Planning a Family Trip to Reykjavik: Things to Know Before You Go

A family trip to Reykjavik is great, because it’s a safe and family friendly destination. Reykjavik is also the best starting point for your Iceland family road trip or as a base to explore the Golden Circle.

Having visited Reykjavik once with my teen and another time with our family of 4, I know what you should plan ahead and things to be aware of before hopping on a plane to Iceland.

In this guide I’ll share all the things you need to know before you go to Reykjavik. We’ll dive into why Reykjavik is a kid friendly destination for children of all ages, best time to visit and must pack items to fight the cold, where to stay and where to eat. But also how to get to Reykjavik and how to get around.

We’ve got a lot of ground to cover, so let’s start.

About Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland and is most likely the city where you start and end your family road trip through Iceland.

About 136.000 people live in Reykjavik, which is a lot considering Iceland has a total population of about 346.000 people.

The name Reykjavik means “Smoky Bay” and comes from the steam rising from hot springs Vikings spotted when they first settled here back in 873 AD. Vikings were the founders of Reykjavik.

Back to the hot springs. Fun fact about Icelanders: they love their geothermal pools and that’s very clear in Reykjavik as well. There are about 18 geothermal pools in the city, one geothermal spa and even a geothermal beach.

Why Reykjavik is a great choice for a family visit

Reykjavik is an amazing destination for families with kids for so many reasons!

First, it’s incredibly family-friendly—there are tons of activities in Reykjavik that cater to kids of all ages, from interactive museums like Perlan and Whales of Iceland to outdoor adventures like bird spotting at Lake Tjörnin and spotting whales and puffins.

The city is compact and easy to navigate. Plus, Reykjavik has plenty of playgrounds, parks, and open spaces where kids can burn off energy while parents relax.

One of the best things about Reykjavik is its connection to nature. You don’t have to travel far from the city center to experience Iceland’s incredible landscapes—think waterfalls, lava fields, and geothermal pools!

Kids will love swimming in the city’s many geothermal pools like Laugardalslaug, and the whole family can enjoy short day trips to the Blue Lagoon or visit the Golden Circle with your children. Icelandic culture is also very welcoming and relaxed, making it easy to dine out or visit attractions with kids.

Did you know that lots of Icelanders believe in elves they call huldufólk (hidden people)? There’s even an elf school in Reykjavik. There’s something magical about the land of fire and ice that will spark your family’s sense of adventure! And you’ll get your first taste of that when exploring Reykjavik with your children.

Reykjavik with a toddler

Reykjavik is a great city to visit with a toddler. It’s very stroller friendly and you can get all the things your tod needs in the supermarkets and pharmacies. Just pack for the first 2 days and buy formula, diapers, jars with baby food (organic as well!) for the rest of the trip once you’ve arrived.

Reykjavik is full of parks and small playgrounds for your kid to enjoy. And your toddler will love all the colorful buildings in the Old Town (city center) and the rainbow streets.

When it comes to toddler friendly attractions, Reykjavik has lots to offer. There are lots of things to do in Reykjavik with toddlers.

Perlan Museum and Whales of Iceland are great ones to visit with your toddler. Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach and geothermal pools with a kiddie pool (like Árbæjarlaug pool, Klébergslaug pool or Grafarvogslaug pool) are also fun to do with a toddler.

Reykjavik with a teenager

There are lots of great things to do in Reykjavik for teens. Let’s start with museums.

Whales of Iceland is fun with teens from 10-15, Perlan Museum is awesome for kids of all ages, teens will love the Ice Cave and Aurora Borealis show. The Saga Museum teaches them about vikings and Icelandic culture, it only takes about 30 minutes. Just long enough to keep them interested and focused.

Older teens will love to visit Sky Lagoon and spend time in the geothermal pool and get a treatment. And if you’re in Reykjavik during the Aurora season you can book a tour to go hunting for the Northern Lights at night time and away from the city lights. An exciting adventure for teens, even though it’s quite the waiting game.

Booking a whale or puffin watching tour, leaving from Reykjavik Harbor, is an awesome thing to do with teens.

You can also rent electric scooters to explore the city, most teens will love that.

There are loads of things to do in Reykjavik with children of all ages, so you won’t be bored for a second. Having visited with a teen and toddler at the same time we had no trouble finding things to do that we all liked.

When to visit Reykjavik

The best time to visit Reykjavik depends on what you’re looking for. You’ve got some choices to make. Do you want to visit in winter or summer? Do you want to camp or stay in an apartment, hotel or hostel? What wildlife are you hoping to see and are the Northern Lights on your family’s Reykjavik bucket list. Let me help you make your choice.

Spring (April to May)

Spring in Reykjavik is when the city starts to wake up after its long winter slumber. The days get longer, with temperatures ranging from 1°C to 10°C.

It’s a great time for families to explore the city’s parks and outdoor spaces without the heavy tourist crowds.

If you’re really lucky you might catch the tail end of the Northern Lights in early April.

Plus, Reykjavik’s annual Children’s Culture Festival in April is a perfect event for families, offering workshops, performances, and exhibitions specifically for kids.

The downside to spring is that the weather can be unpredictable, with sunny days followed by rain or even snow. Kids might need to dress in layers to stay comfortable while out and about.

But, for families looking for a quieter, more budget-friendly time to visit Reykjavik, spring is a great option.

If your family is into wildlife, spring is the season when puffins return to Iceland! Puffin-watching tours from Reykjavik start in late April, giving your kids a chance to see these cute seabirds in their natural habitat.

Whale watching also kicks off around this time, with the possibility of spotting minke whales, humpbacks, and dolphins.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is the high season in Reykjavik, and for good reason. From June to August, temperatures hover between 10°C and 15°C, making it the perfect weather for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming in geothermal pools, and exploring the city on foot.

One of the best things about visiting Reykjavik in the summer is the Midnight Sun, with nearly 24 hours of daylight in June. This means you can pack in tons of activities each day, from whale watching tours to family walks along the harbor and waterfront, without worrying about it getting dark.

However, with the good weather and endless daylight comes larger crowds and higher prices. Hotels and tours can book up fast, so you’ll want to plan and reserve early.

For families with younger children, the near-constant daylight might make bedtime a bit tricky. In most family friendly accommodations they have blackout curtains.

We stayed at an AirBnB one time and weren’t that lucky. We bought black waste bags and duct tape to keep the light out at night (life hack, but do make sure not to buy the kind that will damage the accommodations paint or wallpaper). The better option? Look closely at pictures of the window before you book, so you can pick one with blackout curtains, or email them about it.

Another downside is that, with summer comes the end of Northern Lights viewing, so if that’s a big draw for your family, you’ll have to wait for fall or winter.

Summer is prime whale-watching season, with multiple species, including humpbacks, orcas, and blue whales, making appearances off the coast of Reykjavik.

Puffin tours are also in full swing, offering your family a chance to see these playful birds nesting on coastal cliffs.

For festivals, check out the Reykjavik Arts Festival and the National Day of Iceland on June 17, both of which have family-friendly events like parades, concerts, and outdoor activities.

And the yearly Street Food Festival, the biggest in Iceland, takes place in July. About 30 vendors sell their food to customers and at this event the best street food vendor of Iceland gets picked and will represent Iceland at the European Street Food Festival, taking place in a different country every year in the month of September.

Fall (September to October)

Fall in Reykjavik is a quieter time to visit, as the summer crowds leave, but the weather remains relatively mild. With temperatures ranging from 3°C to 10°C, it’s still warm enough for families to enjoy outdoor activities without the need for heavy winter gear. October is a great month for Iceland with children.

On the downside, the weather in fall can be quite unpredictable, with windy, rainy days mixed in with clearer, sunnier ones. It’s essential to pack waterproof and windproof clothing for the kids, as Iceland’s autumn weather can change quickly.

The Reykjavik International Film Festival in late September and early October often features family-friendly screenings, and it’s a great cultural event to check out if your family loves movies.

For wildlife, while puffins have left by fall, whale watching is still possible, and September is one of the best months for spotting humpback whales before they migrate south.

Fall is also the beginning of Northern Lights season, so it’s worth staying up late for a chance to catch this natural wonder. Although it might be better to venture outside of Reykjavik for a night to hunt Northern Lights.

Winter (November to March)

Winter in Reykjavik is like stepping into a winter wonderland, making it a magical time for families to visit. Temperatures range from -1°C to 4°C, and the city is often blanketed in snow, creating the perfect setting for holiday lights and festive cheer.

If you visit during Christmas or New Year’s, Reykjavik goes all out with lights, fireworks, and family-friendly festivities that make it a winter trip to remember. Reykjavik’s Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and the famous Yule Lads (Iceland’s version of Santa Claus) make it an exciting destination for families during the holiday season.

The long, dark nights also bring one of Iceland’s biggest draws: the Northern Lights, which can often be seen dancing in the sky right from Reykjavik. This is simply the best time to spot Northern Lights around Reykjavik.

The downsides of visiting in winter are the short days and the cold. In December, you’ll only get about 4-5 hours of daylight, so you’ll need to plan your outdoor activities carefully. The cold can be biting, especially with the wind, so dressing the kids in warm layers and waterproof boots is a must.

That said, winter in Reykjavik offers family experiences like snowmobiling, ice cave tours, and of course, dipping into one of the city’s geothermal pools while snowflakes fall.

For wildlife, whale watching is still possible, though sightings may be less frequent.

Winter in Reykjavik with a baby

Traveling to Reykjavik in winter with a baby takes some extra planning and preparation.

With temperatures ranging from -1°C to 4°C it’s safe to say it’s cold for babies. And the winter winds can make it feel much colder.

Daylight hours are also very short in midwinter, with only about 4-5 hours of sunlight in December. This limits the amount of time you can be outside, especially with babies and toddlers who are not used to being out in the dark and might not enjoy being in the cold for long stretches.

You’ll need to bundle them up in warm, waterproof layers and be ready to quickly adapt your plans if the weather takes a turn.

Must bring clothing for babies: hat, gloves and a scarf, hoodies and a hooded winter coat or hooded snowsuit. Bring extra blankets to keep the baby warm inside the cod while outside. Lastly bring a long sleeved thermal bodysuit with feet.

There are enough indoor activities you can visit with babies in the winter, like the kid friendly indoor geothermal pools I mentioned earlier, museums and cozy cafes and restaurants.

Christmas season is beautiful in Reykjavik, with its Christmas Markets and colorful lights everywhere, the city looks magical.

Winter in Reykjavik with a toddler

The same that goes for babies also goes for toddlers. They will experience the same discomfort in the cold. Add snow boots and thermal socks to the list of must brings.

Northern Lights with babies and toddlers

Hunting for Northern Lights is a waiting game. If you stay in the city then you’ll have to book a tour that will take you away from the city lights to a place where you’ll have a good chance of spotting the Aurora Borealis.

Every parent has to decide for themselves if they should join a tour that can last anywhere between 2 to 4 hours, most of which you’ll be standing outside. But we recommend opting for accommodation outside of Reykjavik if your mission is to spot the Northern Lights. There are many hotels that offer a Northern Lights wake up call. If the lights appear, you will get a call or knock on your door to come out. Mom and dad can admire the lights in turns and your kids don’t have to leave their warm and cozy beds.

Get a Reykjavik City Card (Updated: 2026)

The Reykjavík Card is a tourist card that offers free entry to a great selection of museums, galleries and attractions in Reykjavík. At other attractions you get a discount (between 10% and 50%).

With the Reykjavik City Card you can also hop onto city buses and the ferry to Viiðey free of charge for the duration of the validity of your card.

There are three types of cards. For 24 hours (kr6.100, about €42/$49 USD), 48 hours (kr8.500, about €59/$68 USD) and 72 hours (kr10.500, about €73/$84 USD). You can buy the card online or at most of the participating attractions.

Food in Reykjavik

Reykjavik offers something for every taste. As parents we loved all the sea food and there’s also lots for the kids to enjoy. From the standard burgers and fries, steaks and soups to Icelandic hot dogs, cinnamon buns and Skyr.

Most meals come with fresh produce, like tomatoes, green beans, lettuce and cabbage. Everytime our son ordered fish and chips or a burger with fries it came with a small salad.

The restaurants are very kid friendly. There are ones aimed at families, but we also dined at a fancy seafood restaurant and when we asked them to heat up our toddler’s baby food in the microwave they were happy to do so. And they have high chairs in every restaurant!

Skyr

A big hit with the toddler was Skyr. Let me tell you that he ate his weight in Skyr… Skyr resembles yoghurt but is not the same. It’s thicker and much creamier than yoghurt and higher in protein. Texture wise it made me think of Greek yoghurt, but Skyr is lower in fat because it’s not made with whole milk, but skim milk.

Add some berries and it’s a breakfast your kids can’t resist. And not just the toddlers.

TOP TIP: get an Icelandic hot dog at the Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand. And if you like fish you should definitely order Arctic Char. It looks like salmon, but the taste is somewhere between trout and salmon. It’s simply delicious!

Where to eat in Reykjavik with kids

A fun things to do when on holiday with kids is having dinner somewhere together. Let’s share 6 kid friendly restaurants in Reykjavik.

The Laundromat Café | €€ | Check Ratings

The Laundromat Café is a, lively spot in downtown Reykjavik, perfect for families. It has a kids’ area with books and toys, and the kids’ menu includes options like burgers, pasta, and pancakes.

Parents can enjoy dishes like burgers, meatballs and grilled salmon. And if you need to wash your clothes, you can do them here while you’re enjoying your meal.

Cafe Loki | €€ – €€€ | Check Ratings

This charming spot across from Hallgrímskirkja offers a variety of traditional Icelandic dishes that are kid-friendly.

Families can try Icelandic favorites like rye bread with smoked trout, lamb soup, and the famous Loki rye bread ice cream. Kids can order pancakes, bagels with cheese or ham and cheese or lamb with potatoes and vegetables

We tried fermented shark here. It was one of the worst things we ever ate, smelling like ammonia and tasting like ammonia and it was also very chewy. But it is very much a local thing, so give a try and see for yourself.

While Loki doesn’t have a play area, the welcoming atmosphere and local flavors make it an excellent choice for families looking to introduce their kids to Icelandic cuisine.

Hamborgarafabrikkan | €€ – €€€  | Check Ratings 

A popular burger joint with two locations in Reykjavik. One in Höfðatorg, and one in Kringlan. Hamborgarafabrikkan is known for its square-shaped burgers and family-friendly atmosphere.

The burgers are huge and great. The kids menu is awesome with a mini version of the burger with added fries, fish and chips, hotdogs sliced like an octopus with fries (big hit with our toddler), and chicken nuggets with fries.

If you’re into it, they have iPads and headphones for kids to use while dining.

Höfnin Restaurant | €€€ | Check Ratings

This cozy, harbor-side restaurant offers a kids’ menu and high chairs, making it a great spot for families. It’s well-known for its delicious seafood dishes, including fresh fish caught daily.

We enjoyed the shellfish soup and I still dream about the Arctic Charm while my teen can’t stop raving about the chocolate soufflé. The view is awesome with all the fishing boats and the mountains in the background.

Flóran Garden Bistro | €€ – €€€ | Check Ratings

Located in the Reykjavik Botanical Gardens, this hidden gem is open seasonally and offers locally inspired dishes made with fresh ingredients grown on-site.

Flóran Garden Bistro is known for using fresh produce and serving healthy dishes. Kids will enjoy the tomato soup with grilled cheese or one of the salads. They can also pick something like chicken nuggets with fruit or grilled cheese and ham with fries from the kids’ menu.

Parents can also opt to go things like burrata, falafel, smoked salmon.

While it doesn’t have a dedicated kids’ area, the beautiful surroundings and spacious garden make it great for families with children who need a bit of space to run around after a meal​.

Grazie Trattoria | €€ – €€€ | Check Ratings

Grazie Trattoria is known for its awesome pizzas, but you can also opt for pasta and they serve great cocktails and wine for mom and dad.

If you’re a dessert lover you can pick from dishes like tiramisu and panna cotta. A lovely Italian restaurant in Reykjavik.

These restaurants combine kid-friendly features with great food, ensuring an enjoyable dining experience for the whole family in Reykjavik!

Where to stay in Reykjavik with kids

When choosing where to stay in Reykjavik with kids, convenience and family-friendly amenities are key.

The city center (Miðborg) is a great area for families, offering proximity to major attractions like Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, and Laugavegur shopping street. This area allows you to easily explore on foot, and there are plenty of nearby restaurants, parks, and playgrounds. Staying in Miðborg ensures that you’re close to Reykjavik’s vibrant culture and landmarks, which means less time in transit for little ones.

Another great area for families is Laugardalur (East Reykjavik), known as the city’s green space hub. It’s slightly quieter than the city center, making it ideal for families looking for a more relaxed atmosphere while still being only a short bus or taxi ride away from downtown Reykjavik. Plus, the area has large open spaces where kids can run around and play.

For those who want to experience Reykjavik’s unique waterfront charm, Vesturbær (West Reykjavik) is another family-friendly option. This residential neighborhood is close to the Old Harbour, where whale-watching and puffin tours depart, and you’ll also find popular spots like the Maritime Museum, Whales of Iceland and Grandi Food Hall. Vesturbær is peaceful, making it great for families who want a quieter stay but still have access to fun attractions like the nearby Vesturbæjarlaug swimming pool, which is great for kids.

The Reykjavik EDITION *****

Price: €€€ | Area: city center (Miðborg) | Check Ratings

The Reykjavik EDITION is part of the Marriott Bonvoy family. This luxury hotel is known for its sleek design and stunning views of the harbor and mountains.

Families will appreciate the spacious suites, and the hotel’s proximity to Harpa Concert Hall, the Old Harbor and Laugavegur.

Hotel Borg by Keahotels ****

Price: €€€  | Area: city center (Miðborg) | Check Ratings

Situated in Austurvöllur Square in the heart of downtown Reykjavik, Hotel Borg  is an upscale Art Deco hotel that’s celebrated for its historical charm and elegance.

It’s perfect for families who want to stay in style, and its central location makes it easy to access Reykjavik’s top family-friendly attractions.

Fosshotel Reykjavik ***

Price: €€  | Area: Laugardalur (East Reykjavik)| Check Ratings

Located near Laugardalur,  Fosshotel Reykjavik  is known for its eco-friendly focus and modern design.

Families will love that it’s located right in between the Old Town and Laugardalur Park. And will enjoy the spacious rooms and kid-friendly amenities like an on-site restaurant​.

Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre ****

Price: €€  | Area: city center (Miðborg) | Check Ratings

Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre is located in Miðborg, this trendy hotel is praised for its stylish design, babysitting option and free bike rentals.

It’s a great choice for families, with kid-friendly options at breakfast and a central location, making it easy to explore the city with children.

Dalur HI Hostel **

Price: €  | Area: Laugardalur (East Reykjavik) | Check Ratings

Dalur HI Hostel is a budget-friendly ECO hostel known for its welcoming atmosphere and location in the green Laugardalur area

Families will appreciate the private family rooms and easy access to Laugardalur and all it has to offer.

Fly

Unless you’re flying from Orlando or New York, you’ll arrive at Keflavik airport. It will take about 45 minutes to get to Reykjavik by car or bus.

If you’re flying from New York or Orlando the other options are Egilsstaðir, Akureyri and Ísafjörður. But then you’d have to drive all the way back to Reykjavik, which will take hours. Between 7 and 8 hours from Egilsstadir to Reykjavik, from Akureyri between 4,5 to 5 hours and from Isafjördur between 5 and 6 hours. Unless you want to visit these places first, it’s better to fly to Keflavik Airport.

Once you’ve arrived at Keflavik Airport you have another 45 minutes to go. The best option is to book a bus transfer online before you arrive in Iceland. Especially, if you need a car seat and you’re not bringing your own. When pre-booking the bus transfer you have the option to select a car seat in the right size.

We booked our bus transfer via Gray Line (Airport Direct). They were punctual and brought the right size of car seat. Other reliable companies are Flybus and Airport Direct.

Car

There are lots of camper and car rental companies located in and around Keflavik Airport. If you book a rental from a company in Keflavik they’ll come and pick you up from the airport and drive you to the rental office where you collect your car or campervan.

Ferry

If you’re leaving from Denmark you can take the ferry to the Faroe Islands from Hirtshals and arrive in Tórshavn. Stay here for a few days (some periods of the year the ferry will only depart once a week), before you board the next ferry to Iceland. You’ll arrive at Seyðisfjörður and from there you can drive to Reykjavik in two days. Or take it slow and enjoy Southern Iceland first, before city tripping in Reykjavik.

How to get around in Reykjavik

You can do most of your exploring on foot. Reykjavik is stroller friendly so you can easily wander around with your kids in a stroller.

If you want to take the city bus you can buy a ticket in cash when you enter the bus. Or you can get your tickets from convenient stores in the center. Watch out, because the tickets are tiny and easy to lose. People with a valid Reykjavik City Card can hop on for free. This also goes for all kids up to 6 years old.

FAQ

Here are some FAQ about planning a family trip to Reykjavik.

Planning a Family trip to Reykjavik wrap-up

That’s everything you need to know before you hop on a plane to Reykjavik. Enjoy this extremely kid-friendly capital city with your family!

Pin for Later