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Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen – Visiting With Kids 2026
Linzi Verity-Buck
The Travel Mum - Solo
The Solo Travel Mum
📍 East Yorkshire, UK
Inspiring single parents to travel with their children on a budget! 💁♀️
Tivoli Gardens Copenhagen – Visiting With Kids 2026
If you’re planning a family trip to Copenhagen, there’s one place that absolutely deserves a spot on your itinerary: Tivoli Gardens. In this Tivoli Gardens review, we’re sharing everything you need to know before visiting with kids, including rides, tickets, food, family tips, where to stay nearby and the best things to do in the area.
Right in the heart of Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens feels like a mix of a classic amusement park, a magical garden and a festive city square all rolled into one. It’s one of the oldest theme parks in the world, opening back in 1843, but somehow still feels fresh, exciting and incredibly family friendly.
What Is Tivoli Gardens?
Tivoli Gardens is a historic amusement park located beside Copenhagen Central Station, making it one of the easiest attractions in the city to reach. Unlike huge theme parks where you spend hours walking from ride to ride, Tivoli Gardens feels compact, relaxed and easy to explore with children.
One of the things that makes Tivoli Gardens so special is the atmosphere. You’ll find rollercoasters and thrill rides sitting alongside flower gardens, lakes, playgrounds, live music, theatres and pretty little food stalls. It’s genuinely somewhere the whole family can enjoy, whether you love rides or simply want to soak up the atmosphere.
Many people say Tivoli Gardens even inspired Walt Disney when creating Disneyland, and honestly, you can see why. The park has a nostalgic, magical feel that’s hard not to fall in love with.
Tivoli Gardens Tickets and Ride Passes
One thing that can initially confuse visitors to Tivoli Gardens is the ticket system.
You usually need:
- An entry ticket to access Tivoli Gardens
- A separate ride pass for unlimited rides
If you plan on doing more than a few rides, the unlimited ride pass is definitely worth it. Buying individual ride tickets quickly adds up with children.
Children under 3 enter Tivoli Gardens free, while reduced tickets are available for children aged 3 to 7.
If you’re staying in Copenhagen for several days, it may also be worth looking into the Tivoli Pass, especially if you want to visit more than once during your trip or visit during multiple seasons.
Best Tivoli Gardens Rides for Families
One of the reasons Tivoli Gardens works so well for families is the variety of attractions. You’ll find everything from gentle toddler rides to proper adrenaline rides for teens and adults. Here are some of the most popular Tivoli Gardens rides, including height restrictions and what to expect from each one.
Best Tivoli Gardens Rides for Toddlers and Younger Children
These Tivoli Gardens rides are ideal for little ones, first-time riders and families wanting gentler attractions.
The Flying Trunk (no minimum height with an adult)
One of the most magical rides in Tivoli Gardens for younger children, taking families through Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale scenes in a gentle, storybook-style dark ride.
The Dragon Boats (no minimum height)
A calm boat ride around the lake in Tivoli Gardens, perfect for a relaxing break while enjoying the scenery.
The Little Dragon (no minimum height with an adult)
A small, gentle rollercoaster in Tivoli Gardens designed as a first coaster experience for younger children.
Vintage Cars (no minimum height with an adult)
Kids ride in colourful retro-style cars along a simple track through Tivoli Gardens.
The Balloon Swing (no minimum height with an adult)
A gentle spinning swing ride in Tivoli Gardens designed for younger children.
The Music Carousel (no minimum height)
A classic carousel in Tivoli Gardens that is perfect for little ones.
The Panda (90cm minimum height)
A gentle themed ride where children sit in panda vehicles moving around a small track in Tivoli Gardens.
The Camel Trail (100cm minimum height)
A slow, family-friendly ride in Tivoli Gardens with camel-themed vehicles.
The Temple Tower (90cm minimum height)
A small drop-style ride in Tivoli Gardens designed for younger children wanting a mild thrill.
Best Tivoli Gardens Family Rides
These Tivoli Gardens rides are perfect for families with mixed ages who want a balance of fun and excitement without being too intense.
The Wooden Roller Coaster (120cm alone or any height with an adult)
A historic wooden coaster in Tivoli Gardens dating back to 1914, offering a smooth but exciting ride experience.
The Milky Way Express (130cm alone or 100cm with an adult)
A space-themed indoor coaster in Tivoli Gardens with fast turns and fun effects.
The Astronomer (120cm alone or 95cm with an adult)
A interactive space ride in Tivoli Gardens where children control their own moving vehicle.
The Star Flyer (117cm minimum height)
A tall swing ride in Tivoli Gardens offering panoramic views across Copenhagen.
The Swing Carousel (106cm minimum height)
A classic swing ride in Tivoli Gardens with gentle spinning movement.
The Radio Cars (110cm minimum height)
Bumper cars in Tivoli Gardens that are always popular with families.
Minimorgana (105cm minimum height)
A toned-down spinning ride in Tivoli Gardens suitable for younger thrill seekers.
Best Tivoli Gardens Thrill Rides for Older Kids and Teens
These Tivoli Gardens rides are best for adrenaline lovers and confident older children.
The Demon (132cm minimum height)
A high-speed rollercoaster in Tivoli Gardens featuring loops, drops and intense turns.
The Golden Tower (132cm minimum height)
A drop tower in Tivoli Gardens that lifts riders high before a sudden free-fall.
Fatamorgana Wild Ride (140cm minimum height)
A spinning and swinging thrill ride in Tivoli Gardens with strong forces and height.
Tik Tak (140cm minimum height)
A high-intensity pendulum ride in Tivoli Gardens that flips and spins riders in multiple directions.
The Monsoon (140cm minimum height)
A giant swing ride in Tivoli Gardens with strong motion and high elevation.
Aquila (120cm minimum height)
A spinning aerial ride in Tivoli Gardens that lifts and rotates riders through the air.
Tivoli Gardens at Night
One thing almost everyone recommends is staying at Tivoli Gardens after dark. As evening arrives, thousands of lights illuminate the park and it honestly becomes even more beautiful. The reflections on the lake, glowing trees and vintage rides create such a special atmosphere.
Even if your children aren’t massive ride fans, the evening atmosphere alone makes Tivoli Gardens worth visiting.
Entertainment at Tivoli Gardens
Alongside rides, Tivoli Gardens has traditional fairground games, live entertainment, concerts and theatre performances throughout the year.
The games area is especially fun for older children and teens, with chances to win giant soft toys and prizes.
Depending on when you visit Tivoli Gardens, you may also catch live music, ballet performances, fireworks, seasonal parades, outdoor concerts, workshops and food festivals.
Food at Tivoli Gardens
Food is a huge part of the Tivoli Gardens experience. Unlike some theme parks where dining can feel like an afterthought, Tivoli Gardens has genuinely impressive restaurants and food stalls.
Tivoli Food Hall is the easiest and most family-friendly option inside Tivoli Gardens, with loads of choice under one roof including burgers, pizza, sushi, Thai and Mexican food.
Typical prices:
- Main meals: 120 to 170 DKK (£14 to £20)
- Kids meals: 70 to 100 DKK (£8 to £12)
- Drinks: 35 to 50 DKK (£4 to £6)
A fun, relaxed option for younger children serving sweet and savoury pancakes.
Prices:
- Meals: 90 to 140 DKK (£10 to £16)
Popular burger spot with high-quality fast food.
Prices:
- Burgers: 95 to 140 DKK (£11 to £16)
- Fries: around 45 DKK (£5)
A familiar option for families wanting something simple.
Prices:
- Main dishes: 140 to 150 DKK (£16 to £17)
- Kids meals: around 75 DKK (£9)
For a more traditional or special meal, Tivoli Gardens has several restaurants including Grøften, Søcaféen and the more upscale Nimb Brasserie. These are more expensive but offer a classic Copenhagen dining experience.
Typical prices:
- Main meals: 180 to 450 DKK (£21 to £52)
You’ll find plenty of treats around the park including ice cream, churros, candyfloss and popcorn.
Typical prices:
- Snacks: 45 to 70 DKK (£5 to £8)
- Churros: around 60 DKK (£7)
Guests with Special Needs at Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens is generally inclusive and offers a range of support to help guests with disabilities or additional needs enjoy their visit comfortably. These include companion tickets, priority queue access, wheelchair hire and accessible facilities, making it manageable and welcoming for most families with additional needs.
Companion tickets and priority access at Tivoli Gardens
Guests with valid disability documentation can bring one companion free of charge.
A “Show Consideration” card is also available, which can give priority access to ride queues for the guest and up to four companions, helping reduce waiting times in busy periods.
Accessibility at Tivoli Gardens
Much of Tivoli Gardens is wheelchair accessible, with step-free routes, wide paths and accessible entrances. Wheelchairs are available to hire from the Service Centre near the entrance.
Some rides require guests to transfer independently or with a companion, as staff cannot provide physical lifting assistance for safety reasons.
Other support at Tivoli Gardens
- Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available throughout the park
- Assistance dogs are welcome when clearly identifiable
- Sunflower lanyards are recognised for guests with hidden disabilities
Tivoli Gardens Opening Times and Seasons
One important thing to know before visiting Tivoli Gardens is that it isn’t open year round continuously like some theme parks. Instead, the park opens for seasonal events throughout the year.
The main Tivoli Gardens seasons include:
- Summer season
- Halloween season
- Christmas season
The Christmas season at Tivoli Gardens is especially famous, with festive lights, markets and decorations that make the whole park feel magical. Halloween is also hugely popular with families thanks to pumpkins, spooky displays and seasonal entertainment.
Opening hours vary depending on the season, so it’s worth checking the official website before your trip.
Family Hotels Near Tivoli Gardens
There are some excellent family-friendly hotels near Tivoli Gardens, and the big win is location. Staying nearby means you can walk to the park in just a few minutes, pop back for breaks with younger children, and avoid long travel days after late nights in Tivoli Gardens when everything is lit up and magical. Most of the best options cluster around Copenhagen Central Station and the Vesterbro area, putting you right in the heart of the city with easy access to restaurants, transport and attractions.
Use the links below to find the right hotel for you.
Tivoli Gardens Ride Tips for Families
- Younger children can access far more Tivoli Gardens rides when accompanied by an adult
- Height checks are taken seriously on thrill rides
- Some rides may close temporarily during poor weather
- The park is much quieter earlier in the day
- If you have nervous children, start with rides like The Flying Trunk or Dragon Boats before working up to bigger attractions
- Tivoli Gardens at night feels even more magical, especially on rides like The Star Flyer and Wooden Roller Coaster
Tips for Food at Tivoli Gardens
- Tivoli Food Hall is usually the best value for families
- Restaurants get busy in the evening, especially in peak season
- Prices are higher than the UK, so budget for food in advance
- You can leave and re-enter Tivoli Gardens if you want cheaper food outside the park
- Bring a refillable water bottle as tap water is free and safe
Is Tivoli Gardens Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Tivoli Gardens is one of those rare attractions that genuinely appeals to every age group. Younger children love the gentle rides and fairytale atmosphere, teens enjoy the thrill rides, and adults appreciate the gardens, food and beautiful surroundings. It doesn’t feel overwhelming or overly commercial, which makes it such a lovely change from some larger theme parks. Instead, Tivoli Gardens feels cosy, magical and packed with character.
If you’re visiting Copenhagen with children, Tivoli Gardens is honestly one of the best family attractions in Europe.
Why not check out our review of Efteling Theme Park?
This post contains affiliate links.
Written by: Linzi Verity-Buck
The Travel Mum - Solo
The Solo Travel Mum
📍 East Yorkshire, UK
Inspiring single parents to travel with their children on a budget! 💁♀️
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