Family Adventures in Aarhus: 7 best attractions for kids

Family Adventures in Aarhus: 7 best attractions for kids

April 11, 2025

Aarhus, Denmark's second largest city, is a true paradise for families with children. Combining the charm of a historic city with modern attractions, it offers countless opportunities to spend time in a way that will delight both the little ones and their parents. In this article, we'll introduce you to the 7 best attractions for kids in Aarhus that will make your family vacation an unforgettable experience. From fascinating museums to exciting amusement parks, each place we describe has been carefully selected to provide education, entertainment and plenty of fun for the whole family. Get ready for a journey full of discovery, laughter and shared moments that will stay in your memory for a long time. Aarhus is waiting to show you its best face!

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Historical and artistic gems of Aarhus

Start our family adventure in Aarhus with places that combine history with modern art, offering an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Den Gamle By is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Aarhus with children. This unique open-air museum allows you to travel back in time to ancient Denmark. Walking along the cobblestone streets, you can admire buildings from different eras, from the 17th century to the 1970s. Children will be delighted to see what life was like in the past, from traditional craftsmen's workshops to old stores and houses. Interactive exhibits and staff members dressed in period costumes make history come alive before the eyes of visitors. This is not only a history lesson, but above all a fascinating trip back in time for the whole family.

In contrast, the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum offers a look at contemporary art in a way that is accessible even to the youngest. The museum's main attraction is 'Your Rainbow Panorama,' a colorful circular glass corridor on the roof of the building that offers panoramic views of the city. It's a place that delights not only adults, but children as well, offering an extraordinary experience of color and space. Inside the museum are interactive installations and exhibitions that engage young art explorers.

When comparing the two attractions, it's worth noting that Den Gamle By offers a more immersive experience, allowing you to literally 'touch' history. It's a place where you can spend an entire day, exploring more nooks and crannies and participating in a variety of activities. ARoS, on the other hand, while also fascinating, may be more suitable for slightly older children who can appreciate contemporary art. This museum is also a great option for rainy days, offering shelter and entertainment under a roof.

In terms of accessibility, both sites are geared up for visits by families with children, offering amenities such as elevators and rest areas. Den Gamle By spreads out over a larger area, which can be a challenge for families with very young children, but at the same time gives more space to move around freely. ARoS, being more compact, may be easier to visit in less time.

Ticket prices are comparable at both sites, although Den Gamle By offers more family ticket options. It is worth checking current prices on the official websites, as they are subject to change. Both attractions enjoy high ratings among visitors (Den Gamle By - 4.6, ARoS - 4.5), a testament to their high quality and appeal to families.

Adventure and Nature in the city center

Continuing our family tour of Aarhus, we move to places where adventure meets nature, offering children the opportunity to be active outdoors and discover nature's secrets.

Tivoli Friheden is a true paradise for lovers of adrenaline thrills. Located in the heart of the city, this amusement park offers a range of attractions suited to different age groups. From merry-go-rounds for the youngest to thrilling roller coasters for older children and adults, there is something for everyone. Especially recommended is the Sky Tower attraction, where you can experience a free fall from a height of 30 meters. The park is open seasonally, so it's worth checking opening hours before visiting. Ticket prices may seem high, but a variety of family packages are offered that allow for all-day fun.

In contrast, the Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden offer a quieter but no less fascinating adventure. These huge greenhouses are home to plants from different climate zones, from tropical rainforests to deserts. Here, children can see exotic plants they wouldn't normally encounter in Denmark, and even marvel at butterflies flying freely in a specially prepared space. Best of all, admission to the greenhouses is free, making them a great option for families traveling on a tight budget.

Naturhistorisk Museum Aarhus is another place that is sure to delight young explorers. The museum offers fascinating exhibits on flora and fauna, with a special focus on local wildlife. Interactive exhibits allow children to have a close encounter with nature - here they can touch fossils, see stuffed animals or learn the secrets of evolution. The museum regularly organizes workshops and demonstrations for children, making it a great place for an educational adventure.

When comparing the three attractions, it is worth noting the differences in the nature of the experiences offered. Tivoli Friheden is a place full of energy and excitement, ideal for families looking for active entertainment. Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden offer a more peaceful, contemplative experience, allowing close contact with nature. Naturhistorisk Museum Aarhus combines elements of education and fun, providing a golden mean between the previous two attractions.

In terms of accessibility, all three sites are suitable for visits by families with children. Tivoli Friheden can be the most physically challenging, especially for very young children or those with limited mobility. Greenhouses and the Naturhistorisk Museum are more accommodating for all ages and abilities.

Ticket prices vary considerably - from free admission to the Greenhouses, to moderate prices at the Naturhistorisk Museum, to relatively expensive tickets to Tivoli Friheden. However, it is worth remembering that each of these places offers unique experiences that may be worth the price.

Visitor ratings are high for all three attractions (Tivoli Friheden - 4.3, Greenhouses - 4.6, Naturhistorisk Museum - 4.4), indicating their popularity and the quality of the experiences offered. Choosing between them will depend on your family's preference, the age of your children and your available time and budget.

History and relaxation on a royal level

To conclude our family adventure in Aarhus, we suggest two unique places that combine elements of history, culture and relaxation - perfect for quieter days full of discovery and relaxation.

Moesgaard Museum is a modern archaeological and ethnographic museum that is sure to fascinate both children and adults. The museum building, with its distinctive green roof blending into the surrounding landscape, is an attraction in itself. Inside, interactive exhibitions await visitors presenting the history of mankind from the Stone Age to the Viking Age. Particularly impressive is the exhibit dedicated to the Grauballe Man - the best-preserved marsh mummy in the world. Here, children can not only view the exhibits, but also touch replicas of prehistoric tools, try on costumes from different eras or participate in archaeological workshops. The museum also offers a smartphone app that guides through the exhibits in an interesting way, engaging the youngest in discovering history.

Marselisborg, on the other hand, is the summer residence of the Danish royal family, surrounded by a beautiful park. Although the palace itself is not open to the public, the park is open to the public when the royal family is not in residence. It's the perfect place for a relaxing stroll and picnic. Here, children are free to run around the expansive lawns, explore hidden corners of the garden or admire the sculptures set up in the park. A special attraction is the rose garden, which delights with its colors and fragrances during the blooming season. Marselisborg Park also offers beautiful views of the sea, which adds to its charm.

When comparing the two attractions, it is worth noting their different nature. Moesgaard Museum is a modern, interactive experience that can take up to an entire day. It offers a deep immersion into history and culture, with many attractions dedicated specifically to children. Marselisborg, on the other hand, is a tranquil, open space ideal for relaxation and casual outdoor play. It's a place where the family can take a break from busy sightseeing and enjoy time together in beautiful surroundings.

In terms of accessibility, both places are geared for visits by families with children. Moesgaard Museum offers amenities such as elevators, baby feeding and changing areas and cafes. Marselisborg Park is easily accessible and offers plenty of space to move around freely, which is ideal for families with small children or strollers.

Ticket prices vary significantly - admission to the Moesgaard Museum is charged (it's worth checking current prices on the official website), while admission to Marselisborg Park is free. This makes Marselisborg a great option for families traveling on a tight budget or looking for free attractions in Aarhus.

Visitor ratings are very high for both places (Moesgaard Museum - 4.7, Marselisborg - 4.5), a testament to their attractiveness and the high quality of the experiences offered. Choosing between the two will depend on your family's preferences, the weather and whether you are looking for a more educational or relaxing experience.

All in all, Aarhus offers an incredible variety of attractions for families with children. From fascinating museums to exciting amusement parks to tranquil gardens, there is something for every family. Whether you're looking for education, adventure or relaxation, Aarhus has everything you need to create unforgettable family memories. Remember to check the current opening hours and ticket prices on the attractions' official websites before you visit, as they may change depending on the season. Have a great family adventure in the heart of Denmark!

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