Highlights include:

  • Nyhaven
  • Tivoli Gardens
  • Strøget
  • Helsignør

I lived with a local family in Copenhagen for 5 months as part of a university exchange program back in 1997.  I was finally able to return to this great city a few years ago with my son (5 years old at the time) and my mom.  Copenhagen is a fantastic city for kids and families.  First of all, family is at the heart of the Danish culture.  Danes are avid travelers themselves, often traveling with a whole clan of kids in tow.  That being said, Denmark is very welcoming to families and understands their unique needs.  Denmark is literally a land of fairy tales (Hans Christian Anderson), castles, canals, and pedestrian friendly winding streets to explore.

Don’t miss these places the whole family will enjoy:

  1. Nyhaven – Once a busy commercial port, Nyhaven is a beautiful waterfront street lined with colorful houses and great restaurants.   Its also the perfect place to begin your family tour of Copenhagen.  You’ll want to catch the Netto Boats canal tour from Nyhaven http://www.havnerundfart.dk/canaltours/index.php?page=forside.php.  While other companies offer a similar tour, at 6 Euro for adults and only 3 Euro for children, this one is priced right and well run.  The tour lasts about an hour and passes by 20 or so points of interest throughout the Copenhagen harbor (including the Little Mermaid statue).  This is a great first day activity as it orients you to the city and gives an overall feel for what the city is all about.
  2. Tivoli Gardens – Tivoli Gardens is the Danish equivalent to Disneyland with a cozy Danish touch. It has rides, shows, restaurants and beautiful gardens to stroll through.  Allow a full day to explore and enjoy this Danish cultural icon.  http://www.tivoligardens.com/en  tickets range from about 100 KRR to 200KRR per person depending on the ride package.
  3. Strøget – One of Europe’s longest pedestrian only shopping streets, time meandering this area is a must. The highlight store for the kids will no doubt be the Lego store.  Aside, from shopping, Strøget offers many restaurants and most notably some fantastic bakeries with goodies spilling from the window displays.  On warm days, look for fun street entertainers throughout this mile long shopping district.
  4. Helsignør – This town is a short 30 minute drive (or about an hour by train) from central Copenhagen. It is known best for Kronborg Slot, the gigantic castle perched at its point made famous in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.   There’s lots to explore in the castle itself – don’t miss the dungeon!  The town is also a fantastic place to stroll, and grab a bite to eat.