When exploring Copenhagen with children, start with its most recognizable symbols, which combine history, culture and the magic of fairy tales.

The Little Mermaid - The small but highly significant bronze sculpture sitting on a boulder at the harbor entrance is undoubtedly Copenhagen's most famous symbol. Created in 1913 by Edvard Eriksen, it is a reference to Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairy tale. Few people know that the model for the mermaid's face was the sculptor's wife, Eline Eriksen, and for the body was the prima ballerina of the Royal Danish Ballet, Ellen Price. The statue measures just 1.25 meters high, which often surprises tourists expecting a monumental sculpture. Children will be delighted to see with their own eyes the heroine of the well-known fairy tale, and parents can tell them a true, somewhat melancholy version of Andersen's story, different from the Disney adaptation. Nearby is the lesser-known 'Genetically Modified Little Mermaid' sculpture, depicting a deformed mermaid, which is a commentary on contemporary environmental issues.

The Rosenborg Castle is a Renaissance palace that is stunning both inside and out. Built between 1606 and 1634 as the summer residence of King Christian IV, today it is home to the royal crown jewels and regalia. The castle was converted into a museum as early as 1830, making it one of the oldest museums in Denmark. Inside, visitors can admire royal chambers decorated in the style of various eras, from Renaissance to Baroque, as well as the Knights' Hall with three life-size silver lions guarding the throne. A special attraction for children will be the collection of royal children's toys and the secret passages between chambers. Note the astronomical clock from 1594, which is still working! The castle is surrounded by a beautiful Renaissance-style garden.

The King's Garden (Kongens Have), adjacent to Rosenborg Castle, is the oldest royal garden in Denmark, established in 1606. The 12-acre site features geometric flower beds, ancient trees, fountains and sculptures. The garden was originally the king's private resting place, but has been open to the public since 1770. Children love the playgrounds here, especially the wooden fortress with rope bridges and slides. In the summer, concerts, theatrical performances and puppet shows are held here. An interesting fact is that the garden has over 400 trees, the oldest of which are over 300 years old! It's the perfect place for a family picnic or relaxing after visiting the castle.

The Round Tower (Rundetaarn) is one of Copenhagen's most distinctive buildings. Built between 1637 and 1642 at the behest of King Christian IV, it originally served as an astronomical observatory and was part of the Trinity complex, which also included the university library and Trinity Church. A unique 209-meter-long spiral ramp, instead of stairs, leading to the top of the tower was designed to allow horse-drawn carriages to ascend. Legend has it that Tsar Peter the Great rode to the top of the tower on horseback, with his wife Catherine following him in a carriage. At the top of the 36-meter tower is a viewing platform that offers a panoramic view of the city. Children will be delighted to run up the spiral ramp, as well as the small observatory at the top, where they can see historical astronomical instruments. There is also a gallery inside the tower where exhibitions are regularly held.

The National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet) is a veritable treasure trove of knowledge about Danish and world history. The museum is housed in an 18th-century prince's palace and is the largest cultural and historical museum in the country. The collection includes exhibits from the Stone Age to the present day. Of particular interest to families is the 'Børnenes Museum' (Children's Museum) section, where little ones can try on historical costumes, play with replicas of toys from different eras and enter a reconstructed school from the 19th century. Also fascinating is the Viking collection with authentic boats, weapons and jewelry. The museum has an impressive collection of Egyptian mummies and artifacts from the Middle East. Interestingly, it also houses the Golden Horn of Gallehus, a replica of a famous 5th century golden horn that was stolen and melted down in 1802. The museum offers interactive exhibitions and workshops for children, making history a fascinating adventure.

Copenhagen is not only about history and monuments - the city also offers modern attractions that combine education with entertainment, providing children with unforgettable experiences and opportunities to learn through play.

The Experimentarium is a state-of-the-art science center that, after an extensive renovation in 2017, has become one of the most modern facilities of its kind in Europe. There are more than 300 interactive exhibits divided into thematic zones on an area of 11,500 square meters. The biggest attraction is the 'Bubble Tunnel' - a 17-meter-long structure filled with soap bubbles that you can walk through without getting wet. Children also love the 'Water Exhibition', where they can experiment with currents, waves and dams. The 'Brain Room' is also fascinating, where you can test your senses and learn the secrets of the human mind. There is a science-inspired playground on the roof of the building. An interesting feature is the spiral staircase called 'Helix', which is the largest copper spiral in the world and is an architectural gem of the building. The Experimentarium offers a variety of scientific demonstrations and workshops where children can participate in experiments under the guidance of educators.

The Den Blå Planet (Blue Planet) is the largest aquarium in Northern Europe, opened in 2013. The building, with a futuristic shape resembling a water vortex, houses more than 7 million liters of water and more than 20,000 marine animals representing 450 species. The aquarium is divided into thematic sections, the most impressive of which is the 'Ocean,' where visitors can watch sharks, stingrays and other large fish swimming overhead through a 16-meter tunnel. Children will be delighted to touch starfish and crabs in special touch pools. Also fascinating is the 'Amazon' exhibit, where visitors can see piranhas, anacondas and colorful birds in a recreated jungle. The aquarium runs breeding programs for endangered species, including seahorses and bamboo sharks. An interesting fact is that the building is designed to collect rainwater, which is then used in the aquariums.

Copenhagen Zoo, founded in 1859, is one of the oldest zoos in Europe and home to more than 3,000 animals representing some 264 species. The zoo is renowned for its innovative approach to designing enclosures that replicate the animals' natural habitats as closely as possible. The biggest attraction is the 'Elephant House' designed by famous architect Norman Foster, which has won many awards for its eco-friendly design. Children also love the 'Savannah,' where they can observe giraffes, zebras and antelopes living together as in the wild. The 'Arctic Ring' with polar bears and seals is also fascinating. The zoo runs numerous breeding programs for endangered species, including rhinos and Sumatran tigers. Interestingly, the Copenhagen zoo was the first in the world to introduce enclosures without bars, replacing them with moats, a revolution in zoo design. The zoo offers show feedings and educational meetings where children can learn more about the animals and conservation.

The Tower Playground (Tårnlegepladsen) is a unique playground inspired by the towers of Copenhagen. It is located in Fælledparken and was designed to reference the city's distinctive architectural elements. The centerpiece is a 15-meter tower with a spiral slide, reminiscent of the Round Tower. The playground is divided into zones for different age groups, so both toddlers and older children will find something for themselves. There are swings, merry-go-rounds, climbing walls and rope nets. A unique feature is the 'sound playground', where children can experiment with various instruments and sounds. The playground was designed with accessibility for children with disabilities in mind. Nearby is a café where parents can relax while watching their children play. It's an ideal place to spend a few hours outdoors, especially when children need to unwind after visiting museums and monuments.

Tivoli Gardens is the second oldest amusement park in the world, operating continuously since 1843. This magical garden in the heart of the city was the inspiration for Walt Disney when creating Disneyland. The park combines historic charm with modern attractions. The 8-acre site features more than 25 carousels and roller coasters, including a 1914 wooden roller coaster that is one of the oldest still in operation in the world. Children love 'The Flying Trunk' - a ride inspired by Andersen's fairy tales, where you can see scenes from some of the most famous stories. Also fascinating is the 'Pantomime Theater' from 1874, where traditional pantomime performances take place. In the evening, the park is illuminated by more than 100,000 colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere. An interesting fact is that Tivoli is home to the world's tallest chain carousel, the 'Star Flyer', rising to a height of 80 meters. The park is open seasonally, with special decorations for Halloween and Christmas. Hans Christian Andersen was a frequent visitor to Tivoli and is said to have found inspiration for some of his fairy tales here.

When planning a family trip to Copenhagen, it's a good idea to compare the available attractions in terms of children's ages, interests, budget and time available. Below is a practical summary of the places described earlier, along with tips to help you plan the perfect stay in the Danish capital.

Comparison in terms of age groups:.

For families with young children (0-5 years), the best options will be The King's Garden with its safe playground, The Tower Playground and selected parts of Experimentarium and Den Blå Planet. Tivoli Gardens offers a special area for toddlers with gentle attractions.

For families with school-age children (6-12), all the attractions described will be suitable, with the Experimentarium, Copenhagen Zoo, Den Blå Planet and Tivoli Gardens with their various carousels being particularly engaging.

Teens (13+ years) will appreciate the more educational aspects of the National Museum of Denmark, the historical value of Rosenborg Castle and The Round Tower, and the more extreme attractions at Tivoli Gardens, such as the 'Demon' and 'Vertigo' roller coasters.

Comparison in terms of prices:.

Affordable attractions include The Round Tower, The King's Garden (free admission), The Tower Playground (free admission) and The Little Mermaid (free access). The National Museum of Denmark offers free admission for children under 18, and adults pay a moderate price.

Moderately priced attractions include Rosenborg Castle and Copenhagen Zoo, which offer family tickets at good prices.

More expensive attractions include Tivoli Gardens (especially if you add the cost of individual attractions), Experimentarium and Den Blå Planet, but all offer unique experiences that justify the higher price.

Comparison in terms of tour time:.

Attractions that can be visited in a short time (1-2 hours) include The Little Mermaid, The Round Tower and The Tower Playground.

Places requiring an average tour time (2-4 hours) are Rosenborg Castle along with The King's Garden and the National Museum of Denmark (selected exhibitions).

Full-day attractions include Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen Zoo, Experimentarium and Den Blå Planet, which offer so much to see and experience that it is worth reserving a full day for them.

Unique experiences at each attraction:.

The Little Mermaid - An opportunity to see for yourself the icon of Copenhagen and symbol of Andersen's fairy tale. It's worth visiting early in the morning to avoid the crowds of tourists. Nearby, the lesser-known 'Genetically Modified Little Mermaid' sculpture is an interesting contrast.

Rosenborg Castle - An opportunity to see the royal crown jewels and the collection of royal toys. Note the hidden symbols and architectural details that tell the story of the Danish monarchy.

The King's Garden - An opportunity to relax in historic surroundings and play in a playground inspired by fairy tales. In the summer, free theatrical performances for children are held here.

The Round Tower - A unique experience of ascending a spiral ramp instead of stairs and being able to admire the city skyline. Inside there is also a library with historical books.

National Museum of Denmark - An interactive section for children where they can try on historical costumes and play with replicas of toys from different eras. The museum offers special tours for families with children.

Experimentarium - An opportunity to walk through the Bubble Tunnel and experiment with interactive science exhibits. It's worth planning your visit for the science shows, which take place several times a day.

Den Blå Planet - An opportunity to walk through an underwater tunnel and watch sharks swim overhead. The aquarium offers special show feedings, the schedule of which is worth checking before your visit.

Copenhagen Zoo - An opportunity to see the unique Norman Foster-designed Elephant House and observe the animals in naturally designed enclosures. The zoo offers the opportunity to become an 'animal keeper for a day' (for an additional fee).

The Tower Playground - An opportunity to play in a plaza inspired by the architecture of Copenhagen, featuring a unique tower with a spiral slide. This is a great place to take a break between visiting other attractions.

Tivoli Gardens - An opportunity to experience the magical atmosphere of the historic amusement park that inspired Walt Disney. In the evening, the park lights up with thousands of lights, creating an unforgettable scenery.

Practical tips for families:.

1. Copenhagen Card - Consider purchasing this card, which provides free admission to most of the attractions described and free public transportation. It is available in 24-, 48-, 72- or 120-hour versions and pays for itself quickly when visiting several paid attractions.

2. Transportation - Copenhagen is a bicycle-friendly city, with an extensive network of bicycle paths. You can rent family bikes or bikes with child trailers. The city also has well-organized public transportation.

3. Seasonality - Some attractions, like Tivoli Gardens, have specific opening seasons. In summer (June-August), all attractions are accessible, but also the most crowded. Spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds.

4. Food - Many attractions have their own cafes and restaurants, but prices tend to be high. It's worth bringing snacks and water with you. The King's Garden and other parks are ideal for a picnic.

5. Weather - Danish weather can be capricious, so it's worth having a backup plan for rainy days. Experimentarium, National Museum of Denmark and Den Blå Planet are great options for inclement weather.

Copenhagen is a city that offers the perfect mix of education, entertainment and culture for families with children. Regardless of children's age, interests or budget, there is something for every family. The fairy-tale atmosphere, the friendly attitude of the locals and the variety of attractions make the Danish capital the perfect family destination that will long be remembered by children and adults alike.