Reykjavik in Iceland may not be the most obvious destination for families with young kids but it is surprisingly welcoming even to little explorers and is an easy city to explore.
Best time to visit Reykjavik
- The best time to visit Rejkiavik is the summer months, June to August.
- During the summer, the temperature is milder and the long hours of daylight facilitate sightseeing and day trips.
- Winter can be a good time to visit Reykjavik too. While more challenging due to low temperatures and long hours of darkness, this is the time when you can try and catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
- Active families will love the many outdoor activities available in and close to Reykjavik.
You can find more details on the best time to visit Reykjavik here
How to get around Reykjavik
The best way to explore Reykjavik is on foot.
- The tourist office has good maps of recommended walks, which will help you discover the city’s most important sites and its loveliest parks.
- The city is also served by a network of buses which are a good way to experience the more ‘local’ side of the city.
- If you choose to explore Reykjavík by bus, consider investing in the Reykjavík City Card which gives you 24, 36 or 72 hours unlimited travel on the city buses, as well as admission to attractions and discounts at shops and restaurants.
You can learn more about transport options in Reykjavik here
Where to stay in Reykjavik with kids
The best area to stay in Reykjavik is close to the harbour, a location that will allow you to explore most of the city’s main landmarks on foot.
The city offers accommodation to suit all budgets but tends to fill up quickly: advance booking is a must. Reykjavik is notoriously expensive but family-friendly accommodation options are frequent and many offer self-catering facilities, which is a good way to limit the number of meals out.
Click here to read our top picks of family hotels in Reykjavik
Top things to do in Reykjavik with kids
What to do in Reykjavik with kids varies widely depending on the season. Just sightseeing around the city can be fun, and there are several interesting museums and many open air spaces perfect to relax and wind down.
And of course, everyone has to experience a dip in Blue Lagoon at least once!
Click here to read our top picks of things to do in Reykjavik
What to pack for Reykjavik
Packing for Reykjavik is easier than you may think. Iceland, the land of fire and ice, evokes images of frigid temperatures and snowy landscapes and indeed, long part of the winter in Iceland is cold. However, despite its northerly location, Icelandic weather is not as rigid as you may expect and especially in Reykjavik, you don’t need to gear up as if you were going to the Arctic.
Click here for our full packing list for Reykjavik.
Make the most of your time in Reykjavik with kids with our family guide to the city