Reykjavík is a major metropolis shrunk to small-town size – perfect for a family-sized city break.
You will find all the important attractions for grown-ups – national museums, landmark churches, historic architecture – alongside various activities for kids, from geothermally-heated swimming pools to whale-watching tours.
So let us answer the big questions: Where can you find Viking swords? Does the city zoo have snakes? Is ice cream the national diet? Here’s our guide to exploring Reykjavik with kids.
Is Reykjavik Good for Kids?
Reykjavík is a city that is well attuned to young travelers. For one thing, it’s famously safe for children. Locals are happy to let infants and toddlers sleep outside in their strollers, while older kids are free to roam the suburbs during the bright summer evenings.
The main concern for parents is the weather. The Icelandic climate can be cold for small hands, and the city’s strong winds can be challenging. Fortunately, city buses are free for children under the age of twelve, and indoor activities are plentiful to sustain the longest of rainstorms.
Moreover, the terrain is favorable – central Reykjavík is mostly flat, with almost no stairs to conquer. Sidewalks are wide, making stroller navigation easy, and distances are short enough to cover with a baby carrier – for example, the downtown area is just 3km (1.86 miles) wide from the Old Harbor to Helmmur.
The Best Things to Do in Reykjavik with Kids
Plan your family trip to Reykjavík around the following activities.
Visit Reykjavík’s Unusual Zoo
Reykjavík has a zoo, or at least a type of zoo. Operated by the City of Reykjavík, the Húsdyragarðurinn is more like a petting zoo with exotic extras. It features a room full of giant spiders and snakes, a pool of ringed seals, and Arctic foxes – the only terrestrial mammal native to Iceland.
Adjacent to the zoo, the popular Family Park offers an impressive wooden playground – a great place for children to expend their energy.
Go Whale Watching from the Old Harbor
Spotting the fluke of a whale can captivate a child’s imagination, and a whale-watching boat trip is an exciting expedition for the whole family. When planning a tour from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, consider weather conditions, as children aged five to 14 may be more vulnerable to seasickness than adults.
Various operators maintain kiosks at the harbor. In case the seas are too rough, the land-based exhibition Whales of Iceland features 23 life-size models of North Atlantic whale species.
Climb into an Artificial Ice Cave at Perlan
The iconic Perlan, a Reykjavík landmark, has a permanent exhibition exploring the natural wonders of Iceland. The Wonders of Iceland begins with a vast ice cave, 100m (328ft) long, built with 350 tons of snow and layers of ash from the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption.
This exhibit also includes augmented reality depictions of bird nesting cliffs and interactive rooms detailing volcanoes, earthquakes, and glaciers, along with a planetarium recreating the Northern Lights.
Enjoy Ice Cream
Icelanders don’t let weather dictate their ice cream schedule. If the sun is out, locals indulge in ice cream anytime. Leading shops like Ísbúð Vesturbæjar and Ísbúð Huppu offer delicious soft-serve ice cream mixed with flavors that kids adore.
For a colorful selection of flavors, visit the establishments near the Old Harbor where you can find unique options, including lauded licorice flavors.
Try the Best Waterslides in Reykjavík
Ask any Icelander what they do with their children, and you’ll likely hear about public swimming pools. Every neighborhood in Reykjavík boasts a geothermally heated sundlaug, complete with lap swimming and hot tubs. For excitement, visit the waterslides at Laugardalslaug, Árbæjarlaug, or Sundlaug Seltjarnarness.
The largest indoor pool area is at Ásvallalaug in Hafnarfjörður, renowned for its fun offerings.
Experience Indoor Play at Rush Trampoline Park
If you’re searching for indoor activities, Rush Trampoline Park features multi-size trampolines and vibrant colors that are sure to engage children. Prepare for a workout, as an hour on the trampolines is surprisingly exhausting yet fun!
Relive Reykjavík’s Maritime History
Experience the city’s maritime history through interactive displays at the Reykjavík Maritime Museum. At this educational museum, children can explore how Iceland’s ocean livelihood has shaped the nation.
Sit Down at a Cat Café or Enjoy a Hot Dog
The most famous spot in Reykjavík is actually a hot-dog stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur at Tryggvagata, beloved by locals for its delectable hot dogs. Moreover, for a relaxed atmosphere, visit Kattakaffihúsið, where friendly felines greet customers sipping hot chocolate.
Get Some Greenery!
Reykjavík is rich in green spaces. In summer, the Grasagarður Botanical Garden is a popular spot for families who gather to picnic and push strollers through this tranquil area. The Flóran Café, located in the garden, is an excellent choice for lunch.
How to Explore Reykjavík with Kids
For the best family stay in Reykjavík, it’s advisable to select accommodations near Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur, the city’s main shopping streets. Even if you choose a location further from the center, city buses remain free for children under 12 years old. Additionally, electric scooters are widely available, although helmets may be scarce.
When considering the ideal time for a family trip, summer brings perfect weather for outdoor activities, including swimming and boat excursions, along with a calendar full of festivities for children. While Reykjavík typically experiences less snow compared to other regions, a winter visit to the famous Blue Lagoon at Keflavík is a memorable experience.
