Wonders of Iceland — Family day at Perlan + pools
A relaxed family-friendly day built around the Wonders of Iceland experience at Perlan: stand in a real indoor ice cave, enjoy the volcano and Áróra planetarium shows, take in the 360° observation deck, then relax with pool time and kid-friendly meals. Suitable for toddlers through teens; easy pacing with short transfers and restroom/changing breaks.
In Collaboration with Perlan - Wonders of Iceland. Updated on March 23, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Perlan - Wonders of Iceland, inspired by the tour Wonders of Iceland experience. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Indoor ice cave and hands-on nature exhibits at Perlan
- 8K Áróra northern lights planetarium show
- 360° observation deck with views over Reykjavík
- Warm family pools at Laugardalslaug
- Kid-friendly Icelandic meals and local ice cream
Explore all itineraries in Reykjavík.
Itinerary
Day 1
Easy-paced family day around Perlan with pool time and relaxed meals. Designed for families with children (recommended ages 0–14).
Breakfast at Sandholt Bakery (family-friendly pastries & seating)
Start the day with fresh pastries, sandwiches, and coffee at Sandholt — a family-favourite bakery on Laugavegur with table seating and quick service.
- Monday7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Go early (08:00) to avoid queues and secure a table for a stroller — mornings are quieter.
- Order a few small pastries for kids to share (they offer smaller portions) and ask for cutlery/plates for little hands.
- There are step-free entrances on Laugavegur and space for folding strollers; keep receipts if you want a later takeaway.
Short transfer to Perlan (Öskjuhlíð hill)
Quick taxi or bus ride up to Perlan; travel is short but the hill leads to lovely parked woodland around the museum.
Tips from local experts:
- Taxis from the city centre take ~10 minutes; buses (Strætó) stop near Perlan — check schedules for summer frequencies.
- If using a stroller, ask the driver to stop at the Varmahlíð entrance where step-free access is available.
- Bring a light layer — even on warm summer days the hill and observation deck can be breezy.
Wonders of Iceland experience at Perlan — ice cave, exhibitions, volcano & Áróra show
Core activity: explore a real indoor ice cave, interactive exhibits about Icelandic nature, the Volcano show, and the Áróra northern lights planetarium experience (8K projection). Finish with the 360° observation deck overlooking Reykjavík.
- Monday9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Plan for 2 hours — start with the ice cave while kids' energy is high, then move to the interactive exhibits and planetarium show.
- Perlan has elevators and step-free routes — bring a stroller if needed; staff are used to families and can advise the least crowded route.
- Ask at the ticket desk for child activity sheets or short guided hints; restrooms with baby-changing facilities are located near the main exhibition entrance.
Lunch at Perlan Restaurant (family-friendly menu)
Relaxed lunch at Perlan's on-site restaurant offering family portions and comfortable seating — convenient for brief rests after the exhibition.
- Monday11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Book a table in advance for busy summer weekends — ask for a high chair if needed.
- Choose lighter children's dishes or share a fish & chips plate; staff can often adapt portions for toddlers.
- If kids are restless, ask for a table near windows for the 360° views — a small distraction while waiting for food.
Explore Öskjuhlíð woodland — short playground & picnic spot
A short outdoor break in the woods surrounding Perlan: gentle paths, a small playground area and shaded picnic spots — perfect for toddlers to run off energy.
Tips from local experts:
- The paths are mostly stroller-friendly; bring a picnic blanket for a quick snack under the trees.
- Summer evenings are long and bright — sunscreen and water bottles are useful even in the woods.
- Look out for marked nature trails with short loops — keep to main paths with young children to avoid steep slopes.
Transfer to Laugardalslaug (family pools & hot tubs)
Short drive or bus to Reykjavík's main family bathing complex with warm pools, children's paddling areas and family changing rooms — a great way for kids to splash and rest.
Tips from local experts:
- Taxis are quickest with kids and strollers; bus routes are frequent in summer but check departure times.
- Bring swim nappies for toddlers (required in children's pools) and a waterproof bag for wet clothes.
- Lockers are available; bring coins or card depending on the season. Family changing rooms and diaper-changing facilities are standard here.
Swim & play at Laugardalslaug (heated pools + family area)
Enjoy warm outdoor pools, a shallow kids' area, and hot tubs. This is a relaxed way for children to play and for adults to unwind.
- Monday6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive prepared: swim nappies for small children and towels; there are family changing rooms for privacy.
- The main pools are warm and shallow areas are suitable for toddlers under supervision; lifeguards are on duty during opening hours.
- Take regular short breaks — children tire quickly in water; use the benches and warming areas to avoid chills.
Valdís ice cream (city favourite) — sweet treat
A well-loved Reykjavik ice cream shop with many flavors — a perfect post-pool treat for kids and adults.
- Monday11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Valdís offers small cups for toddlers — share a few flavors to keep sugar portions reasonable.
- Allergy note: ask staff about dairy-free sorbets if someone has lactose intolerance.
- If queues are long during peak summer afternoons, consider take-away cones to enjoy at nearby seating areas.
Photo stop & short visit to Hallgrímskirkja (church exterior & plaza)
Easy stroll in the central area for photos of Hallgrímskirkja and space for children to explore the plaza. Option to visit tower if everyone is rested (tower elevator available).
- Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- The church has an elevator to the observation tower (accessibility-friendly) — take turns if the queue is long with small kids.
- The plaza has flat, stroller-friendly surfaces and benches for snack breaks and shoe changes.
- Bring a lightweight stroller or carrier for quick walks in the centre — cobbles are present on some streets nearby.
Early dinner at Café Loki — kid-friendly Icelandic dishes near Hallgrímskirkja
Comfortable family dining serving traditional Icelandic small plates and familiar choices for kids. Casual setting with high chairs and friendly staff.
- Monday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Order a few shared plates to sample Icelandic flavors without large portions for children; the menu has milder options for picky eaters.
- Bring small activities (colouring) for children — the restaurant is relaxed and staff are used to families.
- If you plan a tower visit earlier, request a table with a view to keep children entertained while waiting for food.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Total Activities | 8 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Meal, Transfer, Attraction, Neighborhood, Sport |
Why this experience
This is the perfect day for families who want Iceland's wonders without long drives or strenuous hiking. At Perlan on Öskjuhlíð hill, you'll walk inside a real indoor ice cave, explore hands-on exhibits about Icelandic volcanoes, and experience the Áróra 8K planetarium show of the Northern Lights—all under one roof. Then you'll ride the 360° observation deck overlooking Reykjavík, explore woodland paths, relax in warm family pools at Laugardalslaug, and enjoy traditional Icelandic food. Designed for toddlers through teens, this itinerary moves at a gentle pace with rest stops, meal breaks, and plenty of time for children to run, splash, and play. It's Reykjavík at its most accessible.
Before you go
- Best time: Year-round (indoor attractions; summer offers long daylight for outdoor woodland and pool time)
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current pricing. Includes Perlan attraction admission, guided experience, meals as specified, and pool entry.
- Difficulty: Easy (mostly indoors and flat walks; short drives between stops; suitable for all ages from infants to teens)
- What to bring: Swimwear, towel, swim nappies for toddlers (required in children's pools), waterproof bag for wet clothes, sunscreen (for observation deck and pool), change of clothes, small snacks/activities for meal waits
- Getting there: Start in central Reykjavík (breakfast at Sandholt Bakery). Short taxi or bus ride to Perlan (10 minutes). Other stops are accessible by short drives or buses.
- Accessibility: Perlan is step-free with elevators and accessible routes. Laugardalslaug has family changing rooms, accessible pool access, and baby-changing facilities. All restaurants mentioned have family-friendly seating and high chairs available.
Frequently asked questions
What's included in this itinerary?
This family-friendly day itinerary curated on TheNextGuide includes breakfast at Sandholt Bakery, admission to Perlan's Wonders of Iceland experience (ice cave, exhibits, volcano show, Áróra planetarium, observation deck), lunch at Perlan Restaurant, pool time at Laugardalslaug, ice cream at Valdís, visits to Hallgrímskirkja and Öskjuhlíð woodland, and dinner at Café Loki. Check the booking widget for current pricing.
Is Perlan good for toddlers?
Yes. The ice cave and interactive exhibits engage children from age 2+. Very young toddlers may not understand the planetarium show (it's in Icelandic and English with 8K visuals), but older toddlers enjoy it. Strollers are welcome; elevators and step-free routes throughout.
How much time is spent indoors vs. outdoors?
Most of the day (roughly 7 of 10 hours) is indoors at Perlan or restaurants. Outdoor time includes a 30-minute woodland walk, 30 minutes at Hallgrímskirkja plaza, and 1.5 hours in the pool. It's well-balanced for families who need breaks from weather.
What if my child is anxious about the ice cave?
The indoor ice cave at Perlan is real but in a controlled museum setting—not a wilderness cave. If your child is nervous, tell staff at admission; they can advise on pacing. Many children find it magical rather than scary.
Are pool times supervised?
Laugardalslaug has lifeguards on duty during opening hours. Children should always be directly supervised by a parent or guardian. The shallow areas are suitable for toddlers; deeper pools for older children and adults.
Can we skip activities if kids get tired?
Absolutely. This itinerary is flexible. If children are exhausted after Perlan and the pools, skip Hallgrímskirkja and Café Loki—have an early dinner near your hotel instead. The beauty of a city-based day is you can adapt as you go.
Complete your trip in Reykjavik
Looking for ways to extend your family adventure or combine this with other activities? Consider these complementary itineraries:
- Family-Friendly 2-Day Reykjavik Easy Pace — Pair this day with another gentle, paced exploration of the city
- Reykjavik 3-Day Family-Friendly Summer Visit — Build a multi-day family trip combining indoor attractions with outdoor adventures
- One Relaxed Family Day in Reykjavik Summer — Alternative easy-paced day if you want to skip Perlan and explore the city instead
Browse all Reykjavik itineraries at TheNextGuide.
Last updated: March 2026
