Tivoli Gardens was at the very top of our list when we started planning Copenhagen with kids. It is right in the middle of the city, it feels like a classic amusement park and a botanical garden at the same time, and it works just as well for a quick afternoon as it does for a full day. We spent most of the day bouncing between kid-friendly rides, snack stops, and quiet corners where the boys (ages 6 and 4 at the time) could run around or just watch the lights.

In this guide, I’ll walk through what Tivoli Gardens is, how Tivoli Gardens tickets work, our favorite rides, family-friendly food options and practical tips for visiting with kids. If you are trip-planning, make sure to check my Copenhagen itinerary guide.

What is Tivoli Gardens?

Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park and garden right in the center of Copenhagen. It opened in 1843, which makes it one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, and it still feels very different from a modern theme park. You get classic rides, concerts, lakes, a giant food hall, and flower beds all in one space.

The park has more than 30 rides ranging from gentle carousels to big coasters. There are also playgrounds, theaters, live music, fireworks during some seasons, and lots of places to just sit with a snack and people-watch.

One fun detail to share with kids is that Tivoli Gardens helped inspire Walt Disney when he was dreaming up Disneyland after a visit to Copenhagen.

Where Is Tivoli Gardens and How to Get There

Tivoli Gardens could not be easier to reach. The entrance is right across the street from Copenhagen Central Station, which means you can get there by:

• Train from the airport or suburbs
• S-train or regional train from other parts of Denmark
• Bus or metro with a short walk
• On foot from many central neighborhoods

Because parking in the center of Copenhagen is expensive and limited, I recommend using public transport or walking rather than driving if you can.

If you are using a Copenhagen Card, it usually includes public transport around the city plus free entrance to Tivoli Gardens.

Tivoli Gardens Tickets and Passes

Before you go, it helps to understand how Tivoli Gardens tickets work so you do not spend half your day at a ticket window.

Entrance vs Rides

Tivoli splits costs into two main parts:

• Entrance ticket: lets you go into the gardens, see the lights and entertainment, and use the restaurants.
• Ride options: you can either buy individual ride tickets or get an unlimited Ride Pass wristband (sometimes sold in a package with entrance included).

Important details to know:

• Children under 3 enter Tivoli Gardens for free with a paying adult.
• Children ages 3–7 need their own entrance ticket at a reduced price.
• Children under 1 do not need a Ride Pass to go on rides, but they must be accompanied by a paying guest over 14.

If you know you want to ride a lot, the Entrance + Ride Pass package usually works out cheaper than buying everything separately. Prices change by date and season, and Tivoli uses a visitor calendar so lower-demand days are cheaper.

When you look at Tivoli Gardens tickets online, pay attention to the type of pass you’re choosing. You’ll usually see options for:

• Entrance only
• Entrance + unlimited Ride Pass
• Extras like aquarium access or ride photos

If you are using the Copenhagen Card, your card covers the entrance ticket to Tivoli Gardens. You still need to purchase Tivoli Gardens tickets for rides separately (either a Ride Pass or individual ride tickets).

Where to Buy Tivoli Gardens Tickets

You can buy Tivoli Gardens tickets:

• Online on the official Tivoli website or app, where you can also see the visitor calendar and prices for specific days
• On site at the ticket booths outside the main entrance

Buying online is usually faster with kids, and sometimes cheaper on quieter days.

When is Tivoli Gardens open?

Tivoli Gardens is not open every single day of the year. Instead, it has several main seasons:

• Summer: Main season from spring through late September
• Halloween: Runs through much of October with pumpkins and spooky decorations
• Christmas: Mid-November through early January, usually closed on December 24 itself
• Some years also have a shorter Easter or winter season around March or February

Opening hours change by season, but a typical summer day is roughly 11 am to 10 pm, with Fridays and Saturdays extended to midnight.

Before you go, double-check the official Tivoli calendar for the exact dates and hours for your visit.

Visiting Tivoli Gardens with Kids

From the moment we walked through the gate, Tivoli felt very manageable with kids. The park is compact, and you move from rides to gardens to food in just a few minutes of walking.

Some family-friendly things we loved:

• Rasmus Klump’s World: A big ship-themed playground where kids can climb, slide, and explore. It is a good place to let them run between rides, and you can meet Rasmus Klump (basically Tivoli’s Mickey Mouse, but a bear) nearby
• Gardens and lakes: When everyone needed a reset, we simply walked around the lakes and watched the ducks or sat by the fountains.
• Evening lights: Staying until it got dark was a highlight. Tivoli is covered in fairy lights and glowing lanterns at night, and the rides look completely different.

If your kids are used to US-style theme parks, Tivoli can feel calmer and more mixed. Many locals simply come in the evening for dinner and a walk, so it has a nice mix of families, couples, and groups of friends.

Best Tivoli Gardens Rides for Kids by Height and Thrill Level

Tivoli has more than 30 rides, and not all of them are geared to kids. Since we visited when our boys were ages 6 and 4, we focused on the family rides. Height requirements can change, so always check the sign at each ride. Here is how we approached it.

Big Coasters and High-Energy Rides

These rides are best for kids who like a lot of speed and are tall enough for the bigger height brackets.

• Milky Way Express: A compact coaster where you race through space. Officially, kids need to be at least 130 cm to ride alone; children between 100 cm and 130 cm can ride with an adult. My older son was able to go on this ride and really enjoyed it.
• Aquila: A spinning, swinging ride that feels like flying in circles through the night sky. The minimum height is around 120 cm, so this one is often a “big kid plus adult” pick.
• Bumper cars: Always a hit. Both kids liked helping steer and bump into their parents.
• Galley Ships: A classic swinging ship ride that both boys enjoyed.

Family Coasters and Classic Views

These are still exciting but work well for slightly shorter kids who are ready for more than a carousel.

• The Mine: A dark ride with gentle thrills and lots to look at. Our boys loved spotting little details in the scenes.
• Ferris Wheel: Tivoli’s vintage Ferris wheel gives wonderful views of the park and the Copenhagen skyline.
• The Roller Coaster (Rutschebanen): One of the oldest wooden coasters still operating. It is not the flashiest ride in the park, but it has a nice mix of speed and history.
• Fun House: A walk-through with moving floors, mirrors, and gentle challenges. Great for kids who like to explore at their own pace. It’s a little challenging to watch your kids inside because it’s dark, so make sure to have a plan in case you get separated.

Story Rides and Gentle Circuits

These are good mid-day options when everyone needs a break from intense thrills.

• Flying Trunk: A story ride based on Hans Christian Andersen tales, where you ride in little “suitcases” past scenes from the stories. The pace is slow and the ride lasts a few minutes. We enjoyed this so much that we rode three times!
• Vintage Cars: Kids can “drive” cars around a landscaped track while adults sit next to them. It feels like a gentle city drive through mini-bridges and greenery. My youngest loved it!
• Music Carousel: A classic carousel with music and animals.

Boats and Animal Rides

These rides are ideal for younger or more cautious kids, especially when one sibling is still under many height requirements.

• The Panda: A gentle circular ride where kids ride in panda-shaped seats. It has a lower minimum height (90cm) and feels calm.
• Camel Train: Another slow ride where kids sit in camel-shaped cars and circle the track. This was a big hit with my youngest who loves camels.
• Dragon Boats: Pedal boats shaped like dragons that you steer around the lake. Adults can pedal while kids “help.”
• Tivoli Aquarium: Technically not a ride, but our boys enjoyed the tanks and watching the fish. It is a good rainy-day or “we need some quiet” stop.

Always check each ride’s height board at the entrance, especially if you are planning your day around specific attractions. For our family, it helped to scan the map first and mark the rides we knew both kids could enjoy.

Food at Tivoli Gardens with Kids

One of the biggest perks of Tivoli is that you can actually eat well inside the park. There are more than 40 food and drink options ranging from quick snacks to sit-down restaurants.

Here are the spots we recommend for a day with kids.

Easy Lunch Ideas

• Hallernes Smørrebrød (Tivoli Food Hall): Open-faced sandwiches with generous toppings based on Danish smørrebrød traditions. You order at the counter and find a seat in the food hall, which works well when everyone wants something slightly different.
• Tivoli Food Hall: Besides Hallernes, there are pizza stalls, Asian street food, and more, so you can mix and match without leaving the park.
• Anarkist Bar: A craft beer bar connected to Tivoli that serves Nordic-style pizzas and a long list of beers on tap and in bottles. There is both an entrance from outside and a connection to Tivoli itself, so it works whether or not you are spending all day in the park. Our boys loed the pizzas here.

Sweet treats and coffee breaks

• Cakenhagen: A patisserie that feels like a fancy cake shop, with layered cakes, pastries, and hot drinks. It is known for a classic Danish pastry selection with a French twist and is very popular for coffee breaks inside Tivoli.
• Espresso House: A familiar coffee chain where parents can grab a latte while kids share a muffin or cookie.
• Rasmus Klump’s Pancakes: Near the playground, this small spot focuses on pancakes themed after the beloved Danish character Rasmus Klump.
• Vaffelbageriet and other waffle stands: Perfect for late-night waffles with ice cream when the lights come on.

For parents: Japanese Pagoda

• Japanese Pagoda area: Around the pagoda and lakeside, seasonal pop-ups appear, especially in summer and at Christmas. It is a pretty place to sit in the evening while the kids ride nearby.

Seasonal Magic: Summer, Halloween, and Christmas at Tivoli

Tivoli Gardens changes personality with the seasons.

• Summer: Long opening hours, outdoor concerts, fireworks on some nights, and the gardens in full bloom. This is a good time to plan a late evening visit for lights and cooler temperatures.
• Halloween: The park fills with pumpkins, spooky decorations, and themed attractions, and many rides stay open into the evening. It is festive but still family friendly, with lots of kid-level Halloween touches.
• Christmas: Tivoli is often described as one of Europe’s most magical Christmas experiences, with markets, thousands of lights, an ice rink, and seasonal shows. It has even been included on lists of top Christmas markets in the world.

If your family loves Christmas trips, you might also enjoy pairing Tivoli’s Christmas season with other European Christmas markets, like the ones I cover in my Best Christmas Markets in Europe for Families guide.

Practical Tips and Safety Basics for Families

A little planning goes a long way when you are visiting Tivoli Gardens with little kids. Here are some of the things that helped us and that line up with Tivoli’s own family information.

Before You Go

• Check the calendar: Confirm that Tivoli is open during your dates and which season you are visiting.
• Decide on tickets: Look at Tivoli Gardens tickets online and compare entrance only vs packages with Ride Passes, especially if you plan to ride a lot.
• Dress in layers: Even in summer, evenings in Copenhagen can be cool. Bring a light jacket or sweatshirt for everyone.

At the Park

• Use a stroller or wagon: Even though the park is compact, little legs get tired. You can rent strollers and pull wagons at the Service Center for a fee plus a refundable deposit, or bring our favorite stroller for Europe along.
• Use a wristband for contact info: Simple wristbands where you can write your phone number, so staff can contact you quickly if a child gets lost.
• Plan quiet breaks: Mark playgrounds, gardens, or the aquarium on your map as “reset spots” where you can step away from crowds or weather.
• Watch height boards: Height requirements are strict and can vary by ride. Check the board and be ready with a backup plan if one child cannot ride.
• There is a dedicated baby changing house near Rasmus Klump’s World with microwaves, nursing chairs, and changing tables, along with changing rooms in other parts of the park.

Food and Budget

• Mix restaurants and snacks: Plan one sit-down meal in the food hall and fill in the rest of the day with lighter snacks and ice cream to keep everyone moving.
• Bring water bottles: Copenhagen tap water is safe to drink, so refill bottles at sinks and fountains to avoid constant drink purchases.

For more ideas on helping kids handle new places and routines, you can also look at my post on how to prepare toddlers for new experiences.

Final Thoughts

Tivoli Gardens is one of those rare places that works just as well for history-loving adults as it does for ride-obsessed kids. Our entire family loved our visit and would absolutely go back!

If you are planning a Copenhagen trip with kids, I would absolutely keep Tivoli Gardens on your must-do list. It can be a half-day stop between museums, or the centerpiece of a full day.

As always, feel free to email or send me a message on Instagram. I am always happy to help other families plan their travels!

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The post Tivoli Gardens Copenhagen: Family Guide to Rides, Tickets, and Food appeared first on Mari on the Map.

Copenhagen is one of those cities that feels easy from the moment you land. Smooth transportation, walkable streets, cozy cafés, and parks tucked into every corner make it a wonderful destination for families. Our days here flowed naturally between good food, beautiful neighborhoods, playground stops, and a little culture. This Copenhagen itinerary walks you through our trip, day by day, including the places we visited, where we ate, and how we got around. If you are planning your own family trip, follow this plan or adjust it based on your kids’ ages and energy levels.

Copenhagen Itinerary: Day 1

Arrival and Check In

We landed in Copenhagen at 3:25 pm and headed straight for the Oresundstag train. It is reliable, easy to navigate with kids, and gets you into the city quickly. We rode for three stops and arrived at København H, which is the main station in the city center.

Our hotel for this trip was the Absalon Hotel on Helgolandsgade. It is only a few minutes from the train station and made it simple to settle in without juggling a long transfer. Check in was smooth, and we unpacked just enough to feel settled before heading out to dinner.

If you arrive earlier in the day and have some extra energy, you can join one of the free walking tours that leave from the city center. It is an easy way to learn the history of Copenhagen while getting a feel for the layout of the neighborhoods. The tours move at a comfortable pace and cover many of the main sights, so they are a good introduction before you start exploring on your own.

Dinner at Pincho Nation

We went to dinner at Pincho Nation at 5:45 pm, a playful spot known for its tapas style menu. The atmosphere is colorful and a bit whimsical, with small details around the room that keep kids looking around. You order through their app and pick up your dishes when they are ready, which actually made dinner feel easier. Our kids especially loved the fancy mocktails. It was a relaxed first night and a great spot for families who like variety without a long sit down meal.

Pro tip: there is a little play area in the square just outside the restaurant if your kids are getting antsy while waiting for their food to arrive.

Copenhagen Itinerary: Day 2

Breakfast at Hart Bageri

Our first morning started with pastries at Hart Bageri, which quickly became one of our favorite stops of the trip. Their cardamom buns are light and warm and perfect with a coffee.

If you love bakeries, Copenhagen is full of good ones. Other places on our list included Juno, Lille, and Apotek 57. It is easy to start every day with a quick stop at a bakery before beginning your Copenhagen itinerary.

A Full Day at Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens was the perfect place to spend a full day with the kids. During this trip, our boys were ages six and four, but most of the rides depended on height rather than age.

Since Tivoli opens at 11 am, we went there after breakfast. Staying all day worked well because the park has a comfortable rhythm. There are thrill rides for older kids, gentler options for younger ones, and plenty of quiet corners when everyone needs a reset.

Our oldest loved the Milky Way Express and Aquila, while our youngest rotated between The Astronomer, The Little Dragon, and the bumper cars. We also spent time on rides they could do together like the Galley Ships and The Ferris Wheel. My oldest was tall enough for the classic wooden roller coaster, while my youngest preferred options like Vintage Cars.

Food was easy all day. For lunch, we got pizzas from Anarkist Bar and some traditional Danish foods from the Biergarten, which are next to each other near the park entrace.. For snacks, Cakenhagen was great for pastries. Make sure to try ‘buns of Lent,’ which is a cardamom-spiced wheat bun filled with almond paste and topped with whipped cream. Other pastry options include Vaffelbageriet and Rasmus Klumps Pancakes, and you can stop by Espresso House if you need a quick coffee. There are seasonal pop ups around the Japanese Pagoda that are fun to check out too. The theme park also houses a huge food hall with tons of ethnic options for any palette.

It ended up being one of the most fun days of the trip! With quick lines, shaded paths, and rides suited to every height, Tivoli was a highlight of our Copenhagen itinerary. Read my full guide to visiting Tivoli Gardens.

Copenhagen Itinerary: Day 3

Hop On Hop Off to Nyhavn

We started the morning at the Central Train Station stop for the Hop On Hop Off bus. It is a simple way to cover longer distances with kids who still get tired during city walks. Our first destination was Nyhavn, the colorful canal lined with boats and historic homes. This is one of the most photographed places in Copenhagen and it is easy to see why.

Farumhus for Treats

We made a quick stop at Farumhus for treats before heading to the boat tour. Farumhus mixes classic Danish baking with modern flavors, so there is always something fresh coming out of the oven. They are known for their breads and cakes, but even the simple morning buns were delicious. It was the perfect little break before a busy day of sightseeing along the canals.

Boat Tour from Nyhavn

Our boat tour with Hey Captain left from Heibergsgade at 11 am. Copenhagen looks magical from the water ,and the tour helped the kids understand how canals connect the city. It also gave everyone a chance to sit and relax while still sightseeing. Our captain was very knowledgable about Copenhagen and let the kids drive the boat for a short time.

After the tour, we boarded the Hop On Hop Off Bus again on Amalienborg Palace (stop 9) and rode for one stop to Gefion Fountain (stop 10). From there we walked to the Little Mermaid statue, the Citadel, and the Swedish Church. This little stretch is scenic and easy to do with kids. The Little Mermaid is a quick stop but worth seeing once, especially if your kids know the story, but be mindful that the statue is super popular with tourists, so this area can get crowded.

Metro to Torvehallerne Market

From Østerport Station, we took the Metro to Nørreport for lunch at Torvehallerne Market. It is lively, full of stalls, and gives everyone a chance to choose something different. We found a mix of sandwiches, fresh produce, and pastries to share. Torvehallerne works well for families because you can eat quickly and keep moving without a long restaurant stop. Make sure you try the traditional smørrebrød from Hallernes Smørrebrød. There are lots of options from typically fish dishes popular in Denmark, to meats to vegetarian options.

Afternoon in King’s Gardens and the Botanical Gardens

After lunch we walked to the King’s Gardens and then continued to the nearby Botanical Gardens. Both are peaceful and open with wide paths, which gives kids space to explore. The King’s Gardens also has a playground where kids can enjoy a break from walking.

From Rosenborg Castle (stop 20), we caught the bus back toward the city.

Dinner at Ristorante Buono

Dinner was at Ristorante Buono at 5:30 pm. The menu was classic Italian dishes, which we all loved. The staff was very kind and accommodating.

Copenhagen Itinerary: Day 4

Breakfast at Bodenhoffs Bakery

We started our Saturday with pastries from Bodenhoffs, a family run bakery known for its traditional Danish breads and pastries. Everything is baked from scratch and you can taste the difference. The bakery has been using the same methods since the 1960s, so the flavors are simple and familiar in the best way. It was an easy and cozy start to the day before we set out to explore Christiania.

Bike Pick Up

We rented bikes for the day at our hotel and rode over to Christiania. The bike rental was conveniently located down the street from our hotel, and our hotel also had some bikes available; however, none for kids. When renting bikes, my biggest recommendation is to test ride them for the right height for the riders and ensure your helmets are not damaged before you head out. Biking in Copenhagen is not for amateurs, and you want to ensure you are capable of following the traffic rules and the speed of the other riders.

Exploring Christiania and the Giants

Christiania is unlike any other neighborhood in Copenhagen, and walking through it gives you a glimpse of a very different side of the city. The area is known for its colorful houses, street art, and a strong sense of community. Some parts have their own rules and photography is limited, so we stayed in the main areas where families walk comfortably. It is a lively place with artists, music, and small cafés, and even a short visit gives you a feel for its creative spirit. Afterward we made our way to find one of the famous wooden giants, which turned into a fun adventure for the kids.

Afternoon at Amager Strand

In the afternoon, we rode out to Amager Strand. It is a long, open stretch of beach where you can walk, play, or simply enjoy the water views. We were fortunate to be visiting during a heat wave, so we got to actually sit on the beach and play in the water. The beach here is quite rocky, so take note for little toes. We made sure to bring a change of clothes and used the public restrooms to get changed for dinner.

Dinner at Christianshavns Faergecafe

Dinner was at Christianshavns Faergecafe at 6 pm, and we got to sit outside on a docked boat. It was so nice to sit and relax on the water after a day of riding. The kids especially loved watching the boats on the canal while we dined. We were able to park the bikes right on the street adjacent to the outdoor dining area.

Copenhagen Itinerary: Day 5

Danish Architecture Center

On our last morning we visited the Danish Architecture Center, a great stop for kids because the building is designed with families in mind. Admission is free for anyone under eighteen, and strollers can go everywhere thanks to the elevators and wide walkways. There are changing tables on the lower level and in the café area, which made the visit easier with younger children.

The exhibits always include hands-on elements and small activities that encourage kids to think about how cities are built and how design shapes daily life. The four story slide is the highlight for most families and quickly became the boys’ favorite part of the morning.

Lunch at Cafe Wilder

After the museum we walked to Cafe Wilder for lunch. The restaurant feels a little like a neighborhood spot in Paris, tucked into a quiet corner with a cozy, lived-in atmosphere. The menu is French bistro style with a Danish touch, so the food is simple and comforting without being heavy.

Dinner at Kødbyens Fiskebar

Our last dinner in Copenhagen was at Kødbyens Fiskebar. The restaurant is known for its fresh Nordic seafood and its casual, industrial setting that still reflects the old Meatpacking District. The menu focuses on sustainable fish prepared in simple but thoughtful ways, but keep in mind that it might be challenging for picky eaters. It felt like a fun place to end the trip, and the neighborhood around it is lively enough for a short stroll before heading back for the night.

What Else to Add to Your Copenhagen Itinerary

Christiansborg Palace

This palace sits on its own little island in the center of Copenhagen and houses the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court, and Royal Reception Rooms. Families can climb the tower for city views or explore the ruins underneath the palace, which help kids understand the layers of history hidden below the city.

Round Tower (Rundetårn)

A seventeenth century astronomical tower known for its wide spiral ramp instead of stairs. Kids usually love the climb, and the view from the top is an easy reward. It is also right in the middle of the shopping district, which makes it simple to add between other activities.

Rosenborg Castle

This small Renaissance castle feels like a storybook setting and is home to the Danish crown jewels. The surrounding King’s Garden is perfect for a picnic or a break with kids, and there is a playground nearby for younger travelers.

Skydebanehaven Playground

A fenced neighborhood playground with equipment for different ages. It is not far from the city center, so it is an easy stop if you are staying in Vesterbro or need a low key activity.

Keep in mind there are playgrounds all over the city, and you can also pop into a few, like this one, which was essentially just trampolines in the sidewalk.

Faelledparken Playground

One of the biggest playgrounds in the city with themed zones, bike paths, and plenty of space. Families often spend a full morning here because there are activities for toddlers and older children.

Final Thoughts

Copenhagen is laid back in the best way from start to finish. The mix of parks, bakeries, canals, and simple transportation made it easy to enjoy as a family. We found something to love every day, from the Tivoli rides to biking through the city, and it’s one of the most kid-friendly cities we’ve seen.

If you have questions while planning your trip, feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram. I am always happy to help other families plan their travels. Check out some of our other recent family travel trips here.

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