Secrets of a successful family vacation in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the perfect destination for a three-day family holiday in Denmark! If you are looking for an all-inclusive weekend, combining discovery, entertainment and conviviality, you are in the right place.

We went to Copenhagen in September with our 2 daughters aged 6 and 3, so I naturally wrote an article on the 15 things to do with children in Copenhagen . Don't hesitate to take a look to find unusual activities with children.

During this three-day stay in Copenhagen , we will guide you through carefully selected kid-friendly addresses and activities, allowing little explorers to have an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the magic of this Scandinavian capital , discover kid-friendly places and explore a weekend in Copenhagen that respects your budget.

Whether you are looking for fun, cultural adventures or simply relaxing moments with your family, follow our guide to enjoy an unforgettable stay in this city full of charm and history.

Map of the 7 districts of Copenhagen:

1. Indre By: Commercial, political, cultural city center…

2. “Dutch” district of Christianshavn

3. Christiania, self-managed neighborhood

4. Vesterbro, former red light district

5. Frederiksberg, chic neighborhoods

6. Nørrebro in Copenhagen: bohemian, “hipster” & multikulti district >

7. Østerbro district in Copenhagen: Residential chic

If you want to explore the less touristy areas of Copenhagen follow the guide > Discover authentic Copenhagen: explore the little-known areas and live a local experience!

On the Road to Copenhagen: What Are the Kid-Friendly Attractions in This Scandinavian City?

The first great thing when you arrive in Copenhagen is the airport! It is located only 9km from the city center. Expect to pay around €6 by Uber.

Download the Greenmobility app and you can rent an electric car, anywhere in the city. You will pay per minute which is super advantageous. It is also ultra practical to go to or come back from the airport.

Discovering Copenhagen with my family was my dream! Even though the city's reputation as an expensive destination was sometimes a hindrance, I have absolutely no regrets. However, finding a balance between quality, accessibility and comfort is entirely possible, especially when you travel with your family.

To make our stay in Copenhagen as enjoyable as it was memorable, we opted for a clean and centrally located hotel that catered to the needs of the entire family. Our hotel was very affordable, with affordable options without sacrificing quality. It allowed us to fully enjoy our Danish experience.

We chose the Steel House Copenhagen hotel 358€ for 4 for 3 nights. The location is super central, this hostel has private rooms for 4 with private bathroom. This is the option we chose and it was perfect. The big plus, which all 4 of us loved, is the indoor pool. Ideal for relaxing after a day of walking. For breakfast, we always chose to go to cafes in town.

I had also noticed the Urban House Copenhagen hotel around €580 for a room for 4 people.

We loved Next Door Cafe which offers breakfast options for €11. Here you can find hot drinks, full plates of pancakes, bacon and scrambled eggs, good juices and homemade cakes. 9min walk from the hotel.

Travel smart and treat your family to an unforgettable stay in the Danish capital.

I recommend you to get the Copenhagen Card . It gives free access to more than 80 tourist attractions in the city, such as Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, the National Museum of Denmark, the Round Tower, Copenhagen Zoo and many more.

It costs €64 / per adult / per day and it is free for children.

The common thread of these 3 days could be the hunt for trolls in the four corners of the city.

Troll hunting in Copenhagen is a fun activity for the whole family. Inspired by Scandinavian folklore, these wooden creatures are hidden throughout the city’s parks, giving adventurous kids a chance to discover them by following a map. The experience combines entertainment with learning about Scandinavian culture and mythology, while encouraging outdoor exercise.

In addition, Danish tradition offers a gentle and playful way to encourage children to part with their pacifier by handing it over to the famous Pacifier Troll, marking an important step towards independence.

More info here: Trolls Map

DAY 1: Authentic Copenhagen

8:30 Breakfast Next Door Cafe

10am NYHAVN (PORT)

The must-see, the postcard of Copenhagen, a canal dug in the 12th century lined with old colorful houses. Stroll along the quays to admire the pretty colors and the many boat masts.

11:30 a.m. Stop by and say hello to the King and Queen at Amalienborg

The Royal Palace is one of the must-see places to visit in Copenhagen. Stroll around the large square bordered by the palace and where the imposing equestrian statue of King Frederik V stands and try to make one of the soldiers of the royal guard laugh (impossible!). Don't miss the changing of the guard at 12 noon.

12:30 Enjoy a hot dog from one of the many “sausage trucks” pølsevogn

1 p.m. Go see the iconic Little Mermaid statue

2 p.m. Experimentarium

This place is a kind of Discovery Palace. Children love it, you have to plan about 3 hours and be careful it closes at 5 p.m.

Included in Copenhagen Card

8min by taxi around 20€ from the hotel

7 p.m. - Absalon Church

Absalon Church, now transformed into a contemporary community center, serves as a dynamic meeting place where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can gather, share and interact. In this lively and colorful setting, everyone is invited to come together to exchange ideas, work or simply relax.

You can go there for dinner, it's served at 6 p.m. on long tables (you have to book and arrive before 5:45 p.m.) €13/person.

Day 2: Copenhagen's vintage neighborhoods

10am – Vesterbrogade: Browse the neighborhood’s vintage thrift stores

Walk along Vaernesdamje Street in the Vesterbrogade district, then walk towards Istedgade Street. Buy something for a picnic.

12 p.m. - Picnic and boat trip on the canals.

Rent a GoBoat electric boat for €90/2 hours and take a ride and have a picnic on the boat.

2 p.m. - Get lost in the aerial tunnels of the DAC outdoor playground:

The Danish Architecture Centre (DAC) outdoor playground is a true urban oasis for children. Designed to stimulate imagination and exploration, this playground offers a unique experience by allowing children to discover innovative architectural structures while having fun.

3:30 p.m. – The prettiest street in Copenhagen:

Magstræde, a charming little street in the heart of the city center, is home to some of the oldest colorful houses in Copenhagen, just a short walk from Gammel Strand and Christiansborg. Capture the history of its fire-resistant buildings that have marked the city.

5pm-Tivoli Gardens, carousel and co at nightfall. One of the oldest funfairs in Europe.

Day 3: South Shore of Copenhagen

9am - Have breakfast in Absalon Church

10 a.m., Walk in the Christiania district

This military district was abandoned by the army in 1971. Hundreds of people then came to occupy the place, setting up an alternative way of life.

Discover colorful frescoes, a wooden troll, a famous entrance and self-built houses around the lake.

Christiania offers restaurants, galleries, game rooms, bars and outdoor concerts in the summer. A must-see to enrich your Instagram account!

12 - Super food court Reffen

Reffen, located in Copenhagen’s trendy Refshaleøe district, offers a unique street food experience with around 50 stalls. In an open setting by the sea, this place encourages the tasting of street food from all over the world. An ultra-relaxed and eco-friendly atmosphere to discover!

Hot/cold fans: enjoy the Swedish wooden jacuzzis of CopenHot and a refreshing swim in the cool water of the harbor.

4 p.m. - Skiing on the roof of a waste incinerator:

Try skiing down the grass slope on the roof of CopenHill, Copenhagen's waste incinerator.