Copenhagen with kids makes for a fabulous trip! There are tons of things for both kids and parents to enjoy together.

The word hygge (hue-guh) is a Danish word that means cozy, a feeling of togetherness with people, and simplicity. I had heard of hygge before we visited Denmark and was really on a quest to find it. Most of what I knew of hygge was candles, Christmas, food, etc., from reading a book about Danish Christmas celebrations. I was skeptical that I could find any vestige of hygge in late March.

I did find some cozy in the Hotel Chocolat tucked into a small booth sipping hot chocolate, simplicity in the design of our Airbnb, and in the Torvehallerne food hall. However, I mostly felt it in the feeling of community everywhere we went.

Bicycles line the streets and litter every corner in their droopy parking recline. Kids sit in the front of baskets or behind their parents on every bike errand. Sharing space in crowded Paper Island where people scooted closer together to make room for my kids to sit and eat. Locals making sure we weren’t lost and pointing us to great places to eat—men feeding the birds who offered my children a sleeve of digestive biscuits so they could join in.

 

Hygge is there if you look for it, and it was a really fun search. Let me know how you do in your search!

How many days should I spend in Copenhagen with the kids?

How many days should you spend in Copenhagen? I think you need two at the very minimum. If you have only one day in Copenhagen, you will be able to see some of the sights, but you will miss out on experiencing most things.

There is enough to do in Copenhagen to fill five days, so I would plan on 2 to 5 days to enjoy all that Copenhagen has to offer!

Visit Nyhavn

This is the Copenhagen you have seen in the pictures. Old and new boats mingle in the long canal with colorful buildings on either side. You will want to take a picture or five. There are beautiful restaurants and shops on either side of the canal, and in the evening there are a lot of people enjoying the atmosphere.

Take a Canal Boat Ride

You will also want to take a canal boat tour. There are two companies to choose from but the Netto-Baden, the blue one, is cheaper by more than half. It is also completely delightful!

The one-hour tour is a chance to get a good understanding of the city and learn a little bit about the history of Copenhagen. My kids loved to run back and forth down the aisles. (We took an early morning cruise, and it was deserted.)

Plan on an hour and a half for the boat tour and picture taking.

Tips for Nyhavn:

• There are public toilets that are clean and nice at the end of the canal. (the end opposite the boat tours) Take advantage as they are hard to find.
• Go early in the morning to avoid a wait for the boats.

Paper Island

You will see lots of people walking over a bridge as you leave Nyhavn, and you will keep following them to Paper Island. The main attraction here is the Copenhagen Street Food Market. This is a must-see and must-eat!

The food market has a definite bohemian feel and was very bustling both times we went. The smells of Japanese, Danish, Mexican, and Latin America all mingle to create a scent you want to follow to your favorite booth. The standouts in our family were the duck confit fries, fried gyoza, and a meat plate with every kind of meat imaginable. Prices were higher compared to what you would pay in the U.S. but decent for Denmark.

Outside there are statue ducks to climb on and swings inside shipping crates. Linger a while and your kids will be in heaven.

Plan on 1-2 hours to eat and play.

Walk through Christiania

A short walk from Paper Island you will be in the neighborhood of Christiania, a town created by squatters in 1971. They took over unused military barracks and created their own city independent of Copenhagen. All the guide books told us to be sure to make a stop, but it is a stop I wouldn’t make again.

The smell of marijuana hits you as you enter the enclave. Dogs were roaming wild, and my kids were scared. We crossed through the city to the other side and only came in contact with dogs until we reached “pusher street,” where it was alive with activity. Of course the activity was the buying and selling of various forms of pot.

My youngest asked me with wide eyes, “What is that stuff they are selling?” When I told him, he asked, horrified, “Why would you bring us here?” Needless to say, it was not for our family. I had some adult cousins go the week after we were there, and they loved it.

Take a Stroll on the Stroget

This is pronounced “stroll”, more or less. Information that will be very useful if you are asking a local how to get there. This is a pedestrian street in the heart of Copenhagen. There are the usual international stores, including a Lego store that my boys loved.

Take some time to stroll down “stroll”, feed some pigeons, and enjoy a little window shopping. Get a cup of hot chocolate at Hotel Chocolat topped with chocolate whipped cream. But don’t waste one on your kids–it’s not overly sweet and they probably won’t like it. Take them instead to Lagkagehuset, a bakery chain that has delicious pastries, and be sure to get a chocolate snail.

 

Plan on at least an hour, but much more if you want to shop.

Torvehallerne food hall

This is another food hall with a very different vibe than Paper Island. It is a much more modern hall with glass walls and carries a lot of upscale kitchenware, food stalls, and fish markets. The kids won’t like this one as much, but it is not very big and you can tempt them with goodies for a while.

Pay a visit to Grød, the porridge place (see more below), and Hallernes Smorrebrod for traditional Danish smorrebrod, an open-face sandwich topped with egg, fish or meat. At Hallernes, you can see the smorrebrod on display so you know what you are getting, and you are getting a treat!

Plan on 30 minutes to an hour.

Rosenborg Slot

I was so excited to go to Rosenborg! It was to be the highlight of the trip. We saved it for our last day so that we would have lots of time, but when we got there it was closed! It is closed on Monday. We were so disappointed, and I want to ensure you aren’t, too.

Don’t save it for Monday, but if you make the same mistake we did, they do have a lovely garden to walk through and a really well designed playground that we all enjoyed. There were so many playgrounds all across Copenhagen, but this one was probably my kids’ favorite.

We spent an hour and a half here on the grounds alone.

Tivoli Gardens

Unfortunately, this historic amusement park wasn’t open in March. So many people recommend it as one of their favorites in Copenhagen! Check this blog out if you are visiting at Christmas.

The Blue Planet Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Europe, and a great place to take kids of all ages. The aquarium features over 450 different species of marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.

One of the highlights of the aquarium is the Ocean Tank, which holds over 4 million liters of water and is home to a variety of large marine animals, including hammerhead sharks and giant groupers. There are also interactive exhibits and activities for kids, as well as a cafe and gift shop.

The Little Mermaid Statue

The Little Mermaid Statue is a must see if you visit Copenhagen.

• It was commissioned in 1909 and unveiled in 1913 to commemorate the story written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen.
• The mermaid statue was designed by Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen. It depicts the character from Andersen’s story sitting on a rock with her fish tail in the water.
• At just over 5 feet tall, the statue is smaller than typically depicted in illustrations of the story. This was done so it would appear more delicate.
• Over the years, the bronze statue has weathered to a pale green color from exposure to the elements along the sea. It’s become an iconic symbol of Copenhagen.
• It’s one of the most photographed sites in Copenhagen and a popular tourist attraction. An estimated 1 million people visit the Little Mermaid statue every year.

National Aquarium Denmark

The National Aquarium Denmark, also known as Den Blå Planet, is the largest aquarium in Northern Europe. It is home to thousands of sea creatures, including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. Kids will love the interactive exhibits and the chance to see these amazing animals up close.

Plan on 1-2 hours.

Experimentarium

Experimentarium is a science museum that is perfect for kids who love to learn and explore. The museum has over 300 interactive exhibits that cover a range of scientific topics, from physics to biology. Kids can conduct experiments, build structures, and learn about the world around them in a fun and engaging way.

Think of a science-based Children’s Museum.

Plan on 1-3 hours.

Copenhagen Zoo

Copenhagen Zoo is a great place to visit for families who love animals. The zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including lions, tigers, and elephants. Kids will love seeing these amazing animals up close, and the zoo also offers a range of educational programs and activities.

Plan on 1-3 hours.

Outdoor Activities to Do with Kids in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a city that is perfect for outdoor activities with kids. There are many parks, gardens, and attractions that offer exciting experiences for families.

There are parks and playgrounds throughout the city and there is plenty of space to let your kids get their wiggles out.

Copenhagen Botanical Garden

The Copenhagen Botanical Garden is a beautiful oasis in the city’s heart. The garden is home to a wide range of plants and flowers from all over the world, including an extensive collection of rare and exotic plants. Several greenhouses offer a glimpse into different ecosystems, including tropical rainforests and arid deserts. The garden is a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Plan on 1 hour.

 

National Museum of Denmark

The National Museum of Denmark is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Denmark. The museum has a wide range of exhibits, including artifacts from the Viking Age, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. There are also exhibits on Danish design, fashion, and music.

Families with children can take advantage of the museum’s free audio guides, which are available in Danish, English, and German.

Tycho Brahe Planetarium

The Tycho Brahe Planetarium is another educational experience for kids in Copenhagen. The planetarium has a variety of shows that explore the mysteries of the universe, including shows about the solar system, black holes, and the search for extraterrestrial life.

The shows are available in Danish and English, and some are specifically designed for children. In addition to the shows, the planetarium has a range of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn more about astronomy and space exploration.

Plan on 1-2 hours.

Ride a Bike in Copenhagen with kids

Rent a bike and live like the locals. You can do this in downtown Copenhagen or in all of the suburbs. If you have very young kids I recommend riding a bike in a suburb where it is less busy.

Seeing everyone riding bikes everywhere they go makes you want to join in on the fun. There are various rental places around the city. They will also give you the rules for riding, which include walking your bike in pedestrian streets or when going against traffic.

Don’t miss this; this was one of my older kids’ highlights.

Plan an hour.

 

Kronborg Castle

This one is a little farther afield but worth the drive or bus ride because this is Hamlet’s castle!  At least this is the castle that inspired Elsinore Castle in Hamlet, and it is in the town of Helsingor. So you can see the inspiration already.

Kronborg is, in fact, a fortress that was built in 1420 by the Danish King Eric VII. It was later redesigned to become a castle. It is situated beautifully, looking toward Sweden to its north.

This was a real hit with the kids. There is the statue of a Giant in the catacombs with a tale that will delight your little ones. Take a guided tour of the catacombs (called the casemates). This is a must! Guided tours happen at various times during the day, so check before you go.

Plan 3-4 hours total, including the guided tour and time to check out the rest of the castle and grounds.

Tip for Kronborg Castle

• Near the parking lot for Kronborg Castle, there is a great playground built into the asphalt. Keep your eyes peeled, and let your kids bounce and run.

What to eat in Copenhagen with Kids

Grød

This tops my list because it was the most unusual. It is an entire restaurant that only sells porridge.

We visited two locations and found them to be equally delicious. Toppings include traditional breakfast flavors like apples, berries, peanut butter, and nuts. If you go in the afternoon you can get curry, risotto and salad-type toppings. Every bite was amazing. Seating is limited at all locations.

 

Street Hot Dogs

It’s a quick bite to grab when the kids want something they know, but these hotdogs are fabulous.

I’m sure some stands are better than others, but we enjoyed every hot dog we had. Ask for remoulade on your adult hot dogs, which is a sauce similar to tarter sauce with garlic. The kids can stick to the traditional ketchup or mustard. Also get your kids the french dog–it’s a roll with a hotdog inside. It makes for easy carrying.

 

Meyers Bageri

When you think of Danish pastry, you want to go here! Get the cinnamon swirl or the pesto bread and munch it as you walk down cobblestone streets and feel as Danish as can be. Truly a delicious stop.

 

Plus, if you get addicted, there is a location in Brooklyn, NY.

Tips for Before You Go to Copenhagen with Kids

• Pack warmly- even though the weather forecast was the mid-sixties, the wind whipping off the water kept the city very cold. We wished we had brought thicker winter coats. Even in summer, you will want to have a jacket for that reason.
• Learn to pronounce Danish- its frustratingly hard for English speakers, but if you give it a little study before you go you will feel much more at home in Denmark.
• Bring your ergo carrier- most of the streets in the old part of town are cobblestone or otherwise hard for strollers. The rest of the city is very stroller-friendly, but you will want a backup.
• Think about renting a car and staying out of the city proper- Prices for Airbnb were so much cheaper outside of the city and there was a lot of charm in the suburbs we visited. Parking in Copenhagen was much easier and cheaper than we had initially thought (our Airbnb hosts told us the same thing), so we drove in every day, and the kids enjoyed returning to a suburb with a lawn and playground in the late afternoons. We enjoyed the mobility when our kids got tired of walking to be able to pop home for a few hours and return later to the city.
• Flights to Copenhagen from the US are among the cheapest to Europe. Check out how we found flights under $300 from NYC.
• Are you traveling with a baby? Here are some great tips for Copenhagen with a baby.

 

How Long Should you Plan to Spend in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is not an enormous city, and most of the tourist attractions are within easy walking distance from one another. There is a lot to see, however, so I would recommend 3 days at the very minimum.

If you have two or fewer you won’t want to wander outside of Copenhagen and will only be able to pick one place and maybe skip the boat ride in Nyhavn.

If you have more than three days, you can spend time in art museums, an entire day in Tivoli, and lots more time to walk around and enjoy the beautiful city.

 

Conclusion

Copenhagen is a fantastic destination for families with children. The city is filled with attractions and activities that will keep kids entertained and engaged. From amusement parks to museums, there is something for everyone.

Overall, Copenhagen is a beautiful destination for families who want to experience a unique and exciting vacation. With so many things to see and do, it is sure to be a trip that everyone will remember for years to come.