Itineraries for Your Trip to Reykjavik
3 Days in Reykjavik for Families
When I first visited Reykjavik on my own, I immediately wanted to bring my kids there. The city was very walkable and I knew they'd love the colorful street art and interesting cuisine. When we eventually made our way back there, whale-watching cruises and museums such as the Perlan Museum topped our list of must-do family activities in Reykjavik.
When considering three days in Reykjavik for families, you'll want to build in some time to relax in one of the city's geothermal pools, and then build in some active time to walk around the city. This 3-day Reykjavik itinerary for families has a bit of everything to keep kids and parents happy.
If you only have time for one thing, make it an afternoon at the geothermal pools.
The weather in Reykjavik is typically cold with milder summers. Wearing layers is recommended.
Families looking to hit the ground running on day one are best off booking a guided walking tour that takes you to the famous rainbow street, down to the Old Harbor to learn about Iceland's fishing history, and up to the top of Hallgrímskirkja for the views.
Iceland’s geothermal pools are not to be missed, as they are the perfect way to relax on your first afternoon in Reykjavik. You can visit the popular Blue Lagoon out near the airport, but the Sky Lagoon is an option closer to town. Just be sure to check minimum ages before bringing the kids.
Kids may not be super jazzed to go on a history-focused walking tour, but a food tour with a bit of history thrown in is always a favorite. While kids might not be keen to try plokkfiskur (fish stew) or harðfiskur (dried fish) on their own, a food tour just might motivate them to try these and other quintessential Icelandic dishes.
Vikings brought what's now known as Icelandic horses to the country, and you'll definitely want to meet some while in Reykjavik. This afternoon, book a horseback riding adventure and learn about the horses' unique gait that helps them navigate slippery terrain.
A boat tour while in Reykjavik is a must, and there are plenty of options depending on the time of your visit. If you're there between April and October, head out on a whale-watching excursion. A puffin cruise is also sure to entertain the entire family.
You may not have enough time to see one of Iceland's volcanoes up close by day three, but a visit to the Lava Show will teach you all about the island's volcanic history in a fun and interactive way. If the kids can stay up late, make a northern lights tour a grand finale.
