Parks and playgrounds in the city centre
The centre itself is walkable end to end, and greener than most first-time visitors expect. A short loop takes in a hilltop view, a pond full of birds, and several playgrounds, each with its own character.
Arnarhóll has been public ground since the 1920s and remains one of the best views in the city: Harpa concert hall, the bay, and the mountains beyond, with the statue of Ingólfur Arnarson, Reykjavík's first settler, at the top. A small playground sits tucked behind the trees, and on June 17th the whole hill fills for Iceland's national day.
Hljómskálagarðurinn and Tjörnin, south of the pond, form the classic downtown park. Ducks and swans line the water, and the playground has a rope pyramid, trampolines, and a zipline, enough to hold a child's attention for an hour or two. Around fifty cherry trees, a gift from Japanese-Icelandic friendship societies, bloom here each spring, and a skatepark on the northern edge serves older kids.
Austurvöllur, the square in front of Alþingi, Iceland's parliament, is more a gathering place than a playground, but it's a good patch of grass to break up a walk through the old town, with Reykjavíkurdómkirkja cathedral on one corner and cafés lining the rest.
Bakarabrekkan, a small grassy slope below Bernhöftstorfan at the corner of Bankastræti and Lækjargata, has been public space since 1943. It isn't a playground, but a giant outdoor chess set and a handful of benches make it a good quiet corner near Laugavegur.
Landakotstún, just west of the centre next to the Catholic cathedral, has been left largely alone since the 1926 city plan. It's quieter and more residential, with a playground and open grass, a good option when Arnarhóll or Tjörnin feel busy.
The harbour playground by Kolaportið, right on the waterfront by the flea market, is built for older kids rather than toddlers, with basketball hoops, a skatepark, and open space for scooters and rollerblades.
Klambratún, a short walk east of the centre, is one of the largest parks in Reykjavík, with a full playground, basketball and football courts, disc golf, and the Kjarvalsstaðir art museum and café on site.
Grasagarður Botanical Garden, a lovely green space that showcases several thousand plan species including some of Iceland’s natives and gives visitors an insight into Arctic flora. Throughout the year, there are special events including guided walks, so even in winter it’s worth checking listings for events scheduled to take place during your stay. Take a break at Kaffi Flóra, open during peak season.
Elliðárdalur, further out and best reached by bus or car, is a different kind of green space altogether: a wooded valley along the Elliðaár river, with walking and cycling paths, a playground, and a café near the old power station for a coffee stop along the way.
Öskjuhlíð is the hill on which Perlan perches and though this stellar museum appears on the itineraries of many tourists relatively few immerse themselves in nature in its surroundings. But this pretty hill carpeted with birch, spruce, pine and other conifers is a lovely place to hike or take a cycle ride. The steepest, rockiest terrain will attract adventurous types while the flatter stretches are more family-friendly.
Most of these playgrounds stay open year round, though ice and snow can limit what's usable in winter. Paths through Arnarhóll, Hljómskálagarðurinn, and Klambratún are all stroller-friendly.
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Ten more things to do as a family
Beyond the parks, Reykjavík has a good spread of activities that work well across a range of ages. These are the ones our staff come back to with their own children.
Reykjavík Zoo and Family Park in Laugardalur Valley is home to Icelandic farm animals and a handful of exotic species, with a playground and mini-golf course nearby.
A geothermal pool, Laugardalslaug and Sundhöll Reykjavíkur are two of the best known, lets families swim and soak in hot tubs year round, including through winter.
A whale watching tour departs regularly from the harbour. Kids tend to love the thrill of spotting whales and other marine life in open water.
Harpa concert hall isn't only for music lovers. It also has interactive exhibits, family-friendly concerts, and guided tours worth building into a day downtown.
Perlan museum, housed in a striking glass dome, covers Iceland's glaciers and volcanoes through interactive exhibits, along with a planetarium.
Horseback riding with the Icelandic horse, a breed known for its gentle temperament, is well suited to riders of all ages, with tours available through the countryside around Reykjavík.
Reykjavík Maritime Museum covers Iceland's seafaring history, including a restored coast guard vessel and a replica of a nineteenth-century fishing boat.
Tjörnin pond, right in the city centre, is worth a stop on its own for a leisurely stroll and to see the ducks and swans.
Nauthólsvík geothermal beach, on the southern edge of the city below Öskjuhlíð, has golden sand, a sheltered lagoon where geothermal water warms the sea, and hot tubs for warming up afterwards. It is at its liveliest on a sunny summer day.
A Reykjavík scavenger hunt turns a walk through the city into a self-guided adventure, and works well as an activity for the whole family together. Download the hunt below, set off on foot and tick off each clue as you explore the city centre.
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