26 things to do in Copenhagen with kids

If you were going to design a city that’s perfect to explore as a family, it would be the Scandinavians who’d do it – and that’s exactly what they seem to have created if you’re visiting Copenhagen with kids.

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Small enough to get around easily (even with a buggy), you can jump from the cobbled pedestrian streets of the Danish capital’s old town to the city’s parks and the beach nearby, plus there are reserved places for pushchairs on public transport in Copenhagen for kids.

Along with the world-famous Tivoli Gardens with its amusement park, the city’s iconic statue of the Little Mermaid is straight out of a fairytale. And while you might not get Mediterranean-style fussing over babies, the Danes very democratically think children should get to enjoy themselves too, so they’ll be welcome everywhere from cafes to special family friendly exhibitions in museums.

With plenty to fill a long weekend with kids in Copenhagen, this city is great even with little ones – as my toddler and I discovered. Here are 26 of the best things to do in Copenhagen with kids.

Check out my complete guide to Denmark with kids here

Tivoli Gardens 

The city’s second oldest amusement park, Tivoli Gardens is 180 years old, so still one of the world’s oldest theme parks. There are fireworks every Saturday night, rollercoasters and rides, plus plenty of green space and lakes to wander round.

Watch out for themed displays during the year too – keep an eye out for pumpkins at Halloween, while the park also gets dressed up for the festive season when it holds the Christmas fair (be sure to check opening times if you’re visiting in winter as it does close for long periods between New Year and Easter).

If you don’t fancy the rides – or have small kids who don’t – there’s still plenty to look at as you wander round, gentler attractions and little souvenir shops, so this is somewhere that’s great for the whole family.

The Blue Planet aquarium

This is the biggest aquarium in northern Europe with water on all sides plus five different ‘arms’ including sharks in the Ocean tank and brightly coloured fish in the Coral Reef section.

One benefit of Denmark’s National Aquarium is that you can choose your own route, unlike some other aquariums which send you round a particular path.

Spot rays and eels alongside the hammerhead sharks in the four million litre Ocean tank, as well as butterflies and birds in the Amazonas area, plus piranhas and anacondas under a waterfall.

You can also choose whether you want to experience four of the aquariums from under the water line or above for a different view.

You can sometimes find combined tickets to the Blue Planet with the hop-on hop-off bus

Copenhagen Zoo

With more than 3,000 animals and 264 species from around the world in total, the stars are the two pandas, but there’s plenty more to discover for animal lovers, if you’re visiting Copenhagen with kids.

Spot local Nordic wildlife as well as a tropical section (perfect for chilly days or if you’re visiting Copenhagen in the rain), not to mention a children’s zoo where kids can meet pygmy goats and snakes at Copenhagen Zoo.

The ‘Arctic Ring’ is also home to polar bears and seals, while you can also see the only Tasmanian devils to be found in captivity outside of Tasmania, hippos and the inhabitants of the Elephant House designed by Sir Norman Foster.

One of the oldest zoos in Europe, founded in 1859, there are 27 acres to explore as well as daily activities including feeding programmes and special experiences. Prebook skip-the-line tickets here.

Entry to Copenhagen Zoo is included in the Copenhagen Card, along with public transport and more than 80 other attractions in the city

Bakken deer park

The world’s oldest amusement park, now 426 years old, is set in Bakken deer park (officially Dyrehavsbakken) just north of the city.

There are more rollercoasters in this veteran Copenhagen family attraction, around 400 deer roaming free and if you’re feeling homesick, a London bus converted into a pub.

If you’re visiting Copenhagen with a toddler or younger kids, there are gentle rides too as well as a traditional carousel and little train, plus other amusements.

The Nature Playground, Valby Park

In the Valbyparken, just a little way outside Copenhagen’s centre, this is the country’s largest natural playground with paths through the small hills, an earthwork with a lookout point and climbing ropes, and 17 themed gardens to wander round.

Stretching across 20,000 metres squares, there’s a lovely mix of activities like climbing, ropes and towers, with separate sections filled with sand or flowers, plus a footbridge to connect different sections as kids explore.

Perfect for burning off a bit of energy – before a chance to refuel with some kanelsnegle (a cinammon roll, or literally a cinnamon snail).

Take a canal tour/harbour boat tour

One of the best ways to see Copenhagen with kids is from the water. The one-hour canal tour takes you past some of the city’s main attractions – and it’s short enough that even littler ones will enjoy the views until their attention span runs out.

Venturing out around the harbour, you’ll also spot some of Copenhagen’s key sights, from palaces to the Little Mermaid, and you can also find combined tickets for the hop-on hop-off bus and the Copenhagen boat tour.

The hop-on hop-off canal tours are temporarily suspended until 2024, but the 48-hour tickets should return then, which gives you even more flexibility to explore by water.

Outside of the summer, these do stop at fewer spots so it’s worth checking in advance if you’re planning to explore somewhere in particular.

Take a walking tour of Copenhagen with kids

With its compact centre, Copenhagen is easy to explore on foot, so it’s a great city to plan a walking tour. If you’ve got kids who won’t want to spend all day strolling around, this two-hour walking tour ticks off 15 of Copenhagen’s top sights and is suitable for any age (kids aged five and under go free).

Or there are also longer tours, including this three-hour walking tour which are open to all ages, although are likely to be better for older kids than toddlers.

For tours aimed specifically at children and families, check out the Scandikidstours, aimed at kids aged 6-12.

You can also find a string of self-guided tours of Copenhagen with various games and challenges involved. Try an outdoor escape game themed around the Little Mermaid or a more straight-forward treasure hunt tour – choose between this scavenger hunt of Copenhagen and this family treasure hunt city tour.

Take a bike tour of Copenhagen with kids

Copenhagen is a city designed for bikes – so why not explore with a guided bike tour? This three-hour bike tour of Copenhagen includes the option of booking children’s bikes, and takes you past lots of the main sights.

Along the way you’ll bike along the waterfront to the Little Mermaid statue, as well as seeing Copenhagen’s lakes, and navigating the city centre via its bike lanes, all led by a local.

If you want a shorter option, this 90-minute bike tour is suitable for teens and older. Or save your legs a bit and rent an e-bike, with child seats and cargo trailers available for kids aged 2-8.

Copenhagen Hop on hop off bus tour

One of the best ways to see the city’s sights without too much walking for younger kids, or a great way to get your bearings in your first day, there are two main hop-on-hop-off bus tours to choose from.

The Red Sightseeing bus includes an audio guide plus a 60-minute canal tour, with 22 stops around the city, including Tivoli, the Amalienborg Palace, the Little Mermaid, Nyhavn and Christianshavn. Plus you get 24 hours unlimited hop on hop off.

Or try the 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket from Stromma, which allows you to use both the green buses with the Stromma logo and the red City Sightseeing buses. The green buses have an electric roof, in case of rain, and heated during winter if you’re visiting Copenhagen outside the summer months. The route also takes in a similar set of key sights in the city.

The Hop version of the Copenhagen Card includes a hop-on hop-off bus tour, although the Discover card (which includes transport from the airport and in the city centre, plus more attractions) does not.

The Little Mermaid

Whether you see her from a boat tour, bus tour, walking tour or any other way, you shouldn’t miss the symbol of the city – wander the pedestrian streets from Kongens Nytorv (King’s New Square) to Nyhavn, the harbour street with the brightly coloured houses that’s one of the city’s most famous views, and gaze out to the Little Mermaid.

Rather smaller than her iconic status suggests (the clue is in the name), it’s still a great option for kids who love fairytales – and Disney movies – plus a good motivator to wander along the waterfront with the statue as your goal.

To make your visit to the statue even more fun, check out this Little Mermaid game – a mix of self-guided tour and quest, you solve clues that unlock stories, and it takes you to nine locations including those linked to Hans Christian Andersen as well as the Little Mermaid along the way.

The hop on hop off bus tours will also take you to the Little Mermaid if you do want to see more of Copenhagen’s sights without tiring out small legs – there are two options, including Red sightseeing and Stromma’s 48-hour ticket, with three routes in summer

Changing of the Guard at Amalienborg Palace

Head to Amalienborg Palace, and every day at noon you can see the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony, which dates back to 1658.

The palace is still the home of the Danish royal family, and once a day, the new guards leave nearby Rosenborg Castle at 11.30 to arrive at Amalienborg at around midday.

Dressed in ceremonial uniforms and bearskin hats, they’ll also be accompanied by a marching band if the monarch is in residence.

Similar to other Changing of the Guard ceremonies in Europe, it’s one of the best free things to do in Copenhagen with kids: arrive early to get a good space to watch (and you can expect police to be directing spectators as to where to stand so you aren’t standing right in the guards’ path).

Amalienborg Palace Museum

Once you’ve had a look at the exterior of the Amalienborg Palace (and watched the Changing of the Guard), you can head inside to  learn more about Denmark’s royal history at the Amalienborg Museum, as well as seeing some of its luxurious room.

Set inside Christian VIII’s Palace, one of four separate palaces which make up Amalienborg, you can also peek into Christian X’s study, marvel at the Faberge Chamber and see the Gala Hall which is still used for royal state occasions. Don’t miss the treasury with its priceless jewellery as well.

Kids aged 17 and under enter free. Be aware it’s closed on Mondays, although you can look at the exterior at any point – you can also explore the grounds and nearby area using this Amalienborg Palace Mystery Tour.

The Copenhagen Card (both the Discover and Hop versions) includes entry to the Amalienborg Palace, as well as Rosenborg Castle and Christiansborg

Rosenborg Castle

For more royal history, head to Rosenborg Castle, home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, as well as the country’s royal regalia.

Dating back 400 years, it was built by Christian IV (also famous for having more than 20 children!) and you can still see some of the royal family’s possessions on display.

The Great Hall houses Denmark’s coronation thrones, as well as three life-size silver lions, while wax figures of former inhabitants are also dotted around the other rooms to bring the castle to life. You can also visit some of the king’s private chambers, including the Winter Room, one of the oldest in the castle.

The Copenhagen Card (both the Discover and Hop versions) includes entry to Rosenborg Castle, as well as the Amalienborg Palace and Christiansborg – you currently need to prebook a timeslot for Rosenborg Palace

After you’ve explored inside, you can also stroll around Rosenborg Garden – also known as the King’s Garden – which dates back to the early 1600s too. If you don’t plan to go inside the castle, you can visit these without a ticket and enjoy the views of the palace exterior.

Kastellet fortress (the Citadel)

The royal palaces aren’t the only place to soak up some history in Copenhagen – the pentagon-shaped Kastellet (or Citadel) is one of the city’s former defences, if you want to fight off (imaginary) attackers rather than see opulent halls.

Once part of a fortification which encircled the entire city, Kastellet and the ramparts in Christianshavn are all that’s left today.

Today, it’s less of a defensive structure (though there are still military inside as its used as a barracks) with a public park inside and other historic buildings including a windmill and the Citadel Church, as well as some little museums and an information centre.

During summer, there are also concerts taking place, and it’s easy to combine with a visit to the Little Mermaid nearby – or a short walk from Rosenborg Castle.

Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg Palace was once home to the royal family, but now houses the Danish Parliament and other official bodies such as the Supreme Court – but you can still explore some of the royal history inside.

The Royal Reception Rooms are open to the public (unless the monarch is actually using one for an official event) including the Tower Room and the Oval Throne room (where foreign ambassadors are still received today), plus the Great Hall.

But you can also travel further back in time and head into the ruins of the castles which predate the present Christiansborg Palace, some of which date as far back as 1167. The Blue Tower, part of some of the older ruins, was used to imprison important prisoners of state.

You can also also see the former Royal Kitchen, set for a gala dinner in 1937, including enough food for 275 guests.

The Copenhagen Card (both the Discover and Hop versions) includes entry to the Christiansborg Palace, as well as Rosenborg Castle and Amalienborg

The Children’s Museum at the National Museum of Denmark

Set in the National Museum of Denmark, and aimed at four to 10-year-olds, there’s a whole string of interactive exhibitions and displays to bring history to life at the Children’s Museum – and getting hands on is encouraged.

Visit a Viking house and plan a raid, explore a 1920s house to see how children lived just a hundred years ago or try cooking Middle Ages-style.

And while some of the displays in the main museum are just as fascinating, especially with older kids who are fascinated by the Vikings, the children’s museum section is ideal as everything is quite literally marked ‘do touch’.

Kids are encouraged to relive life from Denmark’s history whether they make a snack in a medieval kitchen or take the helm in a Viking ship.

You can also look out for The Boredom Button, which could be tucked away anywhere in the National Museum – and expect surprises when you push it, whether it’s paintings starting to talk, meeting a fire-breathing dragon or a sword-swinging samurai. Children under 18 enter free if you’re looking for cheap things to do in Copenhagen with kids too.

Buy tickets to the National Museum of Denmark, including exhibitions and the Children’s Museum here – under 18s enter free. You can also get combined tickets to the National museum and Tivoli Gardens

Natural History Museum of Denmark

Copenhagen’s Natural History Museum is set in the corner of the city’s Botanical Garden – which also makes it easy to visit both at the same time.

A great option if you’re visiting Copenhagen in the rain with kids, or with kids who love natural history, you can touch a meteorite in the mineral house, visit the butterfly house in summer, and discover more of the natural world in the regularly changing exhibitions.

The latest to open in all about Monkeys (running to February 2024), covering everything from the tiniest lemurs up to the biggest gorillas, as well as plenty more apes, monkeys and primates in between. Designed to appeal to kids, the taxidermy creatures are posed to show their behaviour in the wild, and there are plenty of interactive additions to bring the displays to life.

The Zoological Museum, which was previously part of the Natural History Museum, is now closed with plans for a new opening on the site.

Entry to the Natural History Museum is included in the Copenhagen Card, along with public transport and more than 80 other attractions in the city

Experimentarium Science Museum

This fantastic interactive science centre is slightly outside Copenhagen city centre but it’s well worth making the journey to visit Experimentarium.

There are three floors to discover, as well as the rooftop garden, including the Bubblearium with its giant soap bubbles, the change to freeze your shadow in the Labyrinth of Light, the ship simulator and huge ball track in the Port plus lots of other exhibitions.

The Puzzler is for those who love a maths challenge or a logic puzzle, while the Miniverse is aimed at kids aged 1-5. You can even step into the world of micro-organisms, be inspired to come up with new brainwaves and play in Pulse Plaza, a series of crazy rooms inspired by our own homes.

In fact, there are almost too many highlights to pick out, but this is perfect for big kids and little ones to get learning as they play – discovering more about the world has never been so fun before. You can take the metro, trains or buses to get there (or cycle along the waterfront from Copenhagen).

Entry to Experimentarium is included in the Copenhagen Card, along with public transport and more than 80 other attractions in the city

Planetarium

Transport yourself to outer space in the Copenhagen Planetarium Dome, the largest tilted dome in Europe with 8K resolution – the next best thing to boarding a rocket yourself.

As well as the incredible shows, there are also a series of exhibitions, including a chance to discover what we’re made of starting from the Big Bang, a chance to explore the rings of Saturn and see the largest moon rock on display outside the US.

Tickets include access to the exhibitions and one show, as well as family activities at weekends and during the school holidays. Right in the heart of Copenhagen, the Planetarium is only 500m from Tivoli Gardens.

Entry to the Planetarium is included in the Copenhagen Card, along with public transport and more than 80 other attractions in the city

Danish War Museum

If you wouldn’t normally put a war museum top of your wishlist on a city break, it’s well worth considering the Danish War Museum, which covers warfare from the 1500s until modern day.

So as well as knights in armour, you can also discover more about current and recent conflicts, stepping into a Danish military camp in Afghanistan as well as exhibits on the war in Iraq.

You’ll find samurai swords as well as stories of wars with Sweden and England, exhibits on the Second World War and Cold War, and some more relaxing options with stories from Danes who sailed the seven seas.

Set in the former 17th century arsenal on Slotsholmen, right in the heart of Copenhagen, there are also family activities during the summer holidays. Entry is free for under-18s.

Entry is included in the Copenhagen Card, along with public transport and more than 80 other attractions in the city

Open air museum (Frilandsmuseet)

Set a little way outside Copenhagen, if you want a taste of Danish life in days gone by, the Open Air Museum is one of the oldest and largest open-air museums in the world.

Buildings have been dismantled and reassembled across 86 acres of land, including cottages and mills from Denmark, Sweden and the Faroe Islands, plus farm buildings and houses.

Covering almost three centuries, from 1650 to 1940, you can watch people baking bread, making wool and even learn more about beekeeping, plus the chance to see an old wooden windmill in action and ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

It’s around a 30-minute train ride from Copenhagen (and included in the Copenhagen Card)

Guinness World Records Museum

Copenhagen is home to the only Guinness World Records Museum in Europe, celebrating record-breaking achievements in art, music, sport, science and nature.

Set over 11 galleries on two floors, you can discover more about the world’s tallest man and the world’s smallest woman, but also see quirky records such as more than 1.3 million dominoes falling over, try the interactive Game Zone.

It’s not huge, so you don’t need to set much time aside, but for a quick visit and some games, it’s a fun family friendly option.

Entry is included in the Copenhagen Card, along with public transport and more than 80 other attractions in the city

Lego Store

Lego fans won’t want to miss Legoland in Billund, further west in Denmark, but if you don’t get out of the city, it’s still home to the Lego flagship store.

It’s not the world’s biggest Lego Store (you’ll find that in Leicester Square in London) but it’s hard to beat browsing through bricks in the home of Lego.

Set on Strøget, Copenhagen’s main shopping street, there are three main areas, including an interactive play zone where you can just settle in and get building, plus information on Lego history and some displays dotted around the story.

Plus you can stock up on missing bricks from the Pick A Brick Wall, as well as getting sets in all the most popular themes, plus some exclusive to Copenhagen, as well as Duplo for toddlers.

More shopping in Copenhagen for kids

If you’re looking for other souvenirs, it’s hard to beat that trademark Scandi design in a string of independent boutiques from clothes to nursery furniture and toys.

Check out Karrusella for toys and games, or discount designer fashion at Milibe clothing in Fredriksberg (on Gammel Kongevej) for a homegrown range.

If you’re splashing out, Illum department store has kids ranges among its luxury offerings.

Theatre in Copenhagen with kids

It might not be an obvious choice for a city break in Copenhagen with kids, but there are two theatres with shows aimed at children and families. Det Lille Teater is best for two to 10-year-olds, and has some free performances, while the Anemone Teatret also has family-orientated afternoon shows, for around five to 12 years.

For littler ones, the experience is visual enough that any language gap isn’t as big a problem and there are familiar stories including Pinocchio and the Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Best of all, it’s very focused on the younger members of the audience, and allowing them to appreciate the experience – going to the theatre should be fun, says the website, adding ‘We encourage all adults to let the children experience the show themselves and not comment on all the action’.

Where to eat in Copenhagen with kids

Torvehallerne Food Market

With stall after stall of food and handy tables dotted around Copenhagen’s main market, Torvehallerne is a great place to eat and browse with kids.

You can graze on everything from traditional smorrebrod and pastries to sushi and chocolate plus wine and coffee for the grown-ups.

If you’ve got younger kids (or picky eaters), they’ll love the traditional kanel snegle, or cinnamon snails (cinnamon rolls simply doesn’t have the same ring)

Check out what we thought of Torvehallerne or see this post for more ideas on where to eat in Copenhagen with kids 

Reffen street food market

The successor to the popular Paper Island street food market, Reffen is bigger and better with over 50 different food stalls, bars and creative workshops

Set in a former industrial area on the waterfront, Reffen uses old shipping containers and recycled wood for benches, while each stall has its own design – managing to combine sustainability and an eclectic feel.

Perfect if you just want to grab an organic juice and listen to some music, track down a traditional Danish hotdog truck, or try anything from Peruvian, African and Romanian food to Italian classics and New Orleans soul food. There’s even a mini beach with deckchairs looking out to the water.

Check out my complete guide to Denmark with kids for more tips and inspiration here

**First published 2013 – last updated 2023**

PIN FOR LATER: THE TOP THINGS TO DO IN COPENHAGEN WITH KIDS

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission

Little mermaid/Torvehallerne copyright MummyTravels, Blue Planet courtesy Visit Denmark/Adam Mørk, all other images courtesy of Depositphotos

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