Copenhagen is one of those cities where you think: fun for a city trip, but with kids? Absolutely. It might even be the best city break in Europe for families. We discovered how surprisingly fun the Danish capital is with children. From interactive museums to cozy cafés and even a beach just outside the center.
After two visits we became real fans of Copenhagen. Everything feels right here: the food, the design, the relaxed atmosphere, and especially all the things you can do with kids. In this guide we share our ten favorite activities in Copenhagen with children, practical tips for families, and our favorite places to stay.
Mini Guide:
Copenhagen with Kids
Best Time To Visit
May to September for good weather or December for the holiday vibes
Where To Stay
– Tivoli Hotel: Family friendly hotel with a pool and playful details.
– Scandic Spectrum: Modern hotel with a great breakfast.
– Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade: Affordable option for families in a central location.
Before You Go
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Skip ahead to your favorite part
- What To Do In Copenhagen With Kids: Our 10 Favorite Places
- Nyhavn: The Most Photogenic Spot in Copenhagen
- Botanisk Have: The Botanical Gardens in Copenhagen
- Tivoli Gardens: The Fairytale Amusement Park in Copenhagen for Kids
- Kastellet: A Piece of History in the Middle of Copenhagen
- Kødbyen: The Trendy Meatpacking District of Copenhagen
- Experimentarium: The Interactive Museum in Copenhagen
- Rundetaarn: The Iconic Round Tower of Copenhagen
- Superkilen Park: A Colorful and Multicultural Park in Copenhagen
- Christiania: The Free City of Copenhagen
- Amager Strand: The Best Beach in Copenhagen for Kids
- Practical Tips for Families in Copenhagen
- The Copenhagen Card: Essential for Your Visit to Copenhagen With Kids
- How Many Days Do You Need in Copenhagen With Kids?
- Family Friendly Hotels and Other Places To Stay in Copenhagen
- Why Copenhagen With Kids Is Absolutely Worth It
What To Do In Copenhagen With Kids: Our 10 Favorite Places
If Copenhagen is such a fun destination for a city trip with kids, what can you actually do there? A lot. From historic forts to colorful playgrounds and interactive museums, these are our ten favorite places to visit in Copenhagen with children.
Nyhavn: The Most Photogenic Spot in Copenhagen
Nyhavn is the classic postcard view of Copenhagen, the “new harbor.” You will find this colorful canal area near Kongens Nytorv, the big square at the start of the famous shopping street Strøget, right in the center. The bright houses, wooden boats, and the canal full of small ships make it the kind of place where you naturally stay a bit longer. Our girls loved watching the boats, and we enjoyed people watching along the quay.
It is touristy, no doubt. You will not meet many locals here and prices are higher than in other parts of the city. Still, Nyhavn is one of those must see spots. It is the picture of Copenhagen you see everywhere, and it is fun to experience it in real life.
The area is small, so an hour of wandering is usually enough. Want to stay longer? Pick a terrace with a view of the harbor and enjoy the atmosphere while boats glide by.
Our tip:
Come early in the morning or later in the day. It is quieter and you can take photos without the crowds.
Botanisk Have: The Botanical Gardens in Copenhagen
Botanisk Have is a green oasis in the middle of Copenhagen. You walk between palm trees, tropical plants, and butterflies flying freely around you. The main greenhouse is especially impressive with its high ceilings and narrow spiral staircase leading to the top balcony. For our girls it felt like a tiny adventure, a little exciting but fun because of that.
Outside there is plenty of space to run around or have a picnic. Inside, the tropical warmth and giant plants make it feel like a completely different world.
Practical Info:
- Entry: The gardens are free. The greenhouses cost about 9.50 euros per adult and 5.50 euros for children aged three and up.
- Copenhagen Card: If you have the Copenhagen Card, entrance is free.
- Location: In the center, close to Nørreport Station. The greenhouse entrance is on Gothersgade.
Our tip:
The greenhouses can get quite warm, so wear something you can easily take off or open. Layers always work well!
Tivoli Gardens: The Fairytale Amusement Park in Copenhagen for Kids
Tivoli Gardens is the coziest amusement park you will ever see. Right in the heart of Copenhagen, it is the perfect spot for a family day out. Even just wandering around this charming, fairytale style park is a lot of fun. You will find beautifully designed gardens, warm lights, candy stalls, live music, and of course plenty of rides. In the evening, when thousands of lights turn on, the whole place feels magical.
Practical Info:
- Entry: 21.45 euros per person, 10.73 euros for children ages three to seven. This includes access to the park only, rides are extra.
- Rides: You can buy single ride tickets or a ride pass for unlimited access. A ride pass costs 40 euros for adults and about 20 euros for children ages one to seven.
- Copenhagen Card: With the Copenhagen Card, entry is free. Rides are not included.
👉 Want to know more about this special park? Read our full guide to Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.
Our tip:
Visit Tivoli later in the day and stay until it gets dark. The lights make the park even prettier and add that extra bit of magic.
Kastellet: A Piece of History in the Middle of Copenhagen
Kastellet is a star shaped fortress from 1626, originally built to protect the city. Today it is a peaceful place where locals come to walk, run, or enjoy a picnic. From the top of the ramparts you get a nice view of the city and the harbor.
There is also a small historic windmill on the rampart. It was once used to grind grain for the soldiers. Now it is simply a charming detail that fits perfectly with the atmosphere of Kastellet.
Our tip:
Kastellet is just a short walk from the famous Little Mermaid statue. This iconic mermaid on a rock is a must see when you are in Copenhagen, even if it is only for a quick photo.
Kødbyen: The Trendy Meatpacking District of Copenhagen
In the Vesterbro neighborhood you will find Kødbyen, also known as the Meatpacking District. This former slaughterhouse area has turned into a creative hotspot filled with street art, industrial buildings, and great restaurants. It is the perfect place to experience the modern side of Copenhagen.
Our favorite spot here is Mother, an Italian restaurant known for its sourdough pizzas straight from the wood oven. The atmosphere is relaxed and kid friendly, exactly what you want after a full day of exploring the city.
Our tip:
Kødbyen is within walking distance of Tivoli Gardens. We chose to have dinner here in the evening before heading back to Tivoli to see the park lit up at night. Highly recommended!
Experimentarium: The Interactive Museum in Copenhagen
The Experimentarium is one of the most fun museums in Copenhagen and a paradise for curious kids. Everything here is about hands on exploring. You can try experiments, play with water, blow giant bubbles, and discover light and sound. This interactive museum makes science and technology feel playful and exciting, also for parents.
Highlights for Kids:
- The Miniverse: A special area for the youngest children, ages one to five.
- The Beach: Water play zones that teach children about the power of water in a fun way.
- Het Bubblearium: A room where you can create huge soap bubbles.
👉 Curious about all our tips? Read our full blog about the Experimentarium in Copenhagen.
Rundetaarn: The Iconic Round Tower of Copenhagen
The Rundetaarn is one of the most unique buildings in the center of Copenhagen. The tower offers a great view of the city, but what makes it truly special is the spiral walkway. There are no stairs here, just a wide, winding ramp that horses and carriages used long ago.
The last part to the top is a narrow staircase, so strollers cannot go all the way up. You can leave them at the bottom of the stairs. At the top you get a 360 degree view of the Copenhagen skyline. There is also the Observatory, where you can look through a telescope.
Fun detail for Dutch readers: Bassie en Adriaan once walked through this tower in De geheimzinnige opdracht.
Practical Info:
- Entry: 5.36 euros for adults and 1.34 euros for children ages five to fifteen.
- Note: Since April 2024 the Rundetaarn is no longer included in the Copenhagen Card.
Superkilen Park: A Colorful and Multicultural Park in Copenhagen
Superkilen is one of the most unique parks in Copenhagen. In the Nørrebro neighborhood you will find a creative mix of art, playgrounds, and sports areas. Everything is designed as a celebration of different cultures, from Moroccan fountains to Japanese benches and even a boxing ring from Thailand.
The park is divided into three zones, each with its own vibe.
- The Red Square: This part represents modern city life with space for sports, music, and hanging out. You will find a boxing ring, skate areas, and a café.
- The Black Square: A classic city square layout with fountains, benches, and lots of shade. It is a great place to relax while kids play on the black slides or run across the bold white lines.
- The Green Park: Perfect for a picnic or playing on the grass. With playgrounds and plenty of greenery, this is the ideal spot for families to take a break.
Our girls loved running, climbing, and biking here. For parents it is a nice moment to unwind between all the sightseeing.
Practical Info:
- Superkilen is located in the Nørrebro neighborhood and is easiest to reach by metro. With the Copenhagen Card you can travel for free.
- Tip: Visit in the morning or late afternoon if you prefer a quieter moment.
Christiania: The Free City of Copenhagen
Christiania might be the most unconventional place in Copenhagen. This colorful neighborhood in the middle of the city calls itself a “free city” and feels full of creativity and freedom. Think bright murals, hand built houses, and street art everywhere.
Walking through Christiania sometimes feels a bit like Amsterdam. You will often smell weed in the air, but do not let that stop you from visiting. During the day it is perfectly fine to explore with children. Our girls especially liked the many murals.
Fun detail: you will also find one of the famous wooden trolls by artist Thomas Dambo here, made from recycled wood. These trolls are found around the world, but you will see them often in Denmark. There is even a troll forest in Belgium. We wrote a full article about it, definitely fun if you want an adventure closer to home.
Practical Info:
- Christiania is open to the public, but in some areas you cannot take photos.
- Visit during the day. The atmosphere feels more relaxed and it is nicer with kids.
Amager Strand: The Best Beach in Copenhagen for Kids
Just a few kilometers from the center of Copenhagen you will find Amager Strand. It is a great place to get some fresh air, go for a walk, or simply relax in the sand, even when it is not summer weather. From Amager Strand metro station on line M2 you are at the beach within minutes.
From the beach you have a clear view of the Øresund Bridge, which connects Denmark and Sweden. It is always an impressive sight.
We stayed in the Amager neighborhood and it was ideal. Quiet, kid friendly, and still close to the city center. From Amager Strand metro station on line M2 you can reach downtown Copenhagen in no time. Parking is easy and free, with plenty of space for cars.
👉 Check out all family friendly hotels and places to stay in Amager.
Practical Tips for Families in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is compact, kid friendly, and simply a fun city to visit. Still, there are a few things that are helpful to know when traveling with children. From the best time to visit to transport and food, these are our favorite practical tips for families.
Best Time to Visit Copenhagen With Kids
Copenhagen is great year round, but spring and summer are when the city really comes alive. Cyclists everywhere, blossoms in the parks, and long evenings on the terrace.
- 🌸 Spring (April to June)
The city fills with blossoms, terraces open again, and everything feels fresh and lively. We visited twice in spring, and the pink blossom tunnels are always a highlight. - ☀️ Summer (July to September)
Ideal for outdoor activities like Amager Strand or a picnic in Botanisk Have. September still brings good weather, and it is usually quieter and more affordable than peak season. - 🍂 Fall (October)
Tivoli Gardens transforms into a Halloween themed park with pumpkins and lights. The parks turn beautiful shades of orange. - 🎄 Winter (November to December)
Cozy and festive with Christmas markets, lights, and gløgg, the Danish version of mulled wine.
Planning to visit during school holidays? Book early. Copenhagen is popular and hotels fill up fast.
👉 Check current prices for family friendly accommodation in Copenhagen.
Getting Around in Copenhagen With Kids
Copenhagen is one of the easiest cities in Europe to explore with children. The metro is very clean, runs on time, and is fully stroller friendly. Even at the airport you can hop straight onto the metro toward the city center, which is perfect after an early or late flight.
For us the Copenhagen Card is a must. It gives you unlimited travel on the metro, buses, and trains, and free entry to more than eighty attractions, including Tivoli Gardens, the Rundetaarn, and the Experimentarium. You do not need separate tickets and you save a lot of money without even noticing.
Another fun option is renting a bike or e bike with a child seat. The city is very safe for cycling and there are bike lanes everywhere. You will see much more than by taking public transport.
Good to know:
In Copenhagen two children under twelve can travel for free on public transport when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.
Eating With Kids in Copenhagen
Eating out in Copenhagen is always enjoyable, even with kids. The city is full of cozy cafés, modern food halls, and restaurants where children are more than welcome. You will find high chairs almost everywhere, and most menus include pasta, pizza, or fries.
Our Favorites:
- Mother (Kødbyen): For the best sourdough pizzas straight from the wood oven.
- Torvehallerne: The main food hall in Copenhagen with stalls selling everything from smørrebrød to sushi. Everyone finds something they like here.
- Stacy’s: A cheerful American style diner with a retro interior, milkshakes, burgers, and fries. Kids and parents love it.
Looking for a place with a playground or outdoor space? In Østerbro you will find plenty of child friendly spots with terraces and grassy areas. Many hotels and apartments also have a kitchen, which is great for easy meals after a busy day.
👉 Check out the best hotels and apartments with kitchens in Copenhagen..
The Copenhagen Card: Essential for Your Visit to Copenhagen With Kids
We have already mentioned it a few times, but the Copenhagen Card is truly essential when visiting Copenhagen with children. You save money on many activities and family friendly attractions, and you can travel for free on all public transport. That is very helpful, because Copenhagen is a large city and without the metro or S trains it is hard to get around quickly. Walking everywhere is not ideal with kids.
Would you like to learn more about this handy card? Read our full article about the Copenhagen Card.
How Many Days Do You Need in Copenhagen With Kids?
During our last trip in the May holiday we stayed six nights in Copenhagen. For us that was the perfect amount of time to explore the city at a relaxed pace with our kids. We had enough time to see all the highlights, like Tivoli Gardens, the Experimentarium, and Nyhavn, but also to slow down in between.
Have less time? In three to four days you can see the main sights, especially with the Copenhagen Card, which makes it easy to travel between neighborhoods.
Tip:
During school holidays Copenhagen fills up quickly, so book your accommodation well in advance.
👉 Check current prices for the best places to stay in Copenhagen.
Family Friendly Hotels and Other Places To Stay in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is full of great places to stay, from design hotels to spacious apartments. During our earlier visits we stayed in different parts of the city. We spent a few nights at CPH Studio Hotel in Amager, a great option if you travel without kids, since there are no family rooms, and want something stylish and affordable. During our most recent trip we stayed at the beautiful Urban Studios by Daniel and Jacob’s, a lovely apartment with plenty of space, although it tends to book up fast.
Because accommodation in the city center can be expensive, we also chose a budget friendly option for our last nights: Four Points Flex by Sheraton Ballerup. It is outside the center, but you can still reach downtown Copenhagen in about thirty minutes. Perfect if you mainly need a comfortable and affordable place to sleep.
Below you will find three hotels we think are perfect for families. Great locations, kid friendly rooms, and a solid value for Copenhagen.
The Best Family Friendly Hotels in Copenhagen
Tivoli Hotel (City Center)
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 8,4 on Booking.com
Price Range: €€€ (higher segment)
A dream hotel for kids with indoor pool, family rooms and touches of Tivoli-magic in the interior. Located centrally, ideal for a city trip with lots to see.
➜ Check availability
Scandic Spectrum (City Center)
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 8,0 on Booking.com
Price Range: €€ (mid range)
Modern hotel in a nice central location. Rooms are sleek and spacious enough for families, and downstairs there is a large restaurant with a breakfast everyone enjoys.
➜ Check availability
Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade (City Center)
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 8,0 on Booking.com
Price Range: € (budget)
A modern and affordable choice right in the heart of the city, just minutes from Nyhavn. Rooms are compact but smartly designed. Ideal for families wanting a central stay without the big price tag.
➜ Check availability
Want to see more family friendly options?
👉 Explore all family friendly accommodations in Copenhagen.
Why Copenhagen With Kids Is Absolutely Worth It
Copenhagen is easy to navigate, beautiful, fun, and surprisingly child friendly. We think it is one of the nicest cities in Europe, maybe even our favorite. Our girls loved everything from the rides in Tivoli to blowing bubbles at the Experimentarium, and we enjoyed it just as much.
It is not a cheap destination, but it is one where everything feels right. A relaxed atmosphere, great food, friendly people, and something to do for kids everywhere you go.
Plan Your Trip to Copenhagen
The Best Hotels and Places To Stay in Copenhagen
Check out the most family friendly accommodation on Booking.com.
Renting a Car in Copenhagen
Compare prices with DiscoverCars and Rentalcars.
Tours and Activities in Copenhagen
Want to plan something fun for your city trip? GetYourGuide offers plenty of activities in and around Copenhagen, from boat tours to museum tickets..
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