So, you finally checked one off the bucket list and arrived in Iceland. Velkomin! But what now? Reykjavík is bustling with activities, from steamy swimming pools to world-renowned galleries to more historical sites than you can name. And the city’s diversity has only increased with the development of tourism—now you’ll find ambitious arthouse theatre in English and interactive tech museums dotting the streets. For those looking to get out of the capital, it’s surrounded by gorgeous hiking, plentiful picnic spots, and more. So what’s one to do to fully take advantage of the city? Presenting: the 2020 Grapevine Best Of Reykjavík Activities awards. Hey—when in Reykjavík, listen to the Reykjavíkingur.
Best Place To Spend Time With The Kids (Winter!)
Reykjavík City Library
Tryggvagata 15
For some free and wholesome family time, the parents on our panel enjoy the Reykjavík City Library, specifically the Grófin Culture House downtown. There’s an excellent play area for younger children between one and three and—you guessed it—there are books for kids of all ages to look at. On the second floor, take a gander at everything from a small aquarium to a closet of pirate and princess costumes. Afterwards, show your kid your favourite comics or just chill while they run around like crazies. Don’t miss their photography museum on the top floor either. While the downtown location was specifically celebrated by the panel, there are six libraries in total and all are a fantastic place to bring the tots.
Runner-Up:
Flyover Iceland
Fiskislóð 43, 101 Reykjavík
Kid playing too many video games? How about just stepping into one? Flyover Iceland is a brilliant amusement park ride for the whole family—a VR flight over the majestic and frightening nature of Iceland. It’ll definitely make your kid forget about Minecraft. We promise.
Runner-Up:
Whales of Iceland
Fiskislóð 23-25, 101 Reykjavík
Whales Of Iceland is a cavernous, hangar-sized space populated by life-sized models of whales, with information plaques and flat-screen devices containing information about the different species. It also has a fun indoor climbing structure shaped like (you guessed it) a whale. It’s one of those places your kids will repeatedly demand to return to.
Previous Winners
2019: Tjörnin
2017-8: Whales Of Iceland
2014-6: Húsdýragaðurinn
You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Reykjavík 2020 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Reykjavík—here, posted worldwide.
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