12 fun things to do in Reykjavik with kids

When it comes to fun things to do in Reykjavik with kids, Iceland’s capital is jam-packed with family-friendly activities and attractions to choose from. But where do you start in a city filled with interactive exhibitions and immersive experiences? If you’d like to see Reykjavik’s landmarks and monuments, head to the Hallgrimskirkja clock tower for a panoramic city vista. Outdoorsy families will love Laugardalur Valley, which is great for running around or picnicking. While walking among gentle giants at Whales of Iceland is fun for all the family. Discover fun, educational, and inspiring family-friendly activities in Reykjavik in this complete list.

The best things to do with kids in Reykjavik at a glance

The best thing to do with young kids in Reykjavik: Whales of Iceland, Perlan, Grasagardur Botanic Gardens, Árbær Open Air Museum

The best activity for teens in Reykjavik: FlyOver Iceland, Aurora Reykjavik, National Museum of Iceland, Silver Circle

The best free family-friendly experiences in Reykjavik: Lava Show, Laugardalur Valley, Northern Lights, Hallgrimskirkja

1. Walk among marine giants at Whales of Iceland

While whale watching may be one of the best things to do in Reykjavik in Summer, you can see these gentle giants all year round at the Whales of Iceland Museum. With over 20 life-size models of whales, the museum’s interactive exhibits focus on the role whales play in nature and local conservation efforts to protect them.

Who is it recommended for?

The largest whale museum in Europe and one of the best museums in Reykjavik, Whales of Iceland is suitable for all ages but will be a huge hit with budding marine biologists and other ocean enthusiasts.

Address and opening hours

Fiskislóð 23-25, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

2. See piping-hot lava being poured at the Lava Show

Feel the heat of red-hot lava as it’s poured right in front of you at Lava Show. This man-made lava is superheated up to 1100°C (2000°F) before being displayed in a showroom in a mesmerizing demonstration of the power of nature.

Who is it recommended for?

Lava Show is an excellent way for families with younger kids to experience the power of Iceland’s natural landscape without leaving the city to see Reykjavik’s volcanoes. However, it may not be suitable for children under 5 years old.

Address and opening hours

Fiskislod 73, 101 Reykjavik. Open daily, 11:00 AM-8:00 PM.

3. Discover the Land of Fire and Ice at Perlan

Learn more about Iceland’s vast and varied geological landscape at Perlan. With engaging exhibits on volcanoes, glaciers, and water, as well as a real ice cave you can walk through, Perlan is one of the best things to do in Reykjavik with kids — not to mention it has a stunning panoramic view from its rooftop glass dome too.

Who is it recommended for?

Perlan has many fascinating and interactive exhibits, which make a visit engaging for anyone of any age.

Address and opening hours

105 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open daily, 9:00 AM-10:00 PM

4. Fly over Iceland’s geological wonders at FlyOver Iceland

Soar over waterfalls, volcanoes, and glaciers in a spectacular sensory experience at FlyOver Iceland. Explore Iceland’s vast landscapes on a spherical screen from the comfort of your suspended seat and feel the special effects of wind and mist.

Who is it recommended for?

This simulated virtual reality experience is one of Reykjavik’s best kid-friendly attractions, but it is unsuitable for people under 40 inches tall.

Address and opening hours

Fiskislóð 43, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open daily, 9:30 AM-7:00 PM.

5. Explore the natural beauty of Laugardalur Valley

If you’re searching for fun things to do in Reykjavik with kids on a budget, look no further than Laugardalur Valley and Park. A spacious natural area close to the city center, this popular outdoor area is ideal for running, walking, cycling, and other outdoor activities like enjoying a picnic.

Who is it recommended for?

Laugardalur Valley and Park is one of the best things to do with children in Reykjavik and is fun for the whole family.

Address

Laugardalur, Reykjavík, Iceland.

6. See the dazzling Northern Lights dance

Seeing the Aurora Borealis dance across the starry night sky is a once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed. It is one of the best family-friendly activities in Reykjavik. Get out of the city and away from light pollution to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik.

Who is it recommended for?

While seeing the Northern Lights is family-friendly, going out in Reykjavik at night to search for them is more suited to older children.

7. Learn how to spot a natural phenomenon at Aurora Reykjavik

Guarantee a front-row seat at one of Earth’s most stunning spectacles at Aurora Reykjavik. Enjoy a timelapse of the Northern Lights, learn how to spot them, and read the Northern Lights forecast — great practice before embarking on an adventure to see them outside.

Who is it recommended for?

Aurora Reykjavik has engaging interactive exhibits and displays but is more suitable for older children.

Address and opening hours

Aurora Reykjavik, Fiskislóð 53, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open June, 9:00 AM–7:00 PM; July-August, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM; from September, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM.

8. Picnic in Grasagardur Botanic Gardens

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enter a peaceful oasis at Reykjavik’s Botanic Gardens. Containing over 5,000 types of plants, Grasagardur is one of the best places in Reykjavik for families who like the outdoors.

Who is it recommended for?

These beautifully manicured gardens are perfect for all ages, while large grassy areas are great for younger kids to run around and let off some steam.

Address

Grasagardur Botanical Garden, Hverfisgata 105, 101 Reykjavík. Open 10:00 AM-10:00 PM in summer.

9. Journey back in time at Arbær Open Air Museum

Be transported back to the 19th and 20th centuries and see what life in Iceland was like at Árbær Open Air Museum. Once a 20th-century farm, this family-friendly museum showcases children’s culture, toys, and games from the last century, making for a great day out.

Who is it recommended for?

Árbær Open Air Museum is fun for all the family and is suitable for children of all ages.

Address and opening hours

Kistuhylur 110, 110 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open 10:00 AM-5:00 PM daily.

10. Discover Iceland’s past at the National Museum of Iceland

Learn more about Reykjavik’s history and culture at the National Museum of Iceland.

Who is it recommended for?

The National Museum of Iceland is one of the best museums in Reykjavik and caters to all ages with interactive displays and a dress-up area. Discover the country’s past, from the Settlement Age and the Viking era to the modern day, through engaging exhibits of over 2000 artifacts.

Address and opening hours

Suðurgata, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

11. Climb the Hallgrimskirkja clock tower

Climb the 75-meter-tall clock tower of Hallgrimskirkja church for panoramic city views. From above, you can see the colorful houses and spot iconic Reykjavik landmarks like Harpa Concert Hall.

Who is it recommended for?

Seeing the city from a new perspective is one of the most fun things to do in Reykjavik and is fun for the whole family.

Address and opening hours

Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open daily, 09:00 AM-8:00 PM.

12. Embark upon an adventure on a Silver Circle day trip

Get off the beaten path and discover Reykjavik’s best hidden gems on a Silver Circle day trip. A quieter alternative to the Golden Circle, explore waterfalls and hot springs a stone’s throw from the city.

Who is it recommended for?

A Silver Circle day trip is perfect for families who want to get out of the city and explore further afield.

FAQs

What are the top family-friendly attractions in Reykjavik?

Seeing superheated lava in real life at the Lava Show is one of the best things to do in Reykjavik with kids. Another great family-friendly activity is virtually flying over Iceland’s amazing natural landscapes at FlyOver Iceland.

What are the best museums for kids in Reykjavik?

Perlan is one of the best museums to visit in Reykjavik with kids,. It has immersive displays, and the ice cave made from actual snow is a real highlight. Whales of Iceland is also a popular family-friendly museum with over 20 life-size models of whales.

What are some fun outdoor activities for kids in Reykjavik?

Laugardalur Valley and Park has many things to do and see, including plenty of space for outdoor activities and public thermal baths. Grasagardur Botanic Gardens is beautiful and a great outdoor space in Reykjavik for families to enjoy picnicking and playing.

What day trips from Reykjavik are suitable for families with kids?

Embark on a Silver Circle day trip and discover waterfalls and hot springs near Reykjavik. Or head out at night in search of the Northern Lights, where you may be rewarded with the unforgettable experience of seeing the Aurora dance in the night sky.