Family holidays
Copenhagen with kids: Tivoli, an aquarium and harbour swimming
Copenhagen may be Europe's easiest capital with children. Tivoli is next to the station, the city is flat and safe to cycle, and in summer you swim in the harbour. Here is what we would do, and the hotels we would book.
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A father cycles over the Bryggebroen bridge with two children in a cargo bike in front of him. They are wearing swimsuits under their clothes, and in ten minutes they will jump off the jetty at Islands Brygge straight into the harbour. In Copenhagen that is perfectly normal.
The city is made for families: short distances, good playgrounds, flat streets and a culture where children come along everywhere. We have chosen the places that work for different ages, and the hotels best placed for a trip built around Tivoli.
Short answer: what to do in Copenhagen with kids
Tivoli is the main attraction, right next to Central Station. Add the Blue Planet aquarium, the Experimentarium science centre and the zoo in Frederiksberg. In summer, the harbour bath at Islands Brygge and the Bakken funfair north of the city are worth a day.
Best for all ages: Tivoli
Best rainy day: the Blue Planet
Best for school-age children: Experimentarium
Best summer day: the harbour bath at Islands Brygge
Best family hotel: Nimb Hotel
Nimb Hotel
Nimb Hotel in Tivoli at night.
Tivoli: a garden in the city
Tivoli opened in 1843 and sits in the heart of the city, across the road from Central Station. It has rides for every age, from small boats on the lake to the Rutschebanen roller coaster, still braked by hand. In the evening thousands of lights come on and the mood changes.
Do not miss the Pantomime Theatre, where Pierrot and Harlequin have performed for children for generations, without words and without anyone needing Danish. Tivoli runs in seasons and closes for periods in between. Check the opening days before you book.
The catch: height decides which rides children can try. Check the list before you buy ride passes.
Nimb Hotel: inside Tivoli
Nimb occupies the Moorish-style palace inside Tivoli, and in summer you hear the rides from your room. The hotel has a rooftop pool and several restaurants. It is expensive, but for children who love Tivoli it is hard to beat.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Nimb Hotel
Villa Copenhagen
The glass courtyard at Villa Copenhagen.
Villa Copenhagen: across the road
Villa Copenhagen fills the old central post office by Central Station, with Tivoli across the road. The glass roof over the courtyard keeps breakfast bright even in winter. It is practical for families arriving by train, who walk from the platform to reception.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Villa Copenhagen
Manon Les Suites
A suite at Manon Les Suites.
The Blue Planet and Experimentarium for rainy days
The Blue Planet near Kastrup, close to the airport, is northern Europe's largest aquarium. The building is shaped like a whirlpool, and inside you walk through a tunnel with sharks and rays overhead. It fits neatly on the way to or from a flight.
Experimentarium in Hellerup, north of the city, is a science centre where children test everything with their hands. It suits children from five upwards.
The catch: both are busy during Danish school holidays. Arrive at opening time.
Manon Les Suites: a pool in the jungle
Manon Les Suites is an apartment hotel with an indoor pool surrounded by plants. Many suites have their own kitchen, and all have a fridge. It suits families who want space, and the pool saves a rainy afternoon.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Manon Les Suites
Absalon Hotel
The lobby at Absalon Hotel.
Harbour baths, the zoo and Bakken
In summer the harbour bath at Islands Brygge is the city's beach. The water is clean enough to swim in, and there are separate pools for children. Nyhavn is a short cycle away, and the canal boats leave from there.
The zoo is in Frederiksberg, next to Frederiksberg Gardens. Further north in Klampenborg is Bakken, the world's oldest amusement park. It is simpler and cheaper than Tivoli, and you can take the train there.
The catch: the harbour bath only opens in summer, with lifeguards in season. Follow the signs.
Absalon Hotel: colour in Vesterbro
Absalon is in Vesterbro, a few minutes from Central Station and Tivoli. The rooms are colourful, and several have deep bathtubs that children enjoy after a long day. The Meatpacking District's restaurants are close by, though the surrounding streets can be lively at night.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Absalon Hotel
Good to know before you go
Check Tivoli's season: the park closes for periods between seasons.
Hire a bike: Copenhagen is flat, and many rental shops have cargo bikes with room for children.
Children travel cheaply: up to two under-12s travel free with each adult on public transport in the capital area.
Combine with Legoland: Billund is about three hours away, and many families do both on one trip.
Copenhagen with kids: frequently asked questions
What is the best thing to do in Copenhagen with kids?
Tivoli comes first for most families. The Blue Planet, Experimentarium and the harbour bath at Islands Brygge are good additions.
Where should you stay in Copenhagen with kids?
Around Central Station and Tivoli you are close to the trains, the park and most sights.
Is Tivoli open all year?
No. Tivoli has summer, Halloween and Christmas seasons, and closes between them.
What can you do in Copenhagen with kids when it rains?
The Blue Planet, Experimentarium and a hotel with a pool work well on rainy days.