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Activities and attractions for all the family in Denmark this autumn

The summer holidays have come to an end, but already parents are looking ahead to plan their next family break for the October half-term. With attractions ranging from adventure parks and animal encounters to Viking heritage and Northern Europe's largest aquarium, Denmark offers enormous appeal for all the family - and with prices over the October half-term being considerably lower than during the height of summer, Denmark’s unbeatable combination of fun-filled attractions and family-friendly accommodation make this the perfect destination for a value-packed autumn break.
One of the most newsworthy attractions this autumn is the North Sea Oceanarium, which re-opened in June following an extensive renovation. The facility now features a massive, 4.5 million litres of water containing over 3,000 fish, making it the largest attraction of its kind in northern Europe. Highlights include two seal pups (born at the Oceanarium this summer) and the chance to hand-feed the seals and other denizens of the deep in the attraction's various habitats. There are also 'touch tanks' where kids can handle starfish, urchins and rays - if they dare! The Oceanarium is located at Hirtshals on the North Jutland coast. This is the most northerly part of the country and home to some fantastic family resorts as well as some of the best beaches in Denmark.
Another popular North Jutland attraction is Aalborg Zoo, which is home to more than 1,200 animals representing 138 species. Particularly popular at the moment are the zoo's three tiger cubs, which were born in June and are already growing fast! There are more animal encounters to be enjoyed at Randers Rainforest, an indoor tropical safari in East Jutland that features 200 different animals and 450 kinds of plant. Kids can get up close and personal with monkeys, iguanas, bats and parrots, with the collection including animals from each of the world’s rainforest regions.
For those that prefer to come face-to-face with animals in their natural environment, the Seal Safari boat trips on the Wadden Sea are a perennial favourite. The trips depart from Esbjerg Harbour in search of Denmark’s largest population of harbour seals, with sightings being virtually guaranteed. Or get along to the nearby Wadden Sea Center which takes a look at the surrounding Wadden Sea area with exhibitions about the extraordinary lives of migratory birds that flock there in their millions each year and a cultural journey through the Middle Ages to modern day. A fascinating multimedia show documents the area’s devastating storm surges and October this year will be a particularly great
time to visit as The Wadden Sea is officially named as Denmark’s third National park at a ceremony on 16th October.

There's more outdoor fun to be had on many of the country's thousands of miles of sandy coastline at this time of year. Early storms can wash all manner of items onto the beaches, making this the perfect time for a spot of beachcombing. And it's not just flotsam and jetsam - the sharp-sighted may also be rewarded with genuine treasures in the form of pieces of golden amber.

Denmark's most famous family attractions, however, are its adventure parks - of which Legoland in Billund is the star of the show. Here, families can discover miniature versions of famous landmarks as well as a selection of thrilling rides, and if they happen to be there between 16-24th October then they can join in some spooky fun when the park stages a special Halloween celebration with ghosts, witches and vampires. There are all kinds of competitions and adventures to discover, while children attending in Halloween costume can win prizes in the pumpkin treasure hunt.

For Viking explorers the Viking Museum in Ribe, offers an insight into the life and times of the Vikings, while the Lindholm Høje Viking burial ground near Aalborg (home to over 700 graves dating back to at least 1000AD) is considered to be one of Scandinavia’s most impressive ancient monuments. Lindholm also features a 3D animated installation that provides visitors with a taste of what life was like aboard a Viking ship as it sailed down the nearby Limfjord. Or in Aarhus, whose Viking roots going back over 1200 years, the history of the Vikings can be uncovered in the heart of the city at the Viking Museum in the basement of the Nordea Bank on Skt. Clemens Torv Square or just outside the city at the Moesgaard Museum.

Alternatively, for more living history visitors to Aarhus can turn the clock back to the early 1900’s with a visit to one of Denmark’s 5 star attractions, Den Gamle By, The Old Town. This stunning collection of authentic Danish buildings was originally started in 1914 and now comprises 75 buildings, which have been brought from all over the country, and are complemented by staff dressed in traditional costumes. Visitors of all ages can get a genuine insight into the workings of a Danish market town by wandering through the various houses, gardens, shops and workshops with the opportunity to buy bread from the traditional baker’s shop and look for authentic antiques in the old antique shop. The children’s museum is also a treasure trove of fascinating toys and it’s possible to watch the restoration work that continues to preserve these ancient buildings.

Whatever families want to experience this autumn, Denmark offers the range and quality of experiences to keep everyone entertained. From adventuring in the great outdoors to some fantastic indoor attractions, Denmark is the perfect place for a fun-packed autumn break - whatever the weather!
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Getting there:

DFDS Seaways offers a regular service of overnight departures between Harwich and Esbjerg, with prices starting from £168 in October, based on two adults and two children sharing a four bed inside cabin with one car.
Accommodation:

Arriving in Esbjerg, its only an easy 30km to Ribe and accommodation at Ribe Byferie which is ideally located on the outskirts of the city.

For a stay close to the attractions of East Jutland head for lovely little Isle of Funen and stay in a holiday cottage at the Middelfart Resort & ConferenceCenter.

Alternatively, Novasol have a large choice of self catering houses all along the coast and with the Danish half term holiday the week before UK schools it's possible to make significant savings by travelling a week later. For example a very comfortable, well appointed house on the island of Fanoe costs drops to £422 per week during October half term but if travelling the week before its £462 – representing a saving of £40 on previous week.
The spacious house sleeps 8-10 people and facilities including a whirl pool, sauna and wood burning stove with views out over the heath land and dunes and free access to the local water park.