Things To Do in Copenhagen With Kids

Copenhagen isn’t cheap. So before we booked, the question wasn’t just “will the kids like it?” but “is this actually worth the money?”

We honestly thought it’d be a lot of walking, a lot of museums, and a lot of Edwin moaning. The kind of trip that photographs well but feels like hard work when you’re living it.

Instead, our trip to Copenhagen turned into one of the easiest city breaks we’ve done as a family with a few things we really didn’t expect.

If you’re weighing up whether Copenhagen works for families like yours, this honest guide to Copenhagen covers 9 things to do in Copenhagen that we did (and didn’t do) that’ll help you plan smarter. No exhausting schedules. No dragging kids around things they don’t care about. Just attractions and places that genuinely made the trip easier.

And one of these completely changed how we’d plan this trip next time. I’ll share that at the end.

We visited Copenhagen with kids in winter. It was snowing for most of the trip, which ruled out a few things we’d planned and pushed us toward indoor options we probably wouldn’t have chosen otherwise.

We didn’t manage to tick off everything on this list. Like most families, we ran out of time and energy during our 4 days in Copenhagen. But that’s exactly why this guide focuses on what actually worked, not what a perfect Copenhagen itinerary looks like on paper.

The Best Things to Do in Copenhagen with Kids

1. Tivoli Gardens: The Must-Do Attraction

As soon as I read about Tivoli Gardens, I knew we had to book it. But I was nervous. Entry and ride passes came to £56 per person (about $77), and it was freezing outside.

Then we walked in, and the whole mood of the trip changed.

This amusement park isn’t just a theme park. It’s right in the heart of the city and feels like a mix of a fairground, a park, and something out of a storybook. Snow was falling, lights were everywhere, music was playing. And suddenly nobody was complaining about being tired anymore.

There are bigger rides for older kids, gentler ones for younger ones, loads of food stalls, and space to wander without feeling rushed. You can easily spend in Copenhagen’s most famous amusement park an entire day, which makes the cost feel worth it.

For us, this was the highlight when exploring Copenhagen with kids. If your budget only stretches to one big experience, this is the one that delivered.

• Entry + unlimited rides: £56 per adult (February 2025 prices)
• Opens year-round but check seasonal hours
• Book tickets online in advance to skip queues
• Included in the Copenhagen Card for free entry (rides cost extra)

Our verdict: If you only had budget for one big attraction, this is it.

2. Strøget: Family-Friendly Shopping in the Heart of the City

This one sounds like a parent-only activity. Copenhagen’s main shopping street in central Copenhagen.

But here’s why it worked: it’s completely car-free, which makes it super fun for families.

No traffic. No stress. No constantly pulling Edwin back from the road.

Rach wanted to check out the shops, and Edwin actually enjoyed it too. There were places to eat and drink, street performers, souvenir shops. And of course, the LEGO Store (which I absolutely had to visit as a massive LEGO fan). The Danish design shops were brilliant, and the street food options kept everyone happy.

It felt like a breather, not another thing to “do”. Which is exactly what we needed by that point in the trip.

Our verdict: Boring on paper, surprisingly easy with kids.

3. Nyhavn: Worth a Visit But Keep It Short

This is where the pace naturally slows down when exploring Copenhagen.

Colourful buildings lining the canal, boats in the water, hot drinks and snack stops. Even in the snow, it felt calm and special. You can’t really visit Copenhagen without seeing Nyhavn.

But it’s not a place to visit where you spend hours.

It’s more of a pause than a plan. You’ll get lovely family photos (though you do have to avoid hundreds of other tourists doing exactly the same thing). If your kids like wandering, snacks, and looking at boats, this will work. If they need rides or hands-on activities, treat this as a short stop, not a highlight.

We were there for maybe 30 minutes, grabbed a hot chocolate, took some photos, and moved on. That felt about right.

The canal boat tours depart from here too. More on that later.

Our verdict: Beautiful, but keep expectations realistic.

4. Experimentarium: Our Favourite Family-Friendly Attraction in Copenhagen

This is a huge hands-on science centre where kids love touching everything, building, testing, and experimenting.

Nothing is behind glass. It’s loud, interactive, and busy but in a good way. The exhibits are designed so kids play while learning, which meant Edwin didn’t even realise he was at an educational attraction.

Before you realise it, half the day is gone.

With the snow outside, this place completely saved the trip. It was warm, energetic, and gave Edwin space to burn energy without it feeling like a classroom. He thought he was playing. We knew he was learning.

There was a bubble area where he managed to stand inside a giant water bubble. He thought it was the best thing ever. There was also a music section where you could play tunes using light sensors, which he kept going back to.

And somehow, he ended up watching a live dissection of a lung and heart. We didn’t expect him to find that fascinating, but he did. The kids enjoyed every minute.

That mix of fun, curiosity, and learning made this a day to remember.

• Allow 3-4 hours minimum (you could easily spend longer)
• Gets busy on weekends and rainy days
• Check opening times online before visiting
• Not included in the Copenhagen Card

Who it’s for: Kids who like hands-on activities for kids. Probably works best for ages 4+, though younger kids will enjoy parts of it too.

Our verdict: One of our favourites. And the one that really surprised us.

5. Rosenborg Castle: A Quick Stop in the King’s Garden

We did make it to Rosenborg Castle, and Edwin really enjoyed it.

But this is one where expectations really matter when visiting Copenhagen with a toddler or younger child.

It was very busy, even in winter, and there’s a lot of “look, don’t touch.” Younger kids will probably lose interest quite quickly. The crown jewels are impressive, but Edwin was more interested in the surrounding King’s Garden playground where kids to run around freely.

That said, it’s not expensive, it doesn’t take long, and it’s warm. So for us, it worked as a short, calmer stop rather than a big day out. The changing of the guard happens here occasionally too, which adds some excitement.

Then something completely unexpected happened.

The alarm went off while we were inside, and we weren’t allowed to leave the grounds. We had to wait while security and the army came to check the building.

For us as adults, it was a bit awkward. For Edwin? It was the most exciting part of the whole visit.

So while Rosenborg isn’t for every family, for us it became one of those moments we’ll always remember. Not because it was perfect, but because it was real.

• Included in the Copenhagen Card
• The King’s Garden outside is free and perfect for a picnic
• One of the best playgrounds in Copenhagen is right next to the castle

Who it’s for: Families with kids who are interested in history or castles. Probably better suited to ages 6+.

Our verdict: Good for a short visit but manage expectations.

6. Canal Boat Tour: Top of Our List for Next Time

This was one we really wanted to do but the snow had other plans.

And honestly, this is one I’d still recommend building in, especially if you’re going with younger kids or grandparents.

The canal tours are warm, calm, and pram-friendly, and they give everyone a proper break from walking around the city. You still get to see Copenhagen’s famous landmarks, but without that “are we nearly there?” feeling.

It feels like one of those moments where the whole family can just sit down, breathe, and reset while exploring Copenhagen from the water.

This would be top of our list for next time. Particularly if the weather isn’t great or you’ve had a long day on your feet. It’s cheap and efficient compared to taxi hopping, and it covers a lot of ground.

• Departs from Nyhavn and other locations
• Typically 1 hour long
• Included in the Copenhagen Card

Our verdict: Top of the list for next time when traveling to Copenhagen with kids.

7. The Round Tower: Worth a Visit If You’ve Got Energy Left

We didn’t make it here because of the weather, but it’s one I’d still keep in mind when planning a trip to Copenhagen.

Instead of stairs, you walk up a long spiral ramp, which already makes it feel a bit more fun and less like a workout.

By the time you reach the top, you’ve had just enough effort to feel like you’ve “done something” without anyone being exhausted.

The views are lovely, but more than that, it’s a nice little pause in the day.

If you’re visiting in winter, I’d treat this as a bonus rather than a must. It’s one of those stops that works best when everyone still has a bit of energy left. Not when you’re already running on empty.

• Included in the Copenhagen Card
• Takes about 30-45 minutes total

Our verdict: Worth considering if you’ve got energy left.

8. Amalienborg Palace: A Lovely Walk-Through

We only walked through the grounds, but even that alone felt special.

It’s open, spacious, and has that proper fairytale feel. The kind of place where kids start asking questions about kings and queens without you prompting them.

It’s easy to slot into a walking route, especially if you’re already in the area, and it doesn’t feel like “another attraction” you have to commit to.

If your kids enjoy castles, royalty, or anything that feels a bit magical, this is a really nice stop around Copenhagen.

The changing of the guard is meant to be the highlight. We missed it this time, but it’s something we’d definitely try to time properly next time.

• It’s free to walk around the square
• Museum entry requires a ticket (included in Copenhagen Card)

Our verdict: A lovely walk-through, especially if you’re nearby.

9. Copenhagen Zoo: Perfect for a Day Trip

We didn’t make it to Copenhagen Zoo. Mainly because of the snow and running out of time during our days in Copenhagen with kids.

But this is one we’d definitely plan for on a warmer trip to Denmark.

It’s one of those best places that works for most families, especially if you’ve got younger kids who just want something familiar and easy. It’s spacious, easy to get around using public transport, and full of animals kids genuinely get excited about.

If you’re visiting in summer or spring, this would be a great slower-paced day where you can just wander, stop for snacks, and not feel rushed. There are plenty of activities designed for families, and the playground areas let kids burn off energy between animal exhibits.

• Included in the Copenhagen Card
• Easy to reach by public transport
• Allow a full day if you visit

Our verdict: Perfect for a slower-paced day if the weather cooperates.

Other Family-Friendly Copenhagen Attractions to Consider

The Little Mermaid: Our Honest Take

The Little Mermaid statue is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic sights, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale. It is nice but it’s very quick.

It’s a bit out of the way, and for us, it only really worked because we went in the evening when it was quieter. Even then, there were still people standing in front of it for ages taking photos.

Edwin saw it for about two seconds and was ready to move on.

So for us, it didn’t really feel worth the walk in the cold. Even though we’re glad we can say we’ve seen it.

If you’re already nearby, it’s fine to pop by. But if your kids aren’t interested in statues, this is an easy one to skip. And that’s okay. You don’t have to do the famous things for your trip to feel complete.

Our honest take: It’s fine to skip.

National Museum of Denmark: Great for Rainy Days

We didn’t make it to the National Museum, but it’s worth mentioning as one of the best places for a rainy day when exploring Copenhagen with kids.

The children’s museum inside has hands-on exhibits designed specifically for families. And the best part? It’s free.

If the weather turns and you need somewhere warm with plenty of activities, this is a solid backup option.

• It’s free entry
• Children’s museum is interactive and engaging
• Easy to reach by public transport in central Copenhagen

What We’d Do Differently Next Time

The snow actually taught us something when we loved Copenhagen in winter.

We came in worried it would ruin the trip. But it slowed us down and pushed us into warmer, more family-friendly experiences we probably wouldn’t have chosen otherwise.

For our family trip, Copenhagen really worked. Especially when things didn’t go to plan.

If we went back, we’d:

• Prioritise the canal boat tour (especially on a long walking day)
• Book Tivoli Gardens for late afternoon when the lights come on
• Build in more time at Experimentarium
• Take the kids to one of the many playgrounds around Copenhagen
• Not stress about seeing everything. The slower pace made it better
• Consider a 4 day Copenhagen itinerary instead of trying to cram everything into fewer days

Is Copenhagen Worth It for Families?

Yes but only if you adjust your expectations when planning a trip to Copenhagen with kids.

It’s not cheap. But if you’re looking for a city that still works when things change, where your kids enjoy themselves, and where you don’t need a perfect itinerary, Denmark’s capital delivers.

The key is choosing a few things that really matter to your family, rather than trying to cram everything in. We found that visiting Copenhagen with kids worked best when we focused on quality over quantity.

For us, that was Tivoli Gardens, Experimentarium, and giving ourselves permission to wander without a tight schedule. The Danish approach to family travel (relaxed, practical, and genuinely fun) made this one of the best places in the world we’ve visited with Edwin.

Tips for Visiting Copenhagen with Kids

Get the Copenhagen Card if you’re planning to visit multiple attractions. It includes free entry to most major sites, unlimited public transport, and can save you significant money. You can check options on the Visit Copenhagen website.

Public transport is your friend. Buses, metro, and trains are all easy to navigate, even with kids. We found it much easier than driving around Copenhagen.

Don’t underestimate the playgrounds. Danish playgrounds are exceptional. We stumbled upon several that Edwin loved, and they made perfect breaks between tourist attractions.

Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales are everywhere. From the Little Mermaid to themed exhibits, the famous Danish author’s influence runs throughout the city.

Street food markets are brilliant for families. They offer variety, so everyone can choose what they want to eat in Copenhagen without arguing.

Practical Booking Information

You can book most of these attractions (Tivoli Gardens, canal tours, museums) on GetYourGuide or Viator. We’ve included affiliate links if they’re helpful. They don’t cost you anything extra, but we receive a small commission that helps support this site.

Planning a trip to Copenhagen? This guide should give you a realistic starting point for your own fun family adventure in Denmark. Remember. The best family travel experiences often come from the moments you don’t plan.