Copenhagen is a city that seems to think about families almost everywhere you go. It is compact and welcoming, full of green spaces, pedestrian streets, and activities that invite families to explore together. From historic amusement parks to interactive museums and delightful sweet treats, the city offers a wonderful mix of play, learning, and culture. Below are ten great things to enjoy with children in Copenhagen.
Tivoli Gardens
A visit to Tivoli Gardens is one of the highlights of any trip to Copenhagen. Located right in the heart of the city, Tivoli combines beautiful gardens with classic and modern amusement rides. Younger children adore the gentle carousels and puppet shows, while older ones gravitate toward the thrilling roller coasters and spinners.
The park also hosts concerts, seasonal decorations, and live performances that keep the energy high. In the evening, thousands of lights illuminate the gardens, creating an enchanting atmosphere that captivates visitors of all ages. Tivoli is more than a theme park. It is a historic and cultural experience that feels like stepping into another world.
ByOasen on Nørrebro
In the heart of Nørrebro, tucked between apartment buildings and busy streets, you will find ByOasen. This small urban farm feels like a hidden village in the middle of the city and offers children a chance to experience animals and nature up close.
ByOasen is home to goats, rabbits, chickens, sheep, and even ponies. Children can watch the animals being fed, and on certain days they may be allowed to help or gently interact under supervision. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the setting encourages curiosity about farming, sustainability, and animal care.
The space also includes creative workshops and small gardens where vegetables and herbs are grown. It is a wonderful contrast to the more classic tourist attractions and provides an authentic glimpse into everyday community life in Copenhagen. For families exploring Nørrebro, ByOasen offers a peaceful and hands on break where children can slow down, connect with animals, and simply enjoy being outdoors.
Den Blå Planet
The National Aquarium, Den Blå Planet, is Scandinavia’s largest aquarium and an unforgettable experience for children who love sea creatures. Designed to resemble a giant whirlpool, the building houses thousands of animals and hundreds of species.
From walking through underwater tunnels surrounded by sharks and rays to watching energetic otters frolic, the aquarium presents marine life in a dynamic and immersive way. Interactive exhibits help children of different ages learn about ocean ecosystems and environmental issues in an engaging manner.
Experimentarium
Just about 15 minutes with public transportation from the city center, science becomes play at Experimentarium, a hands on indoor space dedicated to curiosity and experimentation. Touch, test, and try out exhibits that reveal the wonders of physics, biology, and human perception.
Children love splashing in water tables, experimenting with sound and light, and making discoveries that feel more like games than lessons. There are special areas designed for younger children, ensuring that families with mixed ages can all find something fun and stimulating.
Copenhagen Zoo
At Copenhagen Zoo, families can meet animals from all corners of the globe. One of the zoo’s highlights is its elephant house, designed by architect Norman Foster. The zoo is arranged in a way that allows visitors to move at an easy pace, with picnic spots and playgrounds throughout.
Watching polar bears swim, giraffes grazing, and monkeys swinging is a delight for children, and the zoo often offers feeding times and talks that make the visit even more engaging.
Playground Culture in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has a remarkable playground culture. There are more than one hundred public playgrounds spread across the city, reflecting a strong belief that play is an essential part of childhood. Many are located within parks, by the waterfront, or integrated into residential neighborhoods, making them easy to include in a day of sightseeing. One of the most unique examples is the Traffic Playground in Fælledparken, officially known as Trafiklegepladsen. Here, children do not just climb and slide. They learn how to navigate traffic in a safe and playful environment designed like a miniature city.
The playground features small streets with real road signs, traffic lights, intersections, and pedestrian crossings. Children can borrow bicycles, tricycles, and helmets on site and practice riding according to the rules of the road. There are even miniature gas stations and road markings that make the experience feel realistic and exciting.
The Traffic Playground reflects a broader Danish approach to childhood independence and cycling culture. Learning how to move safely through traffic is considered an important life skill, and this space allows children to build confidence while having fun. Like many public playgrounds in Copenhagen, it is free to use and supervised during opening hours, making it both educational and enjoyable for families visiting the city.
Planetarium
For families fascinated by space and science, a visit to Planetarium is an inspiring experience. Located by the lakes in central Copenhagen, the Planetarium is dedicated to astronomy, space exploration, and our place in the universe.
The highlight for many visitors is the large dome theater, where films about planets, astronauts, black holes, and distant galaxies are shown on a spectacular 360 degree screen. Leaning back and watching stars move across the ceiling feels immersive and almost magical. The films are both educational and visually impressive, making complex scientific topics accessible for children and adults alike.
In addition to the dome shows, the exhibition areas feature interactive displays about space missions, meteorites, and the history of astronomy. Children can learn about rockets, try hands on activities, and explore questions about life beyond Earth. The Planetarium combines entertainment with learning and is an excellent option for a rainy day or for young visitors who dream of becoming astronauts.
Frilandsmuseet
Just north of the city lies Frilandsmuseet, one of the largest open air museums in the world. Here, families can explore historic farmhouses, windmills, and rural buildings from across Denmark.
Children can run freely between the old houses, meet traditional farm animals, and see how people lived centuries ago. During the summer season, staff dressed in period clothing demonstrate crafts and daily life from earlier times. It is an educational experience that feels like stepping into a living storybook.
Sømods Bolcher
For a sweet and uniquely Danish experience, visit Sømods Bolcher in Nørregade. This traditional candy factory has been producing handmade boiled sweets since 1891, and it still follows many of the original techniques. Walking through the door feels like stepping back in time, with glass jars filled with brightly colored candies lining the shelves and the scent of sugar in the air.
Sømods works according to the principle of open doors, which means visitors are welcome to watch the candy production free of charge. On weekdays, production typically takes place several times a day, and you can see the hot sugar mass being kneaded, stretched, rolled, and cut by hand using traditional tools and copper pots. The craftsmanship is impressive, and children are often mesmerized by the transformation from liquid sugar to perfectly shaped sweets.
The experience is both entertaining and educational, offering a glimpse into a small piece of living Danish history. Groups and schools can book in advance, but individual visitors can simply stop by and observe the process. Tasting freshly made bolcher afterward makes the visit even more memorable and provides a delicious and authentic souvenir to bring home.
Bakken in the Deer Park
Near Frilandsmuseet and set within a scenic forest lies Dyrehavsbakken, often simply called Bakken. It is the world’s oldest operating amusement park and offers a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by nature.
Families can combine classic rides with a walk in the surrounding deer park, where herds of deer roam freely. The combination of amusement and natural beauty creates a uniquely Danish family outing.
A City Made for Play and Discovery
What truly sets Copenhagen apart is how naturally culture and play blend together. Historic castles stand next to modern playgrounds, and interactive museums are never far from green parks. The city is designed on a human scale, with short distances and safe streets that make exploration easy.
From the lights of Tivoli to the hands on experiments at Experimentarium, from creative play to tasting handmade sweets at Sømods Bolcher, Copenhagen offers children the freedom to be curious and active. It is a city where history feels alive, creativity is encouraged, and families can create lasting memories together.
Written by Therese
