Visiting a city is often difficult with kids, but Reykjavík has a lot to offer in the way of family fun. There is a wide range of options from interactive museums to entertainment centres. So whether your child is interested in studying nature or just loves to run wild in it, there will be an outlet for this energy in Reykjavík.
Perlan-Wonders of Iceland
Perlan was built in 1991 on top of six big thermal water tanks. Surrounding the dome is a 360° viewing deck that provides wonderful panoramic views of Reykjavík and the surrounding landscape. A fee is charged to go onto the deck, but the view is also good indoors. The top floor of Perlan houses a coffee shop and restaurant and spectacular views as well.
In 2017, Perlan opened the country’s largest nature exhibition called Wonders of Iceland. This includes a glacier exhibition, a replica of an ice cave with ice from various glaciers and a planetarium.
For prices and further information, please visit www.perlan.is
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
At the bottom of the Öskjuhlíð hill, you can find the man-made beach at Nauthólsvík. Set within a 3.5 km walk from the town centre and only a 1.3 km walk from Perlan, the beach is in reasonable walking distance for children. The child-friendly beach, cozy hot tub and steam bath make this an excellent place for family fun on the beach.
Free admission during the summer months. Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 19:00 (Summer)
Reykjavik City Pond
Feeding the ducks at the city pond has always been a popular activity with Icelandic families. However, it is not good for ducks and swans to eat bread so please do not join in. The Pond is a delightful place to walk around and watch the different ducks and swans interacting. There is a wonderful little park called Hljómskálagarðurinn at the other end of the pond which is fun to visit.
Viðey Island
Viðey is a small island visible from Reykjavík. It offers peaceful surroundings, abundant birdlife and is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of Reykjavík.
For ferry prices please visit www.elding.is
Elliðárdalur Valley
Elliðárdalur Valley is one of the biggest outdoor areas in Reykjavík and is a fantastic getaway from the city, within the city. It is characterised by its large river and waterfalls varied plant life, plenty of walking routes and peaceful surroundings.
The Reykjavík Park and Zoo
The Reykjavík Park and Zoo offers an action-packed day out for family fun. The domestic zoo is home to both farm and wild animals, and offers children the chance to experience farm life first hand. The family park offers various activities such as rides and entertainment, but please note that the rides are not included in the admission and are only open in the summer. The family park has good picnic facilities, and visitors are welcome to bring their own hot dogs or other foods to cook on the provided BBQ´s.
For further details, please visit www.mu.is
Entrance fee: Adults 900 ISK, Kids 680 ISK
Open daily 10:00 – 17:00 (winter), 10:00-18:00(summer).
The Reykjavík Botanical Garden
Opposite the Reykjavík Park and Zoo, you can find the botanical garden, great for a stroll on a sunny day. This is an outdoor collection of living plants and conserves about 5000 plant species.
May – September Open every day from 10:00 – 22:00
October – April from 10:00 – 15:00
Free admission
Laugardalur Ice Skating Rink
The indoor ice skating rink in Laugardalur is great fun for all ages, and ideal for when the weather is not favourable. Visitors can rent skates and helmets but please be aware that it can be very cold inside so dressing warmly is advisable.
Opening hours vary. Please see website for details www.skautaholl.is
Reykjavík´s Thermal Swimming Pools
Swimming is an all-time favourite of Icelanders. The thermal pools are family friendly, and most pools have fun slides, children areas, hot tubs and steam baths. For further information on swimming pools and opening times, please visit www.sundlaugar.is
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6:30 – 22:00. Weekends 8:00 – 18:00
Entrance fee: Adults 1000 ISK, kids 160 ISK.
Árbær Open Air Museum
Árbæjarsafn is an open-air museum and comprises a collection of over 20 houses from the 19th century that guests are invited to visit. The museum is located on extensive grounds where there is plenty of space to run around and play. Árbæjarsafn offers a daily guided tour between the hours of 13:00 and 14:00.
Other museums that are worth visiting with children are The Reykjavik City Museum, The Whale Museum, Saga Museum and The National Museum.
Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:00 June-August, 13:00-17:00 September-May.
Entrance fee: Adults 1700 ISK , children free.
Rush Iceland — Trampoline Park
Rush Iceland is an indoor entertainment centre where every member of the family can find an activity to their taste, such as open jumping, Slam Dunk
Basketball or Battle Beam & Fidget Ladder. Trampoline rides are fun, exciting and safe for everyone! Saturday and Sunday mornings (09:00–10:00) they have Toddler Time, a special time, just for the little ones.
For more information on prices and opening hours please visit www.rushiceland.is
Klifurhúsið
Klifurhúsið is an indoor climbing centre and great fun for all ages. It is suitable for young children as it has a special climbing wall for toddlers. On weekends, there are special rates for families between the hours of 12:00 – 15:00.
Prices: Adults 1300 ISK, Kids 1000 ISK.
FlyOver Iceland
FlyOver Iceland , one of the newest attractions of Reykjavik, is an interactive and fun experience, suitable for the whole family. You can experience the feeling of flight across Iceland while you will hang suspended before a 20 metre spherical screen. The experience includes special effects like wind, mist and different scents.
Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 21:00
Entrance fee: Adults (13+) 4490 ISK , children(12 and under) 2245 ISK.
If none of the above ideas are to your taste, there are plenty of organized tours and activities around Reykjavik. You can visit www.tripguide.is for ideas and information.
