Curator’s statement
Three days in Reykjavík is the perfect amount of time to experience the best of this charming, family-friendly city. Iceland is incredibly safe and welcoming, with a culture that naturally includes children in all aspects of daily life — from restaurants and shops to public spaces. You’ll find thoughtful touches like changing tables, playgrounds and kid-friendly facilities throughout the city, making it easy and enjoyable to explore with little ones. Having visited twice, I can confidently say Reykjavík makes for a stress-free and enriching getaway with kids, especially for families coming from North America.
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Day 1: Easy exploring in Reykjavík
Hallgrímskirkja Church
Start your day with a relaxed walk through downtown Reykjavík and stop by Tjörnin Playground, located right by the scenic Tjörnin lake. It’s an easy stroll from anywhere in the city center and features a zipline and in-ground trampoline — perfect for kids to play while you enjoy the views.
Pick up some snacks or essentials at Bónus, Iceland’s most budget-friendly grocery chain, easy to spot by its bright yellow pig logo.
Continue up the colorful Rainbow Road to visit Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík’s iconic church. There’s a small swingset in the churchyard, and, while entry to the main church is free, there’s a small fee to take the elevator to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city.
End the day with a cozy dinner at Reykjavík Fish Restaurant, known for its excellent fish and chips and hearty fish soup. It’s casual, kid-friendly and a local favorite.
Day 2: Reykjavík by land and sea
Nýlendugata Playground
Start your morning with breakfast at The Laundromat Café, a cozy and quirky spot that’s perfect for families. While parents enjoy coffee or a hearty meal, kids can play in the dedicated area stocked with toys and books — making it a relaxed and fun way to fuel up for the day.
After breakfast, walk over to the old harbor for the 9 am whale watching tour with Elding. This three-hour, family-friendly cruise offers a chance to spot whales, dolphins and seabirds while learning about Iceland’s marine life. Elding provides cozy overalls in case of chilly or wet weather and sells warm drinks and snacks on board, along with complimentary motion sickness pills (and lemon-flavored hard candy). Don’t miss the tiny maritime museum under the dock as you depart.
When you return, walk a few blocks to Posthús Food Hall, a bright, modern space with plenty of family-friendly dining options — from burgers to sushi to baked goods. It’s casual, clean, and ideal for kids and grownups alike.
Let little ones run off some energy at the nearby Nýlendugata Playground, just steps from the harbor. It’s a charming, maritime-themed play space with natural elements like wooden boats and logs — perfect for a playful pause during your city stroll.
End the day with dinner at Svarta Kaffið, a warm and welcoming spot on Laugavegur known for its bread bowl soups. There’s just one meat and one veggie soup served each day, and that’s all they make — but it’s always delicious.
Day 3: Play, culture & pools
Hljóðhimnar Soft Play Area, Harpa Concert Hall
Start your morning with a coffee and croissant to go, and enjoy breakfast outside at Bakarabrekka Playground, a small, charming park right in the heart of downtown Reykjavík. It’s a beloved gathering spot for families and a great place to ease into the day while kids play.
Next, walk to Harpa Concert Hall, where you’ll find Hljóðhimnar, a colorful, music-themed soft play area located on the main floor. It’s perfect for younger children to explore while adults relax and admire the stunning architecture. Restrooms are just downstairs, and while kids enter free, there’s a small fee for accompanying adults.
Right next door, head to Hafnartorg Gallery Food Hall for lunch. It’s a modern, stylish spot with a wide range of kid-friendly options — from pizza and tacos to sushi and fish and chips. The entire space is family-friendly, including restrooms on the same floor.
In the afternoon, take a 15- to 20-minute walk to Vesturbæjarlaug, a laid-back neighborhood pool that’s popular with local families. It features kiddie pools, hot tubs, a waterslide and even an on-site café — making it an ideal spot to relax and recharge.
After your swim, walk across the street to Kaffihús Vesturbæjar, an informal and cozy bistro offering soups, salads, and sandwiches — perfect for a casual dinner.
Need to know
If you have extra time, a visit to Perlan is well worth it. This lovely, easy-to-navigate museum offers immersive, interactive exhibits about Icelandic nature — glaciers, volcanoes and the Northern Lights — with very helpful, English-speaking guides throughout. There's a cloakroom and lockers on the first floor for convenience. Don’t miss lunch and ice cream on the top floor, and be sure to step outside to the observation deck for one of the best panoramic views over Reykjavík.
Traveling to Reykjavík with kids is refreshingly easy with a few helpful tips. Keflavík Airport is well-equipped for families, with plenty of strollers available and spacious restrooms. If you’re flying Icelandair, they make an extra effort to welcome young travelers with kid-sized headphones and a fun meal box that includes snacks and colored pencils. Once in the city, Reykjavík is very walkable, but the public bus system is simple to navigate if you need to go farther. To find nearby play areas, search for “Leikvöllur” (Icelandic for playground) on Google Maps — there are plenty of great options scattered throughout the city and neighborhoods.
When visiting Iceland’s beloved hot pools, it’s important to follow local etiquette to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for everyone. Before entering the water, all guests are expected to shower thoroughly without a swimsuit in the provided shower facilities — this is a deeply ingrained part of Icelandic pool culture and helps keep the water clean and pleasant. Pools typically provide soap and have clear signage (often in English) explaining the process. You can usually rent towels and swimsuits at the front desk if you don’t have your own, making it easy for travelers to participate even on a whim. Being mindful of quiet voices and respectful space around others also goes a long way in these communal, family-friendly spaces.
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Lacey Hayes
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