21 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen with Kids (2026 Family Guide)
If you’re planning a family trip to Denmark’s capital, you’re in for a treat. Copenhagen consistently ranks among the world’s most family-friendly cities, with safe streets, incredible playgrounds, fascinating museums, and plenty of hands-on experiences for curious kids.
We recently spent time exploring Copenhagen with our 9-year-old son, and we were genuinely impressed by how much there is to do. Whether your children love Vikings, science, fairy tales, trains, or simply running around beautiful parks, Copenhagen has something for every age.
Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Copenhagen with kids, including famous attractions and a few hidden gems that many visitors miss.
1. Tivoli Gardens
No visit to Copenhagen is complete without spending a day at Tivoli Gardens. We spent about 6 hours at Tivoli, and our 9 year old still did not get bored!
Opened in 1843, it’s one of the oldest amusement parks in the world and even inspired Walt Disney when he created Disneyland. It is a beautiful park, even if you don’t go on any of the rides.
Kids will love:
- Family-friendly roller coasters
- Historic carousel
- Beautiful gardens
- Live performances
- Evening lights
- Seasonal decorations (Halloween and Christmas are spectacular)
There are rides suitable for toddlers through to teenagers, making it perfect for the whole family.
Best for: Ages 3+
2. Experimentarium
If you only visit one museum with kids, make it the Experimentarium.
This enormous hands-on science centre lets children learn by touching, building, experimenting and playing. As my son loves all things STEM, he had an absolute blast there.
Highlights include:
- Giant bubble room
- Water experiments
- Interactive physics exhibits
- STEM challenges
- Human body exhibits
- Massive indoor climbing installation
It’s educational without ever feeling like school.
Allow: At least 4–6 hours.
Best for: Ages 4–15
3. The Children’s Museum at the National Museum of Denmark
Many museums tell children not to touch anything.
This one encourages exactly the opposite.
The Children’s Museum lets kids:
- Dress up as Vikings and medieval merchants
- Climb aboard historical ships
- Explore old classrooms
- Play with historical toys
- Experience everyday Danish life through the centuries
The rest of the National Museum is also excellent, with fascinating Viking artefacts and prehistoric discoveries that adults will enjoy too.
Perfect for rainy days.
4. ENIGMA Museum of Communication
One of Copenhagen’s most underrated family attractions.
ENIGMA explores how humans have communicated throughout history, from handwritten letters to smartphones.
Kids can:
- Play classic 1980s and 1990s arcade games
- Experiment with robots
- Send secret messages
- Learn about telephones and early computers
- Build simple technology projects
If your children enjoy Minecraft, coding or gaming, they’ll love this museum.
5. The Traffic Playground (Trafiklegepladsen)
This hidden gem quickly became one of our favourite places.
The Traffic Playground is a miniature town where children ride bicycles, scooters and pedal cars while learning real road rules.
It includes:
- Mini traffic lights
- Roundabouts
- Crosswalks
- Roads
- Street signs
It’s completely free and a wonderful way to let kids burn off energy while learning road safety.
Bring a scooter or bicycle if you have one, although bikes can often be borrowed.
Best for: Ages 3–12
6. Nyhavn
No family trip to Copenhagen is complete without visiting the city’s most famous waterfront.
The colourful houses along Nyhavn look like something from a fairy tale.
Families can:
- Watch the boats
- Grab an ice cream
- Enjoy outdoor cafés
- Take a canal cruise
- Spot historic wooden sailing ships
It’s touristy, but for good reason.
7. Round Tower (Rundetårn)
Instead of stairs, the Round Tower has a spiral ramp that winds all the way to the top. Kids usually love the unusual climb (and running down all the way down!).
At the summit you’ll enjoy panoramic views across Copenhagen’s rooftops.
Inside you’ll also find:
- Historical exhibitions
- Europe’s oldest functioning observatory
- Beautiful architecture
The climb is manageable even for younger children.
8. Viking Ship Museum (Roskilde)
Located about 30 minutes from Copenhagen, this is one of Denmark’s best day trips.
The Viking Ship museum displays genuine Viking ships recovered from Roskilde Fjord over 1,000 years after they were sunk. We got to sail one of the reconstructed viking long ships, row the oars ourselves, open and close the sail, and feel like real Vikings for the day. But our son’s favourite activity was the woodwork workshop where he built his own model of a viking boat.
If you visit the museum, you can:
- Board reconstructed Viking ships
- Watch traditional boat building
- Try Viking crafts
- Dress like Vikings
- Sail on Viking-style boats during summer
If your kids are fascinated by Vikings, this is an absolute must.
9. Copenhagen Zoo
One of Europe’s oldest zoos, featuring:
- Polar bears
- Elephants
- Pandas (depending on availability)
- Tropical rainforest house
- Children’s farm
The spacious enclosures and excellent playgrounds make it easy to spend an entire day here.
10. The Little Mermaid
Small?
Yes.
Worth seeing?
Also yes.
Kids often enjoy finding Copenhagen’s most famous statue, especially after hearing Hans Christian Andersen’s story.
It’s a short stop rather than a full attraction but easy to combine with Kastellet.
11. Kastellet Fortress
Right beside the Little Mermaid sits one of Europe’s best-preserved star fortresses – Kastellet Fortress.
Children love:
- Walking along the grassy ramparts
- Crossing old bridges
- Seeing the historic windmill
- Watching ducks around the moat
It’s also a fantastic picnic spot.
12. Copenhagen Canal Tour
Seeing Copenhagen from the water gives children a completely different perspective. This tour is a great way to learn more about the city in a relaxing atmosphere.
The boats pass:
- Nyhavn
- Christianshavn
- The Opera House
- Amalienborg Palace
- The Little Mermaid
Most tours last about an hour.
13. Botanical Garden, Palm House & Butterfly House
The Botanical Garden is one of Copenhagen’s most peaceful family attractions and a great place to take a break from the busy city. Best of all, the gardens themselves are free to enter, making them a fantastic budget-friendly stop.
For an even more memorable experience, buy a ticket to the historic Palm House, a stunning Victorian glasshouse filled with towering tropical plants, winding staircases and lush greenery. Your Palm House ticket also includes entry to the Butterfly House, which was one of our son’s favourite experiences in Copenhagen.
Inside the Butterfly House, colourful butterflies flutter freely around you, often landing on flowers, or even on visitors if you’re lucky! Kids can learn about the fascinating life cycle of a butterfly, from tiny eggs and hungry caterpillars to chrysalises and fully grown butterflies. There are also displays showing how butterflies feed, and it’s wonderful to watch them sipping nectar with their long proboscises.
It’s a calm, magical experience that children (and adults!) won’t soon forget.
14. Rosenborg Castle
Children who enjoy knights, kings and fairy tales will love Rosenborg.
Highlights include:
- The Danish Crown Jewels
- Royal rooms
- Armour
- Beautiful gardens outside
The King’s Garden is one of Copenhagen’s best places for children to run around afterwards.
15. Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg is a beautiful palace that’s also a home to the Royal Danish family. Time your visit to watch the Changing of the Guard (daily, at 12:00 pm).
Kids usually enjoy seeing the bearskin hats, marching soldiers and palace square. Keep in mind that the square gets very crowded during the Changing of the Guard ceremony, so it’s better to arrive early.
16. Fælledparken – Copenhagen’s Ultimate Family Park
If your kids need a break from museums and sightseeing, head to Fælledparken, Copenhagen’s largest park.
This enormous green space is packed with activities for children, including one of the city’s biggest playgrounds. Kids can climb, swing, zip, balance and explore for hours, while parents relax on the surrounding lawns.
Depending on the season, you may also find:
- Skate park
- Football pitches
- Basketball courts
- Picnic areas
- Wide open spaces perfect for running around
- Seasonal events and festivals
It’s the perfect place to slow down after a busy morning of sightseeing, and because it’s popular with local families, it offers a glimpse into everyday life in Copenhagen.
Best of all, it’s completely free.
Best for: Ages 2–12
17. Freetown Christiania (with older kids)
Christiania is unlike anywhere else in Europe.
Colourful houses, street art and a creative atmosphere make it interesting to walk through during the day.
If visiting with children, stick to the main streets and daytime hours.
18. Copenhagen’s Amazing Playgrounds
One thing Copenhagen does exceptionally well is playgrounds.
Some of the best playgrounds are:
Tårnlegepladsen (The Tower Playground) – A Copenhagen-Themed Adventure
Tårnlegepladsen i Fælledparken
A fantastic playground inside Fælledparken, the Tower Playground is inspired by some of Copenhagen’s most famous landmarks.
Kids can climb and play around structures based on:
- The Round Tower (Rundetårn)
- Copenhagen City Hall Tower
- The Marble Church
- Our Saviour’s Church
- The old Stock Exchange tower
It is not only fun but also a clever way for children to learn about the city’s architecture and history while playing.
Best for: Ages 3–10
Superkilen – A Colourful Urban Playground in Nørrebro
Superkilen is not a traditional playground, but it is one of Copenhagen’s most interesting outdoor spaces for families.
This colourful urban park celebrates cultures from around the world, with unusual objects, sculptures and play areas collected from different countries.
Kids can:
- Ride scooters and bikes
- Explore colourful spaces
- Play on open areas
- Discover unusual designs from around the world
It is a great stop if you are exploring the vibrant Nørrebro neighbourhood.
Best for: Ages 5+
Family tip: If you are visiting the Traffic Playground, combine it with the rest of Fælledparken. The park also has other children’s areas, including a water playground in summer, making it easy to spend half a day there.
19. Bicycle Around the City
Copenhagen is one of the world’s greatest cycling cities.
Many rental shops offer:
- Child seats
- Cargo bikes
- Family bikes
Cycling is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore the city.
Where to Rent Bikes in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities, and exploring on two wheels is one of the best ways to experience it. If you’re staying in the city centre, these rental shops are all excellent options.
Bike Copenhagen
Located just steps from Strøget and Nyhavn, Bike Copenhagen is an excellent choice for visitors. They rent city bikes, e-bikes and the iconic Danish Christiania cargo bikes, making them a great option for families travelling with young children. They also offer guided bike tours if you’d like to explore the city with a local.
Address: Nikolaj Plads 34, 1067 Copenhagen
City Bike Adventures
Just a few minutes’ walk from Nyhavn, City Bike Adventures is highly rated for its friendly service and well-maintained bikes. They offer city bikes, e-bikes and family-friendly rentals, making it an easy starting point for exploring Copenhagen’s attractions.
Address: Holbergsgade 12, 1057 Copenhagen
Family Bike
If you’re travelling with younger children, Family Bike specialises in cargo bikes and family bikes. Their traditional Danish cargo bikes allow one or two children to ride comfortably in the front while parents cycle through the city, a fun experience that’s very common among Copenhagen families.
Address: Adelgade 46, 1304 Copenhagen
Family Tip: If you’re not used to cycling in Copenhagen, spend a few minutes watching the locals before setting off. Stay in the bike lanes, keep to the right, use hand signals when turning, and avoid stopping suddenly in the middle of the cycle path. Once you get the hang of it, cycling is easily one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the city.
20. Visit the Harbour Baths
During summer, Copenhagen’s harbour is clean enough to swim in.
The Harbour Baths feature:
- Swimming areas
- Diving platforms
- Lifeguards
- Family-friendly pools
A fantastic free activity on warm days.
21. Explore Hans Christian Andersen’s Copenhagen
Although Hans Christian Andersen was born in Odense, he spent most of his adult life in Copenhagen, and many places around the city are connected to his life and famous fairy tales.
Children can enjoy spotting places connected to his stories, including:
- The Little Mermaid – Visit Copenhagen’s iconic bronze statue overlooking the harbour, inspired by Andersen’s beloved fairy tale.
- The Emperor’s New Clothes – Walk through the historic streets around the old city, where Andersen imagined the vain emperor parading before his people. The nearby City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) is a fun place to retell the story.
- The Princess and the Pea – Admire the elegant royal surroundings of Rosenborg Castle or Amalienborg Palace, perfect settings to imagine the famous princess proving her royal identity with a single pea hidden beneath a towering stack of mattresses.
- The Snow Queen – Wander through Copenhagen in winter, especially Tivoli Gardens during its Christmas season, where sparkling lights, snowy decorations and festive markets create a magical atmosphere reminiscent of Andersen’s enchanting tale.
For an extra bit of fun, read one of Andersen’s fairy tales before visiting each location and let your children see if they can spot details that bring the stories to life. It’s a wonderful way to combine sightseeing with storytelling and makes exploring Copenhagen even more magical.
Bonus: MACA Museum – A Hidden Gem for Creative Kids
If your family enjoys modern art, don’t overlook the MACA Museum. While it isn’t specifically designed for children, we were surprised by how much our 9 year old son enjoyed it.
The museum features a constantly changing collection of contemporary and street art, with colourful murals, large-scale installations and thought-provoking exhibits that are often far more engaging for children than traditional art galleries.
Many of the pieces are bold, playful and visually striking, making them fun to explore together and great for family photos.
We found it sparked some fantastic conversations about creativity and different ways artists express ideas.
Best for: Older children (around 8+) and teenagers, especially those who enjoy drawing, photography or creative subjects.
Where to Eat in Copenhagen with Kids
One of the best things about Copenhagen is that eating out with kids is surprisingly easy. Most cafés and restaurants are welcoming to families, and you’ll often find high chairs, children’s portions and plenty of outdoor seating. Whether your little ones are adventurous eaters or only interested in pizza and fries (we’ve all been there!), you’ll have no trouble finding something everyone will enjoy.
Reffen Street Food
If your family can never agree on what to eat, head straight to Reffen. This huge waterfront street food market is one of our favourite places to grab lunch or dinner. With dozens of food stalls serving everything from burgers and tacos to sushi, pizza, Danish specialities and irresistible desserts, everyone can choose exactly what they’re craving.
There are plenty of picnic tables, lots of open space for kids to stretch their legs, and beautiful views over the harbour while you eat.
Broens Street Food
Located just a short walk from Nyhavn, Broens Street Food offers a similar laid-back atmosphere on a slightly smaller scale. It’s a great stop after a morning of sightseeing, with a fantastic selection of international dishes, drinks and sweet treats.
Torvehallerne Food Market
Food lovers shouldn’t miss Torvehallerne, Copenhagen’s famous indoor market. It’s the perfect place to sample local produce or pick up lunch between attractions. You’ll find everything from freshly baked Danish pastries and artisan sandwiches to seafood, gourmet chocolates, coffee, smoothies and ice cream.
It’s also home to one of the city’s best places to try Denmark’s most famous lunch…
Try Traditional Danish Smørrebrød
No visit to Copenhagen is complete without trying smørrebrød, Denmark’s iconic open-faced sandwiches. They may look simple, but each one is beautifully put together and piled high with fresh ingredients. Popular toppings include roast beef, smoked salmon, egg and shrimp, potatoes, and, for the more adventurous, pickled herring.
Our absolute favourite place to try smørrebrød was Josephine. We loved the cosy atmosphere, friendly service and beautifully presented sandwiches. The roast beef and smoked salmon were outstanding, and if you’re trying smørrebrød for the first time, we honestly can’t think of a better place to start.
If you’re looking to sample more of Copenhagen’s famous smørrebrød, here are a few other excellent choices:
- Hallernes Smørrebrød – Located inside Torvehallerne Market, it’s perfect for a quick but delicious lunch while exploring the city.
- Selma – A modern, award-winning restaurant that gives traditional smørrebrød a creative twist using seasonal ingredients. Great if you’re looking for something a little more special.
- Restaurant Schønnemann – Serving smørrebrød since 1877, this Copenhagen institution is the place to experience classic Danish recipes in a traditional setting. It’s incredibly popular, so booking ahead is highly recommended.
Family Tip
If you’re introducing children to smørrebrød, start with familiar toppings like roast beef, smoked salmon or egg and shrimp before moving on to more traditional Danish favourites like pickled herring. Everyone wins, and nobody has to negotiate over lunch!
Where to Stay in Copenhagen with Kids
Copenhagen is compact and easy to get around, but choosing the right neighbourhood can make your family trip even easier.
Tivoli Hotel
Designed with families in mind, Tivoli Hotel features colourful décor inspired by Tivoli Gardens, family rooms, indoor play areas and a swimming pool. It’s one of the best choices for families visiting Copenhagen.
Best for: Families with younger children.
Wakeup Copenhagen
If you’re travelling on a budget, Wakeup Copenhagen offers clean, modern rooms in convenient locations. While rooms are compact, they’re ideal if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the city.
Villa Copenhagen
For families looking for a little luxury, Villa Copenhagen combines beautiful historic architecture with spacious rooms, an outdoor rooftop pool and a central location close to Tivoli Gardens and the Central Station.
Staying Near Nyhavn
Staying around Nyhavn puts many of Copenhagen’s top attractions within walking distance, including canal tours, Amalienborg Palace, the Round Tower and Strøget shopping street. It can be more expensive, but it’s hard to beat for convenience.
Best Area for Families: Vesterbro
Our favourite area for families is Vesterbro. Once an industrial district, it’s now one of Copenhagen’s trendiest neighbourhoods, packed with cafés, bakeries, playgrounds and green spaces. It’s close enough to walk to Tivoli Gardens and the city centre while feeling quieter than the busiest tourist areas.
Tips for Visiting Copenhagen with Kids
- Buy a Copenhagen Card if you plan to visit several attractions, it can save both money and time.
- Rent bikes if the weather is nice.
- Bring layers, even in summer.
- Most museums have excellent children’s areas.
- Public transport is clean, reliable and stroller-friendly.
- Danish playgrounds are among the best we’ve ever experienced.
Is Copenhagen Worth Visiting with Kids?
Absolutely.
Few European capitals combine history, education and outdoor fun as effortlessly as Copenhagen. Whether your children are fascinated by Vikings, love hands-on science, enjoy cycling or simply want to explore beautiful parks and playgrounds, there’s something here for every family.
For us, the standout experiences were the Experimentarium, the surprisingly brilliant ENIGMA Museum, the Traffic Playground, and the unforgettable atmosphere of Tivoli Gardens. Combined with colourful streets like Nyhavn, fascinating Viking history, and one of the safest urban environments in Europe, Copenhagen is an ideal destination for a family city break.
If you’re travelling through Scandinavia with children, Copenhagen deserves a spot near the top of your itinerary.
Final Thoughts
Copenhagen may be one of Europe’s smaller capitals, but it’s packed with unforgettable experiences for families. What impressed us most was how easy the city is to explore with kids. Safe cycle paths, excellent public transport, fantastic playgrounds and interactive museums make Copenhagen one of the best family city breaks in Europe.
If you’re planning a Scandinavian adventure, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend adding Copenhagen to your itinerary, it quickly became one of our favourite cities to explore as a family. You can read more about who we are and how we travel, browse our other Europe travel guides, or check out our full worldschooling resources guide if you are planning a longer trip.
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