Things to do in Copenhagen with kids were definitely not hard for us to find. In fact, after five days in Denmark’s capital, we left feeling like we hadn’t had nearly enough time!
Copenhagen quickly became one of the most engaging and family-friendly capitals we had visited. We climbed towers, spent an entire day experimenting with science, hunted giant wooden trolls, rode one of the world’s oldest wooden roller coasters, explored museums, traveled along the canals, and discovered some incredible playgrounds.
Some of the 20 activities below are places we personally experienced, while a few were on our list but we simply ran out of time. I’ll make it clear which is which so you can decide what belongs on your own Copenhagen family itinerary.
A Glimpse of the History of Copenhagen
The earliest records of Copenhagen, known as “Køpmannæhafn” in Old Norse, which translates to “Merchant’s Harbor,” date back to the 11th century. It began as a small fishing village and gained prominence over the following centuries. Its strategic location made it a critical center for commerce and trade.
By the 15th century, it had become the capital of Denmark, reflecting its growing importance. Fortifications were constructed to defend the city, while King Christian IV built Rosenborg Castle in the early 17th century.
Unfortunately, by the 18th century, Copenhagen faced some challenges: devastating fires, plague, and wars. During the Napoleonic Wars, the British attacked Copenhagen, first in 1801 and again in 1807. Despite these hardships, the city continued rebuilding and modernizing.
During the 19th century, a period of rapid industrialization began. The city expanded beyond its traditional boundaries, and new forms of infrastructure, such as trams and railways, were introduced. The Carlsberg Brewery was founded in Copenhagen in 1847 and would go on to become one of the world’s best-known beer brands.
The early 20th century saw Copenhagen embracing modernity. During WWII, Germany occupied Denmark, and Copenhagen was no exception. However, it was also a site of significant resistance efforts, including the remarkable rescue of the majority of Denmark’s Jewish community.
Today, Copenhagen is known as a pioneer in sustainable urban planning and environmental policies. When we originally wrote this article in 2023, Copenhagen was working toward an ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025. While that target has since passed, sustainability remains a major part of the city’s identity, from its incredible cycling culture to renewable energy, public transportation, and clean waterways.
As you can see, Copenhagen offers a unique blend of the historical and the contemporary, making it a fascinating city for anyone to visit.
A Few Fun Facts About Denmark
We always like to learn a few interesting facts about the country we visit, making it even more intriguing.
So here is what we learned about Copenhagen and Denmark:
The Danish Flag. Denmark boasts one of the world’s oldest national flags still in use, known as the Dannebrog. Legend has it that it fell from the sky during a battle in Estonia in 1219! This was an interesting story!
Happiest Country. Denmark frequently ranks among the world’s happiest countries, partly thanks to its focus on societal well-being, healthcare, education, and quality of life. I will add that many activities are offered for the whole family here, which contributes to even more happiness!
Flat Landscape. Denmark is one of the flattest countries in Europe. Its highest natural point, Møllehøj, is only about 171 meters (561 feet) above sea level. No wonder they bike so much in this country!
Island Nation. Denmark is made up of hundreds of islands, although only a fraction of them are inhabited. The country’s islands vary significantly in size and character, from Zealand, the largest island and home to much of Copenhagen, to smaller and more remote islands.
Wind Power. Denmark began investing heavily in wind energy as far back as the 1970s, driven partly by the oil crises and a growing awareness of the need for alternative energy solutions. This early adoption allowed it to become a pioneer in wind-power technology and remains an important part of Denmark’s renewable-energy story today.
World’s Oldest Monarchy. Denmark has one of the world’s oldest continuous monarchies, dating back more than 1,000 years.
District Heating. Denmark, particularly its capital, Copenhagen, is known for having one of the world’s most extensive district-heating systems.
District heating is a system for distributing heat generated in a centralized location to meet the heating requirements of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings in a specific area. It can be an energy-efficient way of providing heating and hot water, often making use of waste heat and renewable-energy sources. Pretty fascinating!
Public Baths. Copenhagen’s harbor is clean enough to swim in!
Various designated swimming zones and harbor baths allow locals and visitors to jump right in. You should see how many people are tanning around the harbor on sunny days!!!
Now that we know some of the remarkable facts about this country and its capital, it is time to see what activities and attractions you can do here with your kids, and believe me, you will quickly fill your days!
1. Visit Tivoli Gardens while in Copenhagen
Tivoli Gardens, located in the heart of Copenhagen, is one of the world’s oldest operating amusement parks, opening its doors in 1843.
Did you know that Walt Disney visited Tivoli and was inspired by what he saw before opening Disneyland in California? Pretty amazing!
This iconic attraction is more than just a collection of rides and games; it blends history, architecture, gardens, entertainment, and attractions for all ages. Whether enjoying a leisurely ride, going on a roller coaster, attending a show, or simply taking a stroll through its beautifully landscaped grounds, Tivoli Gardens offers a magical experience for visitors of all ages.
Did you know that one of the world’s oldest operating wooden roller coasters is here? It is called Rutschebanen, a classic wooden roller coaster that opened in 1914 and still features a brakeman who rides along to control the train’s speed manually.
It was one of our favorite rides. I lost count of how many times we did it!
Tivoli isn’t open continuously throughout the entire year, and its calendar changes depending on the season. In addition to its main season, it also opens for special periods such as Halloween and Christmas, so check the current calendar before planning your visit.
Remember that the Copenhagen Card may cover entry to Tivoli Gardens depending on the current card and conditions, but rides require a separate ride ticket or pass. Always check what is currently included before your visit.
2. The Little Mermaid Statue
A must-see when you come here is the Little Mermaid Statue, or “Den Lille Havfrue” in Danish. She is a bronze sculpture sitting on a rock along Copenhagen’s Langelinie promenade. Unveiled in 1913, the statue was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale.
Although smaller than expected, standing just over 4 feet tall, the statue has become a symbol of Copenhagen. I was amazed by how many people, including us, were standing there taking selfies with her!
Did you know the statue has repeatedly been vandalized despite its iconic status? She has been decapitated twice, her arm has been sawed off, and she has been covered in paint more than once. Nevertheless, she has been restored each time and returned to her perch!
Not an easy life for this Little Mermaid!
3. Visit the Genetically Modified Little Mermaid
If you continue walking, you will find the far less famous and visited, but still fascinating, Genetically Modified Little Mermaid.
The sculpture is part of The Genetically Modified Paradise, a group of sculptures created by Danish artist Bjørn Nørgaard. It is a very different and much more unusual interpretation of the human form than Copenhagen’s famous Little Mermaid.
This mermaid has never been vandalized, probably due to her appearance already being very “different.” There aren’t hundreds of people taking selfies with her daily; still, she is pretty fascinating to see and worth the walk to!
4. Experimentarium
Your kids don’t want to do any sightseeing?
This is the perfect place to spend the day: educational and fun!
Experimentarium is a hands-on science center designed to make learning about science an interactive experience. Its exhibits cover subjects ranging from physics and technology to the human body and the environment.
Through its interactive displays and activities, Experimentarium turns scientific exploration into an adventure, making it a great place to combine education with entertainment. Our kids loved it. We were there all day!!!
Check the current Copenhagen Card attractions before your visit to see whether Experimentarium is included.
5. Take a ride on the canals
A canal ride in Copenhagen offers a unique perspective of the city’s historic landmarks and modern architecture. As you glide through the waterways, you can see iconic sights like the colorful houses of Nyhavn, historic buildings, bridges, and some of Copenhagen’s impressive modern architecture.
We skipped doing an actual canal tour or renting a boat for a few hours, but we took the harbor bus from one end to the other, and it was lots of fun to see this amazing city from a completely different perspective!
Depending on which Copenhagen Card you choose, transportation or certain canal tours may be included, so check the current options.
6. Climb up the tower of the Chruch of our Saviour in Copenhagen
Climbing the Church of Our Saviour in Copenhagen is an exhilarating experience that rewards you with panoramic views of the city.
Known for its distinctive corkscrew spire, the church offers a challenging ascent of hundreds of steps. As you climb higher, the stairs transition from inside the tower to the external winding staircase that coils around the spire.
Luca was the only one who could fit right up toward the tippy top; for adults, it gets really tight at one point!
We had never seen a place like this, so it was a fascinating climb!
*tickets available with the Copenhagen Card
7. Looking for Thomas Dambo’s trolls
After learning about these trolls, we were on a mission!
Finding Thomas Dambo’s trolls around Copenhagen is like embarking on a whimsical treasure hunt.
Created largely from recycled materials, these giant hidden sculptures blend into their surroundings, turning a walk through a park or forest into an adventure. Discovering each troll feels like uncovering a well-kept secret, making it a magical activity to do with kids.
Remember that they are not all close to each other, so unless you have an extended stay in Copenhagen, it might not be easy to see them all.
We managed to find 2 closer to the areas we were already visiting, but there are so many more we want to see around Denmark, and the world!
So happy troll searching!!!
8. Freetown Christiania
Freetown Christiania is an alternative community in Copenhagen established in 1971 on a former military site.
Known for its colorful murals, alternative lifestyle, art, and creative atmosphere, Christiania is a very different side of Copenhagen from the palaces and historic attractions found elsewhere in the city.
We walked there searching for the troll that Thomas Dambo built inside this community.
However, we did not stay long since we kept being stopped to purchase certain products…
That was our personal experience when we visited in 2023. Christiania has undergone significant changes since then, particularly around the former Pusher Street area, so what visitors experience today may be different from what we encountered.
9. Copenhagen’s Playgrounds
The city is dotted with innovative playgrounds.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have much time to see them all, but we did spend the day with some friends at a really fun one. They had an extensive playground, slides, climbing equipment, goats, ponies, and free scooters for kids to use at the skate park.
And one of Dambo’s trolls lived there! The plan was to stay briefly, but it quickly extended to the whole day!
10. Copenhagen Street Food
Street-food places in Copenhagen offer a vibrant and diverse culinary scene.
Whether it’s along the waterfront at places like Reffen or exploring the stalls of Torvehallerne, you can find food from Denmark and around the world.
From traditional Danish smørrebrød to international dishes, there are plenty of options for families where everyone might want something different.
These places are not just about food either. Depending on when you visit, you may find events, music, workshops, and plenty of atmosphere.
11. National Aquarium Denmark (The Blue Planet)
The National Aquarium Denmark, or The Blue Planet, was another attraction on our list.
Its distinctive building was designed to resemble a whirlpool, and inside you can discover marine life and aquatic environments from around the world.
Unfortunately, with only five days in Copenhagen, we didn’t manage to visit this one.
If your family is interested in marine life, check the aquarium’s current exhibits, conservation work, and visitor information before deciding whether to add it to your trip.
12. Rent a bike for the day
Renting a bike for the day in Copenhagen is a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the Danish capital like a local.
Copenhagen is famous for its cycling culture and extensive network of bike lanes. Rental options range from basic bicycles to electric and cargo bikes, and some companies also offer child seats and other equipment for families.
Originally, we were supposed to be here with our campervan and our own bikes. Unfortunately, our plans changed, and we arrived with no bikes.
We didn’t take advantage of the rental option because we already had plenty of places to visit, but it was tempting!
13. The Round Tower
The Round Tower, or Rundetaarn in Danish, is a 17th-century tower in central Copenhagen.
One of its most unusual features is the wide spiral ramp that winds upward through much of the building rather than a traditional staircase.
At the top, visitors are rewarded with views across Copenhagen.
Whether you’re interested in astronomy, history, or simply want another view over the city, it is one of Copenhagen’s most recognizable landmarks.
*tickets available with the Copenhagen Card
14. Visit Nyhavn
Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s iconic “New Harbor,” tells a tale of sailors, stories, and transformation. Dug out in the 17th century, this canal was once a bustling part of Copenhagen’s maritime trade, where ships unloaded cargo and sailors filled the establishments lining the harbor.
Among the residents of these colorful townhouses was Hans Christian Andersen, who lived at several addresses around Nyhavn during his life.
As times evolved, so did Nyhavn. Today, historic ships still float alongside the quay, while restaurants and cafés cater to the hundreds of tourists who fill the streets daily!
It may be touristy, but you can’t really come to Copenhagen without seeing it.
15. LEGO Store:
The LEGO Store, especially significant in Denmark, being LEGO’s birthplace, offers an immersive experience into the world of these iconic building blocks. Packed with a vast array of sets, from simple kits for beginners to intricate designs for expert builders, the store is a haven for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages.
Visitors can also experience the “Pick & Build Wall,” where they can hand-select specific bricks and see elaborate displays and models that showcase the creative possibilities of LEGO. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the chance to go to Legoland, but stopping by this store allowed us to enjoy a bit of LEGO time, at least!
16. Guinness World Records Museum
The Guinness World Records Museum, located in various cities worldwide, is a fascinating attraction dedicated to showcasing extraordinary talents and achievements that Guinness World Records have officially recognized.
Visitors can explore exhibits covering everything from the tallest human ever recorded to the fastest land vehicle. Filled with interactive displays, trivia, and life-size models, the museum offers an engaging and educational experience that celebrates the limits of what is possible. It’s a fun and inspiring outing for people of all ages, intrigued by the exceptional and the extreme.
We spent a few hours here; it was engaging and interactive, lots of fun for the whole family, and we learned some pretty unexpected records! It makes you want to come up with your world record!
*tickets available with the Copenhagen Card
17. Copenhagen Zoo
Copenhagen Zoo is one of the oldest zoological gardens in Europe, founded in 1859.
Our family has stopped visiting zoos since we started traveling. After seeing animals in the wild, it is hard for us to accept seeing them behind barriers in a country that isn’t their place of origin. I still share this option because I know many people don’t share our views, and out of respect, I feel this might be an option for them.
If you are considering visiting, I recommend researching the zoo’s current conservation work, animal-welfare practices, and exhibits so you can make the decision that feels right for your family.
*tickets available with the Copenhagen Card
18. Children’s Museum (Børnenes Museum)
The Children’s Museum (Børnenes Museum) in Copenhagen is a dedicated section within the National Museum, offering a hands-on, interactive experience tailored for young visitors.
Designed to educate and entertain, the museum allows kids to step back in time and explore aspects of life in ancient Denmark and other cultures. From dressing up in period costumes to engaging in traditional crafts and games, the museum provides a dynamic environment where learning comes alive. It’s an ideal destination for families combining fun with educational enrichment.
I love that kids are invited to touch everything in sight at the Children’s Museum! Another interesting aspect of this Museum is that since visiting the National Museum can sometimes be a drag, they have created the Boredom Button! If you push them, anything can happen: statues come to life, paintings talk, and secret chests open to reveal their treasures. This button may be found anywhere, so the mission is to find them all. It’s a clever way of keeping kids engaged!
*tickets available with the Copenhagen Card
19. Stop at the Dansk Architecture Center
The Danish Architecture Center (DAC) in Copenhagen is dedicated to architecture, design, and urban planning.
Located in the modern BLOX building along the waterfront, the center explores how architecture affects our daily lives and how cities may develop in the future.
The highlight for our family, though, was the playground area outside the building. It was so unexpected to see something so creatively connected to the environment and lots of fun for kids.
But I cannot deny what originally drew us there was…the slide!
There was a unique multi-story spiral slide inside the building when we visited, and although the kids were supposed to take it once after visiting the museum, ours went up and down many times!
Exhibitions and installations at DAC change, so check what is currently available before promising your kids a particular feature.
*tickets available with the Copenhagen Card
20. Change of the guard ceremony
The Changing of the Guard ceremony in Copenhagen gives visitors a glimpse into Danish royal tradition.
The Royal Life Guards march from Rosenborg Castle toward Amalienborg Palace, where the changing ceremony takes place.
When we visited Copenhagen in 2023, Queen Margrethe II was Denmark’s monarch.
That has changed since this article was originally written. Queen Margrethe II abdicated in January 2024, and her son became King Frederik X.
The ceremony can vary depending on the royal family’s presence and official duties, so check the current schedule before planning your visit.
Extra activity: for the adults…or probably for the whole family too
The Carlsberg Brewery was founded in Copenhagen in 1847 and is a significant part of the city’s industrial history.
This is another attraction that has changed since I originally wrote this article.
Today, visitors can explore Home of Carlsberg, located at the original brewery site from 1847. The current experience opened in 2023 and includes an interactive exhibition exploring Carlsberg’s history, the Jacobsen family, brewing, and the influence the company has had on Denmark and beyond.
There are additional experiences such as historical tours and beer tastings, although naturally the tastings are for adults.
In essence, a visit here isn’t just about beer. It is also about history, science, industry, and a company that became an important part of Copenhagen’s story.
Accommodation in Copenhagen
Copenhagen offers various accommodation options catering to different tastes, budgets, and preferences. You can find luxury hotels, mid-range hotels, hostels, boutique properties, unique stays, and vacation rentals throughout the city.
Location is important. Consider staying in neighborhoods such as Indre By, Vesterbro, or Nørrebro, depending on your interests and budget.
Copenhagen can get busy during the summer months, so consider booking well in advance if you’re traveling during peak season.
The city is bike-friendly and has excellent public transportation, so choosing accommodation slightly farther from the center can help save money while still giving you easy access to the main attractions.
Our family opted for an Airbnb stay. We wanted the chance to cook as much as possible at home and have more space than we would have in a hotel room.
During this experience, we learned that some homeowners in Copenhagen Airbnb their own homes and move out while they are being rented. I am mentioning this because it can sometimes be a bit of a discomfort for the tenant. The house was so full of stuff that we could not unpack our bags, and the fridge only had one shelf available for us. Once I mentioned this to the owner, I was criticized for acting as though I expected to be in a hotel. I had picked the apartment specifically because I wanted more space, but clearly that didn’t work out quite as planned!
Also, because accommodation in Copenhagen can be expensive, we had to book a place farther away from downtown. Luckily, we had the Copenhagen Card for our transportation, so getting around was easy.
Whatever your preference, there are plenty of different accommodation options around Copenhagen. Just make sure to read the descriptions and reviews carefully so you know exactly what you’re booking.
How to Get to Copenhagen
Getting to Copenhagen is relatively straightforward because it is a major European city and an important transportation hub for Northern Europe.
By Air
Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is the main international gateway to Copenhagen and is located only about 8 km from the city center.
It is easily accessible by train, metro, bus, and taxi.
By Train
Copenhagen Central Station is the city’s main railway hub. International trains connect Copenhagen with destinations in Denmark, Sweden, Germany, and beyond, while the Øresund connection makes traveling between Copenhagen and Malmö particularly easy.
By Road
If you’re coming from mainland Europe, you can also drive to Copenhagen. The Øresund Bridge connects Copenhagen with Malmö in Sweden by both road and rail.
By Ferry
Ferry routes and operators change over time, so if you’re considering arriving by sea, check current connections before planning your trip.
By Bus
International buses connect Copenhagen with numerous European cities and can sometimes be a surprisingly affordable option. And this is exactly how we ended up getting there
Originally, we were meant to travel to Copenhagen by campervan, but unfortunately, Rainbow broke down in Germany. We didn’t cancel our trip. We simply booked a FlixBus.
Once in Copenhagen, we were already scheduled to catch a plane to Iceland and back, so we took the train to the airport.
When we flew back to Denmark, we hopped back on the train to Copenhagen Central Station, where we caught another FlixBus back to Germany. In the end, it was cheaper, fast, and simple!
Copenhagen’s excellent public transportation also made it easy for us to get around once we arrived, even though our original plan of having our campervan and bikes had completely disappeared!
Is Copenhagen Worth Visiting With Kids?
As you can see, Copenhagen offers plenty of options for families.
It is easy to reach and easy to get around, and once you’re here, there are activities for all types of visitors.
Our five days were not enough to see everything we wanted to see, but they gave us plenty of wonderful family memories, and a very good reason to return one day.
From riding Rutschebanen over and over again and spending an entire day at Experimentarium to searching for giant trolls and climbing the incredible Church of Our Saviour, Copenhagen gave us a wonderful combination of history, learning, adventure, and fun.
So, when are you coming to Copenhagen?
Continue the journey with:
If you are planning a trip to Europe, these family adventures should definitely be on your radar:
- Discovering Bruges With Kids: 10 Amazing Things to Do on a Family Trip
- Luxembourg City: our Fantastic Family Adventure exploring
- Ireland by Campervan: Our magical 2019 trip
- Croatia with Kids: Three Months of Slow Travel, History, and Nature
- Lake Ohrid: 7 fun things to do with our kids
- Our Montenegro travel itinerary
I hope our experiences help you plan an unforgettable European adventure of your own!
