10 Family-Friendly Activities in Reykjavík

Are you thinking about traveling to Reykjavík with your children and wondering how to entertain them? Here’s a handy guide to 10 kid-friendly activities your whole family will love by Jenna Gottlieb.

Go on a whale-watching excursion

Whale-watching is, in some ways, the best part of natural Reykjavík, in that you get to see a slice of nature just minutes from shore. Elding Whale Watching offers tours year-round, and travelers relish the sightings of minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins (in the summer). Tours accommodate children 7 years and older.

Visit Whales of Iceland

If you’re not up for a whale-watching tour, you can still get a glimpse of these majestic beasts. Whales of Iceland is a large museum dedicated to Iceland’s gentle giants near the harbor. The museum is home to 23 life-size models of different whale species found off the coasts of Iceland, and the museum is appropriate for children of all ages.

Meet adorable Icelandic horses

If you’re staying in Reykjavík and want to do some horseback riding, Laxnes Farm is just a 15-minute drive northeast of downtown. A popular tour is called the “Laxnes Special”; you will be picked up at your hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavík and taken to the farm to meet your guide and horse. You are given all the gear you need and are taken on a glorious two-hour tour with spectacular landscape views. Children 7 years and older can join the tour.

Soar over Reykjavík with Flyover Iceland

FlyOver Iceland gives you a thrilling bird’s eye view over the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland. Located in the Grandi harbor district, the experience utilizes state-of-the-art technology, with full motion seating, for a true sense of flight. You sit suspended, feet dangling, before a 20-metre wraparound screen, while the film takes you on an exciting journey across Iceland. Children must be at least 102cm/40″ tall to ride.

See the best view of Reykjavík from the top of Hallgrimskirkja

Hallgrímskirkja is one of the most photographed and most visited sites in Reykjavík.
Standing 73 meters, the church was designed by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson. For many, the highlight of a trip to Hallgrímskirkja is a visit to the top of the tower, which has spectacular views of the city. An elevator takes you up, and children of all ages can join their parents.

Enjoy a leisurely hike up Esja

If you have active kids, consider hiking up mount Esja, on the edge of Reykjavík. Esja, which is 914 meters and is accessible the whole year (weather permitting), has well-marked trails divided into sections signposted along the way. Each sign indicates the path’s difficulty with a grading system ranging from 1 boot (easy) to 3 boots (challenging). Make sure you are well-prepared for the hike and check the weather forecast before heading out.

Take a dip in a local swimming pool

Swimming is a big part of Icelandic culture, and taking your kids to a local pool is a great way to spend a couple of hours. The most popular pool in Reykjavík, and one of the best for families, is Laugardalslaug. You will find two outdoor pools, one indoor pool, seven hot tubs, and water slides that the kids will love!

Snack on some delicious Ice cream

Enjoying ice cream while outside is not limited to summer in Iceland. It could be snowing, and you’ll see locals with an ice cream cone in hand. If you want to indulge your kiddos, consider a trip to Valdís or Omnom Chocolate, both located in the Grandi district. If your kids are adventurous, they can sample Valdís’ black licorice ice cream, a favorite among Icelanders.

Stroll along Tjörnin

Tjörnin (the pond) is a small body of water, rich with birdlife, situated next to Reykjavík City Hall. When the weather is nice, a walk around the pond is lovely, which is about 1 mile around. Birdlife is plentiful, and children love looking at the ducks, gulls, and swans that call the pond home.

Explore the Wonders of Iceland and Planetarium show

Perlan, “the Pearl,” is the distinctive, dome-shaped structure in Reykjavík’s skyline. It offers one of the best views of the city skyline from its outdoor viewing platform. You can walk the perimeter and get a perfect panorama—the interior hosts “Wonders of Iceland “exhibitions on glaciers, ice caves and volcanoes. There is also a planetarium and northern lights exhibition in the building, which is delightful! It’s open to children of all ages.