Odense for Children – Fun and Budget-Friendly Activities
Odense offers a variety of fun and exciting activities for families with children—without breaking the bank. In this post, Lisa from the Insta profile @farsfedeeventyr shares inspiration for budget-friendly experiences that are worth exploring on your next trip to the city of fairy tales.
Bringing Fairy Tales to Life
When you think of Odense, the first thing that probably comes to mind is H.C. Andersen—at least, that was my first thought when I started planning a weekend getaway to the capital of Funen. So naturally, our journey begins with a visit to H.C. Andersen’s House, an absolute must-visit.
The museum doesn’t just tell his stories; it brings them to life with immersive sound, light, space, and scenography, which completely captivated my five-year-old son from the moment we stepped inside.
Beyond the main exhibition, H.C. Andersen’s magical fairy tales come alive in Villa Vau, a dedicated children’s area where creativity and play take center stage. Here, kids can dress up in costumes, take part in creative workshops, and explore a world of imagination.
If the entrance fee is a bit outside your budget, you can still enjoy a charming experience in the museum’s enchanting garden. At the information desk, you can buy a fairy tale treasure map for 20 DKK, which leads you and your children on a QR-code treasure hunt around the garden, revealing hidden stories and fascinating details.
Photo:Lisa Møller
Playground Adventure: Tour de Legeplads
One of Odense’s unique attractions is its playground route, stretching along the Odense River and through the city. Kids love nothing more than packing a picnic and going on a "Tour de Playground."
This 13-playground route takes you along the river, offering countless opportunities for play. My personal favorite is Munke Mose Playground, inspired by water lilies that beautifully complement the park’s natural setting. Here, children can jump between floating lily pads, play music on giant flowers, or race boats down a small stream.
So put on your sneakers and get ready for adventure!
A Well-Deserved Break
After a good walk along the river, hunger is bound to set in. The best place for a snack while the kids continue playing is Café Små Stjernestunder. Here, you can enjoy a freshly brewed coffee, kid-friendly meals, and a cozy playroom, where you can kick back while the little ones race down the indoor slide.
Hidden Treasures in the City
Odense has more to offer than just H.C. Andersen and fairy tales. In the Vesterbro district, tucked behind colorful houses and winding alleyways, you’ll find a hidden backyard mini-golf course.
One of Odense’s best-kept free secrets, the Vesterbro Mini-Golf Course, features a 9-hole, child-friendly course, offering fun for all ages—without spending a dime.
Photo:Lisa Møller
A Local Favorite
If the Danish weather doesn’t cooperate, Odense has plenty of cozy indoor activities to enjoy. At Kunstnær in Vindegade, you can immerse yourself in creativity, surrounded by vibrant colors, inspiring music, and an artistic atmosphere.
To top it all off, Louise, the owner of Kunstnær, is also Odense’s very own professional face painter. She can transform kids into magical unicorns, fierce tigers, or anything their imagination desires! A visit to Kunstnær is definitely on my must-visit list for my next trip to the city of fairy tales.
Step Back in Time
Odense is home to many fantastic museums, but the TID Museum’s special exhibition, The Children’s Backyard, offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Here, kids can dress up in historical costumes, play with tin-can telephones, and splash around in old-fashioned water games, giving them a real sense of what life was like in the 1890s.
A Tasty Ending
After a day or two packed with adventure, you’ll no doubt be hungry. The best place to satisfy your appetite in Odense is Storms Pakhus.
More than just a food hall, Storms Pakhus is an experience in itself, combining authentic street food, live music, and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Their indoor play area keeps the kids entertained while you decide what to eat.
And choosing won’t be easy—with dozens of food stalls offering everything from Asian street food to juicy burgers.
Odense: A Family Paradise on a Budget
Odense is a dream destination for families—even those traveling on a budget. With countless fun and affordable activities, you can easily fill an entire weekend with exciting experiences without overspending.
So pack your picnic, hop on the train, and rediscover the city of fairy tales!
