One relaxed family day in Reykjavík (summer)
A practical, stroller-friendly one-day loop for families with young children. Short walks, easy transfers, plentiful bathrooms and snack breaks. Designed for July (long daylight, mild weather) with time built in for naps, swimming, and hands-on exhibits.
Highlights
- Hallgrímskirkja & view tower — quick, stroller-accessible visit
- Whales of Iceland — life-size models that fascinate kids
- Perlan (Wonders of Iceland & planetarium) — interactive exhibits and indoor glacier/ice cave
- Laugardalslaug public pool — family pools and slides for all ages
- Easy waterfront stroll past Sun Voyager & Harpa Concert Hall
Itinerary
Day 1
A relaxed circular day through central Reykjavík with built-in snack/nap and changing breaks. Distances are short; plan to pause often for little legs.
Morning: Hallgrímskirkja — quick visit & tower view
Start at Reykjavík’s iconic church. Elevator to the tower (short wait most mornings) gives wide city views — a 30–45 min visit is perfect for families. Stroller can be left at the vestibule while you ride the elevator.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller note: the church entrance is step-free on the south side; fold or leave the stroller in the vestibule when taking the lift — staff are used to families.
- Best time: arrive right at opening (about 09:00) to avoid small crowds and make elevator waits short — good for kids with less patience.
- Restroom/changing: there’s a family-friendly restroom nearby on Skólavörðustígur; bring a light jacket — the tower can be breezy.
Breakfast at Sandholt Bakery (child-friendly pastries & space)
Walk/fold-stroller-friendly bakery with pastries, simple hot options and space for families. High chairs usually available and many kid-friendly sweet/savoury choices.
Tips from local experts:
- High chairs & allergy notes: staff are used to kids and can point out egg/dairy options — ask about muffins without nuts if allergies are a concern.
- Stroller hack: there’s room inside for a compact stroller; choose a table near the window for extra space and natural light to calm toddlers.
- Timing: keep this to ~45 minutes to match kids’ rhythms; outdoor seating is shaded in summer if you need to spread out.
Short waterfront walk: Sun Voyager (Sólfar) + Harpa Concert Hall (photo & play)
Easy, stroller-friendly 20–30 minute walk along the waterfront. Let kids stretch legs near the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa’s plaza — benches and shade available.
Tips from local experts:
- Quiet route: walk the seawall (Sæbraut) to avoid busier streets and give kids space to scooter or walk safely.
- Sensory tip: Harpa’s glass facades are great shade; the plaza has shallow steps where kids like to sit — useful for a calm snack stop.
- Facilities: public toilets are available inside Harpa (ask at info desk for the nearest family restroom) and are stroller-friendly.
Whales of Iceland exhibition — life-size models and kid-friendly layout
Indoor, hands-on friendly exhibition with life-size whale models and short interpretive panels that thrill kids. Mostly stroller-accessible and fully indoor — a good rainy-day or sunny-day stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Recommended ages: great for 3+; toddlers love the scale and older kids enjoy the facts. Bring a small snack — there are benches near the exhibit.
- Stroller & restroom: fully stroller-accessible; family restrooms and changing facilities are available in the building.
- Pace: limit to about 45–60 minutes (there are short film options but queues can form) — use quieter corners for a sensory break if a child gets overwhelmed.
Lunch at Sægreifinn (The Sea Baron) — casual, kid-friendly seafood & soup
A casual waterfront spot known for simple fish soup and skewers — quick service, large portions that can be shared. Outdoor seating available in summer.
Tips from local experts:
- Kids' food: the fish soup is mild and comforting for picky eaters; kids can share skewers or try bread and soup if texture-sensitive.
- Queue tip: popular but service is brisk; arriving slightly before peak (around 12:30) reduces wait times and keeps the day moving.
- Allergies & flexibility: staff will accommodate simple swaps (e.g., no butter on bread); bring wet wipes and a spare bib — outdoor tables can be breezy in Icelandic summer.
Perlan — Wonders of Iceland, interactive displays & indoor ice cave
Hands-on geology, wildlife exhibits and an indoor man-made ice cave plus a short planetarium show. Exhibits are well-suited to children; the observation deck offers panorama views if you want another city perspective.
Tips from local experts:
- Recommended ages: best for 4+ for full exhibit engagement; toddlers enjoy the lights and ice cave visuals but supervise near displays.
- Practicalities: stroller-friendly paths and elevators throughout; family restrooms and changing tables are available inside Perlan.
- Planetarium & timing: book an early-afternoon planetarium slot if available (shows are short). If the family needs a nap, benches and quieter upstairs areas provide a calm break.
Late afternoon: Laugardalslaug public pool — warm family pools & slides
Iceland’s family-friendly geothermal pool complex with children's pools, gentle slides and warm soaking areas — perfect for energetic kids and a restful soak for adults. Plan for changing time.
Tips from local experts:
- Family facilities: there are dedicated family changing rooms and indoor warm pools; bring swim diapers for little ones and a towel (rentals may be limited).
- Timing & naps: late afternoon is a good time — many families go after naps. Allow 15–30 minutes for changing; keep visits to 60–90 minutes to fit bedtime routines.
- Safety: lifeguards are on duty, but younger children must be supervised at all times. The kids’ pool is shallow and shaded; older kids enjoy the bigger slides.
Early dinner: Hamborgarabúllan — classic Icelandic burgers, quick and kid-approved
Simple, family-friendly burger joint on Laugavegur with quick service, high chairs, and options for picky eaters. A relaxed way to end the day close to central hotels.
Tips from local experts:
- Kids' menu & allergies: basic burgers and fries mean easy swaps for dietary needs; ask for a plain grilled option if needed.
- Stroller & space: compact but casual — ask for a corner table; outdoor seating can be used in summer for extra space.
- Pacing: keep dinner about 45 minutes to keep bedtime routines on track; consider takeaway if kids are sleepy and eat back at the hotel.
