Curator’s statement
Reykjavik — and Iceland — is a fantastic destination for family travel. The country is incredibly safe, with a warm and welcoming culture that embraces women and children as an integral part of daily life. You’ll find family-friendly amenities like changing tables and play areas every few blocks. Kids are genuinely welcomed in restaurants, shops and public spaces — not just tolerated. As someone who’s visited twice, I can’t recommend Reykjavik enough as an easy, enriching escape from North America with little ones in tow.
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Things to do in Reykjavik
Best playgrounds
Reykjavík has numerous playgrounds and family-friendly spots to explore. Here are my personal recommended locations.
Bakarabrekka: Located in the heart of downtown Reykjavík, Bakarabrekka is a charming park that serves as a beloved gathering spot for families and nature enthusiasts.
Tjörnin Playground: Situated by the picturesque Tjörnin lake, this playground offers a serene environment for children to play while parents enjoy the scenic views. There is an in-ground trampoline and zipline.
The Laundromat Café: This unique café combines dining with a play area for kids, making it a convenient stop for families. While parents enjoy a meal or coffee, children can play in the designated area filled with toys and books.
Nýlendugata Playground: Located near the harbor, this playground is a great spot for children to play while being close to the maritime atmosphere of Reykjavík. Its proximity to the harbor makes it a convenient stop during sightseeing, and uses natural materials like wooden boats and logs - perfect for little ones.
Vallarbrautarólo: This spot is situated on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula. It is about a 5-minute drive from downtown Reykjavík, and this playground features an outdoor trampoline, and my child’s personal favorite.
Activities
Reykjavík is full of fun and family-friendly activities that are easy to enjoy with kids of all ages.
Sundlaug Seltjarnarness is a cozy community pool with warm mineral water, kid-friendly swimming areas and a peaceful setting by the sea. There’s also food nearby, making it an easy outing.
Vesturbæjarlaug is a local favorite for families, with kiddie pools, hot tubs, a waterslide and a café on-site. It’s walkable from downtown and has a laid-back, neighborhood feel.
A visit to Harpa Concert Hall is a great stop for kids. Not only is the architecture stunning, but inside you’ll find Hljóðhimnar, a dedicated soft play area on the main floor. It’s music-themed, colorful and a wonderful place for younger children to explore while adults relax nearby. Restrooms are available just downstairs, and while entry is free for kids, there is a small fee for adults to accompany them.
Perlan is an immersive museum experience with interactive exhibits about Icelandic nature, including glaciers, volcanoes and the Northern Lights. The observation deck also offers one of the best views over Reykjavík.
Kvika Footbath is a small geothermal foot soak along the shore — fun for kids and a relaxing stop for parents. From there, you can take a beautiful walk out to the Grotta Island Lighthouse.
A whale-watching tour with Elding is a memorable way to get out on the water and spot wildlife. The 3-hour family-friendly cruise departs the old harbor and follows responsible viewing practices.
Places to eat & drink in Reykjavik
Here are some of my favorite kid-friendly places to eat in and around Reykjavík. These spots are casual, welcoming to families, and offer something for even the pickiest eaters. I’ve also included links so you can check them out or get directions ahead of time.
Downtown food halls are perfect for kids — lots of options, casual seating and clean restrooms. Posthús Food Hall is a modern space with everything from burgers to sushi and baked goods.
Hlemmur Mathöll is small but charming, located in a former bus station with a handful of tasty vendors and a great vibe.
Hafnartorg Gallery Food Hall is more upscale but still laid-back, with a beautiful setting right next to Harpa Concert Hall.
Along the Golden Circle, Friðheimar is a one-of-a-kind greenhouse restaurant where everything centers around tomatoes—they even grow them on-site. Try the all-you-can-eat tomato soup with fresh bread (they have a bread buffet!) and also pet the show horses on site.
In Reykjavík proper, Reykjavík Fish Restaurant is a local favorite for fish and chips or warming fish soup — it’s casual, fast and delicious.
Svarta Kaffið is a cozy little spot known for its soup served in bread bowls — there’s usually one meat and one veggie option each day.
For groceries or snacks on-the go, head to Bónus — it’s the most affordable grocery store chain in Iceland and easy to spot with its bright yellow pig logo.
Need to know
For even more options, search “Leikvöllur” (which means playground in Icelandic) on Google Maps to find tons of great spots across the city.
I highly recommend a stop at Laugarvatn Fontana. You can soak in hot spring pools right by the lake, then watch as staff dig up rye bread that’s been baking in geothermal beach sand. The onsite café serves excellent soups, sandwiches and fresh hot bread — and the whole place is family-friendly and super relaxing.
Travel Advisor
Lacey Hayes
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