Reykjavík in 1 Day for Families - Indoor ice cave and hands-on nature exhibits at Perlan
In Collaboration with Perlan - Wonders of Iceland. Updated on February 3, 2026.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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 |
