The Old Town (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is The Old Town?
What makes it 96% Kids-Friendly: Under-18s enter free, toy museum, craft workshops and farm animals spark hours of play; plentiful toilets and picnic lawns help parents, though a handful of steep house stairs need supervision.
Positives:
- Free entry for kids: Children under 18 enter for free with adult supervision at all exhibits.
- Hands-on learning: Workshops and interactive displays help kids experience 19th-century life.
- Animal interactions: Farm animals roam courtyards, giving kids live history and sensory fun.
Challenges:
- Uneven paths: Cobblestone streets can be bumpy for strollers; consider using a baby carrier.
- Weather exposure: Most exhibits are outdoors; bring weather-appropriate clothing and umbrellas.
- Limited seating: Benches are sparse; plan rest breaks and bring a small blanket for picnics.
What is The Old Town?
- An open-air museum in Aarhus that recreates a Danish market town from the 16th to 20th centuries
- A complex of 75 authentic period buildings relocated from across Denmark to represent urban and rural heritage
- A cultural institution housing thematic collections—from the Clock Museum to the Danish Poster Museum—within its historical streetscapes
What is so special about The Old Town for with kids?
- Step into a recreated 19th-century town with 75 historic buildings.
- Let kids explore the Toy Museum with 6,000 vintage toys.
- Join hands-on workshops to experience children’s life in the 1800s.
- Meet farm animals and learn traditional bread baking.
- Kids under 18 enter free, making it a budget-friendly family outing.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2-3 hour visit lets you explore main houses, join workshops, and keep children engaged without tiring them.
Kids-Friendly Activities in The Old Town
Toy Museum Adventure:
Discover 6,000 historical toys from the 19th century to the 1960s.
Tip: Let kids handle toys freely and arrive early for quieter exploration.
Children’s Life in the 1800s Workshop:
Help with laundry, join a slate-board school lesson and meet costumed classmates.
Tip: Check the daily schedule at the entrance and arrive 10 minutes before start.
Fairy Lantern & Candy Workshop:
Build a fairytale lantern, make “King of Denmark” sweets and hear a story at the Renaissance Farm.
Tip: This runs only during winter holiday week; dress warmly and book on arrival.
Time-Travel Underground Universe:
Explore an 800 m² exhibit tracing 1,200 years of Danish city history with interactive displays.
Tip: Visit this indoor exhibit if the weather turns cold or rainy.
Live-History Hosts & Farm Animals:
Feed chickens, chop wood with a farmhand or help a baker’s assistant in historic courtyards.
Tip: Go in the morning when animals are most active for the best experience.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The Old Town
- Arrive early: Visit at opening to enjoy quieter exhibits and shorter lines for workshops.
- Use lockers: Store large bags in free lockers at the entrance to move freely.
- Plan route: Pick up a site map to prioritize kid-friendly stops and avoid backtracking.
Reviews of The Old Town
Laura
If I could give this experience 10 stars I would. We went between Christmas and New Years and got to all the Christmas decorations, taste all the foods and even play Christmas games with the elves. One of the best museums we have ever been to (and we go to a lot)
Maya Lexii
Amazing replica town of old town Århus taking places from everywhere in denmark and going back in time all from 10 years ago to 1600s. You can even go into the apartments/shops which is super fun.
M Hendershot
A wonderful step back in times past, representing many eras, cultures and historic events. Great for the family and history buffs. This spacious recreation is thoughtfully laid out walking through the Vikings to 1970s in the form of Main Street, museum of artifacts, village recreations and country estate with authentic trade shops. Historic coffee and bakery from the 1800s was inviting and deli...
Rob
Absolutely amazing place! It really is like you are back in time. It was so interesting walking around fully immersed in the past. You could maybe spend all day here if you really took your time. My favourite thing in Aarhus and possibly the best musuem I’ve been to!
Michael Locke
This place is amazing for kids and adults. It was the highlight of our 3 day trip to Aarhus. We especially loved the 1922 cafe (where we bought coffee and pastries prepared, baked, and served like in the original time) and the historic bakery (where we bought actual bread and pastries that would have been available on the original time). The other buildings and exhibits are great too. The festival...
When is the best time to visit The Old Town (Aarhus, Denmark)?
In winter holiday week, book the Fairy Lantern & Candy Workshop to make lanterns and sweets.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult admission (2×195) | DKK 390 |
| Café snack break | DKK 100 |
| Total Estimated | DKK 490 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of The Old Town
Address: Viborgvej 2, 8000 Aarhus Centrum, Denmark
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About The Old Town
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+45 86 12 31 8810 BEST nearby Activities
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