Best Place to Take the Kids
Fjölskylduland
Dugguvogur 4, 104 Reykjavík
Photo by Art Bicnick
Described as Iceland’s “first holistic Indoor Playground and Family Center in Iceland,” this one is sort of like a private members club for toddlers. Fjölskylduland is somewhat like a large indoor playground, full of stimulating activities for children 0-6 years old. If the playhouse isn’t enough to keep their attention, you can enroll them in gymnastics, or baby yoga. Because you’re never too young to align your chakras!
Runner-Up:
The Salvation Army
Suðurlandsbraut 72, 108 Reykjavík
Photo by Art Bicnick
This one took us by surprise, as it’s not openly geared towards children, but several panelists mentioned how well this space served the family folk of the 108 area. The distinctive red building was designed by Teiknistofan Tröð and opened in 2021 as the new HQ for the Salvation Army. While the overt Christian themes may be off putting to some, there is no denying the appeal of the affordable and spacious café, generous play area and arts and crafts workshops.
Newcomer:
Höfuðstöðin
Rafstöðvarvegur, 110 Reykjavík
Photo by Vidir Bjornsson
Set in the beautiful Elliðaárdalur public park, this permanent installation by artist Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir (aka Shoplifter) is not, strictly-speaking, geared towards children but our panelists said their kids find so much to love in the vibrant colours and soft textures. Plus, you can chalk that up to a culturally edifying activity, as it’s technically an art installation.
Previous Winners
2022: Húsdýragarðurinn
2021: The Maritime Museum
2020: Húsdýragarðurinn
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