Copenhagen with kids
A practical family guide to the city
Copenhagen is easy to explore as a family, with playgrounds, parks, museums and plenty of attractions for children of all ages.
Use this guide to find family-friendly attractions, places to eat, practical information (for example, where to rent baby equipment) and inspiration for three days in Copenhagen.
Feeling hungry?
Copenhagen has plenty of family-friendly places to eat, from bakeries and informal food markets to cafés and restaurants with room for younger guests.
3-day family Itinerary: Things to do in Copenhagen with kids
| What to experience | |
| Day 1 | Kongens Have, Rosenborg Castle or SMK, followed by Tivoli Gardens |
| Day 2 | Experimentarium and outdoor activities in Nordhavn, or a day searching for the Forgotten Giants |
| Day 3 | A playground and activities in Vesterbro, followed by time at Islands Brygge and the harbour |
Need inspiration for family activities in the city? This itinerary combines some of Copenhagen’s main family attractions with playgrounds, neighbourhoods and time outdoors. The itinerary is a flexible starting point, so choose the experiences that fit your children’s ages and interests.
Day 1: Central Copenhagen and Tivoli Gardens
Start in Kongens Have, where you can walk or take a break before visiting nearby Rosenborg Castle. Families who would rather prioritise art can choose SMK instead, where weekend activities and workshops are sometimes available for children. Check the current programme before visiting.
Continue through central Copenhagen and stop for lunch or an ice cream along the way. Leave most of the afternoon or evening for Tivoli Gardens, which combines rides, gardens, performances and places to eat. Tivoli opens during selected seasons, so check the current dates and opening hours when planning your visit.
Day 2: Experimentarium and Nordhavn
Spend the first part of the day at Experimentarium in Hellerup. The science centre features interactive exhibits for different ages, while Miniverset is designed specifically for children aged 1 to 5 and accompanying adults. Allow plenty of time, as a visit can easily fill most of the morning or longer.
Continue to Nordhavn and visit Konditaget Lüders, a rooftop activity space with climbing structures, trampolines and views across the surrounding area.
Alternatively, spend the day searching for the Forgotten Giants outside central Copenhagen. The six wooden sculptures are spread across several locations and offer a treasure-hunt-style outing, particularly for families with older children. You'll need a car to visit all six in a day, but you can also choose one or two for a shorter excursion.
Day 3: Playgrounds, Vesterbro and the harbour
Begin at Skydebanen, a combined park and playground in Vesterbro. Afterwards, explore more of the neighbourhood and check the current programme at Absalon, a former church that now hosts shared meals, games and other activities.
Later, continue to Islands Brygge for a walk and time by the water. In suitable weather, swimming is possible at the designated harbour bath, but always check current conditions, follow local signage and consider your children’s swimming abilities. Otherwise, enjoy the waterfront from the promenade, then end the day at one of Copenhagen’s family-friendly restaurants.
Copenhagen Card for families
A Copenhagen Card can make family travel easier by combining admission to attractions with transport costs. Copenhagen Card DISCOVER includes more than 80 attractions and public transport throughout the Capital Region, including travel to and from Copen-hagen Airport.
Children aged 3 to 11 need their own KIDS card, with a maximum of two KIDS cards per adult card. Remember to add the children’s cards when purchasing the adult card. Children aged 12 to 15 need a JUNIOR card. Use the Copenhagen Card calculator to compare your plans with the current card prices.
The practicalities
An adult with a valid public transport ticket can bring up to two children under 12 for free. Prams and strollers can also travel free on buses, trains and the metro when space is available. Children aged 12 to 15 need their own child ticket.
Not sure how many days you need with a kid? Our guide on how long to stay in Copenhagen compares different trip lengths and can help you plan with enough time for both activities and breaks.
Add a CopenPay activity to your family trip
You can also check current CopenPay activities for experiences, discounts or other rewards connected to selected positive actions. For families, it can be a chance to take part in a unique activity while experiencing a new side of Copenhagen.
Participating activities and rewards change, so choose an option that fits naturally into your itinerary rather than planning an entire day around it.
A few more things you should check out...
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is Copenhagen good for families with young children?
Yes. Copenhagen offers playgrounds, parks, interactive museums and family attractions for different ages. Many areas are easy to explore on foot or by public transport, making it possible to combine activities with meals and breaks.
Is the Copenhagen Card free for children?
No. Children aged 3 to 11 need their own KIDS card, with a maximum of two KIDS cards per adult card. Add the children’s cards when pur-chasing the adult card. Children aged 12 to 15 need a JUNIOR card. Check current prices and conditions here.
What are some good family activities in Copenhagen?
Popular options include Tivoli Gardens, Experimentarium, Copenha-gen’s playgrounds and time by the harbour. The best choice de-pends on your children’s ages and interests, the weather and how much time you have.
Can children swim in Copenhagen Harbour?
Yes, but only in designated harbour baths and bathing zones. Always check the current bathing conditions, follow local signage and consider the children’s swimming abilities. A walk or break by the waterfront is a good alternative when swimming is unsuitable.
How many days do you need in Copenhagen with kids?
Three to five days gives families time to combine major attractions with playgrounds, neighbourhoods, and outdoor activities without trying to fit everything into one day. The right length of stay depends on your children’s ages, interests, and usual travel pace.