Family and Children’s Day Out in Reykjavík

Family and Children’s Day Out in Reykjavík

Travelling with children can be challenging and finding activities that cater for everyone’s needs can be difficult. Thankfully, Reykjavik is an exciting city with plenty of fun things to do. We have compiled a list of favourites that can hopefully give you some good ideas of how to entertain your offspring.

The Pearl

Öskjuhlíð, 101 Reykjavík.

The Pearl was built in 1991 on top of six big thermal water tanks. Surrounding the dome is a 360° viewing deck that offers panoramic views of Reykjavík and the surrounding countryside. The platform is ideal for children to walk around and explore, whilst the adults can enjoy the stunning views. In 2017, Perlan opened the country’s largest nature exhibition. This includes a glacier exhibition and a replica of an ice cave. For prices and further information, please visit www.perlanmuseum.is

Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach

101 Reykjavik

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 the Pearl, the beach is in reasonable walking distance for children. The child-friendly beach, cosy hot tub and steam bath make this an excellent place for families to visit. Free admission during the summer months. Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 19:00 (Summer)

Reykjavik City Pond

101 Reykjavik

Feeding the ducks at the city pond has always been a popular activity with Icelandic families. However, a recent statement from Reykjavík City has discouraged people from feeding bread to the ducks. Still, the pond is well worth visiting as the surrounding area is ideal for outdoor activities. Try walking around the colourful streets of Reykjavík, visiting Hljómskálagarðurinn park or simply enjoy watching the birdlife around the city pond.

Viðey Island

Viðey is a small island just outside 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

Better weight than wisdom a traveler cannot carry. The poor man’s strength in a strange place, worth more than wealth. (From Hávamál Eddaic poems (AD 700-900). Iceland's sky and water... Photo by Olga

Elliðárdalur Valley

Árbær, 110 Reykjavik

Elliðárdalur Valley is one of the biggest recreational areas in Reykjavík and is a fantastic getaway from the city, within the city. It is characterised by its large river, varied plant life, plenty of walking routes and peaceful surroundings.

The Reykjavík Botanical Garden

Laugardalur, 104 Reykjavík.

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. Open every day. May – August from 10:00 – 22:00

Sept – April from 10:00 – 15:00. Free admission

The Reykjavík Park and Zoo

Laugardalur, 104 Reykjavík.

The Reykjavík Park and Zoo offers a fun and action-packed day out. 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 hotdogs or other foods to cook on the provided BBQ´s. Open daily 10:00 – 17:00. For further details, please visit www.mu.is

Laugardalur Ice Skating Rink

Laugardalur, 104 Reykjavik.

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

Laugardalslaug

Sundlaugarvegur 30, 105 Reykjavik

Laugardalslaug is the ideal finish to an action-packed day out in Laugardalur. It has pools both indoors and outdoors, a large slide and a fun play area for children. For those who wish to relax, there are plenty of hot tubs, including a salt tub and a steam bath.

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 6:30 – 20:00.

Árbær Open Air Museum

Kistuhylur 4, 110 Reykjavík.

Árbæjarsafn is an open-air museum and comprises a collection of over 20 houses from the 19.th 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.

Smáratívolí

Smáralind, 201 Kópavogur

Smáratívolí is an indoor entertainment centre where everyone can find an activity to their taste, such as lasertag, a teddy bear factory and a crèche for children. Upstairs has a cinema, although screening in English may be limited for children’s movies. For more information on prices and opening hours please visit www.smarativoli.is and www.smarabio.is

Klifurhúsið

Ármúli 23, 108 Reykjavik

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.

If none of the above ideas are to your taste, there are plenty of organized tours