Copenhagen is fun with kids. It’s safe, it’s easy to get around, and there are plenty of activities that don’t feel like a compromise for the adults either. Here are a few of our favorite ideas for a Copenhagen trip with kids—whether you have toddlers, school-age kids, or teenagers.
Harbor Bus (Canal Boat)
The harbor bus is one of my favorite things to do in Copenhagen, with or without kids. In fact, everyone from 3 to 103 will enjoy this “free” boat ride on the main canal.
The harbor bus is actually part of the Copenhagen public transit system. It runs every 30-60 minutes, and you can ride it with a regular ticket or a day pass. Tip: kids under 12 ride free with an adult in Copenhagen, and that’s also true for the bus boat.
Ride the harbor bus just for fun (which is honestly a great enough reason). Or use it as a simple, stress-free way to get to the Little Mermaid. With kids, that combination works especially well: boat ride first, iconic statue second.
Experimentarium
Experimentarium is one of the best places to take your kids in Copenhagen if you want a half-day of hands-on fun. Both toddlers and teenagers will find plenty of interesting experiments here. They’ll learn (without realizing they’re actually learning) about the human body, how light works, and even the transportation systems that keep the world—and Denmark—moving.
Combine this with the harbor bus, and you’ll also get a surprisingly fun “transportation day” without it feeling like one. Take bus #164 from Orientkaj station (the northern terminus of boat line 992) to Experimentarium. On the way back, take the same bus to Hellerup station, then hop on the S-Tog back to Copenhagen. On the way you’ll see one of the nicest villas in the Copenhagen metropolitan area. And if you’re wondering what this has to do with kids—my daughter actually loved the bus ride itself because of the beautiful villas along the way.
Nyhavn
The iconic colorful houses of Nyhavn make for a great short walk with kids. I find that even the littlest ones tend to be curious here—and you don’t have to spend more than 15 minutes for it to become a memory they’ll actually keep.
Take a group selfie from the bridge, buy them some churros or ice cream, and you’re guaranteed a happy moment in the Danish capital.
Copenhagen Zoo
If your kids love animals, Copenhagen Zoo is one of those easy-win attractions in Copenhagen. It’s big enough for a proper half-day program, but not so huge that it becomes a full-on endurance test with a stroller and snack breaks.
The zoo is in Frederiksberg, right next to Frederiksberg Gardens and Søndermarken, so you can easily combine it with a little park walk (or a “run around until you’re tired” break, which is sometimes the most useful activity with kids). The zoo has a long history too—it’s been around since 1859, so it’s not just a random modern attraction, but a real classic Copenhagen institution.
Inside, you can basically travel between continents in one day: polar bears, giraffes, and yes—giant pandas are a big favorite for many families. And if your kids are the hands-on type, there’s also a Children’s Zoo area where the whole thing feels a bit more interactive and less like just walking and looking.
Den Blå Planet Aquarium
Den Blå Planet is the kind of place that works on basically any Copenhagen trip with kids—especially if the weather is doing that classic “let’s be gray and windy today” thing. It’s Northern Europe’s largest aquarium, so don’t expect a tiny “look at three fish and leave” experience. This is a proper indoor half-day program with big tanks, lots of rooms, and enough variety to keep both toddlers and older kids interested.
Dinos Legeland Ørestad
This isn’t a touristy spot, but if you want real, guaranteed fun with kids in Copenhagen (especially under 14), it’s a great option.
Dinos Legeland (Dino Playhouse) is at the Vestamager terminal of metro line M1. It’s not central, but it’s very easy to reach—and it’s also close to the airport, which makes it a surprisingly smart option on a travel day. If you’re arriving early or flying out late, this can easily save the day.
The Round Tower (Rundetaarn)
The Round Tower (Rundetaarn in Danish) sits right in the very heart of the city. Built as an astronomical observatory, it lets you see Copenhagen 360 degrees from the top. If your kids are a little older, they’ll really enjoy this experience.
You have to climb to the top of the tower on its iconic equestrian staircase, great fun in itself. It’s not a normal staircase with steps, but a wide spiral ramp that winds all the way up—originally built so a horse could carry people and equipment to the top. And kids usually love that little fact, because it makes the whole climb feel like a story and not just exercise.
At the top, you’ll get one of the best city views in central Copenhagen. On a clear day, you can point out the canals, the copper-green rooftops, and even the Øresund Bridge toward Sweden. It’s also a nice “spot the landmark” game with kids: find the spires, find the squares, find the busy shopping streets below.
