Family-friendly 2-day Reykjavík: easy pace, kid-tested
A gentle, two-day Reykjavík itinerary designed for families with young children. Short transfers, stroller-friendly options, pools and open-air play, interactive museums, and kid-friendly meals. Pace includes nap/snack/bathroom buffers and flexible indoor alternatives for changeable Icelandic weather. Best visited in June for long daylight and mild weather.
Highlights
- Perlan — family-friendly interactive Wonders of Iceland + planetarium
- Laugardalslaug public pool with slides and toddler areas
- Whales of Iceland — life-size whale models kids love
- Árbæjarsafn (Open Air Museum) — historic houses and safe outdoor play
- Hallgrímskirkja + Sun Voyager & Harpa for short, stroller-friendly walks
Itinerary
Day 1
A relaxed first day: central Reykjavík sights, a hands-on museum, outdoor pool time for energy release, and a calm evening by the harbour. Designed with nap/snack breaks and short walks between stops.
Morning: Hallgrímskirkja — quick tower visit and church yard
Visit Reykjavík's iconic church early when it’s quieter. Short elevator ride to the tower gives panoramic city views that kids often find exciting. Easy walk / stroller route around the church and a good place for a quick photo and bathroom break.
Tips from local experts:
- Timing: arrive early (09:00) to avoid crowds and lines for the elevator; best for age 3+ to enjoy the views without long waits.
- Stroller & accessibility: there are ramps to the church; fold a stroller for the narrow elevator and use the outdoor plaza for stroller parking while you go up.
- Facilities: bathrooms nearby on the ground floor (check signs); use this stop as a short bathroom + snack break before longer activities.
Breakfast: Café Loki — Icelandic flavours with kid-friendly dishes
Cozy café across from Hallgrímskirkja with simple traditional and familiar dishes (rye breads, pancakes, soups). Many families choose this spot for quick wholesome breakfast with friendly staff who can adapt portions for children.
Tips from local experts:
- Kids & menu: ask for smaller portions or pancakes — staff are used to families and can adapt dishes for picky eaters or allergies.
- Seating & stroller hack: there's ground-floor seating suitable for strollers; arrive slightly before peak to get a table that fits a stroller next to you.
- Facilities: café has a family-friendly restroom; use this breakfast stop to change diapers or suit up for the morning outing.
Perlan — Wonders of Iceland exhibition + short planetarium show
Interactive exhibits about glaciers, volcanos and Icelandic nature, plus a planetarium (short shows). Perlan is very family-friendly with spacious exhibits for strollers and hands-on displays kids enjoy.
Tips from local experts:
- Age range: great for age 2–12; little ones love the sensory glacier exhibit and the moving displays, while older kids enjoy the planetarium show (best for ages 4+).
- Stroller & route: the main exhibition is spacious and stroller-friendly; there are ramps and elevators — keep a lightweight stroller so it's easy to navigate inside.
- Planetarium & timing: check show times at arrival (short 20–25 min shows); book or aim for an earlier show to avoid afternoon crowds and to keep the day flexible for naps.
Lunch: Perlan Café — quick family meal with views
The café at Perlan offers soups, sandwiches and kid-friendly options in a spacious setting with panoramic windows — convenient after the exhibits and good for a relaxed mid-day break.
Tips from local experts:
- Allergies & menu: staff can accommodate common allergies; ask for ingredient lists and simpler options (bread, soup) if needed.
- Seating & nap break: choose a table by the windows for calming views; it’s an easy place to soothe a tired child with a quiet corner.
- Facilities: there are family restrooms and a changing table in the museum complex — useful right after the exhibit before heading outside.
Afternoon swim: Laugardalslaug public pool (slides & toddler area)
Reykjavík's largest outdoor/indoor pool complex, including warm pools, kid slides and a separate toddler area. A local favourite for families to run off energy and relax in warm water.
Tips from local experts:
- Age & safety: great for all ages; parents should supervise slides and toddler pools — lifejackets or floaties recommended for non-swimmers.
- Changing & stroller: excellent family changing rooms with baby changing tables; bring flip-flops and a small towel for quick post-swim dressing and stroller-ready drying.
- Timing & naps: 2-hour swim is a good nap-trigger — plan a calm travel window right after the pool so kids can rest on the walk or in the stroller.
Late afternoon: Fjölskyldugarðurinn / Family Park and Zoo (Laugardalur)
Small family park and zoo in Laugardalur with domestic animals, playgrounds and safe fenced areas. Excellent for toddlers and younger children to explore without long walks.
Tips from local experts:
- Age & pacing: ideal for age 0–8; shorter visit (60–90 min) keeps it fun without overtiring little legs.
- Stroller & surfaces: paths are mostly paved in the main areas but some enclosures use gravel — a stroller with large wheels works best; bring wipes for animal-adjacent hands.
- Facilities & snacks: there’s a small café/stands nearby in summer; use the benches and shaded spots for snack and bathroom breaks between play sessions.
Dinner: family-friendly burgers at Hamborgarabúllan
A casual, kid-pleasing burger spot with fast service — good for families needing quick, familiar food after a busy day. Staff typically accommodate kids' portion requests.
Tips from local experts:
- Kids' options: order smaller burgers or share fries; staff are used to families and will help with portion sizes and simpler seasoning if needed.
- Quick service: ideal after a busy afternoon — minimal waiting keeps the evening calm and predictable for bedtime routines.
- Allergy note: ask about gluten-free buns or simple grilled patties; many Reykjavik burger places can adapt quickly if you mention allergies.
Evening stroll: Harpa Concert Hall + Sólfar (Sun Voyager) — short waterfront walk
A gentle, stroller-friendly walk along the harbour to see the glass Harpa building and the Sun Voyager sculpture. Long summer daylight keeps it bright and safe for families.
Tips from local experts:
- Pacing: keep this stroll short (30–45 min) as a calm end to the day; benches and sheltered spots along the harbour are good for quick rests.
- Stroller route: the waterfront promenade is flat and paved — perfect for strollers and scooters; avoid the rock edges near the sculpture with small children.
- Facilities: Harpa has accessible restrooms and occasional family-friendly activities in the lobby — pop inside if you need a warm break or quiet space.
Day 2
Interactive morning museum, quick local snack, a large open-air museum for exploring historic Icelandic homes and outdoor play, plus a relaxed harbour finish. Built-in options if weather turns (museums, cafés and indoor play ideas).
Morning: Whales of Iceland — life-size whale models
Indoor exhibition with accurate full-size models of whales found in Icelandic waters. Very visual and tactile for children; includes short kid-oriented explanations and safe pathways for strollers.
Tips from local experts:
- Age & interest: excellent for ages 3–12 — the scale models are exciting for little kids and spark easy conversation about animals.
- Stroller & route: museum floors are flat and stroller-friendly; take the main route counterclockwise to follow the storyline without backtracking with a stroller.
- Short attention spans: plan about 60–90 minutes and include the short interactive corner for children to touch models and maps; older kids can benefit from a quick audio guide if available.
Snack break: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur — famous Icelandic hot dog (quick and kid-friendly)
Quick local snack stop with fast service; hot dogs are a Reykjavík classic and the stand is convenient for families needing a quick refuel between attractions.
Tips from local experts:
- Speed & seating: order to-go if outdoor seating is limited — easy to eat on the harbour promenade or at nearby benches where kids can stretch legs.
- Allergy note: ask for toppings on the side or a plain hot dog if managing allergies; they often offer gluten-free sausages or bread on request.
- Kid-friendly portion: split a hot dog for toddlers or pair with a fruit pouch to make it more balanced; short queues in the late morning are common in June.
Midday: Árbæjarsafn — Reykjavík Open Air Museum (historic houses & safe outdoor play)
Large open-air museum with preserved historic homes, farm animals in summer and lots of lawn space for children. Great for hands-on exploring and a picnic-style lunch if weather allows.
Tips from local experts:
- Age & access: best for ages 2–10 — open lawns are perfect for toddlers to run; supervise around animal enclosures (animals are generally calm and used to visitors).
- Stroller & paths: main gravel paths are stroller-friendly though some smaller yards are uneven — bring a stroller with good wheels or a front-carry baby carrier for tight spots.
- Meals & picnic: there’s a small café; in nice weather bring a picnic blanket for a relaxed outdoor lunch and a quiet nap opportunity for younger children.
Late lunch / snack: Museum café or on-site family picnic
Use the museum café for a simple hot meal and family rest, or a grouped picnic outdoors — both options are family-friendly with space to let children play safely nearby.
Tips from local experts:
- Calm nap window: schedule this as a quiet lunch slot to help younger children settle for an afternoon nap in the stroller.
- Allergies & kids: cafés at museums usually offer soups, sandwiches and simple kids’ options — ask staff to simplify ingredients if needed.
- Weather backup: café provides a warm indoor backup if Icelandic weather shifts; in June there are usually sunny picnic spots on the grounds.
Afternoon treat: Valdís ice cream at the Old Harbour
Popular local ice cream shop with many flavours (including dairy-free options). Good short stop to reward kids and refocus before an indoor museum or gentle walk.
Tips from local experts:
- Dietary options: Valdís often has non-dairy sorbets and vegan options — ask staff for allergen guidance if needed.
- Quick break: take ice cream to nearby benches on the harbour so children can sit and watch boats — a calming pre-museum routine.
- Portion control: order small cups for toddlers and keep a spare napkin/wipes — the area is stroller-friendly and safe for short breaks.
Afternoon option: Reykjavík Maritime Museum — hands-on maritime exhibits
A compact museum with kid-friendly displays about Iceland’s maritime history and boats. An easy indoor option if weather turns rainy or you want a shorter activity before evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Age suitability: good for ages 4–12 — tactile exhibits and model boats keep kids engaged for 45–60 minutes.
- Stroller & access: museum is accessible with elevators and flat routes; plan to carry small strollers on certain display stairs if you want to see all boats.
- Quiet times: afternoons are often quieter than mornings — a calm environment for families with toddlers who may need a nap afterward.
Late afternoon: Tjörnin pond — ducks and gentle city wind-down
Short, stroller-friendly walk around the city pond where children can feed ducks (bring a small amount of bread or birdseed) and families can relax on benches before heading back to your accommodation.
Tips from local experts:
- Easy pacing: 20–30 minutes is perfect for little legs — use this as a calm end-of-day routine before dinner or bedtime prep.
- Stroller route: paths around the pond are flat and paved; ideal for a stroller nap while you watch the waterfowl.
- Snack & bathroom: cafés and public restrooms are nearby around Austurvöllur and the pond — handy for last-minute changes or a final snack.
