Atlantica No. 4, 2010, July-August - Iceland Review

aChild’s PlayPhoto By Bjarni BrynjólfssonReykjavík Zooand Family ParkThe Reykjavík family park situated in the heartof the city is a long established favorite withkids of all ages. It was opened in 1990 and specializesin Icelandic domestic animals as wellas some wild native breeds, including foxes,minks, reindeer and, everybody’s favorite, thefish guzzling seals. The park is also a rehabilitationcentre for stricken wild animals. The mostrecent addition to the park has been the newaquarium which houses over twenty speciesof fish and was opened in 2004. For the olderchildren there is the educational and fun scienceworld where you can measure the volume ofyour scream and blow giant size soap bubbles.Set in the environs of the park is a mini fairgroundwith boat rides on the lake, train rides,small riding tours for kids around the park andmany other attractions including go-carts and arifle range. One can purchase individual ticketsfor each ride, but if you plan to make a day ofit, an armband day pass is by far the best value.The biggest problem you will have at the parkis getting your kids to leave!Open AgricultureAs part of an initiative between the IcelandicFarm Holidays Association and local farmers,the concept of open agriculture was born toprovide foreigners and natives alike with aninsight into the workings of Icelandic farmsand rural life in general. Dozens of farms, manyjust a stone’s throw from the capital, operatean open farm policy, with facilities that makefor the perfect family day trip, or indeed, a fullstay in the countryside. These farms represent across section of Icelandic agriculture today.For more information on family friendly tripsgo to bondi.isKayak Tours in StokkseyriFor those venturing out of the capital, a mustdofamily trip is the family and leisure parkin Stokkseyri, a mere 45 minute drive fromReykjavík. Attractions include a huge playground,giant inflated bouncing cushion andcastle, and a tranquil bird pond. The premierattraction however is the Kayak toursfor all the family on the freshwater lakes.Professional guides will take you to all the bestnature spots, including the habitats of rarebirds and seals. For more information contacttofrar@stokkseyri.is.Petting Zoo at SlakkiIf one cares to venture a little further afield, thepetting zoo at Slakki is a glorious day out forboth kids and parents. Set in the lush southerncountryside about 100 km from Reykjavík, thezoo contains all manner of small Icelandic creatureswhile the aquarium houses giant shrimps.Visitors can get close to the animals, touch andeven feed them depending on the time of day.While the kids explore the zoo, mom and dadcan take refuge in the pleasant garden restaurantor even try their hand at mini-golf or pool.Further details are available at slakki.is.Rey Cup WeekendThe International Rey Cup football competitiontakes place in the midst of the Icelandic summerto ensure the best weather conditions forboth players and spectators. Every year, youthteams from Iceland, Scandinavia and Englandcompete over the course of the weekend for theRey Cup title. The event takes place from 21 –25 July and is a great activity for all the familywhere kids, whether competitors or spectators,can meet. Over 70 teams from various countrieshave enlisted for this year’s event. Round off thefootball festivities with a relaxed stroll round thenearby botanical gardens.Adventure Land, KringlanOn any family holiday there is always a certainamount of shopping to be done and with thekids in tow it can be a stressful experience,particularly with younger children. A handysolution is Iceland’s most popular shoppingcentre, Kringlan, close to the heart of downtown. Adventure Land, situated inside the mall,is a large and well designed play land for kidsbetween the ages of three and nine. Attractionsinclude slides, tunnels and a soft ball pen forkids to dive into. There is also an arts and craftssection for older children. Adventure Land hasan excellent security system where each child isfitted with an identity and monitoring belt. Toensure their whereabouts are known at all times,simply take your ticket and leave your phonenumber. Mom and dad are then free to pick upthose essential items, indulge in some gift shopping,or simply take time out for coffee. a34 atlantica