The Scandinavian Insider

The free town of Christiania, located a short distance from the city centre, is an experience for the entire family. From the uniquely designed homes created by residents to the infamous Pusher Street, Christiania is a glimpse of Denmark’s culture that may soon disappear due to pressure on the housing market. Visitors can see the origins of the Christiania Bike and eat at the well-known cafe where the menu and chef changes daily. Children will enjoy the children’s theatre and the many colourful art works found on the walls surrounding this tranquil area. Note: If there is a large police presence, hold to the outer regions of the town, as there sometimes can be trouble inside Christiana.
www.christiania.org

Visitors to Carlsberg Breweries are taken on a journey through the long brewing history of Carlsberg and are offered an up close look at how beer is brewed in the brewery’s newest section, Jacobsen. The Brewery also has a newly renovated the visitors’ centre providing visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about brewers’ skills. Be sure to visit the newly opened private gardens that was once used by the founder himself. 
www.visitcarlsberg.dk

The best way to explore Copenhagen is to board one of the canal boats at Nyhavn or Gammel Strand. These canal boats can either provide a full tour of the canals and harbour, or act as a shuttle service between important stops. The Canal Tour takes visitors through inner Copenhagen, past the Little Mermaid, and through Christianshavn while the history of this impressive city is told on audio. If the shuttle option is chosen, visitors can board and disembark throughout the city and even explore the island of Trekroner, a fortress once used to protect Copenhagen.
Tel: 45 33 13 31 05 (ticket office)

You can immerse yourself in music in this brilliant hands-on museum charting the history of musical instruments. There’s an interesting display of traditional Swedish instruments, alongside an array of harps, guitars and drums that children are encouraged to sturm and bang to their hearts’ content. There’s even a karaoke basement where you can dress up in wigs and belt out a few numbers. The museum has varied program of regular activities, including musical games for children, instrument building, and concerts.
Sibyllegatan 2
Tel: 8 519 554 90
www.musikmuseet.se

Sweden’s “Kingdom of Crystal” is located in the province of Småland, in the southeastern part of the country. Many of the world’s most famous glassworks can be found here. The Kingdom of Crystal originated when the crystal maker Kosta melted its first batch of glass in 1742. Kosta is now the oldest glasswork in Sweden and continues to make handmade glass. Visitors can watch as glass workers work in front of the furnaces and may even try their lips and hands at blowing and cutting a glass. This trip is a must, especially for those looking for bargains on Kosta Boda, Örrefors, Mats Johansson and other brand names. 
Tel: 0480 44 83 30
www.smaland-oland.com

The TanumStrand Holiday Village, two hours north of Gothenburg, is one of Sweden´s most popular family-friendly coastal resorts. You can stay in the hotel or in a fully-equipped cottage, enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities such as kayaking, swimming, tennis and inline skating. There’s a a large playroom, an adventure pool with waterslides and a mini-zoo for children. The Havets Hus aquarium is not far away in the picturesque coast town of Lysekil, with its amazing ”tunnel aquarium”, and Nordens Ark, a remarkable animal sanctuary dedicated to the preservation of endangered regional animal species.
TanumStrand, Grebbestad

On the 23rd August 1913, the famous statue of the Little Mermaid created by Edvard Eriksen was unveiled. In 2003, on its 90th birthday, a new tradition was introduced - 90 young girls jumped into the water and formed the number 90 in formation on the waves. Each year this tradition is repeated adding an additional swimmer. This year, 95 swimmers will form the number 95 in the cold water by the statue. On shore will be music, baloons, singing of “Happy Birthday” and other activities to pay homage to Copenhagen’s most popular landmark.

The Secret Gallery is Copenhagen’s only gallery where the exhibits change frequently and without notice. In Copenhagen’s Sydhavn neighborhood (HC Ørstedverket) art lovers may visit Copenhagen’s grafitti gallery and even see the artists at work. Even though these magnificent works of art are in a slightly inconvenient location, it is worth the trip.
http://www.gadekunst.dk” title="www.mitkbh.dk/det-hemmelige-galleri/ or http://www.gadekunst.dk">www.mitkbh.dk/det-hemmelige-galleri/ or http://www.gadekunst.dk

Cinemateket offers its popular ‘Børnebiffen’ or children’s cinema again this summer with a packed schedule of popular Danish children’s movies. Although the movies are in Danish, some of the best films do not require knowledge of the language. Tickets are free and can be reserved by calling the box office at +45 33 74 34 12.
www.dfi.dk/english/english_fp.htm
www.dfi.dk/cinemateket/boernebiffen/boernebiffen.htm

Every afternoon at 2 and 3 p.m. (excluding Mondays) from June 1 to August 31, the marionette theater performs for the local children at the corner of Kongens Have. The theater is free of charge and very popular, so arrive early to sit up front.
www.marionetteatret.dk

Everyday at 11:30, the Queen’s guards start their march from Livgardens Kaserne by Rosenborg Castle and perform the official changing of the guards promptly at 12 noon in front of Amalienborg Castle. The number of guards depends on who is in residence. The Guards are celebrating their 350th anniversary from June 26th to June 30th. Check the website for more details.
www.kongehuset.dk

This former brewery in Malmö is now home to Europe’s largest skateboard hall. A pilgrimage to many youngsters, Bryggeriet attracts up to 1,000 skatersboarders per week.
Ystadvägen 44, Malmö
Tel 04 92 65 85
www.bryggeriet.org

Dyrehaven nature is a haven for hikers and bikers. Families can also enjoy it from the high seat of a horse-drawn carriage. The carriages gather at the park entrance near the Klampenborg S-train station. The cost is around DKr 40 for 15 minutes, DKr 60 to Bakken, DKr 250 to the Eremitagen, and DKr 400 for an hour. Park entrance is near Klampenborg S-train station, Klampenborg. 

During the summertime, Tivoli hosts open-air concerts with “top-of-the-charts” bands, both local and international, every Friday night. Concerts start at around 9pm, but it would be a good idea to be there about half an hour before.
www.tivoli.dk

Laserdome is recommended for children over nine years.
www.laserdome.se

This is billed as one of the finest tracks for go-carting in Sweden. 
www.klippan.se

Lockarp go-kart track is the nordic regions largest rental track. Drivers must be minimum 140cm.
www.lockarpshyrkart.se

Sydaplin in Halland, South Sweden is a popular ski resort in the winter.  In the summer its slopes transform to a breathtaking 935-metres-ride on a toboggan rodel. A guaranteed adrenalin rush. Smaller children may ride but must be accompanied by a parent.
www.sydalpin.se

This impressive 2,500 square meter park is a world-class skating park for teens. The park is open 24 hours/day and is free of charge.
Stora Varvsgtan 15

A free skate park located at the corner of Nørre Alle and Borgmester Jensens Alle in Copenhagen.

Enghavevej 78
2450 København SV
A large, indoors skate park that will undergo renovation in May. Located in the southwest section of Copenhagen.
www.sport.kk.dk/copenhagenskatepark (Danish only)

Kummingården is a ride school for the youngest children. Children under the age of eight are welcome to book a time to explore the forest near the farm if accompanied by a parent or other adult. Owner Sara Jensen takes smaller groups every hour for a 45 minute ride on weekends, and has special summer activities. Each trip costs 100kr, or a book of 11 costs 1000kr.
Malmö
www.kummingarden.com (in swedish only)

Icelandic horse trekking. Suitable for all ages.
Rörum, Simrishamn
Tel 0414 245 68
www.edda.nu

Children must be 13 years and older with some riding experience.
Tel 0730 59 05 84
www.bastad-islandshastar.se

Here, children may ride Icelandic ponies.
Brönnestad 6150, Hässleholm
Tel: 0451 185 18

One of Sweden’s largest Icelandic horse farm with over 100 horses. Children must be 10 years and older with some riding experience.
Visseltofta,Osby
Tel: 0706 78 7713
www.kvarnbacka.se

One has to only take a few steps into this garden to see why it is so popular. With its beautiful flowerbeds, forest-like areas and small canal through which visitors can row, a visit to Frederiksberg Have is a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of Copenhagen. Once here, you’ll quickly forget you are in Copenhagen. The Copenhagen Zoo is nestled into one corner of the park and it is possible to see the elephants from the park. Children will enjoy feeding the ducks and seeing the many different types of birds found in the park as well as the playground.  Frederiksberg Have is a perfect place to picnic after a long day at the zoo.
Fredriksberg
www.ses.dk/15a000c

Fælledparken in Copenhagen was intentionally created and designed to be the city’s most used park. On any given day you’ll see ball players, skaters, sunbathers, and families having picnics. The park also has open-air swimming areas, a wading pool as a well as a traffic playground where children can learn traffic safety. There is also a skatepark located at the corner of Nørre Alle and Borgmester Jensens Alle.
Copenhagen
www.aok.dk/byen-rundt/faelledparken

One of the most beautiful parks in Copenhagen lies only a short walk from the main shopping street Strøget and Nørreport Station. Kongens Have in full bloom is the most perfect place to escape from the stress of shopping and just relax while taking in the beautiful flowers and facade of Rosenborg Castle. There is a small playground and puppet theater, which will provide hours of fun while parents take five minutes to themselves. This park is the perfect place to picnic after a long day in Copenhagen.
Copenhagen
www.ses.dk/388655f0

Mønsted is said to be the world’s largest limestone mine. Dress warmly and wear practical clothing for this two-hour visit, which takes you through caves and more than 60 kilometres of underground paths, some as large as cathedrals. The caves are used by more than 10,000 bats for wintering. There’s also a multi media show about the mine inside the cave (in Danish with English subtitles).
Kalkvaerksvej 8, Monsted Stoholm
Tel: 45 86 64 59 11
www.monsted-kalkgruber.dk

Naturcenter Vestamager is a base for exploring the beautiful nature areas south of Copenhagen. Visitors can rent free bicycles to explore the beaches, forests, and transport between birdwatching towers. There are many activities geared for families and the naturcenter has a number of natural playgrounds with different themes. This amazing place is a short walk from Vestamager metro stop, just one stop south of Ørestad.
Copenhagen
www.skovognatur.dk/Lokalt/Hovedstaden/Naturcenter/

Dyrehaven, located just north of Copenhagen, is home to both Bakken and to a large number of species of wildlife. Visitors to the forest can enjoy viewing deer, birds, and the horseback riders who call this area home. The park is home to the annual Hubertus Hunt, which equestrians from all over Denmark, and even Europe, compete to be crowned winner of Denmark’s most prestigious hunt. Visitors who are not experience riders can take a carriage ride in the park, which leave from the entrance by Klampenborg Station.
Klampenborg
www.visitcopenhagen.com

The Botanical Garden in Copenhagen is home to a rather impressive collection of plants from all over the world. The Palm House is not to be missed, as visitors are permitted to walk on a path high in the treetops, providing an unforgettable experience. The gardens are also home to every species of plant from Greenland. Be sure to visit the garden in full bloom and then return on Culture Night when the lights are turned off in the Palm House and visitors are required to use all senses to explore.
Copenhagen
www.botanic-garden.ku.dk

Just off the coast of Ystad, Sweden the Danish island of Bornholm is a popular place to ride bicycles, explore medieval castle ruins and round churches from the Knights of the Templar (Arn), as well as experience unforgettable nature. Children will also enjoy the beautiful beaches on the Sunshine Island. Several events take place during the summer time such as Jazz festivals, kite flying competitions, Viking drama, concerts and much more.
Tel: 0045 70 23 20 77
www.bornholminfo.dk

The island of Ven, home to the famous astronomer, Tycho Brahe, is always worth a visit. The family can tour the island by bicycle and visit churches as well as the famous Tycho Brahe Museum. The museum houses a large observatory, which kids love, and covers the life of Tycho Brahe and describes his scientific contributions and significance. Note: When visiting Ven, take enough cash as most places do not accept credit cards.
www.landskronaplus.se

THE WEATHER ISLAND OF HALLAND
Children will be delighted to see birds and seal share space at Hallands Väderö. The island holds the last remaining seal colony in Sweden. This is a wonderful family outing and you may even want to stay overnight on the island in one of the lighthouse keeper’s old buildings.
Hallands Väderö,
Tel: 0431-36 31 80
www.torekov.se

Ivö Klack and the China-Clay Quarry
These are popular destination for families. Here, children can explore the island of Ivö and dig for its rich collection of fossils. There’s also an abandoned china clay and limestone quarry with shell gravel and limestone rich in fossils.
Kristianstad/Bromölla
www.humleslingan.se

At the last stretch of the hiking path that runs along the Bjäre peninsula, you’ll find Hovs Hallar.
An enchanting area with its sun-kissed warm rocks, weathered and craggy, kids will enjoy discovering fantastic rocks and exploring hidden caves in a unique and natural setting.
Hovs Hallar
Tel 0431 750 45
www.bastad.com

Brio’s Toy Museum is popular among younger children and even among parents. Here, children may look at and play with wooden toys, Barbie dolls, model trains, and visit Santa’s workshop. Visit the BRIO outlet for reduced prices on BRIO toys and baby items.
BRIO Lekoseum
BRIOgatan 2 , Osby
Tel: 0479-192 96
www.brio.se/lekoseum

Located in the former bottling hall of Tuborg Breweries, Experimentarium offers a hands-on journey through science. The museum’s permanent exhibits include a bubble room where visitors can enclose themselves in a bubble and a circus arena where visitors learn physics through performing circus acts. Experimentarium frequently changes exhibits so check the website for current information and visit often. The exhibits are geared to people of all ages as even adults enjoy visiting this museum.
Tuborg Havenej 7, Hellerup
Tel: 004539 27 33 33
www.experimentarium.dk

Part of the University of Copenhagen, the Geological Museum is home to exhibits on gemstones, the geological history of Denmark and Greenland, and touches upon other areas of geology that are of interest. The museum’s new exhibit on fossils found in connection with the Sirius Expedition in Northern Greenland opens is now open to the public.
Øster Voldgade 5-7, Copenhagen
Tel: 004535 32 23 45
www.geologi.snm.ku.dk

The impressive collection of modern art at Louisiana is tailored for children in their very own wing. The Children’s Wing (Børnehus) allows children to explore works of art and then proceed to create their own. The museum’s goal with the wing is to encourage children to think creatively using different materials and techniques while learning about modern art.
GL Strandvej 13, Humlebaek
Tel: 004549 190719
www.louisiana.dk

The National Museum houses the cultural history of Denmark as well as collections in classical and near eastern antiquities and coins. The museum has a very creative children’s museum, where children can use a hands-on approach to learn about history. Highlights of the museum are the Egtved Girl from 1370BC who still has bits of clothing and hair on her otherwise composing body, the Chariot of the Sun, and the lurs, which are the oldest Nordic wind instruments. The museum also boasts an incredible ethnographic collection with a section on Greenland. Admission to the museum is free.
Fredriksholms Kanal 12, Copenhagen
Tel: 004533 13 44 11
www.natmus.dk

This smaller art museum located near Tivoli houses an intense collection of art ranging from sculptures by Rodin to paintings by the impressionists. One of the most important exhibits in this museum is its large collection of over 40 paintings by Paul Gaugin that can be seen along side his paint brushes and other supplies. The museum provides parents with a perfect opportunity to introduce their children to all types of art in a smaller portion without compromising quality.
Dantes Plads 7, Copenhagen
Tel: 004533 41 81 41
www.glyptoteket.dk

The Round Tower was commissioned by Christian IV in 1642 and is Europe’s oldest working observatory. The observatory, located in Copenhagn’s city centre, is reached by walking up the snail path, which also lead to some of the best panoramic views of the city. The tower frequently holds concerts, art exhibits, and can be rented out for events.
Købmagergade 52A
Tel: 004533 73 03 73
www.rundetaarn.dk

Denmark’s national gallery houses an impressive collection of Danish and International paintings including paintings by Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II. The museum also has children’s stations throughout encouraging children to relate to and interpret the pieces.
Solvgade 48-50
Tel: 004533 74 84 94
www.smk.dk

Tycho Brahe Planetarium in Copenhagen continuously stuns its visitors with its IMAX films and recreations of the night sky with its planets, comets and stars. The permanent exhibit ‘The Active Universe’ attempts to answer questions on the solar system, importance of the sun, and even touches upon such fields as astrobiology, cosmology and historical astronomy. An up-to-date schedule of films can be found on the Planetarium’s website, which is also worth a visit.
Gl. Kongevej 10, Copenhagen
Tel: 004533 12 12 24
www.tycho.dk

The Danish Defense Museum is home to an international collection of weapons from medieval times to the present, including a large collection of canons. The museum is free on Wednesdays and to visitors under 18.  Be sure to also visit the three war ships at Holmen, which include a submarine.
Fredriksholms Kanal 29, Copenhagen
Tel: 004533 11 60 37
www.thm.dk (Danish only)
www.skibepaaholmen.dk (Danish only)

The best part of the Zoological Museum’s collections are unfortunately private, but the museum works hard on preparing exhibits that intrigue all. The current special exhibit is called ‘Feathers’ and focuses on all creatures with feathers, including dinosaurs.
Universitetsparken 15, Copenhagen
Tel: 004535 32 22 22
http://zoologi.snm.ku.dk/english/

For children, Tykarps Grotto is a mystifying underground world with corridors and cavernous halls. The limestone caverns form a 10,000 square meter labyrinth. There’s also an open-air exhibition showing its history of limestone and quarrying.
Tykarp, Hässleholm
Tel: 0451 350 87
www.tykarpsgrottan.se

Skattkammarön (Treasure Island) is an indoor playhouse full of activities and adventures for children 2-8 years.
Jägersrovägen 211, Malmö
Tel 040-22 22 70
www.skattkammaron.se

The Universeum is an intriguing science centre and aquarium located in Göteborg, Sweden. an education outing for the entire family
Södra Vägen 50, Gothenburg
Tel: 031 335 64 50
www.universeum.se

This is perhaps the top children’s museum in Sweden. Truly unique, the Vasa Museum in Stockholm contains the remains of Sweden’s most famous nautical disaster, the mighty gunship Vasa, which on the day of its maiden voyage on August 10, 1628, sank in no more than 100 feet of water in Stockholm’s harbour 15 minutes after its launch. Children (and adults) can explore the cavernous ship, which holds 64 cannons on two decks. The museum’s main hall houses the restored galleon, which soars to a height of 190 feet and has a surface area of 150,000 sq. ft.
Galärvarvsvägen 14, Stockholm
Telephone: 08 519 548 00
www.vasamuseet.se

The island of Ven, rich in Danish/Swedish history, is home to the award-nominated Tycho Brahe Museum. The musem guides visitors on a walk-through of the life and times of the famous astronomer, Tycho Brahe (1546-1601), who built his sceintific centre on the island. It displays reconstructions of some of the instruments Brahe built. The observatory is a hit among kids.  Note:  when visiting Ven, its best to take csh as most places do not accept credit cards.
Landsvägen 182, St. Ibb Ven
Tel: 0418 72 530
www.tychobrahe.com

This museum located in Malmö, Sweden’s third largest city, exhibits an interesting display of the development of transportation – trams, steam engines, aeroplanes, and a U3 submarine. Visitors can explore the submarines interior or try their hand at experiments in the interactive room, a favourite with children.
Malmöhusvägen, Malmö
Tel: 040 34 44 00
www.malmo.se

Svarta Bergen is one the world’s largest diabase quarry and now a unique open-air museum. A visit suitable for the entire family.
Tranebodavägen 1, Lönsboda
Tel:  0733 44 88 43
www.svartabergen.nu

Kulturen in Lund is the second oldest open-air museum in the world, with over 30 historical Swedish buildings used to illustrate the Swedish culture and lifestyle throughout the years. The current special exhibit is on China and children can build their own kites at the museum’s kite workshop.
Tegnérsplatsen, Lund
Tel: 046 35 04 00
www.kulturen.com

Swedish Railway Museum
Everyone will find something of interest at the Swedish Railway Museum in Ängelholm. The museum presents an impressive exhibit of more than 140 years of Sweden’s railway. There is also a playroom where children may build their own model toy train.
Vid Järnvägsstationen, Ängelholm
Tel: 0431 44 20 75
www.banverket.se

Fredriksdal is children-friendly open-air museum with a genuine old-fashioned Skåne farm. Here, smaller children may meet and pet cows, horses, goats, pigs, and rabbits. They may also take a ride around the museum in an old horse-pulled cart.
Gisela Trapp väg1, Helsingborg
Tel: 042 10 45 00
www.fredriksdal.se

The Royal Stables are home to the coaches and horses used by the royal family. Visitors to the Royal Stables can see the coaches used for royal weddings, coronations, and other special occasions such as anniversaries. The stable wing that houses the horses is currently under renovation and is therefore closed to the public summer 2008. The stables are only open on weekends during the year and Friday through Sunday during the summer months.
Christianborg Ridebane 12
Tel: 004533 40 26 76
http://kongehuset.dk

Denmarks Aquarium is located just north of Copenhagen city in beautiful Charlottenlund. This year, the aquarium features an impressive exhibit with more than 300 species comprising 70 aquariums. There’s also a small-scale exhibit on amphibians, their biological properties, and their current risk of extinction. Fascinating species of amphibians are showcased in three new terrariums. Professional local guides are happy to answer questions you or your children may have. In addition to awesome hands-on experiences, children can participate in fun and educational holiday activities.
Kavalergården 1
Tel: 0045 39623283
www.danmarksakvarium.dk

Givskud Zoo is a drive-through safari park that gives a real safari experience from a car or safari bus, the latter of which provides a guided tour of the park. There are walking options available that take visitors closer to the animals. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes as the walking paths give up to 6km of exploration.
Loveparkvej 3, Givskud
Tel: 0045 75 73 02 22
www.givskudzoo.dk

At this surprising safari-like park, children will be surprised to see exotic animals like camels, zebras, and emus roaming the Skåne countryside. There’s also a petting zoo for smaller children as well as pony rides. The new outdoor pools offer an inviting cool swim on hot summer days.
Skårby, Ystad
Tel: 0411 71017
www.ystaddjurpark.se

Described as “A slice of Africa in Sweden”, this 40-hectare wilderness is not only home to some of the best samples of African wildlife but also offers fantastic picnic spots and playgrounds.
Borås
Tel: 033 35 32 70
www.borasdjurpark.se