Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen With Kids: Our Tips and Experience

When we planned our city trip to Copenhagen with the kids, Tivoli Gardens was the first thing on our list. We had seen photos, reels kept popping up and everyone called it a classic. But how fun is Tivoli with kids in real life?

We spent a full day in the park and we were hooked from the moment we walked in. The vibe reminds us a bit of the Efteling, only this time you are in the middle of a capital city. It feels nostalgic, warm and very inviting.

In this guide you will find what to expect, the rides we enjoyed most, how much Tivoli costs, our personal tips and how to get the most out of your visit. We also share how to enter Tivoli for free with the Copenhagen Card and which hotels work well when visiting Copenhagen with kids.

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
Want our personal MyMaps map of Copenhagen? Follow us on Instagram and send “COPENHAGENMAP” in a DM.

What Is Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen?

Tivoli Gardens is a historic amusement park right in the heart of Copenhagen. It opened in 1843 and is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. That might sound a bit old fashioned, but the mix of nostalgia and modern rides is exactly what makes it so fun. You will find wooden roller coasters, fairytale style dark rides, classic carousels and swing rides, plus modern attractions, live shows and seasonal events like Halloween and Christmas. Because of that, Tivoli is great to visit all year, as long as the park is open. Especially in the evening, when the lights come on, it feels almost magical without going over the top.

The park itself is easy to walk, with flower beds, winding paths and plenty of benches to rest for a moment. It never feels huge. More like a small world of its own, with something new hiding behind every corner.

Is Tivoli Fun With Kids?

Yes, absolutely. Our girls loved Tivoli from the very first moment. The park is easy to navigate, has a warm atmosphere and offers plenty of rides that work well for younger kids. Think calm carousels, a fairytale style dark ride and smaller rides they feel confident trying. There are also many places to sit, grab a drink or enjoy an ice cream. The vibe is relaxed and we never felt overwhelmed or rushed, even with kids.

Older kids and teens will have a great time too because there are plenty of exciting rides. Our girls were both still too small for the big roller coasters, but we saw many families with teens having a great day.

And in the evening, once the lights turn on, Tivoli becomes a tiny version of the Efteling in the middle of the city. Even if you skip the rides, it is so nice to wander around. On our last night we walked in again with the Copenhagen Card, just to enjoy the atmosphere. It turned out to be the perfect ending to our city trip in Copenhagen.

Our Favorite Rides and Things To Do in Tivoli With Kids

Tivoli has more than thirty rides, but these are the ones we enjoyed most. Some are great for younger kids, others are fun for parents or teens. This way you get the most out of your day.

1. Rutschebanen: the Wooden Coaster From 1914
   This wooden roller coaster is one of the oldest in the world and still has a brake man on board. It does not have extreme drops, but it is a lot of fun. Nina was tall enough and loved it. Puck was still too small, so we took turns.
2. The Flying Trunk: the Fairytale Dark Ride
   This was one of our girls’ favorites. You float through fifteen well known fairytales by Hans Christian Andersen in a flying trunk. Calm, colorful and with a touch of magic that fits Tivoli so well.
3. The Star Flyer: the Big Swing Ride
   Perfect if you like views and a bit of excitement. You fly high above the park while everything spins far below.
4. The Dragon Boats: Steering Your Own Boat
   Small dragon boats you control with a pedal. Great for kids who like to steer themselves. Calm, fun and with a nice view of the lake.
5. The Classic Carousels and Swing Ride
   Tivoli has two beautiful old fashioned carousels with wooden horses and music, plus a classic swing ride. Always a hit with younger kids.
6. The Mine Ride: a Sparkling Tunnel
   A short boat ride past glittering diamonds. Along the way you can shoot at targets for points. Simple, but fun enough.
7. The Galley Ships: a Wild Trip at Sea
   A more exciting ride for older kids. You sail in a small ship around a large pirate ship with waves, cannons and pirates everywhere. It moves up and down, so Puck was not allowed in yet, but Nina loved it.
8. The Small Fairytale Ferris Wheel
   Not too high, but very charming. From the top you have a nice view over the park and it is great for younger children.
9. Daemonen: a Spectacular Coaster
   This one is for teens and for parents who enjoy some extra adrenaline. Three loops, a corkscrew and lots of speed.
10. Evening Lights and Cozy Atmosphere
    Not really a ride and already mentioned a few times, but still a highlight. Once the lights turn on, the whole park feels even more inviting and intimate.

Food and Drinks in Tivoli Gardens

During our visit we had dinner outside the park at Mother in Kødbyen. We ate there a few years ago and loved it so much that we wanted to return. And because Tivoli is right in the middle of the city, you can walk in and out whenever you want. You are never stuck in the middle of nowhere, you reach great restaurants within minutes

Still, you can eat very well inside Tivoli too. There are plenty of places for quick snacks, ice cream, popcorn, smørrebrød and coffee. We grabbed delicious cappuccinos, the girls got popcorn and you will find small stands everywhere where you can pick up something simple.

By the way, Fru Nimb in Tivoli is known as the largest smørrebrød restaurant in Denmark. We would have loved to try it, but only found out later. So if you are reading this, it seems to be a real favorite.

Good to know, you can bring your own food and drinks. Perfect when traveling with kids or when you want to keep costs under control.

Best Time To Visit Tivoli

Tivoli really changes with the seasons. We visited in spring and it was beautiful, but every season has something different to offer.

Spring
Lots of flowers, fresh colors and usually a bit quieter than summer. We visited during this season and loved it, especially with young kids.

Summer
The busiest, but also the most lively season. Long evenings, many outdoor shows and the rides run at full speed.

Autumn (Halloween)
Maybe the best time to visit with kids. Tivoli goes all in for Halloween with pumpkins, lights and small details everywhere. It is busier, but the atmosphere is great.

Winter (Christmas)
This is pure coziness. Tivoli turns into a winter world with lights, stalls and Christmas decorations. Not all rides are open, but this is the park at its most magical.

How Much Time Do You Need in Tivoli?

With kids you will need at least half a day, but we enjoyed having a full day much more. It gives you time to slow down, grab drinks, eat something and enjoy the atmosphere.

Go in the morning or early afternoon, have a quick meal outside the park if you want and come back in the evening. During the day it is easy to do rides, in the evening the atmosphere is at its best. This plan worked perfectly for us.

Staying in Copenhagen for several days? With the Copenhagen Card you can return later for free. We did this on our last day. No rides, just walking around and enjoying the lights.

➜ Read our full Copenhagen Card review here

How Much Does a Day in Tivoli Cost?

Tivoli works a little differently than most theme parks. You first buy an entrance ticket for the park. This gives you access to the gardens, shows and walking areas, but not to the rides. For the rides you either buy single tickets or a ride pass for unlimited access. It takes a moment to get used to, but it is very flexible. Below you will find all prices.

Entrance Prices

• Adults: from about €25
• Children ages 3 to 7: about €13
• Children under 3: free

Rides
Entrance does not include rides. You can choose between:

• Single ride tickets: about €6 to €12 per ride
• Ride pass: about €25 for adults and around €12.50 for young children

We bought a ride pass at the start of the day because we wanted to try everything. It worked great for us.

Copenhagen Card
With the Copenhagen Card your entrance is free. You only pay for the rides. Perfect for a second visit or if you mainly want to explore the park.

With the Copenhagen Card you get free entrance to Tivoli Gardens plus access to around eighty attractions and museums. You can also use public transport for free. Read more about the Copenhagen Card below.
➜ Read our full Copenhagen Card guide here

Practical Information for Visiting Tivoli

A day in Tivoli is always a good idea, but there are a few things that are helpful to know before you go. Especially with kids it really makes a difference when you know which entrance works best, what you can bring and the best times to visit. These are the tips we found most useful during our visits.

• The entrance by the central station is the quickest. You step off the train and are almost inside the park right away. Great for families with younger kids who want to go in immediately.
• The main entrance on Vesterbrogade is the most beautiful one. If you have the time, walk in from this side. It feels like you are entering a small fairytale world.
• Strollers are allowed. The park is easy to walk and very accessible. We loved this with our youngest.
• You can bring your own food and drinks. Very useful with kids or when you want to keep the costs a bit lower.
• You will find clean bathrooms and plenty of places to sit. Because of that the park never feels stressful, even when it is busy.
• If you come by car, there are several parking options nearby. You can park at Q Park Vesterport or Scandic Copenhagen Parking.
• Check the opening seasons. Tivoli is not open all year. Make sure to check if your travel dates match one of the seasonal openings.

Magical Places To Stay Near Tivoli Gardens

If Tivoli is on your list, it is even more fun to stay somewhere that matches the same cozy vibe. Location matters too, because staying central means you can walk back into the park whenever you want. Perfect with kids or if you want to see the lights in the evening. These are the two hotels closest to Tivoli and they fit the experience so well.

Tivoli Hotel (City Center)
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 8,4 on Booking.com
Price range: €€€ (higher segment)
A favorite for families, and for good reason. The interior has a playful feel, there is an indoor pool and the family rooms are spacious. It almost feels like taking a little piece of Tivoli back to your hotel. You walk to the park in minutes and you are close to other highlights in the city.
➜ Check availability

Nimb Hotel (City Center)
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 9,0 on Booking.com
Price range: €€€€ (luxury segment)
A dream option if you want to treat yourself. Nimb sits right next to Tivoli and has a fairytale style you will not find anywhere else. Luxurious, warm and unique. It is not cheap, but it is a once in a lifetime stay.
➜ Check availability

More Family Friendly Hotels in Copenhagen

Prefer something else or looking for a different price range? Below you will find an up to date selection of hotels in central Copenhagen, ideal if you want to stay close to Tivoli but still compare other options.

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Our Personal Experience in Tivoli, Copenhagen

We spent one full day in Tivoli and had such a good time. On our last day we walked back in with the Copenhagen Card. No rides anymore, just a slow walk through the park and one last look at the lights. It turned out to be the perfect way to end our city trip.

Our oldest still talks about it. And honestly, Tivoli is now high on our list of favorite parks we have visited. And we have seen quite a few by now.

Plan Your Trip to Copenhagen

More Fun Things To Do in Copenhagen With Kids
Looking for more ideas for your city trip? We created a full guide with our favorite activities in the city.
Read the 10 Best Things To Do in Copenhagen With Kids here.

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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