Copenhagen with Kids: Top Family Activities for Summer 2026

Copenhagen families and visitors alike have a packed lineup of kid-friendly attractions this July, from free-entry amusement parks to splash-friendly harbour baths and interactive museums. The city’s compact layout and focus on family-oriented public spaces make it easy to plan a day out that suits children of all ages.

Bakken: Free Entry at the World’s Oldest Amusement Park

Bakken, officially Dyrehavsbakken, in Klampenborg dates back centuries and is recognised as the world’s oldest amusement park. Entry is free, with rides priced individually, a structure that allows families to control spending. The park sits adjacent to a large deer park, offering a relaxed atmosphere where kids can run around between rides. It’s a popular summer destination for Copenhagen residents, especially on weekends, when the surrounding Jægersborg Dyrehave provides space for picnics and nature walks.

Experimentarium: Hands-On Science for Ages 5-14

In Hellerup, the Experimentarium is widely considered the city’s top science museum for children aged 5 to 14. The current facility, purpose-built and reopened in 2017, includes water play areas, mazes, and dozens of interactive experiments. The museum’s hands-on approach encourages children to touch, build, and explore, appealing particularly to school-age kids who want to engage with physics and biology in a playful setting. The venue is accessible by train from central Copenhagen.

Copenhagen Zoo: Pandas, Polar Bears and Over 3,000 Animals

Copenhagen Zoo remains a major draw, housing more than 3,000 animals. Highlights include the polar bear enclosure and the zoo’s two giant pandas, which arrived in 2019 as part of a conservation partnership with China. Admission is free for children under 3, making it an affordable option for families with toddlers. The zoo’s location in Frederiksberg means it’s easily reachable by public transport, and the surrounding park is a popular spot for a post-visit picnic.

Harbour Baths at Islands Brygge

Open from June through August, the harbour baths at Islands Brygge are a classic Copenhagen summer activity. The complex includes several pools: shallower areas designed for younger children, alongside deeper sections and jumping points for older kids and teenagers. Located along the waterfront in the Østerbro area, the baths are free to use and monitored by lifeguards during opening hours. On hot days, families arrive early to claim spots on the adjacent wooden decks.

The National Museum: Free Entry for Under-18s and a Viking Playground

The National Museum of Denmark offers free admission for visitors under 18, making it an affordable cultural outing. Inside, the Children’s Museum lets kids dress up as Vikings, try writing with quills in a 19th-century schoolroom, and explore historical artefacts through hands-on play. The museum is centrally located near the Strøget pedestrian street, so it fits easily into a day that includes shopping or cafés.

All five attractions are accessible via Copenhagen’s public transport network, and most offer discounts or free entry for young children. No matter the weather, parents have a range of options, from outdoor adventures at Bakken or the harbour baths to indoor learning at Experimentarium and the National Museum.