10 Family-Friendly Things To Do in Reykjavik

Reykjavik's location on Iceland's coast makes it the perfect spot to embark on a boat tour. Depending on when you visit, there are plenty of options to get out on the water: Opt for a whale-watching excursion, see nearby puffin colonies on Akurey Island (Puffin Island), or take a northern lights cruise. Board a boat from the Old Harbour and discover how whales are important in Icelandic culture. Plus, you might even see some porpoises and dolphins along the way.

Afterward, you can go even deeper into Iceland's whales with a trip to the Whales of Iceland exhibition, a kid-friendly Reykjavik venue with life-size models of whale species that inhabit the waters around Iceland.

If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Reykjavik, head to an interactive museum that offers a glimpse into the past—and keeps the kids engaged. For young travelers, a stop at the Saga Museum is a must: Here, you'll get an overview of Icelandic history, and you can even dress up as Vikings! An audio tour is included with your admission for extra insight into the exhibitions that you can take in at your own pace. For older kids, the more traditional National Museum of Iceland offers artifacts, historical photographs, Viking weaponry, and Icelandic clothing.

Insider tip: Admission to the Saga Museum is free for children under 6.

You can see this stunning church from many points of view in Reykjavik, as it’s one of the tallest buildings within city limits. And while the building itself is a marvel, the best part of visiting Hallgrímskirkja is the view from the top of the tower. Take an elevator to the eighth floor and then proceed up a short staircase to the top for panoramic views of Reykjavik. You can see the harbor and beyond on a clear day—perfect for a family photo. After seeing the view, head back downstairs and explore the inside of Hallgrímskirkja. Visitors are welcome inside as long as a service is not taking place.

Whether you visit Iceland in the warmer summer months or during the frigid winter, a geothermal pool is one of the top family destinations in Reykjavik. While most people have heard of the Blue Lagoon (located near the airport), the Sky Lagoon is an excellent option for families staying in Reykjavik as it's much closer to the city center. Just be aware if you're traveling with younger kids: The Sky Lagoon is limited to kids ages 12 and up, while kids as young as two years old can visit the Blue Lagoon.

Insider tip: If you want more of a traditional pool experience with water slides, check out Laugardalslaug, Iceland's largest pool.

A great way to teach kids (and adults!) about a new culture is through its food. Iceland has a lot of quintessential dishes you may not recognize; the best way to learn about them is on a food tour. You'll get a bit of history as you walk through Reykjavik and enjoy everything from pylsur (Icelandic hot dogs) to kleinur (yeasty fried doughnuts).

Insider tip: If you'd rather explore Reykjavik's culinary scene independently, The Laundromat Café is a great dining option in Reykjavik for families. This kitschy eatery has a kid-friendly menu, a basement play area, and even some washer-dryers for laundry emergencies.

Even if you don’t take the family on a helicopter tour over Reykjavik, one of the best ways to get an overview of the area's gorgeous landscapes, you can still get the experience without the height. Head to FlyOver Iceland to “fly” over glaciers, fjords, and remote islands. This immersive flight simulator experience is one of the best family attractions in Reykjavik, as you'll really feel like you’re soaring above Iceland's stunning scenery. A wraparound screen, the wind blowing in your hair, and scents make the experience even more realistic.

You don't have to know everything about the northern lights, volcanoes, and glaciers—there's a museum with all the info. Bring your inquisitive kids to the Perlan Museum to see the Wonders of Iceland exhibit, one of the best Reykjavik activities for children. Here, you can watch a planetarium show about the aurora borealis and walk through an ice cave before heading to the volcano show.

Did you know?: Perlan's iconic building is made up of six heating tanks with a huge glass dome resting on top.

Get out of the city and explore some of the surrounding nature on an Icelandic horseback riding excursion. One of the top family outings in Reykjavik, this experience will teach you a bit about the Icelandic horses, such as how the modern Icelandic horse is a descendant of horses brought to the island by the Vikings, before setting out for your ride. Known for their gentle temperament, these horses are perfect for children and first-time riders.

Did you know?: Icelandic horses have a unique gait that lets them always have at least one hoof on the ground, making for a smoother ride.

Just across the water from Reykjavik is Viðey Island, where some of Iceland's first settlers lived. Hop aboard the short ferry ride to the island, where kids can run around and explore. The island is home to historic ruins, art installations, and the Imagine Peace Tower, an illuminated memorial to John Lennon from Yoko Ono. It’s also a bird-watching paradise where puffins, Arctic terns, and other seabirds can be seen. This is a great-fuss free escape from Reykjavik proper, as access is included with a Reykjavik City Card.

You don't have to leave Reykjavik to see molten lava. Head to the Lava Show, where you'll learn about volcanic activity and how it has impacted Iceland's landscape. Real lava is superheated using a special furnace to show how it behaves during an eruption. Kids can ask all of their burning geology questions, and those who upgrade to a VIP ticket will go home with a piece of lava as a souvenir. This one-of-a-kind experience is a must-do for families interested in volcanic activity.