Travelling with the kids in tow is always much more fun when there are family-friendly activities and attractions to keep everyone happy no matter what their age. Reykjavik is the ideal destination if you’re looking for somewhere to bring the children. From outdoor adventures to interactive museums, there are a wide range of options that cater to younger visitors.

In this guide, we’ll share our favourite attractions, activities and festivals as well as suggestions about how to get around, kid-friendly places to eat and family-orientated accommodation options.

Family-Friendly Attractions in Reykjavík

There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Iceland for families, and even better, many of the best are in Reykjavik. Let’s take a look at a few that really stand out.

Perlan

Perlan is an innovative museum that showcases Iceland’s unique environments, from volcanic landscapes to valleys sculpted by ice and water. Kids will love touching the chilly walls of Perlan’s artificial ice cave and tapping into augmented reality to watch cute puffins on a virtual visit to Látrabjarg’s bird cliffs. Another plus is the chance to see Áróra, a planetarium show about the Northern Lights – ideal for very little ones that might fall asleep before the real thing shows up.

FlyOver Iceland

A family-oriented hack is to ditch long bus rides in favour of seeing Iceland’s incredible landscapes without leaving Reykjavik. FlyOver Iceland is a motion ride that utilises state of the art technology to bring the country’s unique scenery and nature to life. Seated riders dangle in front of a massive screen to be fully immersed in the view, while a range of special effects simulate wind, mist and smells.

Lava Show

Your visit might not coincide with an active eruption but at Lava Show , kids can get a close-up look at what lava looks like. Feel the heat and hear it sizzle in a multi-sensory experience that’s unlike anything else you’ve ever seen.

The family-friendly visitor attraction welcomes young children, making this the ideal place to awaken or nurture a lifelong love of science. Lava Show is conveniently located at the heart of Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, making it easy to slot into your plans.

Kid-Friendly Museums

At Reykjavik Maritime Museum, youngsters can learn about Iceland’s relationship with the sea. They’ll especially enjoy the museum’s floating exhibits (open March and November) as they board the Coast Guard vessel Óðinn and the tugboat Magni.

Árbær Open Air Museum is a treat for children that love history. The museum’s farm animals may join you as you visit a stable, granary, church and smithy, as museum staff in period costume help you understand what it would have been like to live in Iceland in the 19th century.

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Child-friendly Activities in Reyíkjavík

Whale Watching from Reykjavik

Iceland is one of the best countries in the world to spot whales. Year round, a variety of cetaceans swim close to shore, making a whale watching trip a popular option for travellers of all ages.

On a Reykjavík whale watching tour , all the family will have fun looking out for minke whales, humpback whales, harbour porpoises and white-beaked dolphins. Before or after your whale watching trip, it’s well worth calling in to Whales of Iceland in the Old Harbour to learn more about the species that are found nearby.

Geothermal Bathing

Swimming is a big part of Icelandic life and if your kids also love to splash about, you’ll be delighted to learn that there are swimming pools all over the city.

One of the best for children is Árbæjarlaug, whose outdoor and indoor pools are connected. There are slides and wading pools, making this suitable even for toddlers. In summer, you might also want to visit Nauthólsvík, a geothermal beach on the outskirts of the capital which might appeal to children for its novelty value.

Family-friendly Events

One of Reykjavik’s most family-friendly festivals takes place in August and commemorates the founding of the city. Culture Night is marked by events across the city, in galleries and gardens, museums and municipal spaces. There are a lot of activities designed with children in mind, and the day’s celebrations come to a spectacular conclusion with a massive fireworks display that all the family will enjoy.

During Advent, the city’s Christmas lights brighten the dark December days. The Oslo tree takes pride of place in a central square called Austurvöllur and the Christmas cat – the pet of the giantess Grýla and her lazy husband Leppalúði, is installed at Lækjartorg. Watch out for their children, the mischievous Yule Lads, as they emerge from their North Iceland cave and pop up across the capital.

Other festivals to check out include February’s Winter Lights Festival and the Reykjavik Children’s Culture Festival in April. Fishermen’s Day in June marks Iceland’s relationship with the sea; plenty of kid-centric activities take place at the Old Harbour. The Viking Festival in Hafnarfjörður takes place a few weeks later and the re-enactments, storytelling, food and craft market will appeal to children and adults alike.

How to Get Around with Kids in Reykjavík

Getting around the city is especially straightforward if you purchase tickets for Reykjavik’s Hop On, Hop Off Bus . It takes the stress out of family travel and connects many of the major visitor attractions as it loops around the Icelandic capital.

In Iceland family tours are common. Within Reykjavik, kids will enjoy finding out about elves and trolls on the Icelandic Mythical Walk , while the Reykjavik Cat Walk will delight those missing the feline members of their family. Exploring Reykjavik independently is also easy. Signage is clear and much of the capital is flat – particularly along the waterfront – so it’s pushchair-accessible.

Where to Eat

Even the fussiest eaters can’t complain about the foodie options in Reykjavik. In Iceland, visiting an ice cream parlour is a popular pastime for locals even during the winter, so it’s a must; try Valdis, Ísbúð Huppu or Ísbúð Vesturbæjar where you can pile your ice cream high with all kinds of toppings.Cinnamon buns from bakeries like Brauð and Co are another sweet treat that the kids will love.

When it comes to savoury dishes, try a hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, which has been serving satisfied customers since 1937. A meal of fish and chips is another kid-friendly option; for no-frills family dining you might eat at Reykjavik Fish Restaurant.

Alternatively, opt for a food hall such as Grandi Mathöll where everyone can choose their favourite and then sit down together. Meanwhile if your children are more adventurous they might try Icelandic delicacies such as hákarl – only for the brave!

Where to Stay

Many hotels in Reykjavik are family-friendly and have spacious suites or connected rooms that are ideal for families. Look for those which offer free accommodation for a child when sharing a room with a paying adult, such as the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica.

Some properties, such as the Reykjavik Residence Hotel, work hard to pull off a design aesthetic that feels like a home from home. Active families might consider a less central location; try Hotel Kriunes beside Lake Elliðavatn, for instance, where there’s plenty of outdoor space for children to play when you’re not out sightseeing.

You might also consider renting an apartment; often they are equipped with shared laundry facilities so you can pop on a load of washing if necessary. Rooms also often incorporate a small kitchen. This means you can start the day with your child’s usual breakfast and get the day off to a good start. Having an in-room sofa will also please parents – somewhere comfortable to sit and chat or watch television after the kids have gone to bed.

Useful Tips for Parents Planning a Trip to Reykjavik

Plan some downtime

There’s so much to do and see in Reykjavik that it can be tempting to cram too much in. While you’ll want to make the most of your holiday, in summer especially with the long hours of daylight it can be too tiring to do so – particularly for the youngest members of the family. Instead, plan some downtime.

Little ones will benefit from a nap that will give them a second wind ready for the next activity, while teens might appreciate some time online to play games or message with friends. Don’t forget to pack their device’s charger and adapter.

Visit a city park or pool to let off steam

Some activities require a certain level of concentration or expectation of calm behaviour. But kids are kids, and need to let off steam. Give them the opportunity to run around and burn off some energy. When it’s dry, city parks can be the ideal place for a few family games, while when it’s colder, make the most of the fact that Reykjavik’s many swimming pools are heated – with plenty indoors – making them a fun destination year-round.

Pack warm clothes, even in summer

Your children, particularly at a young age, are most likely going to feel the cold a lot more than you will. Iceland’s weather is notoriously unpredictable and it’s not unheard of to experience snow even in late spring or early summer. Keeping their extremities warm is vital, so be sure to pack hat, scarf and gloves. Similarly, suitable shoes and a coat that’s cosy, waterproof and windproof are also essentials.

Be realistic about your child’s physical capabilities

When choosing how to fill your time, think carefully about whether all the members of your family are able to cope with the physical aspects of the activity.

Read the tour descriptions carefully to make sure your children meet the minimum age requirements; in Iceland, family tours are common but some activities by their very nature aren’t suitable for everyone. Consider adjusting your travel plans to suit different ages; if practical, you may wish to split up and regroup later, or plan for a late start or early finish so that the youngsters can cope better.

However you choose to spend your family vacation in Reykjavik, you’re sure to have a great time on one of our tours. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

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Questions and Answers about Reykjavík with kids

1. What are the best family-friendly attractions in Reykjavik? Reykjavik offers a variety of attractions perfect for families, including Perlan Museum, FlyOver Iceland, and the Lava Show. These attractions provide interactive and immersive experiences that kids will love, such as exploring an artificial ice cave, enjoying a motion ride through Iceland's landscapes, and witnessing a live lava demonstration.

2. Are there any child-friendly activities in Reykjavik? Yes, Reykjavik has plenty of activities for children, including whale watching tours, swimming in geothermal pools like Árbæjarlaug, and visiting museums such as the Reykjavik Maritime Museum and Árbær Open Air Museum.

3. What family-friendly festivals can we attend in Reykjavik? Reykjavik hosts several family-friendly festivals throughout the year, including Culture Night in August, the Winter Lights Festival in February, and the Reykjavik Children's Culture Festival in April. These festivals feature activities designed for kids and often include spectacular events like fireworks displays.

4. How can we get around Reykjavik with children? Getting around Reykjavik is easy with options like the Hop On, Hop Off Bus, which connects major attractions. The city is also pushchair-friendly, especially along the flat waterfront areas. For a fun twist, consider the Icelandic Mythical Walk or Reykjavik Cat Walk.

5. What are some kid-friendly dining options in Reykjavik? Reykjavik offers many kid-friendly dining options, including ice cream parlors like Valdis, hot dogs from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, and fish and chips at Reykjavik Fish Restaurant. Food halls like Grandi Mathöll also provide a variety of choices that cater to different tastes.

6. Where should we stay in Reykjavik with kids? Many hotels in Reykjavik are family-friendly, offering spacious suites and connected rooms. Options like Hilton Reykjavik Nordica provide free accommodation for children, while Reykjavik Residence Hotel offers a home-like atmosphere. Renting an apartment is also a good option for families, providing extra amenities like laundry facilities and kitchenettes.

7. What should we pack for a family trip to Reykjavik? Regardless of the season, pack warm clothing for your children, including hats, scarves, gloves, and waterproof, windproof coats. Iceland's weather is unpredictable, and it's essential to keep kids warm, especially if you're planning outdoor activities.

8. How can we manage our itinerary to suit our kids' needs? Plan some downtime during your trip to prevent exhaustion, especially during the long daylight hours in summer. Consider visiting parks or heated swimming pools to let kids burn off energy. Be realistic about your child's physical capabilities and choose activities that are age-appropriate.

9. What are some tips for making the most of a family vacation in Reykjavik? Balance your itinerary with a mix of activities and rest periods, dress appropriately for the weather, and select attractions and activities that cater to all family members. Enjoy the unique experiences Reykjavik has to offer while considering the needs and energy levels of your children.