The Ultimate Reykjavik with Kids Guide (2025)

Affiliate Disclosure: This guide to Reykjavik with kids contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. 

INTRODUCTION

Are you planning a trip to Reykjavik, Iceland with kids? Like many travelers to this northern island nation, our first family visit to Iceland began as a multi-day stopover that was part of a larger European adventure. But we quickly realized there were so many amazing things to do in Iceland with kids that we couldn’t wait to come back—we’ve since returned four more times!

On each trip, we’ve spent at least a few days exploring Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik. It’s perfectly sized for exploring on foot, offers some fantastic family-friendly attractions, and makes an ideal base for tours and day trips throughout Iceland.

In this post, I’ll share everything we love about Reykjavik for kids—from lava shows to ice tunnels! Use the menu below to find what you’re looking for quickly, or start with the 2-minute video to get a feel for the city.

REYKJAVIK WITH KIDS VIDEO

In a hurry? You can see many of our favorite things to do in Iceland with kids in this 2 minute video. Otherwise, just read on for our top attraction picks in Reykjavik for kids!

2O THINGS TO DO IN REYKJAVIK WITH KIDS

In this section, you’ll find a detailed list of my favorite kid-friendly attractions in Reykjavik—plus an interactive map at the end to help you plan your visit.

1. HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA CHURCH TOWER

One thing I quickly learned when traveling to Iceland with kids is that mine were happiest when we kept them moving. A visit to Hallgrímskirkja Lutheran Church is perfect in that respect—it’s a short but engaging walk up the colorful Rainbow Street (Skólavörðustígur) from most major hotels in Reykjavik and makes an excellent first-day activity to help you get your bearings in the city.

Out front, there’s a spacious plaza where kids can run around and burn off some energy before heading into the more subdued church interior. Take the elevator to the top of the tower for sweeping views over the colorful rooftops and scenic landscapes of Reykjavik.

Check for opening hours on their website or read recent visitor reviews on Tripadvisor.

2. WHALE WATCHING

There are a number of whale watching tour companies conveniently running right out of Reykjavik Harbour. Seeing these giant mammals in their natural habitat can be one of biggest highlights of family holidays to Iceland. On these tours, lucky guests have the opportunity to see humpback, orca and minke whales, as well as porpoises and dolphins (season and luck-dependent, of course).

Most of the larger vessels can take children of any age and run year-round. The smaller, and more maneuverable RIB boats typically have a minimum age of 10 years old and run only during the warmer months (April through October).

Most companies will offer you a complimentary tour if you do not see any whales. For this reason, you may want to plan this activity near the beginning of your Iceland family vacation.

There are many whale watching tour companies out of Reykjavik to choose from, but several that consistently get good reviews are Elding Whale Watching and Harpa Yachts (big boats), and Katla (small group, RIB boats).

Check out these whale watching tours from Reykjavik with Viator.com.

• 3H Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik
• 2H RIB Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik (10y+)

3. THE LAVA SHOW

The most recent volcanic eruption in Iceland occurred at the Sundhnúkar fissure north of Grindavík (close to the airport) in April 2025. While some adventurous visitors join guided tours to see the lava fields up close, there’s an easier way to experience real lava—at the popular Lava Show in Reykjavik.

At this unique attraction, visitors can safely witness real molten lava flowing, hear it crackle, and feel its intense heat in a controlled, indoor setting. As a bonus, each guest receives a small piece of cooled lava to take home.

While children of all ages are welcome, the experience is best suited for kids aged 5 and up. You can check availability and book tickets for the Reykjavik Lava Show on Viator.com.

• Reykjavik Lava Show Tickets (Viator)

4. THE GOLDEN CIRCLE DAY TRIP

When friends ask me for advice on planning a family trip to Iceland, I always say the Golden Circle day trip is a must. Yes, it’s touristy year-round—but it’s popular for a reason. We’ve done it twice as a family (once in summer, once in winter), and we’d do it again in a heartbeat.

This scenic driving loop from Reykjavik takes you to some of Iceland’s most iconic sights: watch geysers erupt at the Great Geysir, walk between two tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park, and marvel at the powerful beauty of Gullfoss, one of the world’s most stunning waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll likely spot Iceland’s famous horses and may even unwind in the naturally heated waters of the Secret Lagoon.

GOLDEN CIRCLE FAMILY TOURS

This route can be done on a Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik which typically takes about 7-11 hours depending on stops. Not a fan of big groups? Lots of companies offer small or private Golden Circle tours as well.

• Golden Circle Small Group Tour 9H (Viator)

PRIVATE GOLDEN CIRCLE TOUR

I know the idea of a long day tour with kids can feel a bit daunting. While it is a more expensive option, booking a private Golden Circle tour for your family allows you to move at your own pace, take breaks as needed, and customize the experience to match your child’s (or children’s) interests and energy levels—making the day far more relaxed and enjoyable for everyone.

See private Golden Circle tours on Viator.com:

• Private Golden Circle Tour From Reykjavik (Viator)

GOLDEN CIRCLE SELF DRIVE

You can also quite easily self drive the Golden Circle. This allows for a little more flexibility if you are in Iceland with family (especially important if you are visiting Iceland with a baby or toddler). By self driving the Golden Circle, you can also shorten the length of the day trip (no wasted time doing hotel pick-ups and drop-offs). We did it on our last trip with another family – our kids ranging from 3-13 years, and it was simply a marvelous day.

If you have not rented a car already, there are several Reykjavik car rental offices near the city centre. The Golden Circle roads are very well maintained year-round. That said, for our winter trip we took a look at the conditions a few days ahead and chose our tour day based on the most favourable weather (en.vedur.is).

• See Reykjavik Car Rentals on Expedia.com

See also our guide to Self Driving the Golden Circle, Iceland and our tips for Renting a Car in Iceland.

Note: For our 2 most recent trips to Iceland, we have rented a car from Lava Car Rentals at Keflavik International Airport (upon arrival). We have been very happy with our service from them and with the quality of their rental vehicles.

5. PERLAN MUSEUM

The Perlan Museum is essentially Iceland’s science and technology hub, featuring a range of hands-on, interactive, and educational exhibits that are perfect for kids. Since most of the experience is indoors, it also makes an excellent family-friendly option for a rainy day in Reykjavik.

Other highlights at the Perlan include an interactive glacier exhibit, an immersive Forces of Nature show, a virtual aquarium, and an 8K Planetarium Northern Lights experience. One of the most impressive features—and a definite hit with both kids and adults—is the 100-meter-long real ice cave.

The Perlan sits on a hill overlooking Reykjavik, offering beautiful views of the city from its observation deck, café, and restaurant. The top floor also features a well-stocked gift shop—perfect if you’re in the mood for souvenir shopping. I spotted a few things there that I really liked but didn’t buy, assuming I’d find them again in the city center. I eventually did, but it took quite a bit of hunting around!

Learn more on the Perlan Museum website or read recent reviews on Tripadvisor.

6. NAUTHÓLSVÍK GEOTHERMAL BEACH

Possibly the coolest outdoor recreation area in Reykjavik is Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach. This unique spot features steam rooms, geothermal hot tubs, a man-made beach, and a heated kiddie pool that flows into a larger pool right at the ocean’s edge.

It’s a completely different experience from the Blue Lagoon—less luxurious, more like a well-designed community center—but it’s a fun and authentic local outing. Best of all, it’s one of the top Reykjavik kids’ activities that won’t blow your Iceland family trip budget.

Learn more on Nauthóslivik Beach website or read recent reviews on Tripadvisor.

7. EAT ICE CREAM

Reykjavik’s ice cream scene is surprisingly strong, even in winter! Three of the best spots to try are Valdís, known for its creative and ever-changing flavors; Ísbúð Vesturbæjar, a local favorite for classic soft-serve; and Skúbb, which offers small-batch, organic ice cream made with high-quality ingredients. (We’ve tried many places, but we always return to Valdís.)

Feeling adventurous? Try the locals’ favorite: licorice-flavored ice cream!

FUN FACT: In Iceland, ice cream outings aren’t just for summer—they’re a year-round tradition. To better understand the Icelandic custom of ísbíltúr, check out this video from Monacle.com.

8. JUMP ROCKS ALONG THE SEAWALL

My kids loved hopping across the rocks along the seawall from the Sun Voyager sculpture to the striking glass façade of the Harpa Concert Hall, home to the Icelandic Opera and Symphony Orchestra. It’s a fun, free activity that lets little ones burn off energy while soaking up the coastal views. Since it can be a bit chilly in Iceland—even in summer—the cozy café inside Harpa is a great place to take a break and warm up with a hot chocolate while admiring the building’s stunning architecture from the inside.

9. HARPA CONCERT HALL

Harpa—also known as the Iceland Opera House—is not only an architectural masterpiece (well worth a visit, even if you just pop into the lobby), but it also hosts some excellent music programs for kids.

In 2021, the Harpa opened a dedicated space for children and families, offering a variety of concerts and workshops each week. These can be especially engaging if you’re visiting Iceland with a toddler or young child.

Please see coming events at harpa.is/en/hljodhimnar. While many events are free, you still often need to obtain a ticket in advance.

10. LAUGARDALSLAUG POOL

Icelanders take their public bathing culture seriously, so it’s no surprise that there are 18 thermal pools in and around Reykjavik. Many locals visit their favorite pool several times a week—it’s a cherished part of daily life. If you want to experience the Icelandic lifestyle firsthand, I highly recommend visiting at least one public pool during your Iceland family holiday.

We chose to visit Laugardalslaug Pool, one of the most family-friendly options in Reykjavik. It features an outdoor children’s pool, a paddling pool, two waterslides, multiple hot tubs, a steam bath, and even a mini golf course. If you’re traveling with a baby, you’ll appreciate the small baby baths and high chairs available in the changing rooms.

You can view a full list of Reykjavik’s pools at visitreykjavik.is. If you plan to visit multiple public pools, museums, or attractions, the Reykjavik City Card is a great value. For a fixed price, it offers free entry to most pools and museums, plus free public transportation within the capital area.

NOTE: Upon arrival at Laugardalslaug Pool, I will admit to being rather taken aback by the large sign (shown below) explaining exactly where you need to wash. I came to appreciate, however, the comfort that comes with knowing that nobody can get away with that fake shower walk-through thing that is common at pools in North America.

Showering with your bathing suit on is a definite no-no. Just strip down and shower like nobody’s watching. If you are a rarely-nude like me (or worse…. a never-nude), you will simply have to get over it.

11. GO HORSEBACK RIDING

It’s hard to research a trip to Iceland without coming across photos of the beautiful and sturdy Icelandic horses—and thankfully, you don’t have to travel far from Reykjavik to meet them. Within a 30–60 minute drive of the city, there are plenty of horseback riding excursions available, offering scenic rides across everything from lava fields to black sand beaches.

Most horseback riding tours near Reykjavik include hotel pickup and offer both morning and afternoon departures. The minimum age to ride is typically around 7 years old, though a few operators accept children as young as 5. Not all tours run year-round, but those that do generally provide extra layers to keep everyone warm and comfortable.

You can browse all Reykjavik horseback riding tours on Viator.

• Horseback Riding Tour, Reykjavik Pick Up (7yr+)
• Horseback Riding Tour, Reykjavik Pick Up (6yr+)

As another option, a friend of mine took her teen daughter riding with Mr. Iceland and said that the experience was absolutely fantastic. He tends to do immersive riding experiences (with options to stay for dinner and even overnight) for the more advanced rider.

12. REYKJAVIK SHOPPING

We found some truly unique souvenirs in Iceland. My kids picked up fun trinkets made from lava rock, while I headed straight for the cozy sweaters, mittens, and socks.

The main shopping street, Laugavegur, is lined with souvenir shops selling puffin and Viking-themed items—but tucked among them are some fantastic boutiques featuring unique, locally made (or at least locally designed) Icelandic goods. Some of my favorites include NLSN, Farmers Market, Epal, and 66°North. You’ll also find some lovely shops along Skólavörðustígur, the rainbow street that leads up to Hallgrímskirkja Church.

While you are out and about, be sure to stop in at the gorgeous Sandholt cafe and bakery. Their beautiful creations are so delicious that we found ourselves returning daily.

If you’re looking for inexpensive souvenirs for friends back home, check out Bónus, the local supermarket chain with several locations in Reykjavik, including one on Laugavegur Street. It’s a great spot to pick up Icelandic finishing salt (look for the blue box with the mermaid), unique local chocolate bars like Hraun and Ris, or Icelandic salted licorice—odd-tasting at first, but surprisingly addictive!

13. BIRD WATCHING AT TJÖRNIN POND

Tjörnin Pond is a popular gathering spot for families—perfect for watching ducks and geese, taking a leisurely stroll, and admiring the colorful houses that line the western shore. It’s also a great location for bird-watchers and wildlife enthusiasts, with over forty different bird species spotted in and around the pond over the years.

14. EAT HOT DOGS

Almost a national pastime, the people of Iceland love to eat hot dogs. While there are plenty of options, you can’t go wrong with either Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur or Vikinga Pylsur – both with stands in central Reykjavik. Just be prepared to line up as these places are popular!

15. HRADASTADIR FARM AND PETTING ZOO

Hradastadir Farm and Petting Zoo is the perfect Reykjavik outing for animal-loving kids and it is just a 20 minute drive outside of Reykjavik in the town of Mosfellsbaer.

At Hradastadir, guests can pet lambs, kittens, bunnies, calves, a friendly pig, horses, and chickens. The entrance fee is ISK 1300 per person, free for children 2 years and younger. Hradastadir Farm also offers horseback riding excursions and lessons.

Hradastadir Farm is open to visitors from May through August. Learn more at hradastadir.is or read reviews from recent guests on Tripadvisor. I also found their Facebook page to have very up-to-date information.

16. THE BLUE LAGOON

No visit to Iceland is complete without a trip to the Blue Lagoon. I’ll admit, I was a bit worried it might feel too touristy—especially after enjoying several of the local pools—but we actually found it to be a really enjoyable and memorable experience.

At the Blue Lagoon, children aged 2–13 are welcomed free of charge with a paying adult. Just keep in mind that kids’ robes are not provided, even with the more deluxe ticket packages. Babies and toddlers under 2 are not permitted due to the high water temperature.

Though pricey (like most dining in Iceland), the on-site LAVA Restaurant is excellent and includes a kids’ menu. There’s also a more casual café for lighter bites.

Conveniently located near Keflavík International Airport, the Blue Lagoon makes an ideal stop either at the beginning or end of your trip. On our first family visit to Iceland, we spent an afternoon there before flying home—and boarded the plane feeling wonderfully relaxed.

Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as popular time slots can sell out. If you can, try to avoid visiting between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the lagoon is at its busiest.

Learn more at: bluelagoon.com or read reviews from recents visitors on Tripadvisor. If you require transport to and/or from your hotel or the airport, see these Blue Lagoon packages on Viator.com.

NOTE: If you’re hoping to visit a hot springs pool in Iceland and are traveling with a baby or toddler, the Secret Lagoon, located along the Golden Circle route, welcomes visitors of all ages.

17. FAMILY FRIENDLY MUSEUMS

If the weather isn’t cooperating and you’re looking for family-friendly indoor activities, Reykjavik has several museums that are both fun and engaging for kids. Highlights include the Maritime Museum (conveniently located near a Valdís Ice Cream shop), the National Museum of Iceland (hello, Vikings!), and the immersive Whales of Iceland Museum.

If you’re visiting Iceland with a teen, you might shock—or impress—them with a visit to the world’s only Phallological Museum (my kids can’t stop talking about their gift shop finds).

In better weather, the Árbær Open Air Museum is a nice place to explore history via an Icelandic village experience. For a full list of museums and galleries, please see: visitreykjavik.is.

Note: If you plan on visiting many museums and attractions during your stay, the Reykjavik City Card can save you money. For a fixed price, it offers free entry to most museums, public pools, and some additional attractions. It also includes free public transportation in the capital area.

18. FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS

I think it can really be an enriching experience to enjoy or participate in a local event in any country. The top family-friendly events in Reykjavik include the Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival (February) the Children’s Culture Festival (April), First Day of Summer (April), Fishermen’s Day (June), The National Day of Iceland (June 17), and Reykjavík Culture Night (August).

You can find further Reykjavik events and festivals on the City of Reykjavik events page.

19. FLYOVER ICELAND

While you’re suspended with your feet dangling in front of a 20-meter spherical screen, FlyOver Iceland takes you on a breathtaking flight simulation over some of the country’s most iconic natural wonders, remote landscapes, and stunning scenery. Special effects—like wind, mist, and even scents—combine with the motion of the ride to create a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

I especially love this attraction for families staying mostly in Reykjavik, as it offers a glimpse of Iceland’s dramatic beauty beyond the capital—places you might not get to see on this trip, but that just might inspire your next one.

Learn more at FlyOverIceland or read reviews from recent guests on Tripadvisor. See also this little YouTube movie on the making of FlyOver Iceland.

NOTE: Children must be a minimum of 100cm (40″) to participate.

• Book Tickets for FlyOver Iceland

20. CAPTURE THOSE MEMORIES

One of the best things we have ever done on one of our trips is to take an hour out of our day and do a family photo shoot.

We use the Flytographer website because they make it so easy. You simply select your location, check out the portfolio of their curated photographers, pick a package, and set up a time. It’s so convenient!

Flytographer offers four different photography packages that run 30-120 minutes ($325-$715 USD) and include 15-60 high resolution, fully edited photos. Click HERE to receive $25 off your first Flytographer booking or gift card purchase. 

REYKJAVIK FAMILY ATTRACTIONS MAP

To hopefully make things a little easier for you, I have plotted each one of the aforementioned attractions on a Google map. Just click on this Reykjavik map link, or on the image below for the interactive version.

BEST FAMILY HOTELS REYKJAVIK

If you travel to Iceland with kids, you are going to experience some sticker shock. Family hotels in Reykjavik can be particularly expensive, especially during the summer months.

If possible, I recommend making a reservation as soon as your travel plans are fixed. Most hotel sites, such as Booking.com, offer a Pay Later flexible booking option that you can cancel if something better comes along.

Reykjavik is a small, and very walkable city, so as long as you are staying somewhere around the core, you cannot go too wrong.

I have a full post on the best family hotels in Reykjavik, but I have also listed my 6 favourites here.

6 BEST FAMILY HOTELS IN REYKJAVIK

1.  REYKJAVIK RESIDENCE HOTEL – 4★ – This hotel consistently ranks as one of the best hotels in Reykjavik for families. It offers studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom luxury suites that sleep up to 6 people. Read reviews or check rates on Booking.com.

2. THE SAND HOTEL – 4★ – Boutique hotel offering family rooms (2 queen) and junior suites (1 queen, 1 sofa bed) sleeping up to 4 people. Read reviews or check rates on Booking.com.

3. ALDA HOTEL REYKJAVIK – 4★ – Modern hotel with Family and Deluxe rooms that can sleep up to 4 (1 king, 1 sofa bed). Read reviews or check rates on Booking.com.

6. ÓDINSVÉ HOTEL APARTMENTS – 3★ – 1 and 2 bedroom apartments sleep up to 5 people. Read reviews or check rates on Booking.com.

7. KVOSIN DOWNTOWN HOTEL – 4★ – Their “Biggest Room” sleeps up to 5. Read reviews or check rates on Booking.com.

8. REYKJAVIK EDITION – 5★ – Double queen rooms sleep up to 4. Read reviews or check rates on Booking.com.

OTHER REYKJAVIK FAMILY ACCOMMODATIONS

Reykjavik also has some very nice vacation rental apartments that can provide a more economical choice for families. I know on our first trip, Iceland became a surprise stopover because that was the least expensive way for us to fly to London (but then we had the cost of accommodations to deal with). VRBO has quite a nice selection in Reykjavik (use the filter “Good for Families“).

FAMILY VACATION ICELAND – FAQS

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO TRAVEL TO ICELAND?

The best time of the year to visit Iceland depends on what you are looking for. Most tourists visit in the summer months (May-Sept.) when the climate is more welcoming. The summer months are also a great time for whale watching and puffin tours.

September to mid-April, however, are the best months to see the Northern Lights, hike on the glaciers or visit the blue ice caves.

SHOULD I RENT A CAR IN ICELAND?

For a short Iceland stopover, a rental car isn’t necessarily required. Buses run frequently between KEF International Airport and Reykjavik (Flybus and Gray Line) with stops near most of the major hotels and guest houses. Tickets can be purchased online or at the airport upon arrival. The Blue Lagoon also has an hourly bus that runs between their spa and the airport or Reykjavik.

Reykjavik is a very walkable city (no car required) and most tour companies offer a hotel pickup for day trips and tours.

With that said, we prefer to rent a car in Iceland. As a family of four, the cost for tours and transfers can add up quickly, making hiring a car in Iceland a more economical alternative. We also like the freedom of visiting sites on our own schedule and really enjoy self driving the Golden Circle (one of the most popular Iceland day tours).

As long as you are not dealing with severe winter driving conditions, the route is not a difficult one to drive. There are a few things you should know about driving in Iceland, however, and I encourage you to review our tips for renting a car in Iceland.

Taxis are very expensive in Iceland and the airport is about a 45 minute drive from Reykjavik. You can expect a cab from KEF to Reykjavik to cost around $170 USD or more. 

IS THERE UBER IN ICELAND?

Uber and Lyft do not currently operate in Iceland.

HOW MANY NIGHTS SHOULD YOU STAY IN ICELAND?

I think a minimum of 3-5 nights is great for a first trip. We have stayed twice for five nights (once in summer and then again in winter), once for 7 nights, and more recently for 2 weeks in order to drive the full Iceland Ring Road.

WHERE IS THE BEST AREA TO STAY IN ICELAND?

For a first trip to Iceland, I think it is best to stay in Reykjavik and do day trips from there. That said, if you do plan on exploring the South Coast of Iceland near Vatnajökull National Park, I would advise staying at least one night in that area (whether on a tour of the region or self driving). There are day trips that run to the region from Reykjavik, but it makes for a very long day (especially if you have kids with you).

MORE INFORMATION ON REYKJAVIK

For more family friendly things to do in Reykjavik, Iceland, see: http://visitreykjavik.is. I would also like to recommend taking a look at these great day trips from Reykjavik from my friend Tamara over at We3Travel.com. She loves Iceland as much as I do and has lots of very helpful Iceland trip planning content.

RELATED ICELAND POSTS

• Best Family Hotels in Reykjavik, Iceland
• Top Tips for an Iceland Car Rental
• Self Driving the Golden Circle, Iceland
• Iceland Westman Islands Guide
• Best Things to do in Iceland in the Winter
• 7 Incredibly Cool Places to Explore in Iceland with Kids – Travel Babbo