If every person who has lived in Copenhagen, visited, or grew up in the city had to answer what the best place to bring kids to within city is, the answer would overwhelmingly be Tivoli.
Tivoli is the second oldest (still in operation) amusement park in the world, opening in the 1840’s. This amusement park is also known for being the place of inspiration for Walt Disney’s Disneyland. Tivoli is located right near Copenhagen Central Station, so the access to the park is incredible. The park decorates for every season, filled with pumpkins and warm colors for autumn, fake snow and Christmas trees for winter, and vibrant colors in the summer. With this in mind, I could only imagine how happy the children would be to be in Tivoli. I also noticed that with an adult pass to Tivoli, a small child under 2 can come into the park, free of charge. This adds to the amazing accessibility of the park- with it’s noticeable attempt to keep Tivoli affordable for all families.
My first time in Tivoli, I was amazed about how inclusive it was for every age. The park itself is simple to navigate, allowing children to roam about without worry or confusion. Additionally, there are rides that vary from short, slow rides for toddlers, to high-intensity fast rides for older children.
The park also offers live shows for children, where all ages can understand the jokes, and babies can enjoy looking at the silly characters. Within these shows is audience participation, so that every kid feels included. The biggest surprise to me was the area specifically designated for small children. While the whole park was designed so every child is happy, there is an area specifically designed to entertain small children and toddlers. I personally have never gone into the area, only observed from the main walkway. The area seems to be full of musical “instruments” that allows the children to run around and make noise, just as children love to do. This area also shows bright, vibrant colors and smiling characters, seeming very inviting and happy for the little children.
Personally, one of my favorite things about visiting Tivoli is seeing how happy all of the children are while in the park. At 20 years old, I am able to be filled with joy in the park, and I can also see that every 2 year old, 8 year old, and 13 year old is also filled with joy. Additionally, even though the park is set up for children to enjoy, the parents also seem to be enjoying themselves while at Tivoli. Throughout the entire park, one can feel the joy radiating from every attendee.
Each time I go to Tivoli, I look forward to seeing the happy, dancing children. I am impressed by the park and worker’s ability to create such an atmosphere. It is amazing to see such a large child friendly, exciting space in the heart of a big city. I know that when I was a child, or if I were a parent, I would adore the accessibility of Tivoli. Within a city that does not have much room for backyards, many can treat Tivoli as their giant playground.
Tivoli has become one of my favorite spots within Copenhagen, and I can imagine the answer is the same for almost every child, or adult, who has visited the park.
Author: Lizzy Gardner
Photos: Own personal photos.
Copenhagen's Family Friendly Places 