Children Activities
Children can certainly have a wonderful life in Iceland and enjoy a degree of freedom that simply would not be possible in many other parts of the world. Many of their social and sports activities are nicely interwoven with their school programs and cover everything from music, team sports, swimming and acting to mention but a few. Sports clubs and community centres are often in the proximity of schools and coordinate their schedules.
Generally speaking, children’s activities are a great way for both children and parents to integrate into society, particularly if you are new to the country. What can be more universal than a parent and a child?
Iceland is a family-friendly place. Nature is a playground in itself, but it must be kept in mind that to enjoy all seasons, the right clothes are essential. High and low mountains, beautiful wide open lava fields, forests, black beaches, fjords and green valleys can be found within a close proximity to the capital area.
Another important thing to know is that it is generally safe for children to play outside and considered a natural part of children´s upbringing in Iceland.
Places of interest for children in the capital area
A few museums offer children´s corner and activities, such as the Reykjavik Art Museum – Kjarvalsstaðir. Kids can draw and paint while the parents enjoy refreshments at the museum’s café. The National Gallery also offers recreational corner for children. The Reykjavik City Library, and many other libraries around the country, offer kids’ corners where they can play and read books of their own choice while the parents or guardians can relax or read for them. In addition, there are regular family friendly events such as crafting, computer programming, art and other workshops throughout the year.
Reykjavik Family Park and Zoo offers good fun all year round. The park has farm animals but other animals as well such as arctic foxes, reindeers, and seals. The park is dived in two parts: The Farm Animal Zoo and The Family Park. The latter resembles a small amusement park in spring, summer and autumn. The park is popular for birthday parties and other family and children´s events and also offers classes for the true animal lovers.
Other activities for children residing in Iceland
- Rush Trampoline Park
- Ikea Småland play-area for children 3-8 years old
- Skating Ring Laugardalur
- Skating Ring Egilshöll
- Mini Garðurinn – inside fun park
- Skemmtigarðurinn – outside fun park
- Dalur Café, a nice family café in adjacent to Reykjavik´s biggest youth hostel
- Kringlan and Smáralind shopping malls also have play-areas for children
Being a parent in Iceland
One of the reasons why schools are such a good place to integrate into society is that they give you an opportunity to get to know other parents in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. Lasting friendships often develop between parents and sometimes even continue after their children have left school.
Afterschool recreation for children and adolescents
It is considered healthy and socially supportive for children to participate in some sort of after school recreational activities. There is a lot to choose from, particularly in Reykjavik and the capital city area in general.
Whether the child/adolescent is interested in sports, arts, music, scouts, computer games or other activities there are endless opportunities. Reykjavík might be a small city but offers huge variety of recreational after-school activities for children and adolescents. These activities are generally speaking the best places for children and teenagers to meet new friends.
ÍTR, in collaboration with associations and neighbouring municipalities, has accessible information on sports and leisure activities in the capital area in one place. Find it here, on fristund.is
The Leisure card
After school activities are supported for children residing in Reykjavík and many other municipalities with the so-called Leisure card. The Leisure card (or similar) is a financial support for leisure activities for children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 with legal domicile in Reykjavík and other municipalities. The grant can be used to pay part of the participation and training fees in organized leisure activities. In some cases, it covers the whole fee.