Aalborg Zoo is the second biggest in Scandinavia with about 1600 exciting animals from all over the world. Look out for the polar bear enclosure, which is designed so that you can watch them play both above and below water. Then there is the big savannah where you’ll be able to see giraffes, zebras and buffalos. And don’t forget the monkeys’ corner where the mischievous inhabitants always provide lively entertainment. There is also a playground in the Zoo and goats who loves to be petted. www.aalborgzoo.dk

If you and your family like to have fun then Tivoli-land is the place to go. Here you will find loads of exciting rides and attractions. Most of them are specially designed for Tivoli-land and can only be experienced here in Aalborg!

The North Jutland Art Museum houses Danish as well as international art dating from 1900 to today. Interesting and fun picture hunts designed for the whole family may focus on either the permanent or visiting collections. You will need a really good eye for detail and the adults get as carried away as the children! You will get a small prize for getting the questions right. www.nordjyllandskunstmuseum.dk

Aalborg Naval and Maritime Museum exhibits the last Danish submarine to be built, “Springeren” (The Springer) which you can board and try to steer and look through a real periscope. The museum is also now home to the world’s fastest gas turbine torpedo boat “Søbjørnen” (The Sea Bear). www.aalborgmarinemuseum.dk

At Aalborg’s Defence and Garrison Museum you can get inside tanks, try out different types of cannons and squeeze into the cockpit of a fighter jet. www.forsvarsmuseum.dk

There are many charming and grand old houses in Aalborg. Some of them you can only enjoy from the outside, others you can get inside and then there are some which are made into in historical museums. During the autumn half term in October Aalborg Tourist Office arranges guided tours for children about the old days for. Contact the tourist office for further details or check at www.visitaalborg.com

Gråbrødrekloster Museet (Franciscan Friary Museum) is actually under ground. Take the lift next to the Salling department store in Algade. However, before you do you need to work out the total weight of your whole family! It mustn’t exceed 250 kg. The museum is housed in the ruins of the old Franciscan Friary. Press the buttons and hear stories of what Franciscan life was like in Aalborg in the Middle Ages. www.aahm.dk

Aalborghus Slot (Aalborghus Castle) looks very charming with its red timber and white chalk walls, but it has a sinister secret. When it was built in the 16th century it was meant as a threat to the citizens and farmers in North Jutland who opposed the King. The unfortunate ones were imprisoned here. The Castle is open between May and October and you can visit the Castle Court Yard and the Park all year round.

Jens Bangs Stenhus (Jens Bang’s Stone House) was built by the grand merchant Jens Bang in 1624 and it is admired as the grandest renaissance house in Northern Europe. Even though Jens Bang was the richest man in Aalborg, he was never allowed to become part of the city council. This explains the statue of him on the gables of the house sticking his tongue out at the Town Hall.

Lindhom Høje – Museum and Burial Ground lies in Nørresundby. The burial ground and the Viking houses date back to the Iron & Viking Age. Because moving sand dunes completely buried the area around the year 1000, the stone circles and the ploughed field were totally preserved. The museum has a beautifully illustrated tableaux and reconstructed paintings showing how people lived then. www.aahm.dk

If your family enjoy sports and other action packed activities there are plenty on offer. Here are some ideas.

Jumboland Playful Paradise www.jumbland is a huge indoor play area full of different experiences and challenges for children between 1 – 12 years old. Svømmeland in Nørresundby http://www.nsbic.dk has a 50 metre pool, a children’s and baby pool, water slide and fitness centre.

Rulleskøjteløjpen (Roller Skating Ramp) in Aalborg East is the longest of its kind in Europe. It is 12 km long. Please see route map for further details on www.aalborg.dk

Angling is allowed from the quayside in Aalborg and Nørresundby. Angling permits can be purchased at the tourist office.

Aalborg has two golf courses and both are happy to welcome guest players. Aalborg Golf Club www.aalborggk.dk lies 10 km west of the city centre. Ørnehøj Golf Club www.ornehojgolfklub.dk is situated at Gistrup approx. 10 km east of the city centre.

There are several bowling and leisure arcades, such as Seaport Funcenter www.seaport.dk, Back Street Bowl www.backstreetbowl.dk and Game World www.gamew.dk

Feel the grass between your toes and time to play

Aalborg has several good park areas. Weather permitting, we recommend a picnic lunch in one of them. Buy a sandwich or a slice of pizza and give your children space to play. In Mølleparken there is a beautiful view over the fjord and green hills for them to tumble down. In several of the parks there are great playgrounds and in Østre Anlæg (The Eastern Park) you can feed the ducks. In Kildeparken you can enjoy outdoor concerts in the summertime.

It is nice to wander about and browse around the shops – there must be time for shopping, especially if you have older children with you. In Aalborg City Centre the pedestrian streets, Algade and Bispensgade, should not be missed! Here, and in the small side streets and lanes, is a good selection of trendy shops. The city’s department store is situated here. In City Syd (City South) is the big shopping centre called Aalborg Storcenter with approx. 60 shops.

Aalborg buzzes with activity and there are many events for children and the young at heart. Some of the most popular annual events are the Aalborg Children’s Carnival in May, at Lindholm Høje there are Viking Plays and a Viking Market in June, and in December a Christmas Market in the town centre as well as an outdoor ice skating rink at C. W. Obels Plads (C.W. Obels Square).

The children’s theatre Jako Bole has a big and exciting repertoire and Aalborg Congress and Cultural Centre features many grand musicals and shows - keep an eye out for the Aalborg Symphony Orchestra’s children’s concerts as well. Take a look at www.visitaalborg.com where you will find a more detailed list of events.

In the summer you can sail from Honnør Quay in front of Aalborghus Slot (Aalborghus Castle) to the small island of Egholm. There are some stops on route - it is a great way to see Aalborg from a different angle. Please ask the tourist office for details of departures.