top of page
Search

The Ultimate Guide: How to Plan a Family Trip to Copenhagen

Updated: Sep 22


If you’re dreaming of pastel-colored townhouses, fairytale castles, and world-class design, you’re in the right place.


Copenhagen is easily one of Europe’s friendliest family destinations, offering a magical playground for kids and grown-ups alike.


Copenhagen

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to plan a family trip to Copenhagen, from picking the perfect dates, budgeting wisely, getting around, choosing the right neighbourhood, crafting the ideal itinerary, and sprinkling in local tips and tricks to keep everyone smiling.


Ready? Let’s dive in!


Table of Contents




1. When to Go


Copenhagen’s weather and atmosphere shift with the seasons. To plan a family trip to Copenhagen at its best:


Late Spring (May–June)

  • Temperatures hover between 16 – 20 °C with long daylight hours.

  • Cherry blossoms burst in King’s Garden; open-air yoga sessions on the lawn.

  • Family-friendly festivals like Copenhagen Distortion Kids’ Day.


Early Fall (September)

  • Cool, crisp days around 14 – 18 °C.

  • Seasonal harvest markets and sustainable food events, plus art exhibitions at Copenhagen Contemporary.

  • Hotel prices dip back to shoulder-season rates.


Summer (July–August)

  • Warmest weather, 22 – 24 °C, nearly midnight sun in June.

  • Tivoli Gardens in full swing with extra summer shows; open canals for swimming at Islands Brygge.

  • High season means advanced booking, even for child-friendly hotel packages.


Insider Tip: If you want fewer crowds but still pleasant weather, aim for early June or late August. These windows balance value, comfort, and family-friendly entertainment.



Copenhagen

2. Budgeting for Your Danish Adventure


Denmark ranks among Europe’s pricier destinations. Here’s how to manage costs without skimping on experiences:


2.1 Typical Expenses

  • Flights: $500–1,200 round-trip per person, depending on departure city and booking window.

  • Accommodation: $150–300 per night for family suites or serviced apartments.

  • Meals: $8–$12 for breakfast, $12–$18 for lunch, and $40–$60 for dinner per person.

  • Attractions & Transport: Copenhagen Card offers unlimited transit and free entry to 80+ attractions—around $60/adult, $30/child for 48 hours.


2.2 Saving Strategies

  • Advance Bookings: Secure discounts on flights and rooms by booking 3–6 months ahead.

  • Self-Catering Options: An apartment with a kitchenette helps with breakfasts and snacks; shop at Torvehallerne Market for affordable gourmet picks.

  • Free Fun: Copenhagen is full of parks, outdoor sculptures, and kid-friendly design museums with free or discounted entry for under-18s.

  • City Pass Perks: A 72-hour Copenhagen Card typically pays for itself if you visit at least four pay-to-enter spots and use public transport.

Money-Saving Pro: Check official Copenhagen tourism flash sales; they often include family deals on city passes and event tickets.



3. Choosing the Right Neighborhood


The vibe of your accommodation can enhance your plan a family trip to Copenhagen experience:


Indre By (City Center)

  • Highlights: Nyhavn’s colorful harbor, pedestrian-friendly Strøget shopping street, and historic castle grounds.

  • Family Perks: Easy walking distances, stroller-friendly sidewalks, and quick access to emergency pharmacies.

  • Considerations: Higher hotel rates and more tourists in summer.


Indre By
Indre By

Vesterbro

  • Highlights: Artistic street murals, the trendy Meatpacking District, and cozy family cafés.

  • Family Perks: Playgrounds in Skydebanehaven, craft workshops, and weekend flea markets.

  • Considerations: Nightlife can get lively; seek accommodations on quieter side streets.


Vesterbro
Vesterbro

Frederiksberg

  • Highlights: Frederiksberg Gardens, Copenhagen Zoo, and string-lit cafés lining Valby Langgade.

  • Family Perks: Green spaces perfect for picnics, children’s theater performances in summer, and a relaxed local feel.

  • Considerations: 10–15 minute metro ride to central attractions.


Frederiksberg
Frederiksberg

Neighborhood Advice: Use booking filters to ensure “crib available”, “soundproof rooms,” and “kitchenette” show up in your results. This ensures comfort and practicality for families.



4. Transportation Tips: Getting Around with Kids


Copenhagen’s transport network is streamlined and child-friendly, helping you plan a family trip to Copenhagen without stress:


Copenhagen Card Benefits

  • Unlimited Metro, S-train, bus, and harbor buses across all zones.

  • Free admission to iconic attractions like Tivoli, the aquarium, and the Experimentarium.

  • Discounts at select restaurants and bike rentals.


Bicycle Culture

  • Kids on Bikes: Cargo bikes that carry up to four children, bike seats for toddlers, and trailers are available citywide.

  • Safety First: Dedicated bike lanes and clearly marked crossings make cycling with kids a breeze.


Public Transit Essentials

  • Driverless Metro: Runs 24/7, wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.

  • Buses & Trains: Children under 12 travel free with a paying adult.

  • Trip Planning: Download the Rejseplanen app for real-time schedules, platform alerts, and route changes.


Walking & Scenic Routes

  • Many central streets are pedestrian zones. Plan gentle strolls along the waterfront at Langelinie or through the Latin Quarter’s narrow lanes.

Pro Tip: Mix modes, bike one day, boat tour the next, and walk at a leisurely pace on another, to keep kids engaged and rested.



Copenhagen

5. Must-Visit Family-Friendly Attractions


Copenhagen blends history, science, and play into one cohesive experience. Here are essentials for any family itinerary:


Tivoli Gardens

  • Why It’s a Must: Roller coasters, puppet theaters, nightly light shows, and themed gardens.

  • Family Hack: Purchase a family ride pass for unlimited access to kids’ rides.


National Aquarium Denmark (Den Blå Planet)

  • Why It’s a Must: Immersive ocean tunnel, touch pools, and shark feedings.

  • Scheduling Tip: Check feeding times on arrival and plan your route accordingly.


Experimentarium

  • Why It’s a Must: Hands-on science with exhibits on water physics, anatomy, and sustainable energy.

  • Don’t Miss: The bubble workshop, kids can create bubbles as big as themselves.


Rosenborg Castle & King’s Garden

  • Why It’s a Must: Crown jewels, royal chambers, and sprawling gardens perfect for kite-flying.

  • Picnic Tip: Grab traditional smørrebrød sandwiches from local bakeries.


Copenhagen Zoo

  • Why It’s a Must: Polar bears, giraffes, and the Norman Foster–designed Elephant House.

  • Children’s Area: Dedicated petting zoo and observation tower with city views.


Canal Tours & Harbor Baths

  • Why It’s a Must: Covered, heated boats glide past Little Mermaid, Christianshavn, and the Opera House.

  • Seasonal Swim: In summer, local harbor baths with nets create safe swimming zones for families.

Additional Gems: The Round Tower’s spiral ramp, the Free Town Christiania’s colorful murals, and Copenhagen Opera’s harbor-side boardwalk.



6. Extended Adventures: Day Trips & Surroundings


Expand your plan a family trip to Copenhagen beyond the city limits with these enriching excursions:


Kronborg Castle, Helsingør

Shakespeare’s Elsinore (“Hamlet”), ghost tours, and medieval reenactments, train ride is just 45 minutes.


Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Humlebæk

Interactive art installations, sculpture gardens by the sea, and kids’ workshops, 30 minutes by train from city center.


Roskilde Viking Ship Museum

Climb aboard reconstructed longships, try Viking crafts, and attend summer music festivals.


Møn’s Cliff & Geocenter Møns Klint

UNESCO GeoPark with striking white cliffs, fossil hunting beaches, and interactive geology exhibits, perfect for adventurous families.



Day Trips from Copenhagen
Day Trips from Copenhagen

7. Culinary Delights: Eating Out with Children


Danish cuisine and international flavors converge in kid-friendly settings:


Family-Friendly Cafés & Bakeries

  • Grød: Porridge bar where kids can customize their bowls with sweet or savory toppings.

  • La Glace: Historic patisserie serving delicate cakes and cocoa, an ideal treat stop.


Street Food & Markets

  • Reffen: Waterfront hub with container eateries offering pizza, tacos, sushi, and more. Communal seating makes group ordering easy.

  • Torvehallerne: Gourmet market stalls featuring fresh juices, artisanal bread, and open-faced sandwiches.


Traditional Danish Dining

  • Smørrebrød: Open-faced rye sandwiches topped with herring, egg, or roast beef, many restaurants offer child portions.

  • Frikadeller: Danish meatballs served with potatoes and red cabbage, a hit with younger palates.

Tip: Reserve tables for evening meals during summer; lunchtime is generally more flexible.


Famil Restaurants in Copenhagen
Family Restaurants in Copenhagen


8. Accommodation Strategies for Families


Choose from hotels, apartments, and unique stays to suit your family’s needs:


Top Family-Friendly Hotels

  • Tivoli Hotel & Congress Center: Themed rooms, indoor pool, and playground.

  • Copenhagen Admiral Hotel: Historic charm, canal views, and family suite options.


Apartments & Vacation Rentals

  • Airbnb & VRBO: Filter for “family-friendly,” “crib,” and “kitchenette.”

  • Local Agencies: Sweet Spot Apartments and City Apartment specialize in serviced flats with multiple bedrooms and kitchens.


Booking Best Practices

  • Read reviews focusing on noise, cleanliness, and child amenities.

  • Check cancellation policies, flexibility is key with kids.




9. Packing Essentials & Tips


Travel light, pack smart, and keep everyone comfortable:


  • Travel Documents: Passports, insurance cards, and emergency contacts (make digital copies).

  • Layerable Clothing: Lightweight shirts, fleece or sweater, waterproof jacket, and scarf.

  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes, plus sandals for warmer days.

  • Child Gear: Compact stroller or ergonomic carrier; consider a foldable potty seat for toddlers.

  • Snacks & Hydration: Reusable water bottles, nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars.

  • Safety & Health: Basic first-aid kit, sunscreen, allergy meds, and any prescription medicines.

  • Entertainment: Tablets with headphones, coloring books, and travel games for downtime.


Pro Packing Tip: Use packing cubes to separate kid clothes, adult clothes, and toiletries, makes hotel stays and laundry days a breeze.



10. Health, Safety, and Local Customs


Copenhagen is consistently ranked among the world’s safest cities, but these pointers add peace of mind:


  • Emergency Number: Call 112 for police, fire, or medical emergencies.

  • Pharmacies (Apotek): Located abundantly; they carry basic medicines and first-aid supplies.

  • Tap Water: Safe and delicious, carry refillable bottles to stay hydrated.

  • Cultural Respect: Danes value quiet, personal space, and punctuality. Teach kids to queue politely and lower voices on public transit.


Local Language Basics: A quick “tak” (thank you), “hej” (hello), and “værs’go” (you’re welcome) go a long way in connecting with locals.



11. Frequently Asked Questions


Q: Do I need a Copenhagen Card?A: If you plan to visit multiple paid attractions and rely on public transport, the card typically pays for itself in 2–3 days.


Q: Is Copenhagen stroller-friendly?A: Yes. Smooth pavements, curb cuts, and elevator-equipped metro stations make it easy to navigate with a stroller.


Q: How much spending money should I budget per day?A: Allocate approximately €50–€70 per person per day, covering meals, transport, and small souvenirs.


Q: Can we use GPS-enabled trackers on luggage?A: Yes. Denmark permits personal rastreament gadgets for luggage or children’s backpacks for added security.


Q: Are restaurants accommodating for food allergies?A: Most eateries clearly label common allergens. Feel free to ask staff in English, they’re helpful and fluent.



12. Additional Resources & Final Thoughts


  • Must-Have Apps:

    • Rejseplanen: Real-time public transport schedules and route planning.

    • Tivoli App: Live ride wait times and show schedules.

    • Copenhagen Card App: Digital pass, attraction details, and discounts.

  • Travel Insurance: Ensure your policy covers trip cancellations, health emergencies, and lost luggage.

  • Join Online Communities: Facebook groups like “Families in Copenhagen” or forums on TripAdvisor for up-to-date tips.


With thoughtful planning, flexibility, and these insights, you’re well on your way to plan a family trip to Copenhagen that’s full of wonder, comfort, and joy. Enjoy every canal breeze, castle tower, and Danish pastry, your family’s next grand adventure awaits!



Copenhagen




Tamir Rosenblum

About the Author: Tamir Rosenblum

Tamir Rosenblum is the founder of FunDay, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing family travel. With years of experience in tech and a deep expertise in understanding family travel dynamics, Tamir built a unique Family Travel engine to deliver deeply personalized, real-time trip experiences. Passionate about making travel planning both magical and effortless for families, he leads a mission-driven company focused on innovation, data intelligence, and unforgettable journeys.


Comments

bottom of page