There is so much to see and do in Reykjavik, and when travelling with young children it might not be immediately obvious what the best activities would be. This is intended to give some inspiration for some non-tour based suggestions for a day out in Reykjavík with kids, and  especially perfect for the little ones.

Swimming

Swimming pools are a huge part of Icelandic culture, there are over 150 public pools on the island and many families visit their local pool multiple times a week. They are a great place to socialise, relax in the hot pots and of course let the little terrors burn off some energy. Within the capital itself the most popular pool is Laugardalslaug and it is definitely great for kids but if you want to venture into some of the neighbouring suburbs of Reykjavík you will also find some great options.

Ásvallalaug in Hafnarfjörður is a great pool for even the rainiest of days. Whilst they still have the classic outdoor hot tubs, their main pools and tubs are inside. There are 2 kids pools as well as an indoor waterslide meaning nobody has to get cold. They also have a huge selection of floats and pool toys that are always a big hit.

Álftaneslaug in Álftanes is famed for the tallest water slide in Iceland, this small local pool by the sea also has the only wave pool in Iceland which is definitely a big hit with the kids. 

Salalaug is a really lovely pool in Kópavogur, they have a great big bubbly hot tub/jacuzzi perfect for the family as well as some brand new slides and play equipment in the outdoor kids pool.

There are so many great pools on the island and you can see all details listed on the city page in English. Whilst it is always recommended that you bring swimming clothing to Iceland to take advantage of the geothermal water, swim clothing and towels can be rented at each pool and arm bands/floaties are free to borrow.

Museums 

Whilst some museums don’t appeal to younger children who may get bored easily, there are two great interactive museums/exhibits that definitely come as a recommended activity in Reykjavík with kids. 

Perlan in Öskjuhlíð looms over the city, the impressive glass dome sits atop 4 water tanks. In the past there was a revolving restaurant at the top but not much else within the building, however after closing for a time and undergoing renovations Perlan is now an incredible destination with interactive exhibits about some of Iceland’s best natural wonders. At the ´Wonders of Iceland´ you can visit a replica of an ice cave that is really made of ice, encounter replica sea birds and even see the Northern Lights. The exhibits are really interactive and hands on. After all the fun, if  you need some refreshment you can head up to the glass dome at the top floor where there is a restaurant, cafe and ice cream shop as well as a viewing deck with 360 degree views over the city. 

After visiting the museum you can wander into the woods surrounding the hill and go rabbit spotting as the  area is home to lots of rabbits who can be found hiding among the trees. 

Whales of Iceland is home to 23 lifesize whale models, interactive exhibits and VR experience. This is a great location for families and free for children under 7 years old. There is also an app that can be downloaded with an audio guide in English. Whales of Iceland is located in the Grandi area of Reykjavík and there are some great places to eat and most importantly…grab an ice cream.

Ice cream

Ice cream is another staple of Icelandic culture, there is even a special word ísbiltúr which means to go in the car to get ice cream and you will find Icelanders eating ice cream in all weathers! We have already written a good piece about icelandic ice cream culture. Just in case you don´t have enough of this topic yet.

Valdís started with one location down in Grandi but also has a second location in the centre of the capital as well as tubs available in some of the supermarkets. The ice cream is made on site and they have some unique and interesting flavours.  Among the classics you will find liquorice flavours, although perhaps not as kid friendly they are worth a try. The salted nut and caramel and kinder egg come highly recommended. 

Gaeta Gelato is the new kid on the block, they sell real homemade Italian gelato and it is a welcome addition to downtown. Found slap-bang in the centre of town this gelato joint is 100% worth the visit. There are some amazing italian flavors as well as their invention Skyrsoft which is soft serve ice cream made from Icelandic skyr. You might see a queue but it will move fast and be worth the wait.

Skúbb is found next to the large pool Laugardalslaug, it is a delicious local ice cream shop that makes the ice cream from organic milk and pride themselves on their plastic free packaging. The recommendation here is to take the bragðarefur where you mix 3 scoops alongside some of their home made candies and baked goods, top with sauce and blended together. Indulgent but a sure crowd pleaser and perfect to share. 

Lunch

Whilst moving away from ice cream it is still time to focus on food. . It can be hard to know where to find the best places to eat, especially with young kids. One of the great things about Iceland is as a small community it is very kid friendly, you will find almost all restaurants have high chairs as well as some kind of kid menu. Here are a couple of suggestions that should please the whole family 

Laundromat is a staple of family dining in Reykjavík. There is a  great menu especially for brunch and their hidden gem is a super play area in the basement of the building. This restaurant repeatedly wins awards for the best family restaurant and it is hard not to agree. 

Sæegrefin is a small restaurant right on the harbour´s edge and is famed for some of  the best seafood in Reykjavík. They have a great little kids corner and the whole family will be happy here. 

Lamb street food on Grandi is an Icelandic street food restaurant specialising in flatbreads, lamb and falafel are their speciality. The owner and staff are incredibly welcoming and friendly and children are more than welcome at this lunch spot, and they have a great kids wrap on offer too. 

Animals 

If your kids like animals then the ‘Animal garden’ is a great place to head. It is more like a farm than a zoo, filled with domestic animals such as sheep, pigs, reindeer and arctic foxes. During the summer months there is also a small theme park in operation with some small games and rides, as well as a huge adventure playground with a giant pirate ship and a big sandpit with sit on diggers. After the zoo you can head into the botanical gardens for a different perspective of Reykjavik. Conveniently Laugardalslaug the aforementioned pool and Skubb are also located in this area of town. 

It can be daunting to plan an itinerary in Iceland and even more so  when deciding what to do with young children in a capital city. Hopefully the ideas above give some inspiration and help you to plan a perfect day in Reykjavík with kids