My niece enjoying the canal tour in Copenhagen. One Day Copenhagen Itinerary for families with kids.

One Day Copenhagen Itinerary for Families with Kids

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Planning a day trip to Copenhagen with kids? I have created a perfect one day Copenhagen itinerary for families with kids!

When my nieces, aged 3 and 6, visited me in Copenhagen during the summer, I experienced firsthand what it takes to keep little ones entertained while making the most of this beautiful city.

Balancing fun activities, food breaks, and easy transportation without feeling rushed can be tricky—but it’s definitely doable!

One day might seem short, but I’ve crafted an itinerary combining history, scenic viewpoints, and exciting activities. It also includes breaks so kids and parents can enjoy the day without feeling overwhelmed.

Let’s jump into the one day Copenhagen itinerary for families with kids!

9:00 – Nyhavn

Start your day in Copenhagen with a leisurely walk through Nyhavn—one of those iconic spots that scream “Denmark!”

Famous for its colorful buildings, this historic harbor was once a bustling commercial port where ships from around the world docked. Don’t miss House No. 9 which is the oldest building since 1681.

Stalls and buildings by the waterfront at Nyhavn Christmas market, Copenhagen

The area is lined with several cozy cafes and restaurants but they are a bit expensive.

Canal tours are popular here and take one hour, so the kids might feel bored. Also, with only one day, I suggest admiring the canal from a distance and heading to the next attraction.

10:00 – Amalienborg Palace & Changing of Guards Ceremony

Amalienborg Palace is not just a historical landmark; it’s the actual residence of the Danish royal family! 

The palace is made up of four identical buildings surrounding a large square, with the statue of King Frederik V proudly standing in the center.

I loved wandering through the Amalienborg Museum, which showcases the royal artifacts and offers a glimpse into royal traditions and history. 

There are interactive and fun activities designed for kids like drawing. Just a heads-up: strollers aren’t allowed inside, and young kids need an adult to accompany them.

Crowd gathered to watch the Changing of guards ceremony at Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen

After exploring the palace, wait at the square to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at 12:00 which happens right outside the palace.

  • Opening Hours: Closed Mondays. Tuesday – Friday: 10-15, Saturday – Sunday: 10-16
  • Entry Fee: 125 DKK for adults and 80 DKK for students, and free for children between 0 and 17 years of age.

13:30 – Lunch

Conveniently located en route to your next attraction, here are some great spots to grab lunch. I personally recommend these places for their delicious food and cozy ambiance.

  • Gasoline Grill – Best burgers and budget-friendly 
  • Mormors – Cafe and medium-priced
  • Restaurant Palægade – Premium fine-dining Danish restaurant

14:30 – Round Tower

After having lunch, head to Rundetaarn, or the Round Tower. It was built by King Christian IV in 1642 and is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks.

The gradual spiral ramp will take you to the top, which is so much easier with the kids. From this viewpoint, enjoy the stunning aerial view of Copenhagen.

Round tower Copenhagen at night

Inside, you’ll find a church an exhibition space near the entrance, and an observatory with a telescope at the top that is still used today. It’s one of my favorite city landmarks!

Pushchairs and prams can go up the spiral path but not up the last two steps to the viewing platform.

  • Opening hours: From April to September, the round tower is open every day from 10:00 to 20:00. From October to March, from 10:00 to 18:00, and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays the time is extended until 21:00.
  • The observatory is open and staffed from October to March on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 18:00 and 21:00. The visit to the observatory is included in the regular ticket price.
  • Round tower is closed on 24th and 25 December and 1st January. On 31st December, it closes at 15:00
  • Entry Fee: 50 DKK for adults and 10 DKK for children between 5-15. Free for children below 5.

16:00 – Eat the Best Cake at Condori La Grace

You can’t leave Denmark without indulging in a classic Danish pastry—it’s a must!

Stop by Denmark’s oldest pastry shop, Condori La Grace. Their pastries are melt-in-your-mouth good, and the cakes? Heavenly.

Oh, and don’t miss their hot chocolate—it comes with free refills.

Cake from La Grace bakery in Copenhagen

It’s the perfect spot to take a break and soak in the cozy vibe before heading to your next attraction. Trust me, you’ll remember these treats long after your trip!

  • Opening Hours: From Monday to Friday – 8:30 to 18:00. On Saturdays, it opens at 9:00, and on Sundays, it opens at 10:00.
  • The servings are closed 30 minutes before.
  • The patisserie is closed on 25 and 26 December and 1 January. On 24 December, it is open between 9:00 and 13:00, and on 31 December, it is open between 9:00 and 14:00.

16:30 – Tivoli Gardens

Kids love Tivoli Gardens! It is an absolute must-visit in Copenhagen for families with kids!

It is the world’s second-oldest amusement park operating since 1843. I recommend going in the evening when the gardens truly come alive with glowing lights, especially during festivals like Christmas, Halloween, or Easter.

There are around 33 rides, with 10 exclusively for children, so there’s something for everyone. Kids will love Rasmus Klump’s World, where they can play, laugh, and even enjoy the little shows by Rasmus and Flora. Don’t miss the playground or the pancake house—it’s a hit with kids!

Feeling creative? Head to Bolchekogeriet and make your own lollipops or explore Tivoli’s Aquarium, home to over 100 species of fish. For a fun challenge, try the Pentathlon competition at the many game booths.

Agalya’s tip: Download the Tivoli app to check the day’s events so you don’t miss anything exciting.

Strollers and pull wagons can also be rented for 50 DKK at the Service Center. Trust me, Tivoli is magical for both kids and adults—you’ll leave with unforgettable memories!

  • Opening Hours: 11:00 to 22:00
  • Tivoli is open 257 days a year. The exact dates change every year. You can check on the official website.
  • Entry Fee: 180 DKK for adults, 90 DKK for children between 3-7 years. Free for kids less than 3 years old. Combo passes, seasonal passes, unlimited ride passes, and all-year passes are available. Ride charges cost extra.

Buy the Tivoli tickets online to skip long queues and save time!

19:00 – Dinner at Tivoli Food Hall

Inside Tivoli Gardens, you’ll find a variety of dining experiences, from street food to fine dining.

Tivoli Food Hall is a fantastic choice, housing 15 food stalls where you can enjoy everything from burgers and pizzas to ramen and traditional Danish smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches).

Tivoli Food hall entrance, Copenhagen

For budget-friendly bites, head to John’s Hotdog Deli right across from Tivoli Food Hall, one of the best hot dogs in Copenhagen.

For fine dining restaurants, check out Fru Nimb, Nimb Brasserie, and Grøften, or head to Sticks’n’Sushi at Tivoli Hotel (located outside Tivoli Gardens) for good views of Copenhagen. There’s something for every palate!

One Day Copenhagen Itinerary for Families with Kids Map

How to Get Around Copenhagen with Kids for One Day?

The one day itinerary for Copenhagen with kids is designed to ensure you enjoy a comfortable walk. If you follow this itinerary exactly, you will cover around 3.5 Km the entire day while hopping between the attractions.

I recommend walking as it lets you soak in the city’s vibes while exploring. On your way back, you can hop on a bus to reach your accommodation.

Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle (with a child seat) in the city center and get around comfortably or try the Hop On Hop Off (HOHO) buses. Taxis are expensive in Copenhagen.

Where to Stay for One Day in Copenhagen With Kids?

I recommend staying near Nyhavn since it’s the perfect starting point for your 24-hour trip with kids. To ensure a peaceful and enjoyable stay, I’ve handpicked hotels that are both kid-friendly and conveniently located.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Copenhagen good for families with kids?

Absolutely! With its efficient public transportation, getting around is easy. Most attractions include kid-friendly activities, ensuring little ones are entertained.

Is one day enough to visit Copenhagen with the kids?

Not really. One day in Copenhagen with kids feels too short because there’s so much to see and do! You’ll need more time to experience Copenhagen truly.

Final Thoughts: One Day Copenhagen Itinerary for Families with Kids

One Day in Copenhagen with Kids Itinerary highlights the best things to do in Copenhagen in a day.

Copenhagen truly has something for every family, and I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your day. From exploring palaces to enjoying the Tivoli Gardens, there’s so much to love about this capital city.

As you wrap up your exploration, don’t forget to soak in those little moments with kids.

Safe travels, and here’s to a day filled with fun, laughter, and discovery!

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