice for youths who love fairytales – and Disney films – plus an excellent 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 recreation – a mixture of self-guided tour and quest, you remedy 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 can even take you to the Little Mermaid when you do need to see extra of Copenhagen’s sights with out tiring out small legs – there are two choices, together with Crimson sightseeing and Stromma’s 48-hour ticket, with three routes in summer season
Altering of the Guard at Amalienborg Palace
Head to Amalienborg Palace, and on daily basis at midday you possibly can 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 Fort 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 among the finest free issues to do in Copenhagen with children: arrive early to get an excellent house 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 have a look at the outside of the Amalienborg Palace (and watched the Altering of the Guard), you possibly can head inside to be taught 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, considered one of 4 separate palaces which make up Amalienborg, you too can peek into Christian X’s research, 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 nicely.
Children aged 17 and beneath enter free. Remember it’s closed on Mondays, though you possibly can have a look at the outside at any level – you too can 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 Fort and Christiansborg
Rosenborg Fort
For extra royal historical past, head to Rosenborg Fort, residence 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 a number of 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 carry the fort to life. You may also go to a number of the king’s personal 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 Fort, 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 too can stroll round Rosenborg Backyard – often known as the King’s Backyard – which dates again to the early 1600s too. In the event you don’t plan to go contained in the fort, you possibly can go to these and not using 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 among the metropolis’s former defences, if you wish to combat off (imaginary) attackers fairly than see opulent halls.
As soon as a part of a fortification which encircled your complete metropolis, Kastellet and the ramparts in Christianshavn are all that’s left as we speak.
In the present day, it’s much less of a defensive construction (although there are nonetheless army 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 data centre.
Throughout summer season, there are additionally live shows going down, and it’s simple to mix with a go to to the Little Mermaid close by – or a brief stroll from Rosenborg Fort.
Christiansborg Palace
Christiansborg Palace was as soon as residence to the royal household, however now homes the Danish Parliament and different official our bodies such because the Supreme Courtroom – however you possibly can nonetheless discover a number of 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 obtained as we speak), plus the Nice Corridor.
However you too can 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 a number of the older ruins, was used to imprison necessary prisoners of state.
You may also additionally see the previous Royal Kitchen, set for a gala dinner in 1937, together with sufficient meals for 275 company.
The Copenhagen Card (each the Uncover and Hop variations) consists of entry to the Christiansborg Palace, in addition to Rosenborg Fort and Amalienborg
The Youngsters’s Museum on the Nationwide Museum of Denmark
Set within the Nationwide Museum of Denmark, and geared toward 4 to 10-year-olds, there’s an entire string of interactive exhibitions and shows to carry historical past to life at the Youngsters’s Museum – and getting arms on is inspired.
Go to a Viking home and plan a raid, discover a Nineteen Twenties home to see how youngsters lived only a hundred years in the past or strive cooking Center Ages-style.
And whereas a number of the shows in the principle museum are simply as fascinating, particularly with older children who’re fascinated by the Vikings, the kids’s museum part is good as every little thing is kind 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 may also look out for The Boredom Button, which may very well be tucked away wherever within the Nationwide Museum – and count on surprises while you push it, whether or not it’s work beginning to speak, assembly a fire-breathing dragon or a sword-swinging samurai. Youngsters beneath 18 enter free when you’re on the lookout for low cost issues to do in Copenhagen with children too.
Purchase tickets to the Nationwide Museum of Denmark, together with exhibitions and the Youngsters’s Museum right here – beneath 18s enter free. You may also get mixed tickets to the Nationwide museum and Tivoli Gardens
Pure Historical past Museum of Denmark
Copenhagen’s Pure Historical past Museum is ready within the nook of town’s Botanical Backyard – which additionally makes it simple to go to each on the similar time.
A fantastic choice when you’re visiting Copenhagen within the rain with children, or with children who love pure historical past, you possibly can contact a meteorite within the mineral home, go to the butterfly home in summer season, and uncover extra of the pure world within the usually altering exhibitions.
The subsequent to open in June 2024 known as Wild Fantastic World, masking the museum’s enormous assortment – every little thing from the tiniest creatures to very 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 folks 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 positioning.
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 unbelievable interactive science centre is barely outdoors Copenhagen metropolis centre however it’s nicely 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 big cleaning soap bubbles, the change to freeze your shadow within the Labyrinth of Gentle, the ship simulator and large ball monitor within the Port plus a number of different exhibitions.
The Puzzler is for many who love a maths problem or a logic puzzle, whereas the Miniverse is geared 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 collection of loopy rooms impressed by our personal properties.
Actually, there are nearly too many highlights to select, however that is good for giant children and little ones to get studying as they play – discovering extra in regards to 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 house within the Copenhagen Planetarium Dome, the biggest tilted dome in Europe with 8K decision – the subsequent neatest thing to boarding a rocket your self.
In addition to the unimaginable reveals, there are additionally a collection 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 biggest moon rock on show outdoors the US.
Tickets embody entry to the exhibitions and one present, in addition to household actions at weekends and in the course of 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 Struggle Museum
In the event you wouldn’t usually put a conflict museum prime of your wishlist on a metropolis break, it’s nicely price contemplating the Danish Struggle Museum, which covers warfare from the 1500s till modern-day.
So in addition to knights in armour, you too can uncover extra about present and up to date conflicts, stepping right into a Danish army camp in Afghanistan in addition to displays on the conflict in Iraq.
You’ll discover samurai swords in addition to tales of wars with Sweden and England, displays on the Second World Struggle and Chilly Struggle, and a few extra stress-free 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 in the course of the summer season 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 manner outdoors Copenhagen, if you’d like a style of Danish life in days passed by, the Open Air Museum is among the oldest and largest open-air museums on this 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 nearly three centuries, from 1650 to 1940, you possibly can watch folks baking bread, making wool and even be taught extra about beekeeping, plus the prospect to see an previous picket windmill in motion and trip in a horse-drawn carriage.
It’s round a 30-minute prepare trip from Copenhagen (and included within the Copenhagen Card)
Guinness World Information Museum
Copenhagen is residence 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 possibly can uncover extra in regards to the world’s tallest man and the world’s smallest lady, but in addition see quirky information reminiscent of greater than 1.3 million dominoes falling over, strive the interactive Sport Zone.
It’s not enormous, 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 received’t need to miss Legoland in Billund, additional west in Denmark, however when you don’t have probability to get out of town, it’s nonetheless residence to the Lego flagship retailer.
It’s not the world’s greatest Lego Retailer (you’ll discover that in Leicester Sq. in London) however it’s arduous to beat shopping by means of bricks within the residence of Lego.
Set on Strøget, Copenhagen’s predominant buying avenue, there are three predominant areas, together with an interactive play zone the place you possibly can simply settle in and get constructing, plus data on Lego historical past and a few shows dotted across the story.
Plus you possibly can 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 buying in Copenhagen for youths
In the event you’re on the lookout for different souvenirs, it’s arduous to beat that trademark Scandi design in a string of impartial boutiques from garments to nursery furnishings and toys.
Take a look at Karrusella for toys and video games, or low cost designer style at Milibe clothes in Fredriksberg (on Gammel Kongevej) for a homegrown vary.
In the event 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 geared toward youngsters and households. Det Lille Teater is finest 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 targeted 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 kids 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 helpful tables dotted round Copenhagen’s predominant market, Torvehallerne is a superb 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 occasional for the grown-ups.
In the event you’ve acquired youthful children (or choosy eaters), they’ll love the standard kanel snegle, or cinnamon snails (cinnamon rolls merely doesn’t have the identical ring)
Take a look at 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 totally different meals stalls, bars and inventive workshops
Set in a former industrial space on the waterfront, Reffen makes use of previous transport containers and recycled wooden for benches, whereas every stall has its personal design – managing to mix sustainability and an eclectic really feel.
Excellent when you simply need to seize an natural juice and take heed 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 searching to the water.
Take a look at my full information to Denmark with children for extra ideas and inspiration right here
**First printed 2013 – final up to date 2024**
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Little mermaid/Torvehallerne copyright MummyTravels, all different pictures courtesy of Depositphotos
