


National Museum of Denmark
About
The National Museum of Denmark offers an exceptional family experience with its dedicated Children's Museum where kids can dress up as Vikings, climb aboard ships, and explore hands-on exhibits about Danish history. With free admission and interactive displays throughout, it's one of Copenhagen's best value attractions for families wanting to combine education with entertainment.
Highlights
- ✓Children's Museum with Viking dress-up costumes and interactive historical play areas
- ✓Impressive collection of ancient Viking artifacts including weapons, jewelry, and ships
- ✓Sun Chariot of Trundholm, a stunning 3,400-year-old Bronze Age artifact that captivates kids
- ✓Medieval and Renaissance exhibits with armor and royal treasures
- ✓Touchable replica artifacts throughout the Children's Museum that break traditional museum rules
Pro Tips
- 1.Admission is completely free, making this an excellent budget-friendly option for families visiting expensive Copenhagen
- 2.Head straight to the Children's Museum (Bornenes Museum) on the ground floor where kids can try on period costumes and handle replica artifacts without worrying about museum rules
- 3.Visit on weekday mornings right at 10:00 AM opening to avoid school groups that typically arrive mid-morning
- 4.The museum has a small cafe, but prices are high by international standards. Consider bringing snacks and water bottles
- 5.Pick up the free family activity guide at the entrance, available in English, with scavenger hunts and interactive challenges throughout the museum
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings between 10:00 AM and noon are ideal, especially Tuesday through Thursday when school groups are less frequent. Avoid Wednesday afternoons when local schools often schedule field trips. Winter months (November to March) are perfect for indoor exploration when outdoor activities are limited.
What to Know
Admission is free for all visitors. The museum is centrally located and easily accessible by Copenhagen's efficient metro and bus system. A small cafe serves snacks and drinks, though bringing your own food is allowed in designated areas.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours seven days a week. The museum hosts special family events during Danish school holidays and Christmas season with themed activities and workshops. Indoor venue makes it perfect for rainy Copenhagen days regardless of season.
Nearby Eats
Torvehallerne food market is a 10-minute walk away, offering diverse international food stalls with options kids will enjoy. For a quick family-friendly meal, Cafe Norden in nearby Stroget pedestrian street serves Danish classics and kid-approved burgers and pasta.
More Activities Near Copenhagen
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek transforms art appreciation into family fun with dedicated children's workshops, interactive programs, and a stunning Winter Garden complete with palm trees where kids can explore. This world-class museum welcomes young visitors with open arms, offering impressive collections of ancient sculptures and modern art in a beautiful, accessible setting that never feels stuffy or overwhelming for little ones.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
Denmark's National Gallery offers a surprisingly engaging experience for families, with dedicated children's workshops, interactive activities, and family programs that make art accessible and fun. The museum's diverse collections span seven centuries, providing plenty of visual stimulation and conversation starters, while special family-friendly spaces ensure kids can explore creativity hands-on without the typical museum stress.
War Museum
The War Museum in Copenhagen offers an engaging journey through maritime and military history that captivates young minds with interactive exhibits and real naval vessels to explore. Kids can climb aboard submarines, discover naval artifacts, and participate in hands-on activities that bring Danish maritime heritage to life. The museum strikes a perfect balance between education and entertainment, making history accessible and exciting for children.
Thorvaldsens Museum
Thorvaldsens Museum offers a surprisingly engaging introduction to classical art for families, housed in a stunning neoclassical building with a peaceful central courtyard. The museum's family programs and workshops help children connect with the marble sculptures and plaster casts in hands-on ways, making ancient mythology and art accessible to young minds.