Copenhagen for kids: a Scandi family escape
21.07.2023 - 08:18
/ roughguides.com
Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen is a bit of a conundrum. On the surface, a city that is known for its designer shops and foraged foods, in a region that is often eye-wateringly expensive, might not seem the most obvious family weekend getaway. But the Scandi capital of cool just happens to be pretty cool for kids, too.
Cute and compact, this «friendly old girl of a town» is packed full of things for children to do – and often for a lot less than you might imagine.
The unmissable Changing of the Guards at Amalienborg, for example, is free, as is taking a (summer) dip in the harbour pools at Fisketorvet, Islands Brygge and Sluseholmen. Plus, many other attractions are free for children under the age of eight.
Next year sees the opening of the Experimentarium, a hands-on science centre that will boast the world's first interactive cinema when it re-opens in a new location just north of the city in January 2017. So with that in mind, here are five more great things to do in Copenhagen with the kids in tow…
Copernhagen, Tivoli park © Shutterstock
No one comes to Copenhagen without visiting Tivoli – the leafy pleasure gardens are by far the most popular attraction in Denmark. They're conveniently located slap bang in the centre of the city, and their blend of old-fashioned fun and harum-scarum rollercoasters means they should appeal to children of all ages.
You pay to get in (though children under 8 are free, and you get free entry with the Copenhagen Card) and then again for each ride you go on (25–75kr); this can quickly mount up, so it usually works out cheaper to buy a pass that gives you unlimited rides. It's worth making a day of Tivoli, as the evening illuminations that light up the park are quite magical.
Going to Denmark with your children? Also, check out our guide to Aarhus the “city of smiles”, here you'll also find an amusement park and much more.
One of the most attractive buildings in central Copenhagen, Rosenborg Slot is a Disney-esque Dutch Renaissance castle set in in the beautiful surroundings of Kongens Have.
Of most interest to children are the lavish Great Hall, where three prowling silver lions guard the king and queen’s elaborately carved thrones; the far plainer throne that is Christian IV’s simple drop toilet; and an impressive armoury of ceremonial weapons.
Rosenborg’s crown jewels, though, are exactly that: the sapphire-studded Crown of the Absolute Monarchs and a sparkling set of jewellery that belonged to Queen Sophie Magdalene, all of it mounted with emeralds and encrusted with diamonds.
© Evikka/Shutterstock
One of the best introductions to the city, the hour-long canal tour is a great way to explore the intricate network of waterways that make up central Copenhagen.
Tours leave from a