2 Days in Reykjavik with Kids: Family-Friendly Adventures in Iceland's Capital
Day 1 in Iceland: Exploring Reykjavik with Kids After an Early Arrival
After a 7 PM departure from North America's Eastern Time Zone, we’re set to arrive in Iceland at 4:30 AM. We’re hoping for some sleep on the flight to start our adventure well-rested. One upside of having to postpone our trip was that we can now check into our hotel as soon as we arrive, thanks to the extra day we had booked ahead of time. No waiting for the usual 3 PM check-in!
Check out our blog post on why we had to postpone our trip due to sickness [here].
Morning: Arrival, Breakfast, and First Explorations
After landing and taking a 45-minute cab ride from Keflavik International Airport to Reykjavik, we’ll check into our hotel. Once settled, our first stop will be breakfast at Grai Kotturinn. This cozy cafe is just a two-minute walk from our hotel and is perfect for our first meal in Iceland. My eldest daughter will love the full bookshelves lining the restaurant, and the kid-friendly menu will be a bonus.
Mid-Morning: Maritime Adventures at the Reykjavik Maritime Museum
After breakfast, we’ll take a walk over to the Reykjavik Maritime Museum, located at the northern harbor. While Reykjavik has a range of museums to choose from, like the Saga Museum and the Living Art Museum, the Maritime Museum stands out as the best fit for our kids. This museum brings Viking history to life, from miniature models of ships to full-scale vessels and exhibits about modern-day seafaring. The harbor’s stunning views are an added bonus.
Afternoon: A Restful Exploration of Reykjavik's Culture
Since it’s our first full day after the long flight, spending time in Reykjavik will allow the kids to rest while we all get acquainted with Iceland’s culture. Exploring at our own pace means we can dive deeper into local history without rushing, giving us time to enjoy the city.
I considered taking the kids to FlyOver Iceland, a simulated flying experience, but given that we just flew for six hours, we’ll see how they feel. Instead, we’ll likely opt for the Lava Show, which has rave reviews (4.8 out of 5 stars with nearly 2,000 reviews). The show features live demonstrations of real lava being poured down a ramp, mimicking the flow of volcanic eruptions. The kids are already captivated by Iceland’s volcanic activity, so this will be a memorable experience.
Evening: Iconic Landmarks and Dinner with a View
On our walk back to the hotel, we’ll stop at the Sun Voyager Sculpture, a stunning piece described as a dreamboat or an ode to the sun. It sits right on the water, making it an easy, scenic stop. Nearby is Harpa Concert Hall, one of Reykjavik’s architectural gems, also perched along the shoreline. We’ll admire its glass façade, especially during the golden hour.
For dinner, we’ll head to Tides, a waterfront restaurant with the best ocean views in Reykjavik. The menu looks incredible and offers options the kids will enjoy, making it a perfect end to our first day in Iceland.
Day 2: The Golden Circle, Kerið Crater, and Blue Lagoon Adventure
On our second day, we plan to venture out on a day trip to Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. We’ll visit the Kerið Volcanic Crater, a stunning caldera filled with vivid blue water, and then relax at the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most famous geothermal spas.
I’m still deciding whether to book a tour or drive ourselves in our camper van, giving us more flexibility to accommodate our four-year-old’s pace. Group tours can sometimes be rushed, so a self-guided trip might be the best way to ensure everyone has a great time.
For an additional adventure, consider visiting the abandoned DC plane on Solheimasandur beach, approximately 180 km (112 miles) from Reykjavik. The drive to the Solheimasandur parking lot takes around two hours, making it a great day trip for families seeking a unique Icelandic experience.
What’s Next? Touring the Ring Road in Our Camper Van
The day after, we’ll begin our 10-day road trip around Iceland’s Ring Road in the camper van. Check it out our Full Itinerary here.
This two-day itinerary allows us to ease into our Iceland adventure, balancing exploration with relaxation while keeping the kids entertained and engaged. Reykjavik’s family-friendly spots and Iceland’s natural beauty make it a perfect starting point before we embark on our full journey around the island.
