Planning family travel can sometimes feel overwhelming (more on that later), but I’m so excited to share a recpa of our trip to Copenhagen! Denmark’s capital quickly became one of our family’s favorite places after just a few days. Reflecting on our travels over the couple of years, it easily ranks among our best trips. With seamless bike lanes, expansive green spaces and playgrounds, incredible street food, and Scandinavian hospitality, it truly is the perfect place for an unforgettable family getaway.
If you have been dreaming about visiting the Danish capital, I’ve put together this quick guide and detailed 5-day itinerary covering all the best things and cool things to explore. Whether you’re soaking up long summer days by the water, admiring sleek modern design, or discovering the top things to do across town, Copenhagen is a beautiful city that belongs at the top of your family bucket list.
When is the Best Time to Visit Copenhagen with Kids?
Choosing the right time of year really comes down to your family’s travel rhythm and preferred climate:
- Summer Months (June to August): This is undeniably prime time and the best time for family travel. You’ll experience long daylight hours (in August the sun was up until 9pm!), longer days, and classic summer weather that makes outdoor dining an everyday delight. Because Scandinavia is farther north than the rest of Europe, you’ll have cooler summer temperatures which make exploring the city easy-breezy! We visited in August and most days were in the low-to-mid-70s, which was perfect for our 5 days in Copenhagen.
- June brings magical Midsummer celebrations like Sankt Hans Aften, while music lovers flock in for the Copenhagen Jazz Festival and the nearby Roskilde Festival. While July and August are among the most popular times during peak tourist season and summer holidays (when many locals escape to coastal summer houses), the buzzing energy makes it well worth visiting.
- Shoulder Season (May & September): If you prefer fewer crowds along with sunny days and mild, perfect weather, May is often considered the best month to visit. It’s the perfect time and one of the best ways to explore major sights at a relaxed pace without the high-season rush.
- Winter Charm & Holiday Glow: If you visit during the colder months, late November turns the city center into a glowing holiday retreat filled with fairy lights and festive markets, even though the days are shorter with less daylight. Early January offers quiet streets and a crisp Scandinavian escape.
Packing Tip: Even during sunny days, coastal breezes can bring sudden rain showers. We always pack a classic light rain jacket and versatile wardrobe staples in neutral colors so we are prepared for whatever the day brings!
Getting Around Copenhagen: Family Logistics Made Simple
The easiest way to get around the city center is either on foot or by bike. Copenhagen is world-renowned for its dedicated, protected bike lanes, making cycling a great way to explore like a local. The only time we were in a car was going to our hotel from the airport, just because our flight landed early and we were tired. Otherwise, you can easily get from the airport to the city center on the metro system.
We took the metro almost every day, also taking advantage of the ferry boats! We found public transit to be spotless, safe, and stroller-friendly, with many elevators available. We brought one travel stroller with us, and our older kids alternated riding on Dad’s shoulders when they got really tired.
If you are wondering how much time you need in Copenhagen, a 5-day trip gives you the ideal balance to soak in the highlights without feeling rushed. (Our itinerary for this trip included 5 days in Copenhagen, after which we took a train to Stockholm for another 5 days.)
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5 Days in Copenhagen with Kids: The Itinerary
Day 1: Royal Castles, Lush Gardens & City Strolls
First Stop: Rosenborg Castle & The Crown Jewels
Make Rosenborg Castle your first stop. Nestled right in the heart of the city, this 400-year-old Renaissance castle is steeped in history. Kids will love exploring the grand coronation chairs and heading downstairs into the treasury vault to marvel at the glittering Crown Jewels. The jewels are striking!
Notes: Make sure you book tickets ahead of time. We didn’t, and when we got there we had to buy tickets for three hours from our arrival time. Not ideal with little kids, so plan ahead! Rosenborg Castle has timed entry so you’ll need to buy tickets for the time you want to go. Plan on 1-1.5 hours at the castle. They have lockers for you to store your stuff, and you take the key with you (no need to remember a code). It’s not easy to bring a stroller in, so plan on carrying little ones!
Midday: Picnic at King’s Garden
Directly surrounding the castle is King’s Garden (also frequently called Kings Garden or Kongens Have). This beautiful garden features manicured lawns, tree-lined promenades, a fragrant rose garden, and plenty of open space for kids to run, even a sandbox area themed like a dragon. Grab fresh pastries from a local bakery, find an open picnic table, and enjoy a slow lunch in the shade. Or walk just a few blocks to grab food from Krystal Sandwich, which makes delicious sandwiches. I had the roast beef sandwich, and it was SO good!
Afternoon: Botanical Gardens & Panoramic Views
Take a short walk over to the Botanical Gardens to explore the historic glasshouses and lush greenery. From there, stroll toward the Rundetaarn (Round Tower). (The Round Tower is less than half a mile from the castle.) The gently sloping spiral ramp is stroller-friendly and leads all the way up to spectacular panoramic views of the city’s terracotta rooftops, which makes it one of the best places for family photos. Finish the afternoon with a scoop of fresh ice cream from a neighborhood parlor.
Day 2: Canals, Harbor Baths & Waterfront Living
Morning: Small Group Canal Tours
Experiencing Copenhagen from the water is hands down one of our favorite things to do. Booking a small group boat tour or joining one of the classic canal tours from Nyhavn allows you to see the city from a whole new vantage point. Guided by an engaging local guide, you’ll learn fascinating historical tidbits while cruising right past the famous little mermaid statue. We took a canal tour with Stroma and enjoyed it!
Afternoon: Swimming at Islands Brygge
On warm afternoons, head straight to the iconic harbour baths at Islands Brygge. Also simply known as the harbor baths, these clean public swimming areas sit directly in the harbor along the Baltic Sea. With safe shallow waters, a dedicated area designed like an open-air swimming pool, and raised diving boards, it is a hugely popular spot and a great place for kids to splash safely. If it’s not warm enough to swim, you can go right over to Nyhavn. We opted not to swim outdoors because it was in the low 70s while we were there – not warm enough for us to want to jump into the water! But plenty of families and young people were enjoying the swimming spots on the weekend days.
Afternoon Option: Aquarium
We opted to take the metro to the aquarium, which is near the airport. Our son loves marine animals, and the Copenhagen aquarium has hammerhead sharks, which we just had to see in person! We had lunch at the aquarium before heading back. Don’t forget to stop and see the otters – they’re adorable and so playful!
Evening: Nyhavn & Outdoor Cafés
Wrap up your afternoon wandering the pastel-colored row houses of Nyhavn. Grab dinner at one of the inviting outdoor cafés and enjoy the lively waterfront atmosphere. Or go across the bridge and eat at the large outdoor food court.
Day 3: Magic, Nostalgia & Play at Tivoli Gardens
All Day Adventure: Tivoli Gardens
You simply cannot visit Denmark’s capital without dedicating a full day to Tivoli Gardens. Established in 1843, it is celebrated as the world’s second oldest amusement park and provided the original inspiration for Disneyland!
Tivoli is pure magic for children and adults alike, and was definitely the highlight of Copenhagen for our kids. There is so much fun waiting across the park, from charming vintage rides for toddlers to high-flying coasters for older kids. Tivoli was a highlight of our trip, and one that our kids still talk about.
- Pro Tip: General admission covers park entry, historic pavilions, and live music, while unlimited ride passes come at an extra cost that is well worth it if your kids love attractions. Our hotel stay actually included our day passes for the amusement park!
- Dining in Tivoli: While you can grab quick fast food snacks throughout the grounds, Tivoli also features sit-down food halls and lovely beer gardens where parents can unwind while kids marvel at the fairy lights and gardens. Our day passes for the amusement park included a meal at a small list of restaurants. The kids enjoyed pizza from Italia to Go and burgers from Burger Grille for lunch. They were delighted to return their cups to the recycling stations, which gave them a 5 Kroner coin! (We later used those coins to buy fish food to feed the fish.) For dinner, we ate at Brdr. Price, which had surprisingly good food!
Day 4: Sandy Beaches or Day Trip to a Viking Town
Morning: Sandy Beaches at Amager Strand or Bellevue Beach
A wonderful aspect of the Danish capital is how quickly you can reach the coast. Take the metro to Amager Strand, a picturesque coastal park with wide sandy beaches, protected lagoon areas, and calm waters on the Baltic Sea. Alternatively, a short train ride north takes you to Bellevue Beach, famous for its mid-century modern design elements. It is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors and experience a beloved local tradition.
Optional Day Trip: Viking Town of Roskilde
Just outside of Copenhagen is Roskilde, a seaside Viking town. (It’s a quick 30 minute train ride from the central train station.) You can see five 11th-century Viking ships that were raised from the ocean floor at the Viking Museum, as well as stroll through Roskilde Cathedral, the final resting place for Danish monarchs. We really enjoyed this day trip! I’d skip it if you don’t have enough time, but otherwise it was worth visiting. A highlight for the whole family was making our own mini Viking ships and racing them.
Day 5: Food Markets, Meatpacking District & Modern Neighborhoods
Morning: Exploring the Meatpacking District (Kødbyen)
Kick off your final day exploring the Meatpacking District. Formerly a meat-processing center, this industrial neighborhood has been reimagined into a vibrant enclave of galleries, sourdough bakeries, and trend-setting outposts of Copenhagen’s food scene.
Afternoon: Street Food Vendors & Waterfront Hangouts
Cross the bridge to an open-air food market like Reffen or Bridge Street Kitchen. With dozens of food vendors serving dishes from around the globe, it is our favourite spot for a relaxed family meal. In the late afternoon, enjoy casual DJ sets and vibrant outdoor events while relaxing by the water.
Rainy Day Backup Plan for Copenhagen
If the forecast brings unexpected rain showers, don’t worry because Copenhagen excels at indoor family fun. Head to the National Museum of Denmark, which offers free entry for kids under 18 to its imaginative Children’s Museum, or spend an afternoon exploring interactive science exhibits at the Experimentarium. We unfortunately didn’t get to either of these museums but I have heard rave reviews of both!
Why Copenhagen Is Always a Good Plan
Reflecting back on our family adventures, there is such good reason why Copenhagen remains one of the best places in Europe for families. Traveling with children isn’t always effortless, but Copenhagen’s safety, bike-friendly streets, and welcoming attitude make it easy to enjoy long days together from morning to night. There’s something so relaxed about the city that I felt like it was a truly enjoyable place to be. I even texted my sister to tell her that she needed to add it to their family’s bucket list!
Whether you’re visiting during the summer holidays to catch the endless sun or planning a cozy autumn trip, Copenhagen is guaranteed to leave your family inspired.
Have you traveled to Copenhagen with kids, or are you planning a trip soon? Leave a comment below with your favorite spots!
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