We regularly take the train between Aarhus and Copenhagen — it’s about three hours, and it can feel really long with a restless child.
We like to avoid using screens to pacify our son, so when he was 3, we started building a system that actually made train rides fun.
Our Go-To Train Kit 🎒
We pack:
• A mini backpack with snacks (nothing crumbly!)
• Crayons + coloring books
• Headphones + Spotify playlists
• A few small toys (cars, animals, a magnetic puzzle)
The Danish trains (like DSB Intercity) are comfortable, and you can reserve seats with tables or family zones. Still, having a plan makes all the difference.
Games That Work💡
• Window Bingo: Can you spot a windmill, sheep, or a red barn? Sometimes I set a number like 20 windmills, and if he spots 20, I will buy him a special surprise when we are at our destination. It keeps him engaged in the game for a longer duration and is well worth the 20 kr (2.68 euro) surprise we buy at the kiosk at the train station on arrival.
• Danish Word Hunt: We use signs and station names to find familiar words
• Snack Countdown: One special treat every 30 minutes — he lives for this. Carrots, raisins and cheese are examples of what works well for us.