33 Cool things to do in Reykjavík with teenagers

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As you approach Reykjavik by plane, the windswept volcanic landscape encompasses your sight in every direction. But the question is, will a visit to Reykjavik with teenagers be a great family vacation destination? We think Reykjavik puts the “C” into cool for teenagers and is one of the best places to go with teens.

Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and lies on the southwest coast of the Island. Two-thirds of Iceland’s population call Reykjavik and the surrounding area home. Let’s take a look at what there is for teenagers in Reykjavik to do.

Table Of Contents
  1. Know before you go! Our top Reykjavik travel tips
  2. The best things to do in Reykjavik with teens
  3. Reykjavik cat walking tour.
  4. Free things to do in Reykjavik with teens
  5. Day trips from Reykjavik
  6. Tips for day trips from Reykjavik
  7. Things for teenagers to take to Reykjavik
  8. Frequently asked questions about Reykjavik
  9. Family accommodation Reykjavik options for you

Know before you go! Our top Reykjavik travel tips

Travelling to Iceland with teenagers requires a lot of planning. Not only is Iceland one of the most expensive countries to visit it is absolutely amazing. Once you are travelling in Iceland with teens you feel like you have to do it all while you are there on your family vacation with teens. Below are the best things to have prepared before you leave for your family vacation to Reykjavik.

Where to stay in Reykjavik with teenagers

You’ll never be short of options for your accommodation in Reykjavik. In Reykjavik, you find a range of hotels, apartments and hostels. You will be sure to be able to find something to fit singles, couples, families and groups on every budget in this beautiful city.

If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs, we recommend using Trip Advisor and Hotels.com to find the best prices in Reykjavik for your family holiday in Iceland.

  • Luxury: Located in the city centre of Reykjavik is the Opel Premium Apartments. Featuring 2 bedroom suites for families on vacation with teenagers. Your family can free Wi-Fi in all rooms if you arrive early luggage storage is available along with, car parking and airport transfer.
  • Mid-Range: Family rooms for 4 featuring TVs, Wi-Fi, refrigerator and coffee maker are waiting for you. Fosshotel Baron is located in the Reykjavik City Centre area of Reykjavik. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and facilities for disabled guests.
  • Budget: If you like communal living on your family vacation with teens then the Reykjavik Hostel Village might be the best budget bet for you in the city centre. Featuring family rooms for 4, free Wi-Fi, a kitchen and BBQ for cooking. The city centre is 300 m away from the hostel.

Reykjavik apartment alternative for your stay

If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation in Reykjavik when you travel with teenagers then an apartment is the best choice for you on your family vacation in Reykjavik.

There are so many options for singles, families and budget-friendly options as well. Check out the map below to find the perfect apartment in Reykjavik for teenagers on your Reykjavik trip with family.

How to get to Reykjavik

  • Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland. Reykjavik is located in South Iceland. Travel to Iceland is via Keflavik International Airport. The airport is 50 kilometres from Reykjavik. 6.8 million people travelled through Keflavik airport in 2016. Search your flights to Iceland with Kiwi.com
  • Smyril Line car ferry M/S Norröna sails between Seyðisfjörður in Iceland, Hirtshals in Denmark and Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands once a week. This allows you to bring your car and drive to Reykjavik.
  • You can reserve a rental car and have it waiting for you at Keflavik International Airport if you want to road trip with teens in Iceland.

How to get around Reykjavik

  • The city buses in Reykjavík are yellow. The Icelandic word for them is strætó, which is short for strætisvagn (streetcar). These buses are the only public transport in the city.
  • The Reykjavik Hop on hop off bus is another excellent option for seeing the sites of Reykjavik with teens and the surrounding areas. Check the current prices HERE
  • The Reykjavik City Card entitles you to entry to some of Reykjavik’s major attractions and free public transport on the buses. More information is available here

Weather in Reykjavik

Reykjavik experiences cool weather in all 4 seasons of the year. Yes cool but not cold as it sits outside the Arctic Circle. Reykjavik shares similar winter temperatures to northeast coastal American cities such as New York. The weather may influence what to do in Reykjavik with kids.

In the summer months the weather peaks at around 13°C, while in the winter months, there is an average high of 2°C and an average low of -3°C. It rains frequently all year round, with the winter months also experiencing snow.

Seasonal essentials for travel to Iceland

Iceland for international visitors

International travel to Reykjavik requires a bit more thought. You will need travel insurance for sure in Iceland. Medical care is not cheap and if you want good quality care it will cost you a fortune if you don’t have travel insurance.

The official currency of Iceland is the Icelandic Króna. If you use your bank account from home, you will be stung with high transaction fees, while your mobile phone calls will all be charged at an internation rate. These are just some of the things you need to think about on a vacation with teens.

  • For International travellers, travel insurance is a must get a quote through Insurance Masters and don’t go home with a huge bill for medical expenses.
  • Do you need a visa to visit Iceland? The country of Iceland may require you to have a visa or an ETA ( Electronic travel authorization) to enter the country. You can check and buy these documents at iVisa.
  • Load a Revolut Travel Money card with Icelandic Króna dollars for your visit and save on transaction fees
  • Make phone calls with an international sim card that you can buy before leaving home or buy a voucher for a virtual e-sim for your mobile phone.
  • A 4G pocket Wi-Fi modem is essential for accessing the internet. You can rent a pocket modem that you can pick up at the airport or your hotel, alternatively buy a pocket modem that you can use on all future trips with your phone, tablet or computer.

Travel accessories for teenagers

For teenagers, travelling can be a fun and exciting experience. However, there are a few things that they need to take into account in order to make the trip as comfortable and safe as possible. One of these is ensuring that they have the necessary travel accessories.

Reykjavik City Card

The Reykjavik City Card helps visitors save money on attractions around the city which is brilliant when you are vacationing with teens. Sightseeing in Reykjavik and Iceland is pricey and adds up quickly.

The city card helps keep the costs down with free entries and discounts to top Reykjavik activities for teenagers, free transportation and discounts at restaurants. You can get a Reykjavik City Card for 24-, 48- and 72-hour duration. Buy your city card for your Reykjavik trip today

The best things to do in Reykjavik with teens

Being the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik is the best place to start your Iceland vacation with teenagers. There so so many amazing things to do in Reykjavik with a family that you will have an amazing family vacation. Remember that most Reykjavik activities are expensive and planning your trip to Reykjavik with teens is a must.

See the Northern Lights in Reykjavik with teenagers

Why is Iceland one of the best teenage vacation destinations? Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is one of the main reasons a lot of people visit Iceland. Peak viewing season for the Northern Lights in Iceland is always September through March when the nights are long.

Seeing the Northern lights is never guaranteed as no one controls the weather or Mother Nature. In Reykjavik, you can first visit the Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Centre.

The stunning green Northern lights shimmering in the sky in Iceland above the tree line
Cool things to see in Reykjavik include the Northern Lights

The Aurora Centre has an exhibition on the aurora through stories and legends from around the world, learn about the science behind the amazing night skylights.

After this, there are 2 cinemas in the building for you to see a 4K time-lapse film of the Aurora Borealis. Projected onto a 7-meter-wide screen, then put on a set of virtual reality goggles to watch a 360° movie of auroral displays captured at Iceland’s most exciting places. This is one of the best experiences for teens in Reykjavik.

Northern lights dancing over a pyramid shaped mountain in Iceland with a man gazing up into the sky.
Family Iceland holidays should include a Northern Lights tour

We used and recommend a tour with Gray Line Iceland. When we did the tour they gave you a second chance for free if you did not get to see the lights on the first opportunity. Most tours last around 7 hours and can have you travelling over 100 kilometres out of Reykjavik. Chasing the Nothern Lights is a fun trip for teenagers in Iceland.

What I will say is do not expect to be alone because many bus companies offer the same tour and all of them know the spots where the lights show up most regularly. If you want to be alone then hiring a car and asking for advice at the Aurora Reykjavik is the best bet.

Teens in Reykjavik will love Skemmtigarðinn

Does your traveling teenager like laser tag, or paintball? Located just on the outskirts of the city is the Skemmtigarðinn theme park. I would not call it a theme park in the traditional sense of roller coasters etc. but it is one of the fun places for teens to go. There are a number of activities on offer that families on holiday in Reykjavik will love. You will find:

  • Paintball
  • Laser Tag
  • Football golf
  • Archery Tag
  • Mini Golf
  • Kayak rafting
a teenage boy playing paintball near Reykjavik
Paintball is great for family adventure holidays, in Iceland

There is a cafe on site that sells pizza, fries and drinks for you to grab something to eat. You will work up a hunger after all the action here. Make your family vacation to Iceland amazing with an afternoon here.

Introduce the family to the Vikings in Reykjavik

This is a great world-schooling activity for teens and is another reason why Reykjavik is one of the top vacation places for teens. Viking World should be on every Reykjavik itinerary.

Iceland has a long and proud Viking history, after all, it was the Vikings who first discovered and settled in Iceland. Vikings have had a resurgence in popular culture of late with TV shows and Movies depicting them.

In and around Reykjavík you can explore the Viking History of Iceland and a few different sites.

The National Museum of Iceland

The National Museum of Iceland is home to an exhibition called Making of Nations. This features over 2,000 artefacts, with many relating to its Viking history, that have been discovered around the country. The exhibition takes from the waters of the first Viking ship that landed in Iceland through to Iceland as a nation today. For a more in-depth look, book a guided tour.

Iceland Museum – Viking World

Viking World is out near the Blue Lagoon some 40 minutes from Reykjavik. It features a full-scale replica of the Gokstad Viking ship, one of the best-preserved Viking ships ever found, along with exhibits and displays about the life and times of the Vikings.

Gokstad Viking ship

The museum covers a range of topics, including the Viking way of life, their seafaring and exploration, and their customs and beliefs. Visitors can also see a range of Viking artifacts, including weapons, tools, and household items, and learn about the Viking sagas and their place in Iceland’s cultural heritage. Viking World is a great place for anyone interested in Viking history and culture.

The Saga Museum

The Saga Museum is a museum in Reykjavík, Iceland that showcases the history and cultural heritage of Iceland through lifelike, interactive exhibits. The museum focuses on the Sagas of Icelanders, a collection of medieval stories that recount the history and legends of the island’s settlers and their descendants.

The exhibits feature realistic human-sized models, sound effects, and lighting, which bring the sagas to life and provide an immersive experience for visitors. The Saga Museum is a must when visiting Iceland.

The Settlement Exhibition

The Settlement Exhibition is a museum in Reykjavik, Iceland that provides information about the history and culture of the city’s earliest settlers. The museum is housed in the original site of a Viking longhouse and showcases the life of the city’s first inhabitants, including their daily activities, clothing, and crafts.

The exhibits feature interactive displays, including reconstructed Viking-era buildings, and offer a glimpse into the daily life of the early settlers. The museum also covers the history of the settlement and the cultural heritage of the city, including the Sagas of Icelanders, the arrival of Christianity, and the formation of the Icelandic Commonwealth.

The Settlement Exhibition is a unique and educational experience for anyone interested in the history and culture of Reykjavik and Iceland.

Travelling teens who love history will definitely rate this family travel activity.

How to be Icelandic in 60 minutes

*This activity discusses topics better suited to teenagers 16+

The Harpa is a must-do Reykjavic

How to be Icelandic in 60 Minutes has been playing at the Harpa Concert Hall and Convention Centre for the last 9 years and is a great activity for older teens. It is one man’s take on what it’s like to be Icelandic. Seeing “How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes” teaches you to walk, talk and behave like a regular Icelander.

Cultural norms such as eating sheep’s balls, yes sheep’s balls and the misconception that Icelanders are grumpy and women are easy are discussed. All in all, it is a comedic look at what makes this country in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean so unique. The Harpa is also home to the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra.

Visiting Iceland – Go ice skating in Reykjavik

In the centre of the city, you will find Reykjavík’s city Pond (Reykjavíkurtjörn, or for short Tjörnin). The Pond can at times freeze over in winter making it ideal for ice skating.

The lake attracts a large variety of swans and ducks that may be of interest if you like taking a walk when your family travels with teenagers around the city pond.

You may even see people playing football on the lake when it is frozen. Frozen football sounds like a fun family activity in Reykjavik. Make sure you call into City Hall which is located adjacent to the Pond of Reykjavik.

Eat world-famous hotdogs in Reykjavik

Teenager vacations are all about the food sometimes! Reykjavik has a well-known hot dog stand that has been visited by the likes of Bill Clinton, James Hetfield and Kim Kardashian just to name a few.

The famous Reykjavik Hotdog stand is Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (English: The best hot dog in town). The most famous order is the “The Classic”, a hot dog that includes remoulade (a mayonnaise-based sauce), mustard, ketchup, and a mix of crunchy and raw onions.

The small street side shop that sells the popular Icelandic hot dogs. It has plenty of tables and chairs around it in a town square
Things to do with kids in Iceland include eating hot dogs

Its popularity grew after The Guardian Newspaper selected Baejarins Beztu as one the best hot dog stands in Europe in 2006. Ever since then, tourists have been flocking to try these tasty lamb hotdogs.

It is one of the cheapest meals you will find in Reykjavik for families travelling with teenagers. Also, just recently an Australian Pie Shop has opened in Reykjavik that is getting rave reviews.

Reykjavik for teenagers – The Haunted Walk

The midnight hour is close at hand, Creatures crawl in search of blood, to terrorize y’all’s neighbourhood said Michael Jackson in Thriller. Well, Reykjavik has its own Thriller tour in the Haunted Walk of Reykjavik.

Night time in Reykjavik with snow on the ground and a person slowly crossing the road between the high rise buildings

The Haunted Walk of Reykjavik delights in telling tales of Icelandic history, and folklore and even tries to catch a glimpse of some well-known local ghosts. The stories are all based on well-known folklore and have been thoroughly checked by a local historian to be accurate. Family travel with teenagers in Reykjavik can’t get any better than a ghost tour!

These types of tours are great for traveling teenagers, they are both entertaining, engrossing and culturally accurate. This provided a great mix of fun and learning.

Hop on hop off the bus with teenagers in Reykjavik

The Reykjavik hop on hop off bus is always popular with family travellers. The Reykjavik sightseeing bus is a great way to give you an overview of the city, especially if you travel with teenagers who are not keen on walking too far.

The bus route takes you to all the Reykjavik attractions where you can get out and visit and hop back on the next bus when it appears.

There is a multi-lingual audio commentary in 8 languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Swedish, Icelandic, and Russian) on the bus.

Some of the highlights of the hop-on hop-off bus in Reykjavik include:

  • Harpa Concert Hall
  • Laugavegur Shopping Street
  • The Sun Voyager
  • The Old Harbour
  • Kringlan Shopping Centre
  • The Old Harbor
  • The National Museum
  • Reykjavik Art Museum

Horse riding near Reykjavik

Horseback riding in Iceland is an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Tour companies offer a variety of options, from riding lessons for beginners to multi-day treks across the lava fields.

Fun things to do in Reykjavík with teens

Reykjavík is the perfect starting point for any horseback adventure, as there are many stables and ranches located just outside the city. Many Horse riding experiences offer hotel pickup in Reykjavík.

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely trail ride or an adrenaline-pumping gallop across the Icelandic landscape, holiday adventures on horseback riding are a great way to explore this unique country.

Stuff to do in Reykjavik – Whale Watching

Whale watching is one of the best Reykjavik activities to do with teens. Iceland is a land of natural beauty and unlimited wildlife which makes it one of the best places for vacations with teenagers. As you can imagine there are many whale-watching cruises that leave from the city harbour.

You will likely encounter Minke Whales and dolphins in the waters off the capital. As a bonus, you pass close to the John Lennon Imagine Peace Tower and have great views of the Perlan Öskjuhlíð hill.

For those hoping to see a Killer Whale, you will need to travel out of town and take a Whale watching tour from Snæfellsnes Peninsula which would be an amazing way to celebrate your holidays with teens in Iceland.

Reykjavik cat walking tour.

The Reykjavik Cat Walking Tour has participants walking around the city while visiting different locations known for their resident cats. The tour is aimed at cat lovers and provides an opportunity to learn about the city’s feline residents, their history, and their culture while exploring Reykjavik. It is a unique and fun way to experience both the city and its furry inhabitants. Book your family-friendly, fun Cat tour today.

Visit Hallgrimskirkja Church

Probably the most iconic building in the whole country of Iceland. Hallgrimskirkja Church towers over the centre of Reykjavík. The famous church can be seen from almost every angle of the city, it seems like all roads lead to Hallgrimskirkja Church.

Visitors can climb to the top of the 74.5-meter-high church (the tallest Building in Reykjavik) to access the building viewing platform. The platform allows 360° views over the entire city, the platform is open every day except Sundays and is one of the best experiences for teens in Reykjavik.

The unique design is modelled after basalt columns like the ones you can find on Reynisfjara black sand beach in Vik. The church has free entry and is a short walk away from downtown Reykjavik

Reykjavik attractions for teenagers – Going to the pool

Swimming, bathing and just soaking in the water is a popular pastime in Reykjavik. In the city area, there are no less than 9 different places to visit with teens to hit the water.

You will find a range of indoor and outdoor swimming pool options in Reykjavik. There are, You will find hot tubs and water slides, and you will find indoor and outdoor public pools. Many places have steam rooms and gyms.

  • Sundhöll Reykjavíkur: This is a public pool located in the centre of Reykjavik. It features indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, and saunas.
  • Laugardalslaug: This is a large, modern swimming complex located in Reykjavik. It features several indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, and a water slide.
  • Vesturbæjarlaug: This is a smaller, more intimate pool located in the Vesturbær neighbourhood of Reykjavik. It features both indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs.
  • nauthólsvík geothermal beach is a man-made beach located in Reykjavik, known for its warm, geothermally heated waters and sandy beach.

All these local pools are great places to go swimming in Reykjavik and offer a unique experience in a city surrounded by nature. This is a little something for everyone wanting to get wet in Reykjavik.

Quad bike excursion from Reykjavik, Iceland

The rugged terrain and the ever-changing weather patterns make Iceland a land of extremes. With such an incredible landscape, it’s no surprise that Iceland is one of the top destinations for quad bike excursions. Excursions range from hour-long to all-day trips; taking you through some of the wonders of Iceland on the awe-inspiring and challenging terrain.

Árbær Open Air Museum

The Árbær Open Air Museum is a historic outdoor museum in Reykjavik, Iceland. It showcases the history and cultural heritage of Reykjavik and Iceland, with over 20 historic buildings and exhibits featuring farmhouses, a church, a school, and a turf-roofed house.

traditional house at Árbær Open Air Museum near Reykjavik
This family-friendly experience is best done in the summer months

The whole family can experience the traditional way of life in Iceland in the 20th century, including demonstrations of traditional crafts, household chores, and livestock. The museum is a great place to learn about Iceland’s history and culture and is open all year round.

Learn to surf in Reykjavik with teens

When you think of surfing, you might be imagining the waves in Hawaii or Australia, but surfing is an incredible water sport that can be enjoyed anywhere where there is a beach. Reykjavík, Iceland offers some excellent locations for surf lessons for teens in Iceland.

Surf lessons will take place on beaches that are safe and suited to beginners. With pickup available from your family hotel in Reykjavik, it provides some unique family fun.

Snowmobile on the Langjökull Glacier from Reykjavik

Thinking fun things to do in Iceland with teenagers? Think, a snowmobile tour. Leaving Reykjavík you will drive up towards Langjökull Glacier in a Super-Jeep designed for the rugged terrain of Iceland.

a line of snow mobiles in ice;and
The coolest things to do in Reykjavik must include a snowmobile adventure

After arriving at the glacier starting point, you will be provided with a snowmobile suit, gloves, balaclava and helmet for your snowmobile ride. After a safety lesson by a qualified guide who will show you how to operate a snowmobile before setting off on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. This will be a thrill-a-minute experience for families in Iceland. Book your snowmobile tour with Reykjavik pickup.

Fun teen things – Flyover Reykjavik experience

One of the hot new Iceland attractions Reykjavik is FlyOver Iceland. Flyover Iceland uses technology to give you the exhilarating feeling of flight. Your family will hang suspended in front of a 20-metre immersive screen that shows you Iceland from above.

The experience includes special effects, including wind, mist and scents of Iceland. This is a great way to see the beauty and countryside of Iceland without leaving Reykjavik with kids. Book your Flyover Reykjavik experience today.

Go on a free walking tour of Reykjavik

We are big lovers of the free Walking Tours offered in many cities around the globe and find them to be a wonderful budget-friendly family travel activity with teenagers. They market the tours as free but you are encouraged to make a small donation at the end of the walking tour if you enjoy it.

The tour in Reykjavik will take you through the city and show you all of the sites you should be visiting. The best about the tours is that the guide works really hard for your tips at the end.

Sights that you can see on the walking tour of Reykjavik:

  • Reykjavik Street Art
  • Icelandic Parliament
  • The Tree of the Year
  • Laugavegur Street
  • The Harpa Concert Hall
  • Arnarholl Park
  • The Oldest Street in Reykjavik
  • City Hall
  • Hallgrimskirkja Church

Walking tour of Reykjavik with teens tips

The walk is an easy walk. You may find that in the winter you will need extra layers to stay warm while you are outside. Please make sure you take some water and a light snack if your travelling teens need that as there are no stops on the walking tour of Reykjavik.

viðey island

The small island is just a short ride from Reykjavík is viðey island, actually, it’s that close you can easily see it from Reykjavik. The island has a large network of trails, The island can be explored both on foot and by bike taking in stunning views, historical ruins, and contemporary art pieces.

You will find Yoko Ono’s famous ‘Imagine Peace Tower’, Richard Serra’s Milestones, panoramic views and wildlife. In the summer you can catch a ferry from Skarfabakki Pier and Ægisgarður Harbour.

Reykjavik family park

Reykjavik Family Park is the perfect destination for a fun-filled day out with your family. Located in the heart of Iceland, this park offers both outdoor and indoor attractions that are sure to delight kids of all ages.

There’s an animal zoo with a wide variety of animals from all over the world, including exotic species such as tigers, lions and even Icelandic farm animals. This will keep the wildlife enthusiasts of the family happy.

The zoo also has interactive activities and educational programs designed to provide knowledge about wildlife conservation. Kids can get up close and personal with some friendly animals, while adults can relax in one of the many cafes located within the park.

The park also features an array of interactive attractions for kids, ranging from rides and games to playgrounds for both toddlers and older children.


Related travel teens posts


Take a cooking class in Reykjavik

Some teens cook some teens get served, why not take a cooking class on your family vacation with teenagers? Food plays a huge part in the local culture in the places you visit. Is there one meal that you just love? Maybe this is a way to learn how to cook it yourself.

Why not kickstart your kid’s cooking skills with a cooking class? Most places these days have a mix of traditional cooking and fusion meals available for you to learn during a cooking experience. Search and book your Reykjavik cooking experience

Reykjavík maritime museum

The Reykjavik Maritime Museum is a museum located in Reykjavik, Iceland, which focuses on the maritime history of Iceland and its surrounding waters.

A boat in the harbour at Reykjavík maritime Museum
The Reykjavík Maritime Museum is one of the many family friendly activities

It showcases the country’s relationship with the sea through exhibits on fishing, whaling, and maritime trade, as well as displaying boats and ships from different eras. The museum is an educational and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

The most Instagrammable places in Reykjavik

With Instagram and social media playing an important part in the lives of teenagers, we have some great places for Instagram photos in Reykjavík.

We recommend visiting The Harpa, Hallgrimskirkja Observation Deck, Þúfa art installation and Cafe Babalu for the best Instagram shots in Reykjavik. Alternatively, book yourself, an Instagram tour with a guide who will take you to all the hotspots in the city.

people enjoying the warm blue waters of the blue lagoon Iceland
The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular things to do in Iceland with teenagers

A family photoshoot in Reykjavik

What better way to capture the magical holiday memories your family vacation makes in Reykjavik than by doing a family holiday with teens photoshoot?

Teen travel can be hard and getting the perfect family vacation photos is made easy with a photographer with you. Book your private photographer and guide in Reykjavík who will immortalize your picture-perfect family travel memories while visiting amazing sites!

Going to the gym with teenagers in Reykjavik

Fitness is very important to a lot of teenagers these days. Working out is a big part of a healthy lifestyle. Just because one is travelling it does not mean you need to stop working out.

A spacious room with lots of gym equipment in it but no one using it!

In Reykjavik, you can go to a number of Gyms that sell passes ranging from a day to a week and a month. Day passes start at 16 euros a day while a week pass costs 45 euros. You can find a list of Gyms in Reykjavik on the Trainaway Fit website

Escape rooms in Reykjavik for young adults

For those new to Escape Rooms, this is a quick run down.

An escape room, also known as an ‘escape game’, is a physical adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategies to complete the objectives at hand.

Escape rooms may consist of a large, single room, or span multiple rooms. Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secret plot which is hidden within the rooms

There is only 1 escape room in Reykjavik to experience. It however does come highly rated when you search reviews online you can find it at

Reykjavik Escape – Borgartún 6, 105 Reykjavík,
Iceland

Axe Throwing in Reykjavik for older kids

Axe Throwing is a new phenomenon that is sweeping around the world. Reykjavík is home to Berserkir axarkast. No experience is required, as the staff at Berserkir Axarkast will run you through the safety percussion before giving tips and hints on how best to throw an axe.

If you are looking for unique experiences for teenagers in Reykjavik then axe throwing could be it. Axe Throwing is one of the awesome things to do in Reykjavík on your family vacation. For more information, click through to Berserkir Axarkast.

Things to do in Iceland for kids – Cinemas in Reykjavik

If you’re looking for Reykjavik indoor activities, then a movie is just the thing. Watching a movie is popular with teenagers anywhere in the world. Going to the cinema with teenagers in Reykjavik is a great evening activity.

With the unpredictable weather in Iceland, the cinema is a great backup for your family vacation. You will find state of the art screens and sound to suit the whole family.

Icelanders in general love going to the cinema. A quick look on Google Maps indicates at least 8 active movie theatres located within the city.

Sambíó multiplex cinemas are the most popular in the city, showing the latest blockbuster movies.

Sambíó multiplex cinemas are located in three locations in Reykjavík: Álfabakki 8, Kringlan Shopping Centre and Egilshöll (Fossaleyni 1).

A bowling ball slowly making it's way down the lane right towards the middle of the pins. Someone is about to get a strike!

Things to do in Reykjavik at night – 10 Pin Bowling

If you’re looking for a bit of fun, friendly family travel competition in Reykjavik Iceland then 10-pin bowling might be just the activity for you and your teenagers. You can go 10-pin bowling in Reykjavík at 2 different locations in the city centre. Bowling is one of the fun things to do in Reykjavik at night with kids

Bike riding in Reykjavik

Bike riding in Reykjavik is a popular family activity when travelling with teenagers. Bike riding allows you to experience your location either in town or out in the surrounding areas. You will find bike tours are the best way to go.

You will either have an Iceland tour guide to point out all the important attractions or a map to follow. The bike tours will take you on a 2 wheeled family adventure travel with teens through Reykjavik on your family vacation. Alternatively, you can find locations that hire biles and let you explore on your own. Reykjavik has an extensive bike path system just for cycling which is kept open all year round,

Search all the best Reykjavik bike adventures here!

Shopping in Reykjavik

The capital has a lively shopping scene that is based around Laugavegur. It is the main shopping street in Reykjavík and the home to some great boutiques. Kringlan is a large shopping centre featuring over 180 shops with international brands like Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger and Bodyshop. You will find a weekend flea market by the harbour, selling souvenirs, clothes and local delicacies.


Keflavik Airport is 50 kilometers from Reykjavik. We have all the options for your airport transfer to Reykjavik. Read our article here


Free things to do in Reykjavik with teens

Reykjavik offers, some of the best free things to do with your teenage family members. These free city of Reykjavik activities are perfect for keeping everyone happy and entertained without having to spend any money.

There are also plenty of affordable restaurants and shops where you can shop for souvenirs without breaking the bank when you visit Reykjavik. Some of our recommendations for free family activities in Reykjavik are as follows.

  • Hafnarfjordur Museum
  • See Reykjavik street art
  • hljómskála park
  • lake tjörnin
  • Visit the Sun Voyager Sculpture
  • Bird-watching at Tjornin
  • reykjavík park
  • Botanical Gardens

Day trips from Reykjavik

There are so many amazing day trips from Reykjavik to do with your teens that it was hard to pick the best. Here we have included some of the best and most trusted day trips in Iceland that will make your trip memorable.

The Blue Lagoon with teenagers

The Blue Lagoon hot spring is one of Iceland’s most iconic attractions and is the top of fun trips for teens in Reykjavik. Located some 50 minutes out of Reykjavik close to the Keflavik Airport. The Blue Lagoon is a milky-coloured geothermal pool made popular by Instagramers and Iceland travel guides.

You can soak in the waters or get a spa treatment, you can have a drink or sit in the sauna. The Blue Lagoon is located in a lava field that is out of this world. Some people will tell you the Blue Lagoon is overrated. For many visitors, it is the highlight of their trip to Iceland and helps rate Reykjavik as one of the best teenage vacation destinations.

Either way, The Blue Lagoon hot spring is one of the best places to visit in Reykjavik with teenagers. You can often combine the Blue Lagoon with a Golden Circle Tour.

Vik (Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach)

This amazing black sand beach has been in a few movie and television series over the last few years and has helped make Reykjavik one of the top vacation places for teens. The Sand stacks that rise out of the water are simply stunning and are well worth the drive out there to be seen.

You can see them from one side at Reynisfjara Beach and then from the town of Vik itself. If you drive up to the Church on top of the hill in Vik you will get fabulous views of the sand stacks. This is family travel with teenagers must when on vacation in Iceland.

Visiting the Reynisfjara Beach with teens tip:

Reynisfjara Beach is one of the most deadly in Iceland. There are waves there called ‘sneaker’ waves and they do just that…sneak up on you. Please make sure that you read all that information on the boards at the car park before you walk out onto the beach. This will help you understand the weather patterns at the beach and it will help you to stay safe while you visit Reynisfjara Beach with your teens.

Dyrholaey Rock Arch and lighthouse

The Dyrholaey Rock Arch and the Lighthouse are located on the South Coast of Iceland and are around 2 hours and 30 minutes from Reykjavik. You will find beautiful nature on the way and if you get a perfect day you will be able to see brilliant views from the Lighthouse.

It is also a great place to go Puffin watching in their natural habitat, these small birds with colourful breaks are just so cute.

Visiting Dyrholaey Lighthouse tips

Beware that driving up to the lighthouse can be dangerous and you must make sure that your insurance covers the car if you have a crash. Many policies do not cover damage to the underneath of the vehicle.

You can include the Dyrholaey Rock Arch and the Lighthouse on your day trip to Vik if you have time.

The Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon is a geothermal hot spring located in the small village of Flúðir, Iceland. It is one of the oldest and most unique hot springs you will find when you visit Iceland. Popular for its natural setting and tranquil atmosphere. The lagoon is surrounded by lush greenery and steam vents, making it a unique and scenic destination.

Places to go near Reykjavik – Drive the Golden Circle

One thing you will notice about Iceland is there is a photo opportunity around every single corner and driving the Golden Circle is one of those places where you will never stop taking pictures. Going on a road trip with teenagers in Iceland adds to an already epic family holiday.

A stop at Þingvellir National Park is a must along the way to the Golden Circle. Þingvellir National Park is the location of the first Icelandic Parliament in the year 930 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The landscape is breathtaking with a fault created by tectonic plates running through the park. This is a must-see on your family vacation with teenagers.

Places you can see on the golden circle are:

  • Gullfoss Waterfall
  • Thingvellir National Park
  • Geysir Geothermal Area

If you are unsure about driving in Iceland with teenagers

If you are not confident driving in Iceland or you come from a country that does not have the kind of extreme weather Iceland is known for you may want to opt for a day tour of the Golden Circle. Below we have found some for you that will keep all budgets happy.

Tips for driving in Iceland

  • Make sure you have the very best travel insurance that covers all roadside issues and crashes
  • Double-check your policy to see where you are covered for when driving in Iceland
  • During winter the weather in Iceland can change quickly. Be prepared to alter your plans
  • Take some spare clothes with you in the car. The waterfalls in Iceland like to make sure you know you have visited!

Visit the Sólheimasandur Beach plane wreck

Many a teen travel lover, loves a good Instagram shot and this one would be an epic addition to your trip to Iceland. The plane crashed on the Black Sand beach back in 1973 and has been there ever since. No one was killed in the crash.

Cool things to do in Iceland

Travel for teens tip

If you plan on visiting the Sólheimasandur Beach plane wreck be aware that you are no longer allowed to drive onto the beach. There is a car park about 4 kilometres from the crash site and you will need to leave your car there to walk. The walk to the Sólheimasandur Beach plane crash will take you between 45 minutes and one hour depending on the weather and how fast you are able to go.

Go on a hunt for the Atlantic Puffin

These amazing and very unique little birds are definitely worth a day trip from Reykjavik. Puffins usually make their burrows in the cliffs and small islands around Iceland. Summer is the best time to see Puffins in Iceland. So if you are looking for summer vacation ideas for families with teenagers in Iceland this has to be on your Reykjavik itinerary

Seeing Puffins in Iceland tips:

The Puffin is a very unique bird and one that is on the top of many lists to see. Please use a guide to see them and not go out on your own to see them your self. You may go into a place that is not safe or you may accidentally endanger the Puffin.

Not sure what your teen will need on holiday? Click here to get all the top sellers for your travelling teens

Tips for day trips from Reykjavik

There are many things you should consider if you are going to make someday trips from Reykjavik with teens. You need to understand the weather at the time you are visiting especially in the winter. The weather in Iceland can be unpredictable with road closures at times if the weather turns bad.

Winter in Iceland

Winter in Iceland is a brilliant time to visit. With epic sunrises and sunsets to be seen, it is also the quieter time of year in Iceland.

One problem is that there are not that many daylight hours in Iceland during winter. You will find that the sun rises at about 10 am and starts to fade at about 3.00 pm. It never gets quite sunny and fully light at this time of year in Iceland as well. Even with the limited daylight hours, there are still so many winter vacation ideas for families with teenagers visiting Reykjavik.

While we did not find the weather in Iceland at this time crazy cold we did, make sure we had layers and spare clothes in the car if we did get cold or wet. This helped us stay warm during our winter vacation in Iceland. One way to ruin family vacations for teenagers is to have them wet and cold.

Summer in Iceland

The time of the eternal sunshine. It would be a fabulous time to visit Iceland and this would have to be the busiest time as well but it will lead to some epic family adventure travel with teens. You will find that most of the popular tourist sites in Iceland will be packed to the rafters with fellow travellers at this time.

It may also be hard to adjust to the constant midnight sun. Experiencing the midnight sun is one of the unique things to do in Iceland. A summer vacation with teens to Reykjavík will be unforgettable.

Things for teenagers to take to Reykjavik

We have a list of items below that all travelling teenagers need on their trip to Reykjavik to make your family trip with teens hassle-free.

Water & Windproof jacketBuy here from Columbia
Waterproof ShoesBuy here from Amazon.com
Waterproof day packBuy from AliExpress
PowerbankBuy from Anker
GoPro Hero 9Buy from Amazon.com
Noise-cancelling headphonesBuy from Amazon.com
Amazon Fire StickBuy from Amazon.com

Frequently asked questions about Reykjavik

Reykjavik is one of the best family city breaks in Europe and one of the best places to vacation with teenagers. There are so many things to consider when you are planning your family vacation to Reykavik. Here is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about the city to help you make your family vacation to Iceland easy and hassle-free.

What is the legal drinking age in Iceland?

With a minimum age of 20 to buy any alcoholic beverages, Iceland has one of the highest drinking ages in Europe

How do you call the Police in Iceland?

Call 112 for Police in Iceland

Do I need to tip in Iceland?

Tipping is not required as a service charge is already built-in.

What plug adaptor do I need for Iceland?

Iceland uses the standard Euro plug socket with two round prongs. For these plugs, you can use adaptor types “C” or “F

Can I drink the tap water in Reykjavik?

Yes, it is safe to drink tap water and 95% of all water in Iceland comes from springs.

Do people speak English in Iceland?

English is taught as a second language in Iceland and almost every Icelander speaks the language fluently

Family accommodation Reykjavik options for you

At the top of the article, we suggested some accommodation choices. If you are looking for a wider variety of choices when you visit reykjavík, please find below an interactive map from Booking.com for you to find your perfect stay in Reykjavik

Booking.com

Are you looking to book flights, hotels, apartments, tours, airport transfers, travel insurance and more? Are you just not sure what companies you can trust to book your travel online? We have a resource page that is full of companies that we personally use and book through for all trips from a weekend away to long term travel around the world. Click here to search our travel resources page.

We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel helps you with Reykjavik attractions for you and your teenager visiting the Icelandic capital. Reykjavik with teenagers has many attractions and activities for you and your teen to do, see, try and taste. Your teenager in Reykjavik will be entertained and educated by this amazing city.

Travel with teenagers and tweens. Travelling with young adults has just as many issues as travelling with young children. Choosing the best teenage vacation destinations can be so time-consuming. Use our Travel with Teenagers Destination Guides from all over the world for your next family vacation inspiration to make your family vacations with teens epic.

For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Iceland with family click through to our Iceland Destination Page for more brilliant inspiration.


More travel inspiration for your trip to Iceland


2 thoughts on “33 Cool things to do in Reykjavík with teenagers”

  1. I must be a teenager at heart because I want to do all of these things haha! and a haunted tour of Reykjavik? That sounds so fun!

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