Copenhagen With Kids: The Only Family Travel Guide You’ll Need

Visiting Copenhagen with the kids? Look no further!

Copenhagen is one of the most child-friendly cities in Europe. I love it so much that I started a whole blog about it!

When discussing family-friendly activities, most people talk about playgrounds and museums, but I delve much deeper. 

I’ve been exploring for over three years now and have even navigated it with my two nieces—so I know firsthand how family-friendly it really is.

Whether you’re visiting Copenhagen for the first time or are a resident, this is your one-stop guide for planning your Copenhagen family trip!

I’ve put together everything you need to know about exploring Copenhagen with kids—from must-visit attractions to practical tips to make your trip smooth and stress-free.

Let’s get started!

How Many Days Do You Need in Copenhagen with Kids?

If you’re visiting Copenhagen with kids, five days is a good time to cover the major attractions without feeling rushed. But trust me—Copenhagen has a way of making you want to come back for more!

If you want to explore at a relaxed pace, I’d recommend 7-10 days. This gives you enough time to enjoy the city without cramming too much into each day. You can mix sightseeing with plenty of playground stops, slow mornings, and spontaneous discoveries.

Consider spending a couple of days in Billund—home to LEGOLAND and the LEGO House. It’s an absolute dream for LEGO fans.

Also, don’t underestimate jet lag—it can be tough on little ones! Having a few extra days helps adjust to the time difference and avoid overtired meltdowns.

Planning a Copenhagen Itinerary with Kids

Take it slow with the kids—don’t try to cram too much into one day. Aim for one or two big activities per day, and if you have extra time (and energy), you can always add in more.

Kids have their own pace, and your day will naturally include snack breaks, toilet stops, and nap time. And that’s okay!

One of the best ways to ensure a smooth trip is to involve your kids in the planning. Talk to them about what they’d love to see or do. When kids feel included, they’re more engaged and excited throughout the day.

Do your research before you go. There are a lot of things to do in Copenhagen with kids, and you may not be able to fit it all in. Plan your priorities so you don’t miss the best ones!

And most importantly—be flexible! Some days, things won’t go as planned, and that’s part of the adventure.

If they’re tired, swap sightseeing for a playground break. If they’re fascinated by something, let them explore it a little longer. Keeping an open mind makes the experience enjoyable for everyone!

Check out this one day Copenhagen itinerary for families with kids!

Getting around Copenhagen with Kids

Getting around Copenhagen with kids is simple, stress-free, and even fun! The city is very pedestrian-friendly, and you will find yourself doing a lot of walking.

Public transport is well-connected with buses, trains, and metros running frequently.

The best part? Kids under 12 travel for free when accompanied by an adult, making it budget-friendly too!

One of the most popular ways to explore the city with kids is by renting a family bike or a cargo bike. The latter is a favorite among locals—it’s called Christiania bike, a sturdy one with a front compartment where kids can sit and enjoy the ride.

If you need a stroller, you can easily rent one from Babonbo and Easy Going, so you don’t have to lug yours from home.

• City Pass offers unlimited public transportation, including buses, metros, and trains.
• Copenhagen Discover Card includes free public transport and discounts on attractions.
• Copenhagen Hop Card covers Hop On Hop Off buses along with attraction discounts.

Choose the attractions you want to visit and check if buying the Copenhagen Card saves you money by using the calculator I created just for you!

If you’re arriving at the airport, check out the airport navigation guide to figure out the transportation option to reach the city center from the airport.

A fun highlight for kids is the driverless metro! If you grab a seat at the front, you get a cool view of the underground tunnels and the city as the metro emerges above the ground.

For a different perspective, hop on the yellow harbor buses, which act like floating buses connecting various parts of the city.

Copenhagen is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world where almost all roads have dedicated bike lanes. Just follow the basic rules and you’re good to go.

Personally, when I traveled with my two nieces, I never felt the need to hire a taxi. We go everywhere easily by walking or using public transport. Plus, taxis in Denmark are super expensive.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen for Families with Kids?

Copenhagen has plenty of family-friendly hotels that make staying with toddlers stress-free. Look for hotels with spacious family rooms, kid-friendly amenities, and central locations so you can explore easily.

I recommend staying in the Indre By or inner-city neighborhood. Some hotels even offer free breakfast and bike rentals, and some have even playgrounds, which can be a lifesaver with children.

For more space, consider an aparthotel or a vacation rental with a kitchen—perfect for picky eaters or early breakfasts before heading out.

When I traveled with my nieces, having a centrally located hotel made everything easier—less walking, fewer meltdowns, and more time for fun!

Where to Eat in Copenhagen for Kids?

Copenhagen has plenty of great places to eat with kids, so you’ll never run out of options!

But let’s be real—kids don’t like waiting too long for food in fancy Michelin-starred restaurants. So, it’s better that you call the restaurant ahead and reserve your spot.

Many family-friendly restaurants have special kids’ menus, play corners, and relaxed atmospheres where little ones can eat and play.

Always pack snacks to keep hunger tantrums at bay, especially if you’re out exploring with young children.

And don’t forget to keep them hydrated—tap water in Denmark is safe and free, so bring a reusable bottle and refill as you go!

Life is short! Eat a lot of Danish pastries…!

Family Activities in Copenhagen that Kids Will Love

Children are welcome in most places in Copenhagen! I’ve put together a list of 50+ things to do with kids, from well-known attractions to hidden gems.

Plus, Danish culture embraces outdoor play, creativity, and hands-on learning—so your kids won’t just be entertained, they’ll be inspired too.

A few tips to make your sightseeing smoother:

• Book tickets online for must-visit places like Tivoli Gardens, Den Blå Planet, and Experimentarium to skip long queues.
• Most attractions offer free entry for kids under 17, but they must be accompanied by an adult.
• If your trip includes outdoor adventures, keep in mind that forests in Denmark have ticks in summer—check kids (and pets!) after a walk.

And a pro tip—Always bring a spare set of clothes, just in case you end up going swimming in the harbor or beach.

Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens is a must-visit destination for kids, you cannot miss it while visiting Copenhagen!

It’s the second-oldest amusement park in the world and was even inspired by Disneyland.

Tivoli has something for everyone—from carousels and mini-trains for the little ones to thrilling roller coasters for the adrenaline seekers. And if you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can simply wander through the gardens.

It is beautifully decorated during Christmas, Easter, Halloween, or summer. It’s also a cultural hub with concerts, performances, and seasonal events.

With kids, you can easily spend a full day here. And when hunger strikes, Tivoli has several restaurants on the premises and Tivoli Food Hall offers international cuisines.

Free Things to Do in Copenhagen with Kids

There are plenty of free activities for kids in Copenhagen! Some of them are Children’s playgrounds, skateparks, farms, the city’s libraries, the Botanical Garden, the puppet show at Marionetteatret, harbor baths, beaches, Amagerbanen Venner, and the changing of the guards at Amalienborg Palace.

During the holidays, Holiday Camp at schools offers free sports and creative activities across different neighborhoods. Plus, many museums and attractions offer free entry for kids under 17 with an accompanying adult.

And if you have a Copenhagen Card, even more activities become free!

Hidden Places to Visit in Copenhagen with Kids

Some unique and lesser-known places include Amagerbanens Venner, the Police Museum, the Marionetteatret puppet show, and Traingamia.

These places are real hidden gems and are not under the tourist radar.

Top Kid-Friendly Museums in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has some fantastic museums that kids will love! Some of them are,

The National Museum of Denmark, Workers Museum, Museum of Illusions, Guinness World Records Museum, Enigma Museum, and Police Museum.

These museums offer something unique, making them great stops for a fun and educational day out in Copenhagen!

Guided Family Tours in Copenhagen

Visiting Copenhagen for the first time can feel overwhelming with so much to see and do, especially with kids in tow.

A guided tour takes the stress out of planning and gives parents a well-deserved break.

There are plenty of great options for families. Here are some of my top recommended family-friendly tours in Copenhagen.

1. Electric boat Canal tours
2. Bike tour with a guide – 5+ years or with a cargo bike, where toddlers can sit comfortably up front while you ride through the city.
3. Danish pastry tasting tours – for active kids who can walk about 5 Km
4. Private walking tour for kids
5. Scandi Kids tours with a treasure hunt

Safety for Kids in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is one of the safest cities for kids.

It’s completely normal to see babies sleeping in their strollers outside cafes and supermarkets while parents dine inside. In fact, many Danish homes even have balconies designed for kids to nap outside—fresh air is believed to be good for them!

Another thing that might surprise you? Kids play outside unsupervised. Danish parents trust their surroundings, whether in parks, playgrounds, or their garden, and it’s a normal part of childhood here.

That being said, use common sense, especially in crowded tourist areas. While Copenhagen is safe, keeping an eye on your personal belongings is always a good idea.

Packing Tips for a Family Trip to Copenhagen

Packing for a family trip to Copenhagen? Keep it simple and light!

Bring layers, as the weather can change quickly, and don’t forget a rain jacket. If you’re traveling with little ones, a small backpack with essentials like snacks, wipes, and a change of clothes will save you from unexpected messes.

A coloring book or a small soft toy can work wonders in keeping toddlers entertained during flights, train rides, or even while waiting at restaurants.

If you need help figuring out exactly what to pack, check out this extensive Denmark packing list to make sure you’re covered.

Luggage Storage

If you need to store your luggage for a few hours or even a day, there are great options like Stasher, LuggageHero, and Bounce with locations all over the city. Don’t worry if you have extra bags and want to explore hands-free!

Save Money with Kids in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is one of the most expensive cities, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune when visiting with kids. With a little prior planning, you can enjoy the city without breaking the bank.

Firstly, take advantage of free museum days—many museums offer free entry on select days.

If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions, the Copenhagen Card can save you money, offering free entry to top attractions and unlimited public transport.

Speaking of transport, skip the taxis! Kids under 12 travel free on public transport when accompanied by an adult, so use the City Pass for unlimited rides on buses, trains, and the Metro.

Copenhagen has plenty of free attractions for families. Prioritize them first.

Dining out adds up quickly, book a hotel with complimentary breakfast and while exploring,  grab some fresh pastries from a bakery or some snacks. Supermarkets have great ready-to-eat options, and many public spaces have picnic tables.

If your travel dates are flexible, consider visiting during the shoulder season (spring or fall). Flights and accommodations are cheaper, and the city is less crowded, making it easier to enjoy Copenhagen without stretching your budget.

Shopping with Kids in Copenhagen

Shopping in Copenhagen with kids can actually be fun if you know where to go.

The LEGO Store on Strøget is a must-visit. Kids can scan themselves to find out which LEGO character they match, build a LEGO Minifigure, or get creative on the Pick-and-Build Wall.

Illums Bolighus, also on Strøget, has a great selection of Scandinavian kids’ toys and gifts.

If you prefer malls, Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall and Field’s are perfect for families.

Fisketorvet has a small play area, a cinema, and even a huge coral reef aquarium. If your kids are into Pokémon Go, they’ll love the many PokéStops here!

Field’s, Copenhagen’s largest shopping mall, is packed with kid-friendly attractions. There’s JumpYard, a massive trampoline park, and a Highstore Arcade play zone for gamers.

Souvenirs to Buy for Kids from Copenhagen

If you’re wondering what to bring back for kids from Copenhagen, don’t overthink it—kids are happiest with toys or treats!

LEGO, a Danish invention, is loved by kids (and adults) worldwide. If your child enjoys board games, consider picking up a Danish one—a fun way to bring a piece of Denmark home.

For sweet treats, Danish butter cookies and Somods candies are always a hit.

If they love books, a children’s book by a Danish author (maybe a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale) makes for a thoughtful and lasting gift.

Scandinavian-designed wooden toys are another wonderful option. And if you want something cozy, hygge-inspired gifts like wool socks are great too.

For more souvenirs or gift ideas, check out this list of 15 best Danish souvenirs—each one unique to Denmark and worth bringing home from Copenhagen.

Best Time to Visit Copenhagen with Kids

The best time to visit Copenhagen with kids is from Summer (June to August). The weather is warm, the days are long, and the city is buzzing with life with outdoor activities.

But keep in mind, this is also the peak tourist season, meaning higher prices and larger crowds at popular attractions.

If you want a magical winter wonderland experience, visit in December, just before Christmas. The city sparkles with festive lights, cozy Christmas Markets, and holiday cheer. Tivoli Gardens transforms into a Christmas fairytale, and ice-skating rinks pop up around the city.

But remember, daylight hours are short, and many attractions and restaurants close on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as locals celebrate with their families.

For a balance between fewer crowds and pleasant weather, consider visiting in late spring (May) or early autumn (September). You’ll still experience good weather, lower prices, and a more relaxed atmosphere—perfect for exploring the city at your own pace with kids.

FAQs on Visiting Copenhagen with Kids

Final Thoughts: Traveling to Copenhagen with Kids

Copenhagen makes traveling with kids a breeze. It is a fantastic city to explore with kids, offering a perfect mix of adventure, learning, and fun.

With its safe streets, stroller-friendly paths, kid-friendly cafés, and plenty of green spaces, Copenhagen is an easy and enjoyable place to visit with little ones.

There’s always something to keep every child entertained. You’ll find plenty of welcoming spots to relax and refuel.

If you are looking for more things to do in Copenhagen, check out the other articles on the website. You’ll find everything to plan your perfect trip.