Summary
Reykjavík serves as a significant urban center transformed into a compact family-friendly destination, ideal for a city getaway.
In Reykjavík, one can find an array of attractions catering to adults, including national museums, iconic churches, and historical architecture, alongside engaging activities tailored for children, such as geothermally heated swimming pools and whale-watching excursions.
Thus, we aim to address key inquiries. Where can one discover Viking swords? Does the city zoo house snakes? Is ice cream a staple of the national diet? This guide provides insights into exploring Reykjavik with children.
Is Reykjavik good for kids?
Reykjavík is notably accommodating for families traveling with young children. The city is recognized for its safety, where local residents often allow infants and toddlers to nap outdoors in their strollers, while older children enjoy the freedom to explore the suburbs and stay out later during the lengthy summer nights.
The primary concern for parents is the weather; the climate in Iceland can be quite chilly for small individuals, and the city’s powerful winds can be problematic for strollers with canopies. Fortunately, public city buses offer free rides for children under twelve, and numerous indoor activities are available to weather any storm.
Additionally, the flat geography of central Reykjavík, with minimal steps, allows for effortless navigation with strollers. The wide sidewalks make movement convenient, and the short distances—measured from the Old Harbor to Helmmur—allow for easy travel with a baby carrier, approximately 3km (1.86 miles).
The best things to do in Reykjavik with kids
Consider organizing your family itinerary around these engaging activities in Reykjavík.
Visit Reykjavik’s unusual zoo
Reykjavík features a zoo, or rather a unique variation of it. Managed by the City of Reykjavík, the Húsdýragarðurinn operates more akin to a petting zoo with some exotic additions, including a room filled with large spiders and snakes, a pool where ringed seals feast on herring, and an exhibit where Arctic foxes—Iceland’s sole terrestrial mammal—observe nearby geese. Adjacent to the zoo is the Family Park with a remarkable wooden playground, ideal for expending energy.
Go whale watching from the Old Harbor
Observing a whale’s fluke can captivate a child’s imagination remarkably, and a boat trip for whale watching offers an exhilarating adventure, even aside from the possibility of seeing these magnificent creatures. When organizing a tour from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, one must always account for the weather conditions, as children between the ages of five and fourteen are more susceptible to seasickness than adults. Various tour operators maintain kiosks at the harbor. For a backup plan, the land-based display Whales of Iceland presents 23 life-sized models of North Atlantic whale species.
Climb into an artificial ice cave at Perlan
The renowned Perlan—a distinctive landmark in Reykjavík atop the city’s geothermal water facilities—hosts a permanent exhibition that delves into Iceland’s extraordinary natural environment. The Wonders of Iceland exhibit commences with an expansive ice cave, 100m (328ft) in length, constructed from 350 tons of snow and ash layers from the Eyjafjallajökull eruption of 2010.
This exhibition also encompasses augmented reality representations of the bird nesting cliffs at Látrabjarg and interactive areas detailing volcanoes, earthquakes, and glaciers. Additionally, a state-of-the-art planetarium recreates the breathtaking show of the Northern Lights.
Get ice cream (yes, really)
Icelanders do not let weather dictate the time for ice cream indulgence. If conditions are adequate for outdoor activities, locals seize the opportunity. Establishments like Ísbúð Vesturbæjar and Ísbúð Huppu are renowned for their soft-serve ice cream combined with various candy and flavors; children particularly favor the bragðarefur made with a selection of three candies from the bar.
Regarding quality, the establishments at the Old Harbor, Valdís and Omnom, offer a vibrant range of flavors, including visually unassuming yet delicious licorice options. As of the latest updates, the country’s ice cream connoisseurs were lauding newcomer Skúbb for its creamy selections, located near the Laugardalslaug pool, approximately a 30-minute walk from the city center—at least for adults.
Try the best waterslides in Reykavík
Inquiring a local about activities with children will often yield a similar response: dress them in swimsuits and head to the public pool. Every neighborhood in Reykavík boasts its own sundlaug, a geothermally heated swimming facility with features ranging from lap swimming to hot tubs. Additionally, outdoor public geothermal hot pots are found at Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach.
The downtown Sundhöll Reykjavíkur features a shallow leisure pool for children. However, for the ultimate enjoyment, visit the impressive waterslides at Laugardalslaug, Árbæjarlaug, or Sundlaug Seltjarnarness. The largest indoor pool complex is situated at Ásvallalaug in Hafnarfjörður, where one can also embark on a quest for potentially mythical elves. The admission fee to the various pools in Reykavík is approximately 1000/300 Kr (US$7.90/2.40) for adults and children, respectively.
Take the kids for a bounce
Many local libraries in Reykavík are equipped with play corners suitable for children under five, including venues such as the Nordic House and Borgarbókasafn. While larger indoor play zones are scarce, mainly because swimming pools serve as the primary playgrounds, one notable exception is the Rush Trampoline Park. This facility occupies a generous 2200 sq meter (23,680 sq ft) warehouse filled with trampolines of various sizes and vibrant colors. Attendees should be prepared; an hour of bouncing can be surprisingly tiring.
Relive Reykjavík’s maritime history
Historically, local youths were once seen assisting at the harbor in Reykjavík. Today, children can engage with this significant past at the Reykjavík Maritime Museum, where they can learn essential skills, such as distinguishing haddock from cod (for clarification, cod possess a characteristic “beard”). This museum serves as an educational platform, illustrating how a livelihood derived from the ocean has shaped Icelandic culture to this very day.
Sit down with a cat, or a hot-dog
The most frequented dining establishment in Reykjavík technically qualifies as a hot-dog stand, yet it is not an ordinary one. The Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur at Tryggvagata has delighted locals since 1937, catering to the tastes of children and their parents with its delightful pylsur (hot dogs). Furthermore, another notable spot for families is the charming cat café, Kattakaffihúsið, where feline companions welcome patrons seeking a cozy atmosphere with a warm drink.
Get some greenery!
Reykjavík is replete with lush green areas. During the summer season, the Grasagarður Botanical Garden becomes a favorite location for parents of young children. Families often gather to enjoy picnics and stroll through this tranquil green enclave, and the Flóran Café, situated within the park, is an excellent choice for a lunch break.
How to explore Reykjavík with kids
For a seamless family experience in Reykjavík, consider selecting rental accommodations or hotels in proximity to Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur, the principal shopping avenues. Even if you reside farther from the central districts, public buses are complimentary for children below the age of 12. Additionally, electric scooters are widely available for hire; however, it is essential to note that helmets may be less accessible, and local regulations necessitate that young riders wear them.
When determining the optimal period for a visit, summer offers ideal weather for outdoor swimming and boating excursions, complemented by an array of children’s activities. Compared to other regions in the country, Reykjavík experiences relatively less snowfall in winter; nonetheless, a wintertime outing to the Blue Lagoon—the famed outdoor volcanic swimming facility located in Keflavík—promises to be a remarkable experience.
