February may be the shortest month of the year, but what it lacks in length, it certainly makes up for in events. As winter drags its feet and the habitual darkness and cold feels like it’s never going to end, we are rewarded with a month of fun for the kids – here’s our top ten list of indoor entertainment for all ages.
1) Soap Bubble Festival
Famous US soap bubble artist Tom Noddy will be performing his show at the Experimentarium. When I say famous I mean famous, the man has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman! There will also be a number of other performers doing experiments and entertaining the kids with shows of bubbles. You can even download a recipe for the ultimate bubble mixture from their website. Expect a day of fun, giggles and spills.
Experimentarium, Tuborg Havnevej 7, 2900 Hellerup; shows on 28-29 Jan at 12:00, 14:00 & 16:00; www.experimentarium.dk
See our preview: Big cheers for Noddy, a man for all bubbles
2) LEGO World
Any LEGO enthusiasts out there? Yes I thought so. LEGO World is back at the Bella Center and has loads of activities for all ages. Get lost in a LEGO maze, talk to a LEGO designer, search for a LEGO Gold brick, watch movies in a LEGO Cinema, make your own LEGO Brick … there are just too many activities to list. Duplo adventures are also available for the smallest LEGO fans.
Bella Center, Center Boulevard 5, 2300 Cph S; open 16-19 Feb, daily 10:00-17:00; www.legoworld.dk
3) Disney on Ice
Watch all your favourite Disney characters performing high-flying jumps, daring acrobatics and breathtaking skating. The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin, and Cinderella are just some of the movies featured. Fans of the newest princess movie, Tangled, will be pleased to hear that Rapunzel also makes an appearance.
Forum, Julius Thomsens Plads 1, 1925 Frederiksberg C; performances on 15-16 Feb at 10:00, 14:00 & 18:00; www.forumcopenhagen.dk
4) Story time
Every Tuesday morning the wonderful storyteller Sara Albers performs stories, poems and finger plays. Albers moved to Copenhagen a couple of years ago from Minnesota and is a teacher and mother of two young boys. She entertains, inspires and captivates the children’s imagination, making Tuesday mornings a magical experience for all.
Books & Company, Sofievej 1, 2900 Hellerup; Tue mornings 09:30-10:00; free adm; www.booksandcompany.dk
5) Winter Sports Fun
DGI-byen is a swimming facility and sports centre located by Copenhagen’s central station. During half term there are a wealth of fun activities for kids and grown-ups. You will be able to try out street soccer, roller-board hockey, moving to the beat (for tiny tots and anyone slightly bigger), lots of strength and fitness training activities, ultimate, flag football, and bhangra – India’s answer to Zumba.
DGI-byen, Tietgensgade 65, 1704 Cph V; starts Sat Feb 11, ends Sat 18 Feb; www.dgi-byen.com, link to more info on our homepage.
6) Danish Film Institute
At the Cinematheque, the cinema at the Danish Film Institute, there is a busy programme of films for children of all ages. Screenings take into account the age of the children (length and content etc) and many are free. Older children can also try their hand at film production in an interactive film studio for kids.
Cinematheque, Gothersgade 55, 1123 Cph K; www.dfi.dk
7) Indoor Play Areas
Sticky and loud but the kids love them, there are a number of indoor play areas around Copenhagen with ball pits, slides, rope bridges and soft shapes. Try Capella Play in Field’s Shopping Centre (60kr per hour), Inside the Stamp at the Post & Tele Museum (free), Blegdamsremisen in Østerbro (free) and Fun City in Herlev (49kr per hour).
dk.capellaplay.com, www.ptt-museum.dk, www.kk.dk, www.funcitycopenhagen.dk
8) Danmarks Aquarium
Although a small facility, the National Aquarium houses a broad array of species including sharks, terrapins and the odd octopus. Children can get up close to all the tanks and experience the touch pool where they can feel various sea creatures. Check the website for touch pool opening and feeding times. 2012 is the last year you will be able to visit the Aquarium in its current location in Charlottenlund. In 2013 the innovative and greatly anticipated Blue Planet Aquarium opens.
Kavalergården 1, 2920 Charlottenlund; www.akvarium.dk
9) Circus Museum family workshop
With the support of a professional performer you can try everything from trapeze to juggling. The workshop is included in the cost of entry to the museum.
Cirkusmuseet, Hovedporten 6, 2650 Hvidovre; Sun 5 Feb, 11:00-12:30; www.cirkusmuseum.dk
10) Sushi workshop for kids
As part of the Wondercool Festival, the Fox Hotel is putting on a sushi workshop for children. Let the kids explore the Japanese kitchen and make sushi with help and inspiration from one of the country’s best sushi chefs, which they are allowed to eat or take home. And while the kids are exploring their gastronomic skills, the parents have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal from the menu.
Fox Hotel, Jarmers Plads 3, 1551 Cph V; Thu 16 Feb, 14:00-16:00; www.wondercoolcopenhagen.com
This section was contributed by Sarah Andersen, an English mother of two who has lived in Copenhagen for three years. As well as running the Copenhagen International Parents Meetup group, Sarah also runs www.newcitymums.com, an online resource for mums, or expectant mums, who are relocating to or living in Copenhagen.
