We’ve been lucky the past two weekends to have made it Tivoli, hands down one of our favorite places in Copenhagen and we couldn’t be more thrilled it’s open again for the season (despite the fact that Spring seems to be changing it’s mind on whether it’s coming or not). Last year, we discovered the fantastic playground in the back corner of the park which we somehow missed our first year, and it’s always traditionally our “last stop” before heading home.
It might seem a little counterintuitive to have a playground in an amusement park but on the contrary, as a parent now I have to say it couldn’t be more perfect. When we arrive we go through the initial excitement of crossing the gates, our daughter makes her way to her favorite rides to make the rounds, and then we might stop for a snack or lunch. Inevitably, I get talked into “candy floss” (cotton candy) or a lollipop or ice cream or whatever treat is of the moment and I always give in. It is an amusement park after all and those special park treats are all part of the deal. So the playground, after the euphoria of the rides and the follow up rush of the sugar treats, is the perfect place to wear the kids out, classic style, before heading home.
The playground is based on the Danish cartoon figure of Rasmus Klump and I confess I don’t know much about him other than the fact that he is a large bear that wears very large overall pants, which they actually have “drying” on the clothesline outside of the park. But like most Danish playgrounds, the structure is full of nets and climbing structures and uneven surfaces that are so typical of playgrounds here, all helping for kids to build balance. The photos aren’t crooked – it’s the playground that is! Interestingly, this playground is actually one of the only parks I’ve seen here that has a “soft” flooring structure (most parks here have sand as the base). 
The playground is also full of surprises, lovely ones. Like the area of musical instruments…or the fountains that turn on and “jump” from tower to tower when you’re walking in… or the various portholes and escape routes from the wooden structures. It’s always nearing evening when we come so the light is no longer great for photos but hopefully these few give you an idea. I promise I’ll head back to try and catch a few more. It’s a great place to take a break from some of the main attractions of the amusement park and the sensory overload that children can get there after a certain point. Sometimes, it’s the most classic and familiar thing, like a playground, that help ensure that children have a wonderful time. 