Iceland

Reykjavik

Perlan's glacier exhibition and ice cave work well as a rainy-day anchor, and Laugardalslaug's geothermal outdoor pool is the kind of experience that makes a cold afternoon feel like an adventure. The Golden Circle, combining Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir hot spring area, and Thingvellir National Park, is one of the most satisfying single-day excursions in Europe. FamiVentura's Reykjavik guides cover the city's family attractions, geothermal pools, and the dramatic natural excursions that make Iceland's capital so memorable.

7 activities3 free 10 food spots3 free 7 excursions3 free 7 hidden gems3 free 1 Itinerarie0 free

Itineraries

Day-by-day plans that actually work with kids

These itineraries are designed to give your family a feel for what the city has to offer when you don't have fixed plans. Think of them as a starting point: swap in your favorite picks from our guides, add that restaurant a friend recommended, or skip a stop to linger somewhere you love.

Day 1

Reykjavik: Harbour, Heights, and Hot Water

The city's compact centre is manageable with a stroller, most streets near the harbour and main shopping areas are paved and relatively flat. The uphill streets toward Hallgrímskirkja have cobblestone sections; a carrier is useful if you have a wriggly one. Plan the afternoon nap around the geothermal pool visit: pools are one of the best toddler experiences in Iceland.

08:30

Brauð & Co: Breakfast

food

45 minutes

The best bakery in Reykjavik and a short queue worth joining. Kanel snúðar (cinnamon rolls) are the signature, and skyr (thick Icelandic yogurt, mild and nutritious) comes in small cups that toddlers eat well. The café has a few seats inside and the street outside is wide enough for a stroller. Order quickly: the queue moves fast and the selection is worth surveying before you decide. Skyr is one of the best toddler foods in Iceland, high protein, mild flavour, smooth texture, and sold everywhere from cafés to petrol stations. If yours resists unfamiliar food, this is an easy introduction to Icelandic eating.

09:30

Hallgrímskirkja: Tower and Square

activity

60 minutes

20-minute walk uphill from Brauð & Co, or short taxi

The church tower is 74.5 metres and the lift takes 60 seconds, toddlers find this thrilling. At the top, the views of colourful Reykjavik rooftops and the sea are exciting for small children who can point at boats, houses in bright colours, and the distant mountains. The square in front is wide, flat, and pedestrianised, good for a short run while you collect yourselves after the tower. The Leif Erikson statue at the front is climbable-looking but not: it's on a high plinth. The church interior is dark and the service requires quiet, skip it with an active toddler and spend the time in the square instead. The upper streets have some cobblestone, so if your stroller wheels are small, the pavement near the church is smoother than the approach streets.

11:00

Old Harbour Walk: Boats and Birds

activity

30 minutes

15-minute walk downhill from Hallgrímskirkja to the harbour

The Old Harbour is flat, open, and interesting for toddlers: fishing boats, whale-watching vessels, the smell of the sea, and often Arctic terns diving aggressively at anyone who gets near their nesting spots (April–July). The terns are bold and will swoop at heads, this is alarming for adults but usually entertaining for toddlers once they understand the bird is small and dramatic rather than dangerous. Walk along the harbour front from Harpa Concert Hall toward the smaller fishing boats. The Harpa building itself has a remarkable geometric glass facade that catches light in unusual ways, toddlers often stop to look at the reflections. There are seals occasionally visible near the fish dock. The harbour walk is stroller-friendly on the paved quayside.

2-day

The full Reykjavik guide includes 31+ picks, 2-day itineraries, and personalized PDFs to share with family and friends.

One-time purchase. Yours forever.

12:00

Café Loki: Lunch Near Hallgrímskirkja

food

60 minutes

10-minute walk back up toward Hallgrímskirkja

Café Loki sits directly across from Hallgrímskirkja and does Icelandic home cooking: lamb soup (kjötsúpa), rye bread with smoked salmon, skyr cake for dessert. The lamb soup is a very good toddler food, mild broth, tender meat, soft root vegetables, served warm. The rye bread (rúgbrauð, sometimes called hot spring bread because it was traditionally baked slowly underground using geothermal heat) is dense and slightly sweet, and toddlers either love it or ignore it. The café has high chairs, the staff are accustomed to families, and the small room is warm, which matters in Reykjavik even in summer. Aim to finish by 13:15 to get back for the afternoon nap.