I heard time and again how Nordic countries are some of the most kid-friendly in the world. From mind-blowing playgrounds to stroller rentals to family-focused activities. Well, I finally had a chance to explore Copenhagen with kids, and I have to tell you, what they say is true. I loved it, the kids loved it, it was all around amazing.
Just so we are on the same page, I was in Copenhagen with my husband and our 4-year-old and 2-year-old boys. I am sure visiting Copenhagen with kids who are older is great too, but this guide is written with little kids in mind.
What Makes Visiting Copenhagen with Kids Easy?
- Although it’s a major European capital, Copenhagen’s center where most popular attractions are located, is quite compact. At the same time, the streets are wide and it’s not crowded. Compared, for example, to New York which we also recently visited with kids, Copenhagen is more relaxed and quiet.
- Getting around the city couldn’t be easier. During our 4-day trip we walked everywhere with a stroller. If you want to use public transport, it’s available, reliable, and easy to figure out. You can also rent bikes (including cargo bikes to put the kids in). The bike lanes are often wider than the car lanes and drivers are considerate.
- There are many things to do specifically for kids, but even major attractions anyone has to see in Copenhagen are easy to explore with little ones. At Nyhavn, which is a major tourist hotspot, the kids can run along the canal and watch the boats pass by. At Amalienborg Palace — if you plan your day to arrive there by 12 — they will be fascinated by the changing of the guard.
- There are several food halls and street food spots around the city which makes having meals a breeze. No worrying about making too much noise, accidentally breaking something, or disturbing other guests. Food markets also provide dozens of choices when it comes to feeding picky eaters.
Tips for Visiting Copenhagen with Kids
- The official website of the Copenhagen tourist board has plenty of information about traveling as a family.
- You can use Easygoing to rent baby equipment (anything from strollers to cots to carriers). They deliver the gear upon your arrival and pick it up before you leave.
- Here’s a list of bike rentals in Copenhagen where you can get a cargo bike to transport the whole family.
Disclosure: this post contains some affiliate links which means if you buy something by clicking the link I will earn a small commission at absolutely no extra cost to you.
9 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen with Kids
Tivoli Gardens
Let’s start with the most popular attraction, Tivoli Gardens. I have to admit, I wasn’t particularly excited to go there with my 2 boys under 4 — amusement parks are usually loud and overstimulating, especially for little kids. Boy, was I wrong about this one. Tivoli is, hands down, the best amusement park I’ve ever been to!
First of all, it’s located right in the heart of the city, next to other popular attractions. No using public transport or renting a car to get there — we simply walked from our hotel. For the same reason, you don’t have to block off a whole day just for the park. Spend a few hours at Tivoli, then walk out and continue exploring Copenhagen.
Second, it’s green! It is in fact, a garden with trees and greenery all around. Imagine if Central Park and Disneyland married and had a baby — that’s Tivoli Gardens. It’s beautiful, it’s relaxing, it’s shady. If you’ve ever been to Orlando amusement parks in summer, you know how hot, humid and exhausting it can get. Walking around Tivoli is a breeze (both literally and figuratively).
Third, the whole atmosphere is, if not relaxing, at least not completely overwhelming. There are many people, but it doesn’t feel too crowded (we visited in July). I spent about 3 hours at the Gardens with my two kids alone and actually enjoyed it.
Tip: my favorite ride was The Flying Trunk that takes you on a journey through Hans Christian Andersen’s most famous fairytales.
Tivoli Gardens — Vesterbrogade 3
Canal Boat Tour
If you are visiting Copenhagen with kids for the first time, you will find yourself at Nyhavn, a former port area turned into a major tourist hotspot. While kids can run along the canal and watch the boats, a fun thing to do for the whole family can be taking a boat tour.
It provides a much needed (when you travel with kids) change of pace and scenery. The tour only takes an hour and gives you an opportunity to see some of the major tourist attractions that you might not see otherwise, if your trip is short.
This was a great experience both for us, as parents, and for our boys. We learned a lot, they were fascinated by being on an actual boat.
Tip: The ticket booths are located right by the canal, but you might have to wait in line. If you prefer to be more prepared and have timed tickets, get them online in advance.
Copenhagen Main Library
If I say my mind was blown when I stepped into the Copenhagen Main Library it would be an understatement. The children’s floor at the library is the most beautiful, creative, convenient space for parents and kids.
Think of it as an indoor playroom, but with books. And it’s free. And there’s a third wave coffee shop right next door. And a space to feed kids. And toilets equipped for toddlers (do I even need to mention a changing table? Duh). And a whole garage-style parking for strollers. Are you kidding me?
There’s not much to do for parents, except be amazed by how kid-friendly Denmark is and maybe chill and scroll on your phone. I think this place is amazing if you spent a whole day exploring the city, the kids are tired and need a break. Pop in, have a coffee, let the kids run around (yes, in this library you can run!) and then off you go to explore more of Copenhagen.
Tip: Democratic Coffee is right next door, but you can walk into it from the ground floor of the library.
Copenhagen Main Library — Krystalgade 15
Børnenes Boghandel (Bookshop)
While we are on the topic of books, let’s talk bookshops! One thing I wanted to do in Copenhagen with kids was buy a book by Hans Christian Andersen at the source, so to say. The problem, of course, is that most bookshops sell books in Danish.
I did however find a small selection of children’s books in English, German and Chinese at Børnenes Boghandel, a specialized children’s bookshop. The space is small, but charming. My boys had fun browsing through the kid’s section and we left with The Snow Queen in German.
Tip: just around the corner is Arnold Busck bookshop where you will find books for all ages. They also have a kid’s section and, conveniently, a restroom.
Børnenes Boghandel — Skindergade 4
Lego Store on Strøget
I have two boys, so if there is a Lego store in the city, we are going to find it one way or another. In Copenhagen, the Lego Store is located on Strøget, a popular shopping area that is free of cars. Which makes this a perfect experience for both parents and kids. Parents can check out Hermes, Prada, and the Royal Copenhagen flagship store, while the kids can browse through many Lego sets.
There are two little tables with lego pieces for toddlers and bigger kids to play with. We usually spend about 30-40 minutes inside and always leave with a new set. Then we go to the nearest bakery and enjoy our coffee while the kids are occupied with their new toys. Win!
Tip: Conditori La Glace is a great patisserie located on Strøget, steps away from the Lego store, in case you want to follow my advice and let the kids play Lego while you enjoy a piece of cake.
Lego Store — Vimmelskaftet 37
The Round Tower
The Round Tower is one of the most popular things to do, whether you are visiting Copenhagen with kids or without. I find that visiting some major attractions with my kids is out of the question, museums or palaces, for example. It is more stressful than enjoyable.
But the Round Tower is perfect for kids of any age. It is a nearly 400-year-old building initially constructed to allow the astronomers from the University of Copenhagen to observe stars.
The famous spiral ramp inside the tower wraps around the hollow center 7 and a half times and provides ample opportunities for kids to run around. Mine were running a bit too fast for my liking, but at least there are no masterpieces on the walls to touch or sculptures to turn over.
The ramp eventually leads to an observatory with 360-degree views of Copenhagen.
Tip: just outside of the Round Tower is DØP, a kiosk selling organic hot dogs. Everything from meat to sauces to fried onions is organic. This brand won multiple awards for their taste and quality. But what’s most important, the kids enjoyed the hot dogs immensely after all that running at the Round Tower.
The Round Tower — Købmagergade 52A
Assistens Cemetery
Ok, hear me out! I know how it sounds! You are exploring Copenhagen with kids and I am asking you to go to a cemetery. What the what, right? But I swear this was one of the best (read: relaxing for parents) experiences we had on our trip.
The thing about exploring a big city with little kids is that they have to spend a lot of time in the stroller. And if they walk, you have to be super vigilant so they don’t run to the road or get lost in the crowd. Enter: the cemetery. Kids can run around all they want, parents chill.
Assistens cemetery is called “a churchyard-turned-city park” on the official website of Copenhagen tourism board. People come here for a walk, to ride a bike, or enjoy a picnic. It’s a green oasis and a respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. I hope now you feel better taking your kids here.
The graves of Hans Christian Andersen, Søren Kierkegaard, and Niels Bohr are located at Assistens Cemetery, in case you need a destination while you are walking around.
Tip: Andersen & Maillard, one of the best bakeries in Copenhagen, is located steps away from the entrance to Assistens Cemetery. A great spot for a breakfast before or a snack after visiting the cemetery. Try their cube croissant.
The King’s Garden
The King’s Garden should be on your list of things to do whether you are visiting Copenhagen with kids or without. This is the oldest royal garden in Denmark and it is here that you’ll find the famous Rosenborg Palace.
And while visiting a palace with two kids under 4 is a questionable activity in my books, exploring the garden was superb.
The kids ran around without me having to worry about traffic. Surrounding the Rosenborg Palace is a little pond with fish. While the kids spent at least 20 minutes watching fish, I admired the castle from outside. Also on the premises of the garden is a beautiful wooden playground. And in case your kids are already familiar with Hans Christian Andersen’s books, his statue is located in the park, too.
Torvehallerne
Eating out with kids is not for the faint of heart, which is why market halls and food courts are my go-to when we travel. Probably the most famous market hall in Copenhagen is Torvehallerne, two glass buildings that house over 60 stalls with seating both inside and outside.
We happened to book a hotel just around the corner and ended up eating here pretty much every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner during out 4 day trip to Copenhagen with kids.
The amount of options is staggering and the food is off the charts. Everything we tried was exceptionally good, but here are a few of my favorite places:
Dog House is a gourmet hot dog stand, our kids’ favorite.
Coffee Collective offers amazing coffee. Try their affogato with soft serve.
Hija de Sanchez makes delicious authentic tacos, also a hit with the kids.
At Rørt you can try smørrebrød, traditional Danish open sandwich.
Smag is a sandwich and salad bar that I loved most of all (the kids weren’t impressed, though).
Copenhagen with Kids: a Few More Ideas
Below are a few more things to do in Copenhagen with kids that were on my list, but we didn’t have enough time to cover it all. If you do, let me know in the comments, how it was!
Copenhagen zoo is one of Denmark’s most popular attractions. And while there are over 4000 animals from all over the world here, the star of the show is without a doubt the Panda House. In 2019, two giant pandas, Mao Sun and Xing Er, arrived to Copenhagen from China. They live in a unique enclosure that mimics the pandas’ natural habitat, designed by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels.
Den Blå Planet is Northern Europe’s largest aquarium. The building itself is a marvel, but inside you will find endless activities for kids: from walking through an underwater tunnel, where fish swim above and around you; to the Wondrous Pond, where kids can catch tiny creatures with a fishing net and look at them up close; to a water playground open in summer.
Experimentarium is a science center fun to explore for both kids and adults. As described on their official website, “You don’t have to know Danish or English — you simply jump right in!”
A day trip to find 6 forgotten giants in the woods on the outskirts of Copenhagen is definitely an off-the-beaten-track attraction. Artist Thomas Dambo built these quirky sculptures of recycled wood in scenic locations to get locals to go out in nature. You can rent a car and go by yourself or book a guided tour.
Where to Stay in Copenhagen with Kids?
Venders Copenhagen
We stayed at Venders Copenhagen, a beautiful apartment hotel located right in the heart of the city. I would highly recommend it for families with kids for multiple reasons.
First, the location is unbeatable. Torvehallerne is just around the corner, so all your meals are sorted. Other major attractions like Nyhavn and the King’s Garden are also within walking distance. We barely ever used public transport because walking everywhere made more sense.
The apartment itself was spacious, with plenty of room for 2 adults and 2 kids. Even though the hotel is located in a historic building from the 19th century, there was an elevator. The rooms were clean, stylish, with lots of sunlight.
This was such a helpful and heartwarming guide! I’m planning a trip to Copenhagen with my toddler soon, and your experience gave me so much clarity (and excitement!). I had no idea the library was that incredible – now it’s at the top of our list. Thank you for sharing such thoughtful details, especially about stroller access and relaxing spots for both parents and kids!
My pleasure! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment! Made my day :) I hope you have a great time in Copenhagen with kids! I am definitely dreaming of returning already!