Kolding with kids – best attractions
Kolding wasn’t originally part of my plan. I chose it simply because it offered a direct train connection back to Germany, and after traveling with luggage, I wanted to avoid complicated transfers. But, as always in Denmark, I was pleasantly surprised. Can you even have a bad time on holiday in Denmark?
Here’s my family-approved guide to the best attractions in Kolding for kids – from playgrounds and parks to libraries and day trips into incredible nature.
Kolding – top attractions with kids
Walk along the Åstederne river
Start your visit with a gentle walk along the Åstederne river. It’s a mix of nature and city, with enough small attractions along the way to keep kids entertained. Download the Vizgu app before you go – it highlights all the interesting spots and makes the walk more interactive.
Art in Kolding city center
Kolding is full of public art and outdoor sculptures by well-known Danish and international artists. There’s even a marked route you can follow to explore them. We didn’t walk the whole thing, but the part we did was wonderful and gave us a new way to enjoy the city. Kolding takes art in public spaces seriously – and it shows. You will also find this walk in Vizgu app.
Legenparken – a fantastic family park
Legenparken is a must-visit when you’re in Kolding with kids. It features several beautifully designed playgrounds, including one built by the iconic Monstrum Playgrounds. There’s a little pond where you can borrow pedal boats for free – something my kid absolutely loved. There’s even a traffic playground where children can ride bikes and other vehicles while learning road rules. Plenty of tables, restrooms, and green space make it a perfect picnic spot too.
Kolding library – a hidden gem
I didn’t expect to fall in love with a library, but the Kolding library truly stands out. The children’s section alone is huge, with beautiful books and creative play areas – think cozy reading nooks, building zones, and more. The adult section is just as impressive, with modern workspaces, a café, and areas for workshops. We also discovered a half finished puzzle on one of the tables and couldn’t resist helping out. What a lovely idea – community puzzling!
Day trip from Kolding: Nationalpark Vadehavet
The Wadden Sea National Park (Nationalpark Vadehavet) isn’t close to Kolding (around a 2-hour by train), but I had been dreaming of visiting the Wadden Sea in summer ever since last year. And yes – it was absolutely worth it!
The Wadden Sea (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is a tidal flat ecosystem where twice a day, the sea disappears during low tide, revealing an otherworldly landscape. It’s one of the most unique places I’ve ever seen – both beautiful and slightly eerie. Standing on the vast sand flats where the ocean used to be is an unforgettable experience.
Vadehavscentret – the Wadden Sea centre with kids
If you make it there, don’t skip the Vadehavscentret – the visitor center for the national park. The building itself is a stunning example of Danish design, and the exhibitions inside are interactive, accessible, and fascinating for kids and adults alike. We spent a lot of time at the little aquarium-style fish display and learned so much about coastal wildlife and this unusual ecosystem.
Where to stay in Kolding with kids
We stayed at Hotel Kolding, from the same chain as the one we tried in Vejle, and again, we had a great stay. The location could not be more convenient – directly across from the train station and right above the amazing Kolding library. The rooms were spacious, breakfast was delicious, and the staff was kind. Highly recommended.
Easy return to Germany from Kolding
From Kolding, there is a direct train to Hamburg that takes just 3 hours. From there, it’s easy to continue by train to Berlin or wherever you’re heading next. No transfers necessary – perfect when traveling with kids and luggage.
Kolding with kids – final thoughts
It might not be Denmark’s most famous city, but Kolding has a lot to offer families. From playgrounds and parks to inspiring art walks and day trips into breathtaking nature, there’s no shortage of things to do. I only wish we had stayed longer!
If you’re planning a family-friendly trip through Denmark, don’t overlook Kolding. It’s a great base with plenty to explore and enjoy – and children will love it just as much as adults.
And here you will find the whole post with all articles about our Danish trip – Denmark with kids
