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From museums to gardens to castles, FTF tells you where to take the kids in Copenhagen, Denmark.

I remember Copenhagen, Denmark well. I lived there years ago when I was the director of a theater company, located on one of the city's many picturesque, cobbled streets. I didn't have children then, but I remember thinking how perfect this city was for kids and families wanting a touch of urban sophistication coupled with safe streets and a fairy-tale ambiance with lots to do.

On a recent trip, I made a special point of checking out specific things for families to do and see in this Lilliputian capital of Denmark, the oldest monarchy in Europe. And I'm happy to report Copenhagen is as inviting as it ever was. I was also eager to visit my dear friends, Pia, Vaun and their charming young daughter, Liva, who rewarded me with new insights into this vivacious city by the sea.

Getting To Town

Weary travelers are very relieved to learn that Denmark's airport is clean, well designed and very simple to navigate. In fact, it's a perfect example of the celebrated concepts of Danish/Scandinavian design with its clean lines, simplicity and lots of glass and sculpture.

There's a direct train to central Copenhagen. It runs every 10 minutes and takes less than 15 minutes to get into town, for under US$10. Don't take a taxi -- too expensive. And the kids will love the adventure of a train trip following on their air adventure.

About five minute's walk from the bright, sun-drenched, flower-swept plaza, the Radhuspladsen, is a very Gothic, medieval-looking castle, which is actually the city hall.

The plaza is the cross-roads of pedestrian traffic, a perfect place to "people watch." And if the Danes are not rushing to and fro, they're sitting on a bench or at an outside café enjoying the long days of summer after too many months of darkness. Do what the Danes do: linger on the steps of the Radhuspladsen. Grab a coffee. Let the kids run around. It's a perfect way to "take the pulse" of the city.

A Gentle Place & A Gentle Man

You'll quickly notice the first clue to Copenhagen's uniqueness: the absence of fiery orators or victorious warriors, those kinds of statues that crowd most public places in most capital cites. The only figure here is one of a solitary, gentle-looking man in a tall hat, sitting on a stool, and gazing somewhat wistfully at the passersby. In his hand is a book; his finger marks the page in one of his famous stories. This is Hans Christian Andersen (the Danes just call him H.C.), Denmark's famous son and the beloved author of so many sweet tales, including of course, The Little Mermaid.