Get Out of Copenhagen – 3 Days with Kids in North Zealand
There’s something liberating about leaving the city for a while and seeing the world through your children’s eyes. In North Zealand, a handful of days packed with play, animals, art, nature and ice cream await — and it all starts less than an hour from Copenhagen.
Day 1: Hundested and Frederiksværk – Sea, Animals, and Treasure Hunt
Your journey begins by the water in Hundested, where you can check in at the welcoming Byaasgaard Camping — a family-friendly haven with plenty of space for both kids and parents. From here, you’re close to experiences that blend nature, creativity and child-friendly charm.
At Hundested Harbour, you’ll find the fascinating Sand Sculpture Park, where enormous sand figures wow both young and old. Right next door, the fun Clap a Fish platform invites kids to dip their hands in and meet the sea life below the surface — a sensory and educational experience for curious minds.
After a break for freshly made ice cream and coffee from the local Is Salon, make your way to Tothaven, a charming petting farm where you can stroke goats, meet chickens and enjoy the peace of the countryside. Dinner can be enjoyed by the water at Restaurant Havfruen or in the cosy setting of Halsnæs Bryghus, which offers relaxed, family-friendly dining.
Alternatively, head on to Frederiksværk, where a child-friendly treasure hunt takes you through town and nature — with your children leading the way in search of clues and little secrets.
Highlights:
- Sand sculptures and fish-clapping fun at Hundested Harbour
- Treasure hunt and outdoor play in Frederiksværk
- Petting farm fun at Tothaven
- Ice cream and coffee with fjord views
- Family-friendly camping at Byaasgaard
Photo:Nikolaj Danielsen
Day 2: Esrum and Gilleleje – Monastery Play and Labyrinths
Your next stop is Kongernes Feriepark near Græsted — a nature-centred base where children can play freely and parents can enjoy some peace. Not far from here is Esrum Abbey & Mill Farm, where history comes alive. Children can dress up as monks, join medieval games and explore old crafts through creative activities.
For lunch, Møllecaféen offers homemade dishes with serene views of the abbey’s green surroundings — and possibly a little dessert before you head onward.
Further north, near Gilleleje, the Gilleleje Maze invites children to lose themselves in twists and turns, racing to find the exit first. Before you return to the holiday park, make time for an ice cream break at Søsters Is, where quality and fun go hand in hand.
Dinner tonight can be enjoyed with the whole family at Restaurant Far til 4, known for its homely atmosphere and kid-friendly menu — the perfect ending to a day full of adventures.
Highlights:
- Medieval-style activities at Esrum Abbey
- Lunch with scenic views at Møllecaféen
- Family fun at the Gilleleje Maze
- Ice cream at Søsters Is
- Dinner with the kids at Gilleleje harbour
©VisitNordsjællandPhoto:Ann Jørgensen
Day 3: Hillerød and Surroundings – Art, History, and Camping Life
On your final day, head to the heart of North Zealand, where Hillerød Camping — or alternatively Nivå Camping — offers a base close to both nature and culture. From here, you’ll find two very different, but equally engaging, experiences for children.
At Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød, kids can dive into the adventures of the past. With exhibitions aimed at younger visitors, dress-up areas and interactive spaces, history feels alive and playful.
To the east, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art awaits. Here, Børnehuset (The Children’s House) opens its doors to creative kids — offering plenty of space to draw, build and experiment in ways that match young imaginations, all while parents enjoy the museum’s larger collection.
End your trip with a lovely meal at Rabarbergaarden Slottet, where organic ingredients and atmosphere go hand in hand. Alternatively, Restaurant Krydderiet is a modern, cosy choice that families will enjoy just as much.
Highlights:
- Adventure and children’s exhibitions at Frederiksborg Castle
- Creative play at Louisiana’s Children’s House
- Peaceful camping close to nature
- Final family meal at Rabarbergaarden Slottet or Restaurant Krydderiet
I Børnehuset på Louisiana kan børnene udfolde deres kunstneriske evner.Photo:Ann Jørgensen