Copenhagen Sand Sculpture Festival 2012

Copenhagen is currently having a Sand Sculpture Festival and we grabbed the opportunity to bring J there to see what amazing possibilities sand can create. What a great sensory experience it was for J to see and touch the sand sculptures in person and get a sense of the magnitude, rather than just looking at the pictures on magazine!

Copenhagen International Sand Sculpture Festival 2012 is one of the largest and most spectacular sand sculpture events taking place in North Europe. The sculptures are created by some of the world’s most talented sand artists. Below were some of the fascinating sand sculptures we saw at the festival:

After watching the sand sculptures, there is a play area near the café for children to play with sand and create their own sand sculptures. J could not wait to go to the play area.

It requires some supervision and guidance, but once your child settles in, you may be able to sit back at the café and enjoy a cold drink, while your child is busy at work with the sand.

There are sand toys, tools and buckets provided free-of-charge for the children, thus you do not need to bring your own toys. The festival is also equipped with a mobile toilet, which is very clean. You can bring the bucket to go there and get water for the sand play.

Your child may not seem to be inspired by the sand sculpture initially. Do not be discouraged and feel that this outing is wasted. He is still processing it and sub-consciously, the child is inspired. J only started to show that he was inspired, when we brought him to the beach the following day, when he began to play with sand with renewed zeal.

As a natural reaction after seeing something of beauty, your child may become frustrated at not being able to create something similar to the magnificent sand sculptures that he has just seen. If so, it is important to encourage him that his work is unique and special, that his efforts is helping him to become better and better at creating beautiful work-of-art, and that it is a beautiful attitude also to press on and enjoy one’s work and creation solely for that purpose :-)

Some pictures of J hard at work at the beach at Frideriksdal Fribad the following day:

The next time we would like to bring J to ice sculpture exhibition, if we have the chance. If where you live does not have a sand exhibition, don't be sad. You can show your child the pictures and inspire him at sand play.

How to get there?

Address: Sankt Annæ Plads 36 ("Kvæsthusmolen")

Ofelia Beach is placed in the heart of Copenhagen at “Kvæsthusmolen” at the Royal Danish Playhouse – a 3-minute walk from Kongens Nytorv (King’s Square), Amaliehaven (The Royal Garden) and Amalienborg (The Royal Palace).

Public transportation takes you directly to Ofelia Beach:

Bus: 1A, 11A, 15, 20E, 26, 65E, 83N, 8N, 350S
Harbour bus: 991, 992, 993
Metro (Subway): Kongens Nytorv Station

Opening hours

27 May to 1 September 2012
Daily from 10:00 to 21:00 hrs.
The café is open daily from 10:00 to 21:00 hrs.

Cost

Adults: 50 kr.
Children 4-12 years: 25 kr.
Children 0-3 years: Free entrance
cOPENhagen Card: When presenting a valid cOPENhagen Card the admission is free.

Tickets can be bought at the entrance to the festival - Ofelia Beach.
Cash and credit cards (Dankort, Visa and other common credit cards) are accepted.

For more information, click here:

http://cphsand.com/eng/frontpage/transport/