The Best Child-Friendly Educational Shows and Museums in Reykjavík

As the vibrant capital of Iceland, Reykjavík offers plenty of opportunities for families to learn, explore, and have fun together. It’s packed with engaging attractions that brilliantly bring the country's incredible geology, history, and wildlife to life. 

Reykjavík is full of interactive exhibits and planetarium shows. These child-friendly educational shows are perfect for all ages. For an indoor activity captivating young minds, the city is home to the best kid-approved museums Iceland has to offer. Dive into Iceland’s sagas, marvel at the northern lights, and explore the island’s wild beauty, all within the city limits.

Here is your essential itinerary for the best educational activities for kids that Reykjavík provides.

1. Perlan: Wonders of Iceland – Exploring Fire and Ice

At the Perlan Museum, learning feels like an adventure. This science exploratorium is a must-visit among kid-approved museums in Iceland, perfectly showcasing the Land of Fire and Ice. Fun activities here include walking through an ice cave, witnessing the power of volcanic eruptions, and marveling at the northern lights. 

Perlan: Wonders of Iceland hosts some of the best child-friendly educational shows in Reykjavík, built on cutting-edge, hands-on exhibits:

• Ice Cave: The showstopper is the world's first indoor ice cave, a 100-meter-long tunnel constructed from 350 tons of real snow and ice. Walk through this sub-zero environment to learn about and experience Iceland's glaciers without leaving the city.
• Áróra Planetarium Show: The Áróra show uses state-of-the-art 8K projection to create an immersive, award-winning 360° film that explains the science and folklore of the aurora borealis.
• Forces of Nature: Through interactive displays, children can "feel" the power of volcanoes, learn about geothermal energy, and understand the tectonic plate boundary that’s literally tearing the country in two.

2. Whales of Iceland – Life-Size Learning

Dive into the awe-inspiring ocean world at Whales of Iceland, the largest whale exhibition in Europe. Located in the city’s harbor district, it is one of the most engaging child-friendly educational shows in Reykjavík. 

At the Whales of Iceland exhibition, learning is literally life-sized. Families can walk up to full-scale models of whales in Iceland, including the blue whale and orca. Immersive sounds and visuals make it an entertaining experience, even as kids learn about whale habitats and migration patterns.

This is among the top interactive museums in Iceland for exploring how Iceland’s dynamic marine life connects to global ocean conservation.

Highlights of Whales of Iceland:

• Life-size whale models
• Soft lighting and immersive ocean sounds
• Simple displays suitable for children
• Clear explanations of habitats and migration

3. Reykjavík Maritime Museum – Life by the Sea

In the historic Old Harbour lies the Reykjavík Maritime Museum, bringing Iceland’s seafaring history to life. This is a brilliant stop to enjoy educational activities for kids in Reykjavík, as children can climb aboard real fishing vessels and learn about the country’s connection to the ocean.

Hands-on activities make this a fun stop in your Reykjavík itinerary. The main Fish & Folk exhibition lets children try their hand at knot-tying and navigation, while a dedicated play area is perfect for younger kids. The guided tour of the floating Coast Guard Vessel Óðinn is a true highlight, too.

4. Saga Museum – Viking History in 3D

Travel back in time at the Saga Museum Reykjavík, which offers a unique glimpse into the history of Iceland's first settlers. Each immersive scene tells a story from Iceland’s Viking past.

What makes the Saga Museum stand out among kid-approved museums in Iceland is its realistic approach and atmospheric storytelling. Instead of static displays, you walk through dramatic, lifelike scenes featuring meticulously crafted figures of chiefs, poets, and Viking explorers.

Tip for visiting the Saga Museum: Audio guides are available in several languages, and kids can try Viking costumes in a fun dress-up area.

5. Árbær Open Air Museum – Step Into the Past

Step into a living history book at the Árbær Open Air Museum and experience daily life from centuries past. This unique site is a reconstructed village featuring over 20 historic houses relocated from central Reykjavík. From turf houses to 20th-century wooden homes, peek inside to see tools, clothes, and other daily objects from the past.

This open-air museum, among the interactive museums to visit in Iceland, is ideal for curious kids who love playing pretend. Look out for costumed guides, traditional crafts, and farm animals during the summer, which bring the old village to life.

6. Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo – Nature and Play

Located in the Laugardalur Valley, the Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo combines playtime with education. 

The zoo is home to a host of farm animals, including the gentle Icelandic horse, sheep, goats, and cows. Kids can even meet native wild animals in Iceland, like Arctic foxes and seals. Next to the zoo, the Family Park features diverse playground equipment, rides, and a junior driving school.

Although there are plenty of child-friendly educational shows in Reykjavík, this one stands out for inviting everyone outdoors to play. It’s an easygoing environment for toddlers and young children to connect with nature and Icelandic animal heritage.

7. Reykjavík City Library – Stories and Creativity

For a quieter, more relaxed day in the city, visit the Reykjavík City Library. This welcoming space offers the perfect balance to busy sightseeing days, offering free events that promote literacy and imagination.

The library regularly hosts storytelling sessions, creative workshops, and engaging reading programs designed specifically for children of all ages. It's an excellent way to wind down and engage in calm, educational activities for kids in Reykjavík year-round.

8. FlyOver Iceland

Located in the Grandi district, FlyOver Iceland is among the most popular child-friendly educational shows in Reykjavík. This virtual flight experience uses state-of-the-art technology to give families a birds-eye view of Iceland’s most stunning and often inaccessible landscapes.

Suspended with their feet dangling before a massive spherical screen, guests soar over thundering waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches. Special effects like wind, mist, and scents heighten the experience. Before the 8.5-minute ride, two educational pre-shows introduce children to Iceland’s natural forces, folklore, and history.

Plan Your Family Adventure

From the ocean depths to the northern lights, Reykjavík offers some of the best family-friendly learning experiences in the country. These kid-approved museums in Iceland guarantee days full of wonder, whether you’re diving into Viking history or enjoying animal encounters.

When planning your itinerary exploring the child-friendly educational shows in Reykjavík, be sure to prioritize Perlan – Wonders of Iceland. It’s the ultimate one-stop destination for Iceland’s natural phenomena, from ice caves and glaciers to volcanoes and the aurora borealis.