Reykjavik
Reykjavik
Reykjavik
Reykjavik
Reykjavik
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
Reykjavik
Reykjavik
Reykjavik
Reykjavik
Reykjavik
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
Table of Contents
IN A NUTSHELL
Visit Reykjavik with Kids
Are you planning a trip to Iceland with kids? Then, look no further as Reykjavik is your best bet for a safe, family-friendly and accessible holiday. This Icelandic destination is designed with kids in mind and has various activities for all age groups.
Reykjavik is also great to explore on food and is ideal for family tours and day trips. You may find this peculiar, but locals are happy to let their babies and toddlers sleep outside in their stroller, and older kids roam around alone in the suburbs of the city. This goes to show how safe this place is. Ready to get a look of what visiting Reykjavik with kids would look like? We’re here to guide you for your best family holiday in Reykjavik with the best things to do, see, places to eat at, parks and playgrounds to visit and where to stay in Reyjkjavik with kids.
The Best Time to Visit Reykjavik with Kids
The best time to visit Reykjavik with kids would be in early fall or late spring as you will get the best of both world, and you will also be visiting at a less touristic season. You will enjoy plenty of daylight and temperatures are mild. Above all this, you will be in the chance to see the most loved spectacle of the Northern Lights. Other good periods to visit Reykjavik are from late August to late April.
As the name of the country implies, it does get cold there! So, if you intend on visiting in winter, then you should pack up thermal clothing and waterproof boots and raincoat. Your suitcase should have similar clothing even when visiting in the other seasons.
How to Get to Reykjavik with Kids
You can get to Reykjavik with kids by plane or by ferry. There are around 20 airlines that offer regular flights to Iceland from Europe and North America to Keflavik airport. If you intend on travelling by car, you can get the Norröna ferry the from Denmark.
Must Dos When in Reykjavik with Kids
- Visit Reykjavik’s Swimming Pools
- Visit the Old Harbour
- The Northern Lights
- Perlan Museum
- National Museum of Iceland
- Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre
- Enjoy the views of Hallgrímskirkja Observation Tower
LOCATION
Hotels in Reykjavik
Our Top Family-Friendly Hotels in Reykjavik
Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel **** – This is part of the Guldsmeden Hotels, and all rooms feature a Balinese style. This hotel offers a view over the city and of mountain Esja. The Eyja Guldsmeden hotel is also next to Hlemmur square food market and right off Laugavegur, the main shopping street. The triple superior room here can accommodate families.
Skuggi Hotel **** – This is a great hotel if you’re looking to stay within the Reykjavik’s city centre. All rooms are equipped with standard amenities to make you feel comfortable during your stay. Skuggi hotel also offers extra beds for children under 13 years and they also have baby cots. The breakfast is lovely with Icelandic produce, but there is no restaurant on site.
Exeter Hotel **** – The Exter Hotel is situated in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour area. The Junior Suite and the Suite with harbour views can accommodate up to 3 people. The Economy Double or Twin Room has 2 single beds and 1 large double bed. There is also Le Kock – which is a restaurant on site.
Reykjavík Natura | Berjaya Iceland Hotels **** – As the name implies, beautiful nature surrounds the property. This hotel is also located in one of the greenest areas in Reykjavik. So you can enjoy taking different trails and pathways on your stay there. The Reykjavik Natura hotel features its Icelandic roots from works of local artists, fresh local produce at the Satt restaurant and a Natura spa. The buzzing city centre is within easy reach; just a few minutes away by car or bus or approximately a 20-minute walk. Their King Deluxe Room and their Triple Guest Room can accommodate up to 3 people.
Check out more kid-friendly hotels in Reykjavik.
PLAY
Activities for children ages 0-5
Tiring our babies and toddlers whilst they absorb all that is around them.
Swimming Pools – Árbæjarlaug, located in a residential district of Reykjavík. This pool is unique because it has an indoor swimming pool that connects to the outside swimming pool, a large slide for older kids and a small slide for toddlers, a wading pool, infant facilities, plus all the amenities adults enjoy, such as a steam bath and variety of hot tubs. If that isn’t enough to convince you, the pool also has a spectacular view of Reykjavík.
Árbær Open Air Museum – There’s plenty of space for children to run around and explore.
Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo – Featuring an outdoor recreation area, a petting zoo and an amusement park. Children can also enjoy amusement rides such as a merry-go-round, drop-tower, a mini-train, and boats. The park is equipped with outdoor grills if you’d like to have a picnic. This is also included with the city card.
Grótta Lighthouse – This lighthouse is surrounded by nature and bird life, and it is only reachable on a low tide. Walk on the sand black beach, watch the birds and enjoy the sound of the waves.
Grab a Hot Dog (“Eina með öllu”) and sit by Tjörnin – In the 101 area in downtown Reykyavik, you will find the oldest and most frequented hot dog stand. This is just around 10 minutes away from Tjörnin, the big pond in downtown, so you can grab a hot dog from the stand and make your way to Tjörnin. There you will see swans and seagulls. You can also enjoy a walk along the paths with flowers and greenery.
PLAY
Activities for older kids
Keeping the older kids happy, entertained, and reducing the amount of times they ask for a screen or complain about being bored.
Swimming Pools – Pool options for family swimming are: Laugardalslaug, Vesturbæjarlaug, Sundhöll Reykjavíkur and Breiðholtslaug. The most kid-friendly pool is Árbæjarlaug. This pool is very popular with kids since the indoor swimming pool connects to the outside swimming pool, and it also has a large slide.
Árbær Open Air Museum – Learn all about how Icelanders lived in earlier times. This museum is included with the city park. At 13:00 hours, daily there is a guided tour.
Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo – Featuring an outdoor recreation area, a petting zoo and an amusement park. Children can also enjoy amusement rides such as a merry-go-round, drop-tower, a mini-train, and boats. The park is equipped with outdoor grills if you’d like to have a picnic. This is also included with the city card.
Ice-cream – Enjoy an ice-cream on a sunny day or opt for a milkshake, or the so called “bragðarefur” which is a mix of sweets and ice-cream mixed in a blender.
Flyover Iceland – Experience a simulated journey that takes you to the Icelandic nature. This experience gives you the feeling that you are flying, through the use of special effects including wind, mist and scents.
Whales of Iceland – A museum solely dedicated to whales, with life-sized models of whale species. If you want to join the free tour around this museum, make sure to be there between 11am and 3pm.
Grótta Lighthouse – This lighthouse is surrounded by nature and bird life, and it is only reachable on a low tide. Walk on the sand black beach, watch the birds and enjoy the sound of the waves.
Perlan Museum – A science museum with various exhibits and a view of Reykjavik and the ocean. The Planterarium here showcases the Northern Lights so it is worth a visit. There is also an interesting restaurant area that spins in circles, but very slowly!
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach – A white man-made sandy beach with outdoor activity areas for beach volley and open-air hot tubs.
The Natural History Museum of Kópavogur – The geological part of the museum focuses on formation of Iceland, and you can find out all about the different types of rocks and minerals that there are on the island.
Hallgrímskirkja and Leifur Eiríksson statue – At the top of Skólavörðustígur, you will be face-to-face with Leifur, a.k.a. “Leif the Lucky” Eiríksson, a Viking pioneer who discovered North America before Columbus. You will also discover the largest church in Iceland and the tallest building in Reykjavík.
A Hot Dog (“Eina með öllu”) and sit by Tjörnin watching the birds – In the 101 area in downtown Reykyavik, you will find the oldest and most frequented hot dog stand. This is just around 10 minutes away from Tjörnin, the big pond in downtown, so you can grab a hot dog from the stand and make your way to Tjörnin. There you will see swans and seagulls. You can also enjoy a walk along the paths with flowers and greenery.
Horse Riding – Go horse riding on an Icelandic horse. Discover the horse riding options in Reykyavik for kids.
Sea Tours – Faxaflói Bay, offers a one of a kind experience of encountering whales, and dolphins. Check out the sea tours in Reykjavik that you can get as a family.
Bike and Scooter Tours – A cool way to explore Reykjavik is on foot. The city centre is family-friendly, cheap and a lot of fun.
PLAY
Parks & Playgrounds
Playgrounds when in Reykjavik with Kids
Tjörnin Pond – There is a small adventure playground and climbing net but this place is great to spot ducks, geese, swans, and seagulls amongst other birds.
Hljómskálagarðurinn – This park is located on the opposite side of the Tjörnin Pond. It is a great place for kids to run around, play with the ball and there is also a playground.
Icelandic Kindergartens – These usually close in July. Therefore, their outside play area is open all day long for anyone to visit.
Lynghagi – Here you will find playing equipment for the little ones.
Arnarhóll – Make sure to spot this playground that is hidden between trees at Arnarhóll.
Parks when in Reykjavik with Kids
- Laugardalur Park – The biggest park in Iceland, located 30 minutes away from the capital. This park has swimming pools, it offers sport activities, and different hiking routes.
- Althingisagardurinn – A small green space, located in the downtown area.
- Arnarholl – A small park overlooking downtown Reykjavik and the Harpa Concert Hall. This park is well known for the statue of Ingolfr Arnarson.
- Gardurinn – A peaceful park, which is not very known by tourists so you’ll get to enjoy the quiet there.
- Heiðmörk Nature Reserve – This is the largest outdoor area close to Reykjavík. You will find a playground, picnic tables, hiking trails, benches, forests and bird life.
- Reykjavik Botanical Garden – A living, open air-museum. Every museum showcases and promotes Icelandic plants, trees or food and species.
- Klambratún Park – One of the largest public parks in Reykjavik.
Discover more parks in Reykjavik.
Petting Zoos in Reykjavik
Reykjavik Family Park and Zoo – Apart from the usual farm animals, you can visit arctic foxes, reindeer’s and seals, in addition you can visit our small selection of exotic animals. There is also a fun fair that is open daily in summer and on weekends in winter, weather permitting. Electric grills are offered to visitors to cook their own food, free of charge, but you can also buy hot dogs to cook on the grill from here. Other meals are offered at this place including sandwiches, coffees and teas. At this zoo, there is also a park with a huge playground for kids to play in. The park also has interactive equipment including a dance game, and a memory game. Check out all the fun toys for kids at Reykavik Family Park.
FOOD
Family-friendly cafés & restaurants in Reykjavik
Here are our top favourite cafés and restaurants that you should try when visiting Reykjavik with kids.
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Reykjavik
Huppa Ice cream – Grab some great ice-cream from one of these ice-cream parlours located in Álfheimar, Kringlan mall, and Spöngin shopping district.
Rossopomodoro – An Italian restaurant serving pasta, soup, pizza, fish, meat, and salads. There is also a kids menu offering spaghetti Bolognese, lasagne, pizza marghetira, pizza Nutella and others.
Subway – A familiar brand offering quick, tasty and healthy meals. Bread and cookies are freshly baked daily.
Mossley – Specialising in burgers, wings, and tacos. This is a street food joint.
Laundromat Café – A unique café in the heart of Reykjavik, with a children’s play area. As this café’s name implies, there is a self-service laundromat for those who want to do their laundry whilst enjoying a meal.
Hamburger Factory – Serving good quality burgers with a humorous twist. A kids menu is also available offering mini burgers, hot dogs, chicken, meatballs and penne pasta and rice pudding.
Cat Café – This was Iceland’s first cat café. You can relax, enjoy the food and meet the cats there. Serving great cakes and coffees too.
Check out more family-friendly restaurants in Reykjavik.
TRANSPORTATION
How to Get Around Reykjavik with Kids
Getting around Reykjavik with kids is easy.
Public Transport
The best way for families to get around Reykjavík is by public bus Strætó.
You can find routes, timetables and other information on Strætó.
During peak times of the day, buses are frequent, passing every 10-15 minutes. However, at mid-day and in the evening the frequency of the buses drops to operating every 30 minutes. You can also purchase a Klapp Card for a 24 hour or 72-hour pass.
You can also purchase the Reykjavik City Card that is available for 1, 2 or 3 days. This is an unlimited bus pass, with great perks including free access to museums and exhibitions and the city’s lively public swimming pools.
On Foot
Explore Reykjajvik on foot. The city centre from the Old Harbour to Hlemmur bus terminal is less than 3km, making it easier to explore on foot.
TOYS
Toy Shops & Clothing Stores in Reykjavik for Kids
We’re listing our favourite children toy stores, clothing, and baby product stores for when you are in Reykjavik with kids.
Our favourite children stores in Reykjavik
Salka Bookstore – With a variety of books about Iceland and the Icelandic culture.
Móðurást – With a selection of breastfeeding, pregnancy and baby products.
JK Design / AGÚ co-op Store – A local clothing designer shop with clothes for women and kids.
Mói – A children’s fashion brand originating in Iceland.
Tulipop – An adventure world with different Icelandic characters cand the Tulipoppers cartoons. You can purchase different toys, accessories and other things.
Discover more children shops in Reykjavik.
Insider Tips
Swimsuits
Take your swimsuits! Your family holiday won’t be complete without soaking in a hot spring.
Souvenirs from the Flea Market
Located in Reykjavik, the Kolaportid Flea Market is your best shot at bringing back home unique souvenirs for a very reasonable price.
TRAVEL TO REYKJAVIK
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Booking With Kids gives you family travel tips to inspiration on the best places to travel with kids, we’re here to help you make your next trip a positive one.
Booking With Kids gives you family travel tips to inspiration on the best places to travel with kids, we’re here to help you make your next trip a positive one.
