What to do in Reykjavik with children

Go to the pool

Swimming pool choices are vast, as there are dozens in Reykjavík. Sundhöllin, the most central pool and the oldest in the city, is unusual because the main pool is inside, but the outside hot water baths give you a stunning view of the city. Laugardalslaug is the largest pool in Reykjavík, with many enjoyable swimming pools, hot pots and water slides on offer. 

Vesturbæjarlaug is the darling of Iceland's city centre and is close to the ice cream shop called Ísbuð Vesturbæjar - a wonderful treat for the family, to pop in for an ice-cream after the pool. Seltjarnarneslaug amazes the young and old with its saltwater pool. Nauthóslvík is an experience not to miss especially if your stay in Reykjavík is short. This geothermal beach offers you to relax in a hot bath at 38 ° then you can take a dip in the sea if you dare!

Go to the zoo

The Family Park and Zoo in Reykjavík is the perfect outing for a sunny afternoon. Admission is 6 euros for adults, 4.50 euros for children and free under age four.  At the Zoo you will see animals of Iceland i.e. seals, reindeer, arctic foxes, horses, goats, cows, etc., and also some reptiles and exotic animals. The Zoos website shows when employees will feed the animals and visitors are welcome to watch. If you are interested ,see "dagskrá" in Icelandic on their site.

Later in the park, there are plenty of activities and games for children -some free, others you pay on; like the little train, the carousel and boats sail on the small river. The cafe is between the area with animals and with the games. The park is open daily 10:00 to 17:00 hours in winter and 10:00 to 18:00 hours in the summer.

Go to the museum

The outdoor museum at Árbær is a delight for the whole family. Made up of over twenty buildings that form a central square, a village, and a farm. The museum aims to show the Icelandic way of life at different periods. From 1 June to 31 August, the museum is open daily, from 10:00 am to 17:00 hours. Admission is 1.500 kroner (11 euros) per person and free for children under 18 years. Many off events are held there during the year, such as the days of crafts, the annual exhibition of old vehicles and the Christmasexhibition.

The exhibition, Whales of Iceland (Icelandic Whales), free for children under seven years old, will delight the young and old, displaying giant models of whales and offer interactive games. Most travellers visit the exhibition before or after a whale watching tour, but perhaps whale watching is a too long for little children (three hours on a boat). A boat trip to see the puffins may be a better choice if you are traveling with small children - experiencing the sea while bird watching, all in an hour or an hour!

The National Museum of Iceland has a section dedicated to  children with old toys, games, and Viking costumes are available for children to try on, who will discover a fun way to experience the history of Iceland.

Coffee House

In the city center, if you wish to take a break and sample one of the cafés of Reykjavik, we recommend The laundromat cafe. It has a delightful play area downstairs that will keep the kids occupied for ages, while you can sit and enjoy your coffee with your children in full view. 

The Central Library

 A little further around the corner from the Laundromat Cafe is the Central Library, which has a whole section dedicated to children, with books, stuffed animals, paintings ... everything you need to unwind  while your kids indulge themselves.

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Húsavík at 66 Degrees North

Húsavik is a small town with 2500 inhabitants located in the north of Iceland. According to the “Book of Settlements”(Landnámabók), Húsavík was the first settlement in Iceland colonised by Scandinavia. This small town today lives mainly from tourism and fishing.

The wooden church of Húsavík is a little architectural gem from 1907. In winter, you can go skiing in Húsavík and also experience the Northern Lights. In any season, you can visit the museums in town, the most popular being the Whale Museum. There’s also the Museum of Exploration.

The famous Icelandic Phallological Museum (a collection of more than two hundred penises from varies mammals) was born in Húsavík, then in the height of its popularity was transferred to Reykjavík in 2013. The Fjúk Art Centre offers exhibitions and artist residencies. Hotels, guesthouses, shops, cafes and restaurants scatter around the small town. Húsavík is neither large nor the most entertaining town in Iceland, but it is a rather charming little place and deserves to be known.

Húsivík town holds an annual festival called Mærudagar, on the last weekend of July; the city divides into three areas and each area with a different colour. The people take great pleasure in decorating their neighbourhood with flags, banners and balloons pink, green and orange. 

It is a festival that brings together the people of Húsavík and  those who have connections there. One can enjoy a varied musical program, and other attractions take place near the port. In 2016, the festival will have its 22nd anniversary leaving the little town buzzing for days, like in the years before.

In Húsavík, best known as the European capital of whale watching,  you can whale watch from May to October, and take a boat starting from Húsavík where you can delightfully sail around the beautiful bay of Skjálfandi. There is so much to see! In particular,  you can observe Lundey Island (Puffin Island) where thousands of birds find refuge every summer.

If you come from the east and Myvatn, Husavik can be reached on the road number 85, much of which is missing asphalt. If you arrive from the west and Akureyri, you will cross the valley to join Kaldakinn on road number 85. Just before reaching Húsavík town,  you will find a hot water bath installed by residents( initially built to relieve a skin infection).  Around Husavik, there are many fantastic places to visit: Myvatn, Asbyrgi, Dettifossto name a few.

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