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Things to do in Copenhagen with Kids

Most people think of Copenhagen as a grown-up city destination, but having lived there for just over two years I know it’s a great place for kids too.  Here’s my personal top ten list of things we head to when we go back:

1.   Tivoli  – no visit to Copenhagen with kids would be complete without going (Mr Disney took inspiration for his parks from here!).   Our favourite rides include the ancient Rutschebahn, where each car comes with its own brake operator!!   Make sure you go on the Flying Trunk which explores Hans Christian Andersen’s stories, and the Star Flyer gives you a great view of the city (if you like heights!).  Tivoli is especially beautiful on a Summer’s evening, at Halloween and Christmas.

2.  Talking of views of the city,  The Ruundtaarn a 17th century astronomical observatory is great fun for kids who love running up and down the step free tower (there are a couple of steps at the very top!).   A word of warning, don’t be tempted to put your head through the railings (we learned the hard way!)!

3.  The Postal Museum is a brilliant hands-on museum for small children, mine would spend hours pretending to be Postman Pat (or rather Postmand Per).   An underrated Copenhagen gem.

4. The Experimentarium is just the best children’s science Museum.   Recently reopened after a huge revamp, you can find it a short train ride out of the city centre in Hellerup.

5.  The Glyptoteket is amazing for art and history fans.   You will find paintings, sculptures and historical artefacts in this grand museum just around the corner from the main station.   It also happens to have a wonderful winter garden and a cafe with amazing cakes!

6 Rosenborg Castle is home to the Danish Crown jewels, and gives an insight to what life was like in the castle all those years ago.   The surrounding park is a great place to let off steam afterwards.

7.  On a hot day, head for a swim in the harbour with the locals at Havnebadet Islands Brygge.  There are plenty of slides and kids swimming areas, and the water is checked daily for cleanliness levels (it’s not for the faint-hearted temperature wise, but the shallower pools are fun for children!

8.  Louisiana is one of my favourite art galleries.  Make it a day trip – it’s about a 45 minute train ride from the main station.   Perched on a cliff top, this museum is spread over a few levels and includes the most amazing children’s art studio.   There’s a brilliant secret slide at the back of the museum that not many people know about…

9.  Another piece of kid paradise has to be The Frilandsmuseet, in Lyngby.   Hundreds of original historic houses taken from all over Denmark and rebuilt here some 35-minute train ride out of the city.   It’s set over hundreds of acres, and the actors that “live here” help it feel like you have gone back in time.  Take a picnic, and make a day of it.

10.  Something slightly more refined for any miniature ballet fans you might have – a tour of the Royal Opera House.   This must be arranged before your visit, but you really do get to see behind the scenes, from exploring the stage itself to the inside of the wardrobe department.

Emma shares many more family travel tips on A Bavarian Sojourn where she shares her adventures from living in Copenhagen, Munich and the UK.

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