Copenhagen offers endless family fun with Tivoli Gardens‘ magical rides and fairy-tale atmosphere, Copenhagen Zoo‘s 4,000+ animals, and Den Blå Planet aquarium’s massive ocean tanks. You’ll love exploring Rosenborg Castle’s crown jewels, relaxing in King’s Garden’s playgrounds, and taking scenic canal boat rides past colorful Nyhavn. Don’t miss the iconic Little Mermaid statue, hands-on exhibits at the National Museum, and the city’s beautiful parks perfect for picnics and outdoor adventures that’ll create unforgettable memories.
- Experience the Magic of Tivoli Gardens
- Meet 4,000 Animals at Copenhagen Zoo
- Dive Into Wonder at Den Blå Planet National Aquarium
- Discover Royal Treasures at Rosenborg Castle and King’s Garden
- Explore Beautiful Parks and Green Spaces Throughout the City
- Watch the Changing of the Guard at Amalienborg Palace
- Visit the Famous Little Mermaid Statue
- Stroll Along the Colorful Nyhavn Waterfront
- Learn and Play at the National Museum of Denmark
- Enjoy Seasonal Activities Like Canal Boat Rides
- The Sum Up
Experience the Magic of Tivoli Gardens
Since opening in 1843 with royal permission from King Christian VIII, Tivoli Gardens has enchanted families for over 180 years as one of the world’s oldest operating amusement parks.
You’ll discover the legendary Rutschebanen wooden roller coaster from 1914, still thrilling riders today.
Your kids will love Rasmus Klump World, a dedicated children’s area with themed attractions.
Don’t miss the historic Pantomime Theatre from 1874, featuring traditional commedia dell’arte performances that’ve delighted audiences since opening day. The theater’s motto “Med Folket Fælles Glæde” meaning “Shared Joy with the People” perfectly captures the spirit of family entertainment.
The Tivoli Youth Guard offers mesmerizing parades and music programs.
You can enjoy gentle family rides alongside more adventurous options, all set within 15 acres of colorful gardens and pavilions that inspired Disneyland’s magical atmosphere.
Meet 4,000 Animals at Copenhagen Zoo
More than 4,000 animals from over 250 species await your family at Copenhagen Zoo, Denmark’s oldest zoological garden that’s been enthralling visitors since 1859. You’ll discover incredible habitats like the Arctic Ring, where polar bears weighing up to 600 kilograms swim overhead through an underwater tunnel.
Your kids will love the African Savanna‘s giraffes and lions, while the 10,000-square-meter Asian Wildlife area showcases seven majestic elephants and fierce tigers.
Don’t miss the Children’s Zoo, where little ones can pet Danish cattle, African dwarf goats, and friendly llamas. The Rainforest Exhibit offers close encounters with free-flying butterflies and colorful birds. Experience the tropical hall complete with enormous trees, plants, and a waterfall that creates an authentic South American atmosphere.
Cap off your visit by climbing the 182-step Zootårn Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Copenhagen.
Dive Into Wonder at Den Blå Planet National Aquarium
When you step into Den Blå Planet National Aquarium, you’ll enter Northern Europe’s largest aquatic wonderland housing over 24,000 animals from 735 species across 53 spectacular exhibits.
Your kids will gasp as hammerhead sharks glide overhead in the massive Ocean Tank, while rescued sea otters—rare in European aquariums—playfully dive nearby.
Roll up your sleeves to feed gentle cownose rays, then venture through the walk-through tunnel beneath tropical waters.
The rainforest section enchants with sloths, poison frogs, and electric eels, while interactive digital screens and games keep children engaged throughout your visit. The aquarium’s impressive scale includes 7 million liters of water creating an immersive underwater environment.
Located near Copenhagen Airport, this architectural marvel opens 365 days yearly.
Book tickets online for weekend visits, and don’t miss the summer water playground where kids can net tiny creatures.
Discover Royal Treasures at Rosenborg Castle and King’s Garden
Step through the gates of Rosenborg Castle, and you’ll transport your family back 400 years to when King Christian IV ruled Denmark from this Renaissance masterpiece.
Your kids will gasp at the underground Treasury’s glittering crown jewels and golden regalia, perfect for sparking princess fantasies. Inside, they’ll marvel at coronation thrones crafted from narwhal tusks and silver, guarded by life-size silver lions.
The adjacent King’s Garden offers Denmark’s oldest royal grounds with free access to rose gardens and fish ponds that captivate children for hours. Let them burn energy on the wooden playground featuring a rideable dragon and fairy-tale elements. Look for the beloved Hans Christian Andersen Statue positioned throughout the garden, connecting your children to Denmark’s most famous storyteller.
Don’t miss the Marionette Theatre’s 2pm and 3pm shows from June through September, creating magical memories in this traffic-free royal sanctuary.
Explore Beautiful Parks and Green Spaces Throughout the City
Beyond the royal grounds, Copenhagen’s abundance of parks and green spaces offers families countless opportunities to connect with nature while keeping children entertained. Visit Copenhagen Botanical Garden’s free grounds and explore the tropical Palmehus greenhouse, where wrought iron staircases lead to jungle-like canopies and butterfly houses captivate young visitors.
Head to multicultural Nørrebro’s Superkilen Park, where three distinct zones provide unique experiences—Red Square’s global playground equipment, Black Square’s skater-friendly terrain, and Green Park’s lounging areas.
Ørstedsparken features duck-filled lakes, classical statuary, and barbecue facilities perfect for family picnics. For those seeking extensive outdoor adventure, the sprawling 58-hectare Fælled Park in Østerbro provides major urban recreation with diverse amenities for active families.
For extensive exploration, Frederiksberg Gardens’ 32 hectares offer diverse recreational opportunities, while Amager Strandpark combines traditional green space with sandy beach recreation near public swimming facilities.
Watch the Changing of the Guard at Amalienborg Palace
Since Copenhagen’s royal traditions date back centuries, few experiences captivate children quite like watching the daily Changing of the Guard at Amalienborg Palace. This ceremonial spectacle occurs daily at 12:00 on the octagonal palace square, featuring Royal Life Guards in striking blue and red uniforms topped with iconic bearskin hats.
You’ll want to position yourselves early around the square’s perimeter for ideal viewing.
The guards begin their march at 11:30 from Rosenborg Castle, covering over a kilometer through Copenhagen’s streets.
When the King’s in residence (indicated by a flag on Christian IX’s Palace), you’ll enjoy full musical accompaniment during the ceremony. This long-standing tradition has continued since 1658, though today it serves mainly ceremonial purposes.
The strict military protocols create an engaging audiovisual experience that’ll mesmerize kids while teaching them about Danish royal heritage and tradition.
Visit the Famous Little Mermaid Statue
After exploring Copenhagen’s royal heritage, you’ll discover another beloved Danish icon just a short walk away at Langelinie promenade.
The Little Mermaid statue sits gracefully on a granite rock by the waterside, bringing Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairy tale to life. Though surprisingly small at just 4.1 feet tall, this bronze sculpture captivates children with its wistful expression and enchanting story of a mermaid’s sacrifice for love.
Your kids can climb the surrounding boulders for photos, but exercise caution near the water. The statue’s accessible 24/7, making it perfect for flexible family schedules.
Despite its modest size, this global icon has charmed millions of visitors since 1913. Created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen, who used his wife as model after the original ballerina declined to pose for the artwork. It’s an essential Copenhagen experience that connects children to Danish literature and culture.
Stroll Along the Colorful Nyhavn Waterfront
Just a ten-minute walk from the Little Mermaid statue, you’ll find yourself at Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s most photographed waterfront district. Here, 17th-century pastel townhouses create a stunning backdrop for family exploration.
The pedestrian-friendly cobblestone streets make navigation easy with kids of varying ages, while historic wooden ships moored along the canal provide tangible connections to Copenhagen’s maritime heritage.
You can grab coffee at the lively cafes occupying renovated warehouses or set out on canal tours departing regularly from the quay. Open-top boats offer unobstructed summer views of landmarks like Christiansborg Palace and Amalienborg Palace.
The waterfront promenade features relaxing seating areas where families can pause and enjoy the colorful buildings reflecting in the water at sunset. During December, the area transforms into a festive wonderland with a Christmas market featuring twinkling lights, traditional Danish treats like æbleskiver, and steaming gløgg.
Learn and Play at the National Museum of Denmark
Every parent knows the challenge of keeping children engaged at museums, but the National Museum of Denmark transforms this experience through its dedicated Children’s Museum—an indoor playground where history comes alive through hands-on exploration.
Your kids can sword fight with wooden weapons in the Viking section, climb aboard authentic boats, and cook medieval meals in a 14th-century kitchen. They’ll run a Pakistani grocery store, write on 1930s classroom slates, and rebuild castle walls using pulleys.
The museum encourages running, touching artifacts, and making noise—everything typically forbidden elsewhere.
Entry’s free for children under 18, while adult tickets cost 140 DKK and remain valid for one year, making return visits budget-friendly. The museum is open daily from April to October, making it an accessible destination throughout Copenhagen’s peak tourist season.
Enjoy Seasonal Activities Like Canal Boat Rides
While indoor adventures like the National Museum provide endless entertainment, Copenhagen’s waterways offer a completely different perspective that captivates children of all ages. Canal tours are perfectly toddler-tested, with one-hour durations that prevent little ones from getting restless.
You’ll find excellent budget options like Netto Bådene at $8 for adults and $3 for kids, or splurge on Stromma tours with kids sailing half-price. Don’t worry about weather—tours operate rain or shine with covered boats, blankets, and warm drinks for true Danish hygge.
Book online for timed tickets to skip Nyhavn‘s lines, and choose tours with live Danish narration if your kids speak the language. GoBoat rentals offer hands-on fun with self-drive options.
During your cruise, you’ll pass iconic sights including The Little Mermaid, The Stock Exchange, Opera House, and Christiansborg Castle that will capture your children’s imagination.
The Sum Up
You’ll find Copenhagen’s an incredible family destination that perfectly blends fairy-tale magic with modern adventure. From Tivoli’s thrilling rides to the aquarium’s mesmerizing displays, there’s something enthralling for every age. Don’t miss the royal castles, vibrant Nyhavn, and expansive green spaces that make exploring easy with little ones. Pack comfortable walking shoes, bring your camera, and prepare for unforgettable memories. Copenhagen’s child-friendly atmosphere and endless attractions guarantee you’ll already be planning your return visit!
