The Capital Region (Höfuðborgarsvæðið) of Iceland is the country's most populous and vibrant area, centered around Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital city. It encompasses seven municipalities including Reykjavik, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Mosfellsbær, Seltjarnarnes, and Kjósarhreppur, together forming Iceland's cultural, political, and economic heart. The region blends dramatic volcanic landscapes, steaming geothermal pools, world-class museums, and a legendary nightlife scene unlike anywhere else on earth.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Reykjavik Zoo and Family Park
Iceland's only zoo focuses on Nordic animals including Arctic foxes, reindeer, seals, Icelandic horses, and farm animals. The adjacent family park has rides, mini-golf, and adventure playgrounds.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool and Waterslide
Reykjavik's largest public pool complex with a waterslide, children's pool, hot pots, and outdoor 50m pool heated to 29°C year-round. An authentic Icelandic family experience that locals enjoy weekly.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Perlan Museum Ice Cave and Northern Lights Show
Iceland's most impressive indoor family attraction features a real ice cave tunnel, a simulated Northern Lights theater show, a planetarium, and interactive natural history exhibits about Iceland's geology.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Whale Watching from Old Harbour
One of Iceland's most reliable whale watching locations with minke whales, humpbacks, and dolphins regularly spotted in Faxaflói Bay. Children are fascinated by the experience and naturalist guides keep them engaged.
Duration: 3 hours
Whales of Iceland Exhibition
Life-size models of all 23 whale species found in Icelandic waters, suspended from the ceiling of a dramatic warehouse. Children especially love the interactive touch screens and the scale of the suspended humpback model.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Blue Lagoon Family Visit
The world-famous geothermal spa is an extraordinary family experience, though children under 8 may find the silica-rich water irritating to eyes. The warm 37-39°C water is excellent for small children in cold weather.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Sea Angling Tour from Reykjavik Harbour
A popular family activity where children can try their hand at catching Icelandic cod, haddock, and other fish from a fishing boat in Faxaflói Bay. The catch is often cooked and served on board.
Duration: 3 hours
Reykjavik Botanical Garden
A beautiful free garden in Laugardalur with duck pond, rose garden, and over 5,000 plant species. Children enjoy the duck feeding and the Japanese garden section. Combine with nearby zoo and swimming pool.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Árbær Open Air Museum
20+ historical buildings with costumed guides in summer demonstrating traditional Icelandic crafts. Children interact with farm animals, try traditional tools, and experience how Icelanders lived 100-200 years ago.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Horse Riding in Mosfellsbær
The famous Icelandic horse with its unique tölt gait is beloved by children for its gentle nature and smooth riding experience. Multiple riding centers in Mosfellsbær (20 min from Reykjavik) offer family-friendly tours.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Elliðaárdalur Valley Walk
An easy river valley walk minutes from Reykjavik where children can spot salmon jumping in August-September. The gentle paths, river crossings by bridges, and birch forest sections make it ideal for families.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
Large, reliable hotel with indoor pool and family rooms — one of the best options for families in Reykjavik
Family features: Indoor pool, connecting family rooms, cots and high chairs, babysitting service on request, restaurant with kids menu
Fosshotel Reykjavik
Large city center hotel with spacious rooms suitable for families, good restaurant, and central location
Family features: Family rooms available, central location for walking to attractions, restaurant with children's menu
Reykjavik Hostel Village
Self-contained cottages with kitchen facilities near Laugardalur — excellent value for families wanting space
Family features: Self-contained cottages, kitchen facilities, garden, BBQ area, near zoo and swimming pools
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most Reykjavik restaurants welcome children with open arms — this is an extremely family-friendly city
High chairs available at most sit-down restaurants — ask at the door
Kids menus typically cost $10-14; casual restaurants have the best children's options
Supermarkets (Bónus) are great for picnic supplies — Icelandic dairy products including skyr are child-friendly
Food halls like Hlemmur Mathöll let different family members choose different cuisines
Ice cream is eaten year-round in Iceland — Valdís and other creameries are extremely child-friendly destinations
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Book car seats well in advance from car rental companies — availability is limited in peak season
The Reykjavik City Card significantly reduces family costs at museums and public pools
Midnight sun (June-July) means children will not naturally tire — pack blackout blinds or eye masks
All major shopping centers (Kringlan, Smáralind) have well-equipped baby changing facilities
Iceland's water and food safety is world-class — tap water is perfectly safe for children
Buggy/stroller access is excellent throughout Reykjavik's city center and museums
Weather-proof clothing for children is essential — Iceland's weather changes rapidly and getting wet and cold is the main comfort risk