Best Things To Do in Reykjavik With Young Kids

Discover the best things to do in Reykjavik with young kids, from swimming in geothermal pools and running around playgrounds to wildlife encounters and visiting interactive museums. This guide covers practical, age-appropriate activities for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers up to age 6.

Reykjavik is easy to navigate as a family, with compact sightseeing areas, year-round indoor options, and many attractions offering free admission for young children. Those free entries and indoor stops are what parents praise most in our study of how good Iceland is for kids.

Family-friendly accommodation in Reykjavik is available near downtown sights and recreation areas. The capital can also serve as a practical base for traveling around Iceland with children, and family self-drive tours let you set the pace from there. Short driving days with stops for snacks, toilets, and playgrounds are the pattern behind the happiest trips in our study.

Discover the best outdoor and rainy-day activities in Reykjavik for young kids, plus practical guidance on family dining, pools, public transport, airport transfers, and planning a comfortable family itinerary. Families exploring Reykjavik with kids will find ideas for different interests and seasons, while activities for tweens and teens in Reykjavik are better suited to older siblings.

Key Takeaways

• Reykjavik’s geothermal pools, playgrounds, museums, libraries, and harbor attractions make the city easy to explore with young children in any season.

• Pools are the activity parents mention most, and playgrounds get the warmest comments of all, according to our Iceland-for-kids study.

• Laugardalur is the most convenient area for a full family day because it includes Laugardalslaug, Reykjavik Family Park and Zoo, and the Botanical Garden.

• Perlan, Whales of Iceland, Grofin City Library, Harpa, and Reykjavik’s art museums provide reliable indoor options for rainy or windy days.

• Children ages 0–9 enter Reykjavik’s public pools free with a guardian, while children ages 11 and under ride city buses free.

• Babies under 1 year old cannot travel on Flybus because its buses cannot secure the rear-facing infant seats required for that age group. Rent a car or arrange a private transfer with a confirmed infant seat instead.

Best Outdoor Activities in Reykjavik With Young Kids

Reykjavik’s best outdoor activities for young kids combine short walking distances with space to play and explore. Geothermal pools operate year-round, while parks, the zoo, and wildlife tours are especially enjoyable during the brighter months of summer.

Swim in Reykjavik’s Geothermal Pools With Babies and Toddlers

Swimming in a geothermal pool is one of the easiest ways for families to experience the local bathing culture. Children ages 0–9 enter Reykjavik city pools free with a guardian, while standard adult admission is around 1,500 ISK.

Laugardalslaug is the best all-round choice for families. The large complex has children’s pools, shallow areas, and water slides. It is also close to Reykjavik Family Park and Zoo and the Reykjavik Botanic Garden.

Sundholl Reykjavikur is more convenient for families staying downtown. The pool is on Baronstigur Street, a short walk from Hallgrimskirkja Church, Rainbow Street, and Laugavegur Street.

Adults and children must wash thoroughly without swimwear before entering a public pool. Children who cannot swim must use approved arm floats or swim jackets, and guardians must keep them within direct sight. Approved flotation aids are available to borrow at city pools.

Read our guides to the best swimming pools in Reykjavik and Icelandic swimming-pool etiquette before your first visit.

Meet Icelandic Animals at Reykjavik Family Park and Zoo

Meeting animals at Reykjavik Family Park and Zoo is one of the best outdoor activities in Reykjavik for toddlers and preschoolers. The attraction combines Icelandic farm animals, native wildlife, playgrounds, and small rides in Laugardalur.

Children can see arctic foxes, reindeer, sheep, seals, goats, cattle, pigs, and other animals. The park also has year-round playgrounds with a pirate ship, farm-themed play area, and sand pit. Operated rides are most widely available during summer.

We recommend combining the zoo with a swim at Laugardalslaug Pool or a walk through the nearby Botanic Garden. This creates a full family day without repeatedly moving a stroller or car between different parts of Reykjavik.

Buses 2, 5, and 15 stop at Laugardalsholl, and parking is available beside the park. Opening hours, ride schedules, and admission can vary by season, so check the current details before visiting.

Explore Historic Homes at Arbaer Open Air Museum

Exploring Arbaer Open Air Museum works best for walking toddlers and preschoolers. Families can move between historic houses while children learn how people lived, worked, and played in Reykjavik in earlier generations.

The museum contains 31 buildings, including former homes, Arbaer Farm, a church, stables, and a workshop. The Arbaer farmhouses are the only museum buildings still in their original location, and families may also see domestic animals during summer.

The indoor Come and Play! exhibition introduces toys and children’s games from the last century. It gives families somewhere to pause indoors if the weather changes during their visit.

Arbaer Open Air Museum is around a 10- to 15-minute drive from central Reykjavik. Since it lies outside the main downtown sightseeing area, plan it as a separate stop rather than adding it to a walking tour of the city center. Children ages 0–17 enter free, but seasonal opening hours vary.

Watch Birds and Play Beside Tjornin Pond

Watching birds at Tjornin Pond provides an easy break during a family sightseeing day. The pond sits beside Reykjavik City Hall and near Hljomskalagardur Park, allowing families to combine birdwatching with time at a playground.

Ducks, geese, swans, and other waterbirds gather around the pond. The stop is free and works best as part of a walk through central Reykjavik rather than as a separate half-day activity.

The water’s edge is unfenced in places, so keep toddlers within reach. Local guidelines advise against feeding the birds from mid-May into fall because the food attracts gulls that prey on ducklings and adds excess nutrients to the pond.

IDNO stands beside the pond and normally operates a daytime coffeehouse where families can take a break. Cafe hours can change around events, so check the current schedule and recommended ages before planning around a performance.

Take a Playground Break in Central Reykjavik

Playing at Hljomskalagardur or Klambratun gives toddlers a break from museums, shops, and sightseeing. Both parks have children’s play areas, walking paths, seating, and enough open space for young kids to move around.

Hljomskalagardur is the better option during a downtown walking day. Located south of Tjornin Pond, it has a general playground and a separate toddler play area, plus picnic facilities and benches.

Klambratun is a larger park beside the Kjarvalsstadir branch of the Reykjavik Art Museum. Its facilities include children’s play areas, a climbing feature, sports areas, paths, benches, and a cafe.

We recommend adding playground stops between adult-focused attractions instead of leaving all playtime until the end of the day. This keeps a family itinerary flexible and gives toddlers somewhere safe to use their energy.

Join a Puffin or Whale-Watching Tour From Reykjavik

Taking a wildlife boat tour lets families see Icelandic nature without leaving Reykjavik. Puffin and whale-watching tours depart from the Old Harbor, but their different durations and seasons can affect which experience suits a young child.

A family-friendly puffin tour from Reykjavik is generally the easier choice with a toddler. Tours last around one hour, have no minimum age, and usually operate during the puffin nesting season from May to August. The islands are about a 15-minute boat ride from the harbor.

A whale-watching tour from Reykjavik also accepts children of all ages but usually spends around three hours at sea. Boats may provide toilets, indoor seating, and warm overalls, but the longer journey is better for children already comfortable on boats.

Both activities are easy to pair with Whales of Iceland or other attractions around the Old Harbor and Grandi. Conditions can be cold, windy, and rough even in summer, so bring warm waterproof layers and consider seasickness precautions.

After returning to the Old Harbor, families can warm up at Reykjavik Rost, which serves light meals, pastries, and hot drinks beside the waterfront.

Best Indoor Activities in Reykjavik for Toddlers

Reykjavik’s best indoor activities for toddlers include science exhibitions, life-size animals, creative play areas, and free public spaces. Keep at least one indoor option available each day because rain, wind, or snow can change outdoor plans quickly.

Walk Through the Ice Cave at Perlan

Walking through the ice cave at Perlan gives young children an interactive introduction to Iceland’s glaciers and volcanoes. Families can also feel a simulated earthquake, watch a volcano show, and see a large model of an Icelandic seabird cliff.

The indoor ice tunnel is 328 feet (100 meters) long and made from real ice. It remains cold throughout the year, so keep children’s coats, hats, and gloves accessible instead of packing them at the bottom of a stroller.

The Wonders of Iceland admission also covers the glacier exhibition, northern lights planetarium show, Forces of Nature exhibition, and 360-degree observation deck. Perlan has a cafe, restaurant, ice cream parlor, and shop.

Perlan stands on Oskjuhlid Hill outside the main downtown streets. Tickets are issued for timed entry, so booking ahead helps secure your preferred time. Children ages 0–4 enter free, while those ages 5–12 receive a reduced admission price.

Walk Beneath Life-Size Whales at Whales of Iceland

Walking beneath the models at Whales of Iceland is one of the most visually engaging indoor activities in Reykjavik for toddlers. The exhibition contains 23 life-size models of whale species found in Icelandic waters.

The collection includes a blue whale, sperm whale, humpback whale, orca, narwhal, and dolphins. Underwater lighting, whale sounds, touchable models, and interactive displays make the exhibition accessible to children who are too young to follow detailed museum text.

Admission to Whales of Iceland is free for children ages 0–6, with reduced prices available for older children. The museum is in the Grandi Harbor District, around a 15-minute walk from central Reykjavik and a short walk from the Old Harbor. Bus 14 stops nearby, and free visitor parking is available on-site.

Read and Play at Grofin City Library

Reading and playing at Reykjavik City Library provides a free indoor break in downtown Reykjavik. The second-floor children’s department at the Grofin branch has an enclosed area with board books, toys, and a sofa for families with young children.

The Storytime Room contains costumes, mattresses, pillows, games, and small playhouses. Families can also find children’s books in several languages, a baby-changing station, and strollers to borrow.

Everyone can use the children’s area for free, and you do not need a library card to read or play on-site. Toddler sessions and other activities run on selected dates, so check the Reykjavik City Library event calendar before visiting.

The library is at Tryggvagata 15 beside Reykjavik Art Museum Hafnarhus. After visiting the library and neighboring Hafnarhus, you can continue to The Laundromat Cafe on Austurstraeti Street for a casual family meal.

Discover Icelandic History at the National Museum

The National Museum of Iceland introduces Iceland’s history through objects and displays dating from the settlement era to the present day. Its permanent Making of a Nation exhibition spans the second and third floors.

For hands-on time, visit the ground-floor Family Room, where children can explore, play, and try on costumes. This dedicated space is likely to hold a toddler’s attention longer than the main exhibition galleries.

Older preschoolers can follow the permanent exhibition using a children’s audio guide available in English. The museum also provides strollers for young children, and admission is free for visitors under 18.

The museum is on Sudurgata Street beside the University of Iceland, around 0.3 miles (0.5 kilometers) from Tjornin Pond. Buses 1, 2, 3, 6, 11, and 12 stop at Haskoli Islands.

Make Art at Reykjavik Art Museum

Making art at the Reykjavik Art Museum gives children a hands-on activity alongside the exhibitions. All three branches welcome families and provide creative materials, but each location fits a different type of itinerary.

Hafnarhus is the easiest choice during a downtown day. Its family area has art supplies and space for children to create, and the museum stands directly beside Grofin City Library near the Old Harbor.

Kjarvalsstadir has a creative workshop with books, coloring supplies, and materials connected to current exhibitions. It is beside Klambratun Park, making it easy to combine art with an outdoor play break.

Asmundarsafn provides paints, books, plasticine, and other creative materials. Its unusual building, sculpture garden, and story-inspired artwork make it a particularly good and interesting choice for preschoolers to explore.

Visitors under 18 enter free, and one adult ticket covers all three museum branches for 24 hours. Check current opening times before planning visits to more than one location.

Explore Harpa Concert Hall With Young Kids

Harpa Concert Hall is a toddler-friendly indoor attraction on the Reykjavik waterfront beside the Old Harbor. Entry is free, and families can see its geometric glass facade, enjoy views across Faxafloi Bay, and visit the children’s space on the ground floor.

At Hljodhimnar, or “Sound Worlds,” children can conduct the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, listen to Icelandic Opera songs, explore Maximus Musicus mouseholes, and take a musical journey with the Reykjavik Big Band. The space is free to enter, but children must stay with an adult.

Harpa’s free Family Program offers additional music and creative events for different age groups. Check the recommended age and look for the Family Program label, as events hosted at Harpa by outside organizers are not included in the free program.

Families can also stop at one of Harpa’s places to eat or browse Icelandic crafts and design at the Rammagerdin Gift Shop. Harpa opens from 10 AM to 6 PM Sunday through Tuesday and from 10 AM to 8 PM Wednesday through Saturday.

Visiting Reykjavik’s Top Attractions With Toddlers

Reykjavik’s best-known landmarks can fit into a family sightseeing day. Several are connected by the best Reykjavik walking routes, making them easy to combine. The sections below explain what toddlers may enjoy and where parents should expect stairs, traffic, exposed water, or other practical limitations.

See Hallgrimskirkja and the Views From Its Tower

Hallgrimskirkja Church is known for its striking exterior, whose concrete columns resemble Iceland’s basalt formations. Families can admire the church and the Leif Erikson Statue outside before taking the tower elevator for views across Reykjavik, Faxafloi Bay, and the surrounding mountains.

The elevator covers most of the ascent but stops on the eighth floor. A short staircase leads to the viewing platform, so bring a baby carrier instead of relying on a stroller for the full tower visit.

Hallgrimskirkja is an active church, and access can change around services, ceremonies, and concerts. Tower tickets are sold in the church shop and cannot be reserved in advance.

After visiting, walk downhill along Rainbow Street toward Reykjavik’s shops and cafes. This direction is easier with a stroller than pushing uphill from downtown.

Walk From Rainbow Street to Laugavegur Street

Rainbow Street covers the lower section of Skolavordustigur and connects directly with Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street. Its painted pavement, colorful buildings, shops, and view back toward Hallgrimskirkja make it an easy sightseeing walk with young children.

The rainbow-painted section is pedestrianized, so families can explore it more comfortably with a stroller. Authorized vehicles and deliveries may still enter at low speed, so keep toddlers close.

At the bottom of Rainbow Street, families can stop at Prikid for breakfast, pancakes, or a casual meal. Visit during the day, as the cafe becomes a busy music and nightlife venue later in the evening.

Continue along Laugavegur to reach 66°North at number 17. The Icelandic brand makes durable outdoor clothing for adults and children. If you did not stop at Prikid, Te & Kaffi at Laugavegur 27 offers warm drinks and pastries without leaving the route.

The route can finish at Made in Iceland Souvenirs at Laugavegur 56, which sells locally made gifts. The building also has a tourist desk for travel advice and tour bookings, plus The Story of Icelanders, a free 11-minute history show.

The show includes dark spaces, flashing lights, and a few sudden effects, so it may not suit easily startled toddlers or children sensitive to strobe lighting. Families can visit the shop without attending the show.

Follow the Waterfront to the Sun Voyager

Following the waterfront from Harpa to the Sun Voyager creates a short, mostly level walk with boats, sea views, and mountains for children to watch along the way.

The steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason is often mistaken for a Viking ship, but it represents a dream boat and an ode to the sun. The attraction is free and works best as a short photo stop rather than a long standalone activity.

Keep children close because the sculpture stands beside both the shoreline and Saebraut Road. The waterfront is also exposed to wind and rain, so carry warm and waterproof layers even when conditions look calm downtown.

Best Kid-Friendly Places to Eat in Reykjavik

The best kid-friendly places to eat in Reykjavik include family cafes, burger restaurants, breakfast spots, and food halls. The options below offer useful features for younger children, such as children’s menus, play areas, high chairs, stroller space, or locations near family attractions.

• The Laundromat Cafe: The best overall choice downtown, with children’s meals, high chairs, stroller space, and a downstairs play area containing books, puzzles, games, and soft toys.

• Hamborgarafabrikkan: A relaxed burger restaurant for lunch or dinner with a dedicated children’s menu, smaller portions, and familiar choices.

• Kaffi Laugalaekur: A neighborhood cafe with a children’s menu and play corner. It is a practical stop after the zoo, Botanic Garden, or Laugardalslaug Pool.

• Grandi Matholl and Posthus Food Hall: Good choices when family members want different meals. Visit outside peak meal times for easier seating and more stroller space.

• Grai Kotturinn: A local breakfast favorite for pancakes, eggs, and homemade bread. Its small basement dining room is easier with a baby carrier or older preschooler than with a large stroller.

Practical Tips for Visiting Reykjavik With Young Children

Visiting Reykjavik with a baby or toddler becomes easier when you plan ahead. These practical details can prevent unnecessary costs and help you avoid arriving without an appropriate child seat.

• Request a Flybus child seat early: A Flybus airport transfer has a limited number of child seats for children weighing 20–40 pounds (9–18 kilograms), generally ages 1–3. Request a seat at least 24 hours ahead and provide the child’s age and weight.

• Arrange a suitable transfer for traveling with infants: Babies under 1 year old cannot travel on Flybus because its buses do not provide the required rear-facing infant seats. Rent a car or book a private airport transfer and confirm the infant seat in advance so your baby can travel according to Icelandic safety rules.

• Use Reykjavik city buses: Reykjavik buses have a designated stroller space in the middle of the vehicle. Secure the stroller and remain beside the child. Children ages 11 and under ride free, while adults can pay by contactless card or through the Klappid app. Cash is not accepted. Check routes with Straeto.

• Plan one main activity per half-day: Allow time for meals, naps, changing, and weather delays. Laugardalur, the Old Harbor, and the Tjornin area each contain several nearby attractions that can be combined without repeatedly moving across the city.

• Carry layers in every season: Reykjavik’s wind and rain can make temperatures feel much colder, especially beside the harbor. Pack waterproof outerwear, warm layers, hats, gloves, spare socks, and a stroller rain cover.

• Know where to get medical help: Call 1700 for medical advice from a nurse if your child becomes ill or injured. The service operates 24 hours a day and can direct you to suitable care. Call 112 during an emergency.

Enjoying Reykjavik With Babies and Toddlers

Reykjavik is easy to adapt to the routines of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Its compact center, heated pools, free playgrounds, interactive museums, and short wildlife tours allow families to balance sightseeing with naps and unplanned breaks.

Start with a geothermal pool or Laugardalur, keep an indoor attraction available for poor weather, and avoid packing too many ticketed activities into one day. Two or three days usually gives young children enough time to enjoy the city without making the itinerary exhausting.

Continue planning with our guides to Iceland with children for exploring beyond the capital. You can also compare family tours and vacation packages in Iceland for an itinerary that combines child-friendly activities, transportation, and accommodation.