Copenhagen is a city often overlooked by American travelers heading to Europe. Not as popular as European counterparts like Paris, London, and Madrid, the capital of Denmark, could be considered a hidden gem by many – especially for families looking to experience Europe together. The city is considered incredibly kid-friendly, with a reputation for safety, plenty of parks, and lots of attractions for kiddos of all ages.
The best part? Many of Copenhagen’s most kid-friendly attractions are equally fun for grown-ups, so the whole family can enjoy the experience together.
Not quite sure how to have fun as a family when you’re in Copenhagen? If you’re planning a trip to Copenhagen with the family, have fun with your kids by adding some of these activities to your to-do list:
Check Out the World’s Oldest Amusement Park: Bakken
Technically called Dyrehavsbakken, Bakken is well worth a visit when you’re in Copenhagen. Situated just to the north of the city, this theme park has been around for over 425 years, making it the oldest in the world. You’ll find thrilling roller coasters, bumper cars, water rides, and other fun attractions, including shows and carnival-style games. If you love theme parks, you’ll have a blast seeing where Walt Disney and other theme parks got their original inspiration. Admission is free – you just need to purchase tickets to enjoy the park’s rides and attractions.
Stop by Copenhagen’s Other Old Theme Park – Tivoli Gardens
If you can find time for two theme parks in your travel itinerary, stop by Tivoli Gardens as well. This amusement park is almost as old as Bakken, and it offers nearly as much to see and do. You can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the park’s scenic gardens or float across Tivoli Lake. Roller coaster fans will love the opportunity to ride the park’s wooden roller coaster – one of the oldest in the world!
Visit the Largest Aquarium in Northern Europe
You may feel like you’ve seen it all when it comes to aquariums, but the thoughtful design and exhibits at The Blue Planet (Den Bla Planet) is well worth the experience. You’ll find areas dedicated to tropical lakes and rivers, the ocean, coral reefs, and other wet ecosystems, each home to a diverse assortment of species. The aquarium is home to an impressive array of animals, from adorable otters to vicious piranhas and staples like sharks, stingrays, and moray eels.
For an exceptional experience, splurge on a guided tour or a close encounter with a sea turtle. These add-ons come at an extra cost to your standard ticket, but they’re a great way to make additional memories with your kiddos.
Get Lost in the Flagship Store
Even if you didn’t grow up loving LEGO, this super-popular building block’s flagship store is a sight to behold. Aside from housing what seems like every single LEGO set ever to exist, you’ll admire the creative LEGO constructions incorporated throughout the store. The larger-than-life sculptures built with little bricks are surprisingly impressive, and your little ones will be inspired to build and create.
Aside from being a great spot to have some fun and explore with kids, the LEGO store is a great place to pick up a couple of souvenirs for friends and family back home you won’t find anywhere else.
Explore the Viking Museum
Copenhagen is home to several different museums, many of which were designed with children in mind. The Viking Museum is no exception. There, you’ll find actual Viking ship remains, along with other remnants and artifacts from the peak of the Viking civilization. Adults and kids alike will have a blast and learn a lot as you explore the museum’s different exhibits.
Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, you might be able to take advantage of some special interactive activities and experiences offered by the museum. From boatbuilding and sailing workshops to “Viking For A Day” workshops, these can be great ways to make memories and have fun.
The Viking Museum is located just outside of Copenhagen in a city called Roskilde, which is easily reachable by train or bus. If you have time, plan to spend a day there. As the former capital of Denmark, the city is filled with history and offers plenty to see and do.
Burn Off Some Energy at Fælledparken, Copenhagen’s Largest Park
Copenhagen makes parks and playgrounds a priority, as you’ll see as you explore the city. While any of them make a great spot to let your kids have some fun and run around, you should make a point to stop by Fælledparken. It’s the most popular park in Copenhagen for a reason – it’s big, it’s beautiful, and there are a wide variety of things to see and do there.
The park is home to a number of different playgrounds and recreational areas. You’ll find a skateboard park and an outdoor gym, as well as other activities aimed at a younger audience. There’s a bike park for little ones to learn to ride, the Tower playground (inspired by some of Denmark’s most famous landmarks), and a splash park for kiddos to cool off on warm days.
Immerse Yourself in the Experimentarium
While the Experimentarium is technically a hands-on museum for kids, virtually everyone will have fun here. You’ll find a wide array of interactive exhibits, like the Bubblearium, which explores the world of bubbles, and the Wave, which offers an immersive learning experience about the sea surrounding Copenhagen. Other exhibits will let you challenge your senses, experiment with physics, learn about the human body, and more. Whether you’re looking for a way to enjoy a rainy day or simply want to let your kids have a blast in a museum unlike any other, you won’t go wrong by working the Experimentarium into your itinerary!
Copenhagen is possibly one of the most kid-friendly cities in Europe, and the number of attractions and activities geared toward little ones and families are a shining example of why. Grab your passports and start planning your family trip to Copenhagen – and get ready to have a blast!
