What to do in Copenhagen with kids
Experiencing Copenhagen with kids is fairly easy. Most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other, public transportation is convenient, and most bike rentals have children’s bikes available. And the city actually has a lot to offer the younger audience. Here are some of the possibilities for children when visiting Copenhagen from the easy, to the cultural and to the active amusement our lovely city have to offer.
Easy amusement
The Tivoli Gardens on Vesterbrogade 3: One of the oldest amusement parks in the world, Tivoli is situated in the centre of Copenhagen and is very popular with local families and tourists. Although Tivoli offers diversions for grown-ups, with live concerts, theatre and loads of eateries, it’s mostly a place for children and playful adults. There are several rides for young and older children alike, and many food options to accommodate their hunger. At night, Tivoli lights up and channels its historic legacy, which is well worth an appreciative stroll. Contained within the old garden walls, Tivoli can become very crowded during peak season, but arm yourselves with a portion of patience and your kids will love you even more for it! There are fees for entry and rides. www.tivoli.dk
Bakken on Dyrehavevej 62: The world’s oldest operating amusement park is situated in beautiful old hunting grounds, just 10 kilometres north of Copenhagen. It’s easily reached by train, and you can either make the additional 10-minute stroll through the old hunting grounds, or take an old-fashioned carriage ride from Klampenborg Station. Surrounded by trees and wild life, Bakken offers several rides for kids and adults and has various eateries to sustain you throughout a long day. Open from late March to September, Bakken is popular throughout the season with locals and tourists. There are no entry fees, but fees for rides apply.
Experimentarium on Tuborg Havnevej 7: Just 30 minutes away from Copenhagen’s inner city, the educational science center Experimentarium is looking more beautiful and appealing than ever. When you walk in, you’ll experience a wow-effect and it have also given it a reputation as one of the worlds 100 best experiences. Inside there are plenty of science-based activities that all begs for you to come together to solve it together as a family, while it stimulates the children’s imagination in a fun active way like Danes expect it to be. Often it also gets as real as it can get, as they frequently dissect different animals in front of the children – which is very normal for elementary schoolers to experience through their education. There are entrance fees that depends on age.
Keen on culture
Nationalmuseet on Ny Vestergarde 10: Denmark’s largest museum of cultural history has many child-friendly exhibitions and activities. Besides a permanent exhibition on historic toys, the Nationalmuseet has a complete Children’s Museum section within its premises exhibiting Vikings, life in the Middle Ages, and Granddad’s classroom. Throughout the various exhibitions, it is possible to try on historic dressings and participate in the given historic era with guidance from museum staff. Entrance is free.
Frilandsmuseet on Kongevejen 100: Just 30 minutes. outside Copenhagen by train or bus, the Open Air Museum offers a unique insight into ordinary lives and conditions in Denmark throughout various centuries. Containing over 50 farms, houses, smallholdings, and mills from the period between 1650 and 1940, it is one of the oldest and largest museums of its kind. It’s a seasonal museum with most activities provided from Easter to early autumn, so check their website for additional information. Bring your own lunch and enjoy the special atmosphere, guided tours, or other interactive activities. Entrance is free of charge.
Thorvaldsens Museum on Bertel Thorvaldsens Plads 3:Within the inner city of Copenhagen, Bertel Thorvaldsens Museum is a great visit in itself! Go explore the beautiful tile patterns on the floor, look up and see how many of the angels and the stars you can count in the decorated roof, or just be in awe of the artists huge statues in plaster or marble where you will find long lost heroes such as Herkules. There are different fees for entry depending on age.
Krigsmuseet on Tøjhusgade 3:Right next to Christiansborg Palace in the inner city, Krigsmuseet – the war museum – is located and never ceases to amaze even the most avid war enthusiast. Inside modern as well as historical guns, canons, boat models, armors, uniforms and lethal swords can be traced all the way back to the 17thcentury and they often host different events, one of the cooler recent ones was a pirate event where you would dress up as a pirate and explore life as a pirate with the tools and weapon they dealt with. There are different fees for entry depending on your age.
Active visitors
Klatreskoven on Pasteurvej 8-10: As a green oasis between the old Carlsberg Breweries and Vesterbro, Klatreskoven offers adventures in the treetops. Accessible by either bus or train, Klatreskoven offers something for the adventurous child and accompanying adult, and, with several tracks depending on skill, is suitable for kids of various ages. They have several instructors on-site, making it possible for your children to advance in tracks. Although their website is not available in English yet, instructors are fluent in English and can guide you throughout the day. Prices depend on age and skill. For more information call +45 2894 4648 or send an email to [email protected].
Eventyrfabrikken on Telegrafvej 2:If your children can’t get it crazy or wild enough and needs to burn through some energy, Eventyrfabrikken is your sanctuary. A short 20 minute S-train ride from Copenhagen, 8000 sq/m awaits you and they have all sorts of fun and games such as electric carrusels, a 7D-movie theater, a laser room with different shooting games and not just one, but three types of bumper cars. Not all of the activities are included in the entrance fee, which you should be aware of. Prices vary depending on age.
Creative Space on Gammelkongevej 154: Creative Space allows you to paint your own pottery with over 170 items to choose from. Prices include all materials, and vary according to size and type of item chosen. The prices range from DKK 90 and upwards depending on the item. If your kids have creative urges, bring them here, let their creative talents unfold, and bring back a unique souvenir from Copenhagen. It’s a very small, but popular place — should you wish to visit on a weekend, reservations could be required. Although their website is not available in English yet, instructors are fluent in English and can assist you throughout the creative process. For further information call +45 33 79 00 72 or email [email protected].