Most restaurants in Reykjavik's tourist zones (Old Harbor, Laugavegur) offer basic kids menus (fish & chips, hot dogs, pasta) with prices around 2,000 ISK. High chairs are standard at sit-down restaurants like Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (iconic hot dog stand) but less common at casual cafes. For picky eaters, supermarkets like Bónus and Krónan stock familiar brands: Heinz ketchup, Nestlé infant cereal, and pre-made chicken nuggets. Local kid-friendly food includes skyr (thick yogurt) with berries, fish soup (simple, mild), and lamb stew (divisive—ask for "lamb without gravy" for toddlers). Avoid restaurants serving fermented shark (hákarl) unless kids are adventurous. For guaranteed safe options, visit Café Lækjarnes (near Hallgrímskirkja) with a dedicated kids' section.
Baby Supplies
Diapers, formula, and baby food are available at dm (multiple locations: Laugavegur 10, Hverfisgata 5), Rossmann (Hverfisgata 12), and pharmacies like Apoteket (all locations, open 24/7). International brands (Pampers, Gerber, Similac) are stocked but cost 15-20% more than in mainland Europe. Baby food (jarred purees) is sold at Bónus and Krónan. Formula is available in standard 400g tins (Similac, Nutramigen), but prices are high—expect 5,000 ISK for a tin vs. 3,500 ISK in Germany. No major discount stores; budget for 25% higher costs.
Breastfeeding & Bottle Feeding
Public breastfeeding is fully accepted and common in Iceland (per Icelandic Health Authority guidelines). Most malls (Tjarnabíó, Kringlumýri) have dedicated nursing rooms with chairs. Airports (KEF) have multiple private rooms. Restaurants typically won’t heat bottles but will provide warm water upon request (ask for "varmt vatn fyrir barn" – warm water for baby). Bottle-feeding is culturally neutral; no stigma. Carrying a bottle warmer isn’t necessary—most places accommodate.
Stroller Access
Reykjavik is moderately stroller-friendly. The city center (Laugavegur, Harpa) has smooth, wide sidewalks, but old town (Icelandic Quarter) has severe cobblestones that make strollers a nightmare (per Reykjavik City Council stroller accessibility report). Metro stations (all 4) have elevators, but buses are small and lack stroller racks—best to carry toddlers. Bring a carrier for exploring the old town (Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa), but use a stroller for flat areas like Tjörnin lake or Þingvellir National Park (accessible via car). Avoid strollers on the "Mjódd" trail in Perlan—uneven gravel.
Family Activities
Harpa Concert Hall (2+): Free guided tours for kids (ages 3-8) with interactive light/sound exhibits. Book ahead via Harpa's website. Best for curious toddlers.
Reykjavik Zoo (1+): Small but excellent for toddlers—penguins, seals, and a play area. Free entry. Avoid weekends (crowded). Best for ages 2-7.
Perlan (3+): Observation deck with panoramic views. Kids love the "Sky Lagoon" (heated pool, $25 entry). The museum has a child-friendly "Icelandic Nature" exhibit. Skip for under-3s (too many stairs).
Árbær Open-Air Museum (3+): Historic village with hands-on crafts (baking, weaving) and a mini-zoo. Free entry. Perfect for ages 3-10—no crowds, paved paths.
Blue Lagoon (3+): Geothermal spa with shallow pools. Only for kids 3+ (chlorine, crowds, and $70 entry for children). Avoid if toddlers dislike water. Best visited early morning (10 AM) for peace.
Skip: Reykjavik Art Museum (no kid zone), Saga Museum (too historical for young kids).
Getting Around
- Public transport: Kids under 12 ride free on buses/trams (Reykjavik’s Strætó system). Buses are small—carrying a stroller is impossible. Walking is feasible in flat areas (Harpa, Tjörnin) but avoid cobblestone streets (e.g., Skólavörðustígur) with strollers.
- Taxis: All taxis require car seats for kids under 10 (Icelandic law). Most taxis have them, but call ahead to confirm. Cost: ~2,500 ISK for 5km (e.g., airport to city center).
- Car rentals: Not recommended for families—narrow roads, parking hard. Stick to walking/buses for city center.
Health & Safety
- Pediatric hospital: Landspítali University Hospital (Borgarhús, 100m from Harpa). Emergency department open 24/7. Nearest clinic: Bólstaðaheima Hjartakjarni (Laugavegur 10, 24/7).
- Pharmacies: Apoteket (all locations, open 24/7) and dm carry basic first-aid kits, fever reducers. No 24/7 emergency pharmacy, but Apoteket is always open.
- Water: Tap water is safe and excellent (Icelandic Water Authority certification). Drink freely—no need for bottled water.
- Sun/heat: UV index is high year-round (even in winter). Essential: Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen daily, wear UV sunglasses. Reykjavik gets 24-hour daylight in summer—use blackout curtains for naps. Heat is mild (max 15°C in July), but wind can make it feel cold.
Hard Truths & Honesty
- Strollers in old town = nightmare: Cobblestones are uneven and narrow. One expat forum (Iceland Family Travel Group, 2023) reported a stroller getting stuck 12 times. Always use a carrier here.
- Blue Lagoon for toddlers? Skip it. Overcrowded, chlorine burns, and $70 cost for kids. Perlan’s Sky Lagoon is cheaper and safer for young kids.
- Baby supply costs: Budget 25% more than at home. If traveling with a newborn, pack extra diapers/formula (dm/Rossmann stocks but prices are steep).
- No "free" activities for toddlers: Most museums require paid entry. Árbær is the only free, engaging option.
- Winter walks? Risky: Icy sidewalks in December/January—use boots with grips. Avoid walking with toddlers after 4 PM (dark by 3 PM in winter).
Final
Air Quality Tip
Check real-time air quality before your trip at aqicn.org. AQI below 50 = good, above 100 = limit outdoor activity.
Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-10