What to Do on Day 2 in Iceland: Reykjavik

Reykjavik—where the landscapes are dramatic, and the adventure is as sweet and sticky as a family road trip can be. If you’re like me, a busy mom juggling the delightful chaos of motherhood with the thrill of exploring new places, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m sharing our family’s unforgettable journey through Reykjavik on Day 2 of our Icelandic adventure. Grab your sunglasses and let’s dive into this Nordic wonderland!

Day 2 in Iceland: Reykjavik

7:45 AM – Start the Day with Aurora Reykjavík: Northern Lights Center

Our adventure began bright and early, as the sun peeked over the horizon, casting a golden glow on the city’s rooftops. We hustled out of our cozy Airbnb, with my boys, affectionately known as My Sweet & Sticky, in tow. The excitement was beaming as we made our way to the Aurora Reykjavík—Northern Lights Center.

Address: Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: aurorareykjavik.is
Opens: 9 AM
Cost: $15 Adults, $8 Kids

This hands-on museum is a real visual treat, giving you a mind-blowing peek at the Northern Lights’ dance. The kids were totally into the amazing photos and exhibits, while I enjoyed some peaceful moments of learning and thinking. It’s one of those spots that sparks curiosity in young minds, making it a must-visit for families. We checked out a cool virtual presentation that explained how the Northern Lights are formed, and then we explored the Science Center. Cash really got a kick out of learning about it!

10:35 AM – Park at Vitatorg Parking Garage

After soaking in the celestial beauty, we hopped back into our rental car and drove to the Vitatorg Parking Garage—the cheapest in Reykjavik.

Hopp Scooter Rental: $0.75 to start, $0.24 per minute

The boys buzzed with excitement at the thought of renting Hopp scooters. We thought about it, but ultimately didn’t do it because we weren’t sure how much we’d end up carrying home after. And #MySweetandSticky on Scooters in a city, not my favorite idea.

10:40 AM – Embrace the Dream at Sun Voyager

Address: Sæbraut, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: sunvoyager.is
Open: 24h
Cost: FREE

The Sun Voyager, or Sólfar, stands tall against the bright blue sky. It’s a dreamboat, a tribute to the sun, symbolizing hope and adventure—a perfect metaphor for our journey. This was the boys first real opportunity to see the Icelandic landscape and Capital.

11:15 AM – Snack Time at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

No visit to Reykjavik is truly complete without indulging in one of its famous hot dogs. You’ll discover Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, hidden away like a treasured secret, but believe me, it’s worth seeking out to cross off your Bucket List. My Sweet & Sticky were skeptical about this being the “World’s Best Hotdog,” yet they decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, it didn’t meet their expectations and certainly wasn’t their favorite. I was concerned that this would discourage them from trying the other food on our Bingo Game list, but they remained adventurous despite the hot dog mishap.

11:30 AM – Kolaportið: Flea Market Shopping Center

Next up, we strolled into Kolaportið, Reykjavik’s flea market. My online searches had hyped it up as a goldmine of quirky finds and Icelandic treats. It was a wild mix of bright colors, strange smells, and buzzing activity. The boys were all excited, bouncing from one stall to the next, but it turned out to be a letdown since they were renovating. We didn’t find anything worth buying there, but we had better luck on the main streets downtown.

12:00 PM – Discover Reykjavik on Foot: Walking Tour

At noon, we embarked on a two-and-a-half-hour walking tour of Reykjavik. It’s the best way to sense the heartbeat of the city. We did not opt to do the paid tour, but I instead wrote my own based on what I thought my kids would eat and enjoy. Mostly Sweet and Sticky items. We avoided all the fancy, expensive cheese and wine, and also the long waits. Between bite-sized bucket list treats we popped into souvenir shops and found so many treasured trinkets.

3:00 PM – Explore the Wonders of Perlan

After a day of exploration, we made our way to the Perlan, an architectural marvel perched on a hill overlooking the city.

a. Glacier Snow Tunnel & Ice Throne

Inside, we explored the Glacier Snow Tunnel, where my boys transformed into intrepid adventurers, their laughter echoing through the icy corridors. We all took turns sitting on the Ice Throne, feeling like royalty in our frosty kingdom.

b. Interactive Volcano Exhibit

The Volcano Exhibit was equally captivating, with its interactive displays that brought the fiery history of Iceland to life. It’s a place where learning feels like play, and curiosity is the only ticket you need.

c. Dinner at the Perlan Rotating Dome

As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves atop the Perlan Rotating Dome, savoring a meal with panoramic views of Reykjavik.

Conclusion

On Day 2 in Reykjavik, we had a mix of fun filled with family, excitement, and new discoveries. It’s a place that makes you want to dream, explore, and bond with the world and your loved ones. Whether you’re traveling with kids or going solo, Reykjavik has something for everyone—a little reminder that the best adventures are the ones shared with a bit of sweetness and memorable moments.

Travel to Iceland with Us! Follow along on this Kelso Family Adventure!

For those planning a similar trip, I’ve made our 7-Day Itinerary available as a Canva Template. You can edit it in Canva. It’s available in my Etsy Shop, Cotton N’ Kandi, to fit your family’s style. Traveling to Iceland with kids is a dream within reach, and I hope our story sparks your wanderlust.

Travel Itinerary | ICELAND | 7 Day Guide, PDF Template, EDIT in Canva

Find all the Much-Loved Clothing from this trip, on sale in My Poshmark Closet for all things ICELAND

Find all of my Iceland Favorites from this Trip on my Amazon List: ICELAND | Travel Essentials

[Click Here] to follow this trip from the very beginning.

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