Summer courses
A wide selection of summer courses for children will be available in the summer of 2026 in Garðabær.

Summer courses 2026
As usual, a diverse and wide selection of exciting summer courses are available for children in the summer of 2026, organized by the partners in Garðabær. Below you can find various information, but more detailed information about individual courses and registration for them can be found on the links and through the email addresses of each course provider.
The list is not exhaustive of courses in Garðabær, but here you will find all the courses that Garðabær has received information about.
Here is a list of courses held in Garðabær: Children's leisure activities - Garðabær but this list is taken from the web www.fristund.is but on that website you can see information about a variety of leisure activities that are offered by companies throughout the capital area.
Animals and art - 5-11 years old
9 am-12 pm or 1 pm-4 pm daily (in June and July).
You can get more information and book via email. dyroglist@gmail.comor through The course's Facebook page, Animals and Art.
About the course
The main goal of the course is for the children to have fun, come into contact with animals and foster creative thinking. The children will be taught to interact with the animals, clean them, feed them, give them love and warmth and those who want, will be allowed to go horseback riding.
We will work with creative thinking, personal expression and imagination in the visual arts. There will only be 10 to 15 children in each course and they will be divided into small groups of two to three.
It is important that the children dress for the weather because we will be outside a lot and bring a healthy and tasty lunch for lunchtime. At the end of the course, which is on Fridays, we have a barbecue and have fun.
Registration has begun and you can get more information and book via email. dyroglist@gmail.comor through The course's Facebook page, Animals and Art.
GKG - golf course
GKG is offering courses for 6-11 year olds this summer, from June 15 to August 14
About the course
The courses emphasize introducing the sport to children through golf-related games and exercise. Students are divided into two age groups, 6 to 9 years old and 10 to 12 years old and by gender, if possible. The courses then conclude with a hot dog party and the presentation of a certificate of recognition from GKG.
The instructors are from a group of GKG's elite golfers aged 16 to 21, most with significant experience in leading courses. Every effort will be made to ensure that groups under the supervision of an instructor are not made up of more than eight children.
Registration management: Gudmundur Danielsson, gummid@gkg.is or Haukur Már Ólafssonhaukur@gkg.is
The Scout Association of Vífill
9-11 a.m. 2x a week in the afternoon for 10 weeks (all summer).
About the course
Vífil's Outdoor School's area of operation is Garðabær , and there will also be swimming trips to various swimming pools in the capital area.
- The courses are intended for children aged 7 to 12, born between 2013 and 2018.
- The courses are from 09:15 to 16:00.
- It is necessary that participants have access to a bicycle for bike tours where cycling is part of the program.
- It is essential that participants arrive dressed for the weather and with a packed lunch for the day.
- All participants will receive an information email about the course structure and the week's schedule one week before the start of the course.
Further information can be found here: Vífill Scout Association | Courses | Abler
The Sóti Álftanes Horsemen's Association
The Sóti Horse Riding Association offers pony riding courses and adventure courses. The courses will be from June 15th to August 14th. The courses are for 5-10 year olds.
About the course
The courses take place at the Sóti equestrian club in Álftanes. Registration and further information can be found here: https://forms.gle/TqStCHXk69CFEmpg7
The Climb - Creative Sets
Klifið offers courses from June 15th to July 17th. The courses are for 6-12 year olds.
Among the courses offered are:
- Drama and improvisation
- Comics
- Creative summer fun
- Procreate
- Creative summer song
Further information and registration for the course is here: Climb - Creative Sets | Summer Courses | Shop | Abler
The Dreams Theatre Company
The Dream Play Group is offering courses this summer for 2 weeks for each age group.
About courses
The Musical Theatre Courses cover everything related to putting on a musical. We look at the acting, dancing, and singing in full force, but we also take a look at costumes, makeup, and everything else that goes on backstage.
Please note that there is a limited number of students per course and the rule is first come, first served. We cannot increase the number of students per course or expand groups.
Further information can be found here: Draumar Theatre Company – Musical Theatre Course
Play and Fun – singing and acting
Five days, 3 hours at a time. Taught both at Álftanes and in Urriðaholt.
Leik og Sprell is a singing and acting course that travels far and wide across the country and is open to children and teenagers aged 6-13. Everyone gets the opportunity to sing, play and frolic. A foundation in singing technique and interpretation is taught and games are played that encourage creativity and expression. Based on the songs that the children have chosen, improvisation and acting, we create a show that is open to family members.
The course will be held all over the country this summer, but Leik og Sprell will be held at Álftanes 15-20 June at 13:00-16:00 and Urriðaholt 20-24 July at 9:00-12:00.
Further information and registration is available at leikogsprell.is
Álftanes Art Studio – Nada Borosak
Courses for elementary school-age children
About courses
The Art Workshop at Álftanes is ideal for enthusiastic schoolchildren who enjoy creating art in a mix of play and movement. Students receive guidance in completing projects and an introduction to the main basics of drawing, painting and sculpting. The emphasis is on creativity where everyone has a good time.
The courses will be based at Álftanesskóli. Children are expected to come dressed for the weather, in a good mood, with a packed lunch and a water bottle in their backpack. The course ends with an art exhibition where participants show their work.
The teacher for the course is Nada Borosak, an art teacher at Álftanesskóli.
The course is taking place in two weeks, from Monday to Friday. Classes are from 9-12 or 13-16.
June 15 - June 26
9-12 or 1-4 pm
Registration takes place via email. nadabo@alftanesskoli.is
Price for 2 weeks: 26 500 (sibling discount: second child receives a 10% discount).
Horse Life Riding School
Courses for children from 5-16 years old and classes take place at Dreyravellir 1 (Hestamannafélagið Sprettur)
About the course
Horseback riding courses for everyone. Only 10-12 students per course and divided into groups where everyone can find a suitable group whether they are used to horses or not. Horseback riding is done daily in the form of riding tours or riding lessons inside a riding hall along with a short education about the horse. A lot of emphasis is placed on joy and having fun!
Registration is done via email. reidskolinnhestalif@gmail.com
Vogur Sailing Club
Week-long courses from 9 am-12 pm or 1 pm-4 pm in June and July for children and young people aged 10-18.
About the course
During the courses, children will be introduced to various water sports such as kayaks, paddle boards and sailboats. Most of the courses are for 10-15 year olds, but there will also be youth courses for 13-18 year olds, as well as separate girls' courses for both 10-12 year olds and 13-18 year olds. It is possible to take the Water Sports courses more than once. Advanced courses in sailing on canoes will also be available.
The courses end with a barbecue.
There are only 5 students in each group and it is
You can request that friends be together in a group. It will be offered to rent
wetsuits in connection with the courses, but students can also bring their own
All students are wearing life jackets that are provided on site.
Instructors have many years of experience in
sailing courses for children and young people and with coaching education from ÍSÍ,
Icelandic Sailing Association and World Sailing.
The aim of the courses is for children and young people to learn
to enjoy outdoor activities by the sea in a pleasant and safe way.
See more information on the Vog Sailing Club website. https://seglbatur.is/ or on the company's Abler page https://www.abler.io/shop/seglbatur or by email at arnarvogur@gmail.com
Svanir Scout Association – outdoor life course
Outdoor course Svana 2026
About the course
The Svanir á Álftanes Scout Association offers outdoor courses for children aged 6–12 (born 2014–2020). The courses take place in and around the Svanir á Álftanes Scout Center in Bjarnastaðir, Monday to Friday from 09:00–15:00. The emphasis is on outdoor activities, scouting, games in nature and team building under the guidance of experienced scout leaders.
Dates:
- Week 1: June 15–19
- Week 2: June 22–26
- Week 3: June 29 – July 3
- Week 4: July 6–10
- Week 5: July 13–17
- Week 6: July 27–31
The aim is to hold courses as far into the fall as possible. Final dates in August will be announced later.
Our registration page is https://www.abler.io/shop/swans and information can also be found on our website https://svanir.is/namskeid/
Oddur Golf Club - Golf Course
The course is for students aged 7 to 12. The courses are on weekdays and run from 9 am to 12 pm.
About the course
Oddur Golf Club is offering golf courses this summer. The aim of the courses is to introduce the sport of golf to children and to encourage their interest in taking up this family-friendly sport. The main aspects of the game of golf are covered, from putting to opening shots, and instructions are often in the form of various types of golf games. There will also be an emphasis on introducing the main golf etiquette and golf rules to students. It is important that the golf course also includes a variety of games that promote the children's motor development, such as coordination, flexibility and balance, as these are important aspects of the movements of the golf swing. The priorities of the courses are that they are safe, fun, and that the children enjoy themselves and develop a positive attitude towards the sport of golf.
Registration takes place here: Oddur Golf Club | Courses | Abler
Schoolyards in Silfurtún
School gardens in Silfurtún are for children aged 6-13.
About the course
Registration for school parks takes place on site from June 1st, guardians are registered for the school fee. After registration and the child's choice of a kindergarten, the guardian will be sent a payment slip for the school fee.
The parks are open on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and have good facilities for staying and playing. Please note that school parks are not daycare centers.
Access to them is at the Bæjarból preschool.
Senior citizens are offered the opportunity to rent a garden in school gardens after June 5th.
Stjarnan – gymnastics school
Stjarnan offers gymnastics classes for children aged 5-9.
About the course
The emphasis is on fun and varied gymnastics exercises and games for beginners and advanced alike. Participants are divided up somewhat by ability so that everyone should receive appropriate training.
If the weather is good, we will go outside to do exercises and play games. The children need to come in gymnastics/sports clothing. Everyone needs to remember to bring a healthy and tasty lunch.
Further information can be found here: https://www.abler.io/shop/Stjarnan?program=Q2x1YlNlcnZpY2U6Mjg2NTY=
Stjarnan – football school
Stjarnan offers a football school for children aged 5-9.
About the course
Emphasis will be placed on the basic elements of the game through exercises, puzzles, and games.
The course is for beginners and those who are more advanced so everyone should receive appropriate training.
Efforts will be made to keep the program diverse and introduce players to the basics of football.
Children must come to the course wearing sportswear and clothing appropriate for the weather. They must also bring a healthy and nutritious lunch to take with them throughout the day.
Further information can be found here: https://www.abler.io/shop/Stjarnan?program=Q2x1YlNlcnZpY2U6Mjg2MDI=
Stjarnan – basketball school
Stjarnan offers a basketball school for children aged 5-9.
About the course
The Stjörnun Basketball Club is offering a basketball school this summer. The course will be held in Ásgarður from 9-12 on weekdays for kids in grades 1-4 (born 2016-2019).
Powerful coaches from the basketball league are in charge of the courses.
The basketball school is a great addition for interested kids, but it has also been a great platform for kids to take their first steps in the sport. The coaches make sure that everyone gets appropriate assignments, but the joy of playing is always paramount.
The kids need to bring a healthy and tasty lunch with them.
Further information can be found here: https://www.abler.io/shop/Stjarnan?program=Q2x1YlNlcnZpY2U6Mjg2MDc=
The Star – swimming in Asgard
Stjarnan offers swimming lessons in Ásgarður for 4-14 year olds
About the course
The aim of the courses is to teach the various swimming disciplines in a fun way and ensure that everyone receives training at their own ability. Coaches and assistants are on hand in the pool to ensure the best possible results for each individual.
Further information and registration is here: Stjarnan | Summer courses | Courses | Abler
Stjarnan – swimming in Álftaneslaug
Stjarnan offers swimming lessons in Álftaneslaug for ages 4-14.
About the course
The aim of the courses is to teach the various swimming disciplines in a fun way and ensure that everyone receives training at their own ability. Coaches and assistants are on hand in the pool to ensure the best possible results for each individual.
Further information can be found here: Stjarnan | Summer courses | Courses | Abler
Stjarnan – handball school
Stjarnan offers a handball school for children aged 5-9
About the course
Emphasis will be placed on fun games and basic exercises for beginners and those who are more advanced.
Players will be divided into groups based on age and whether they are beginners or advanced so that everyone receives appropriate training. Efforts will be made to keep the program varied and introduce players to the basics of handball.
Children must come to the course wearing sportswear. If the weather is good, they will go outside to do exercises and play games.
It's a good idea to have a healthy and tasty snack with you to eat during the day.
Further information can be found here: https://www.abler.io/shop/stjarnan/sumarnamskeid?program=Q2x1YlNlcnZpY2U6Mjg1OTg=
Stjarnan – Game Course Ásgard
Stjarnan offers game courses in Ásgard for children aged 5-9
About the course
Emphasis is placed on free play and organized leisure activities not unlike what takes place in school after-school centers.
Children must come to the course wearing sports/outdoor clothing. They must also bring a healthy and tasty lunch to eat during the day.
Further information can be found here: https://www.abler.io/shop/stjarnan/sumarnamskeid?program=Q2x1YlNlcnZpY2U6MTYxNw==
The Star – Urriðaholtsskóli
Stjarnan offers game courses at Urriðaholtsskóli for 5-9 year old children.
About the course
Emphasis is placed on free play and organized leisure activities not unlike what takes place in school after-school centers.
Children must come to the course wearing sports/outdoor clothing. They must also bring a healthy and tasty lunch to eat during the day.
Further information can be found here: https://www.abler.io/shop/stjarnan/sumarnamskeid?program=Q2x1YlNlcnZpY2U6MTg3ODg=
Sumarhraun – for disabled children
The course is available for disabled children aged 7-12 from June 15 to August 14.
About the course
Sumarhraun is a service that is available during the summer for children with special needs in grades 1 to 7 in Garðabær to make it easier for them to participate in summer courses.
Further information can be found here: Sumarhraun - Garðabær
Garðabær Board Club
The Garðabær Chess Club offers fun chess courses for children in grades 1-4 in Miðgarður , starting on June 22nd.
About the courses:
Fun chess courses for kids will be held this summer in Miðgarður in Garðabær for children in grades 1-4.
• Week 26: June 22-26 - from 1 to 4 p.m. (open to children in grades 1 to 4.)
• Week 27: June 29-July 3 - from 1 to 4 p.m. (open to children in grades 1 to 4.)
• Week 28: July 6-10 - from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Only for advanced chess kids, i.e. not beginners in grades 3-7)
Each course lasts 5 days, half a day in the afternoon from 1 pm to 4 pm.
The courses are supervised by Lenka Ptácníková. Lenka is a women's grandmaster in chess, multiple Icelandic women's champion, and has extensive experience in chess coaching for children.
The kids will learn the basics of chess, as well as play games and have lots of fun.
More information is here: (Abler link)
Gardabaer Tennis Club
The Garðabær Tennis Club, TFK and the Tennis Hall will, like last year, offer a Tennis and Games School for children aged 5-13.
About the course
The courses are from June 9 to August 14.
Course duration and timing:
We are incredibly flexible and people can choose half a day or a full day and a week or more. The courses are from June 9th - August 14th.
You can take a course that lasts from 9:00 – 12:00 or from 13:00 – 16:00 or all day. However, children can arrive at care at 7:45 and stay in care during lunch and until 17:15. Care is free of charge.
Further information can be found here: https://tfk.is/tennisskolinn-i-sumar/
UMFÁ – soccer and basketball
Álfanes will offer two courses in the summer of 2026, a football course and a basketball course.
All exercises and courses will be posted on Sportabler no later than May 10th.
The football courses will be from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM every weekday and will practice on the football field and use the field house to gather for courses and also for drink/food breaks.
The course is divided into 7 courses, one week each, but a break is taken from June 15th – August 7th as experience from previous years is that the number would be small as families are on vacation during these weeks.
The emphasis is on individual training, where the focus is on technical exercises. We also played various games, both football and other games to break up the training, and then played at the end, then divided by age.
Qualified trainers will be provided to run the courses, one head trainer, two trainers, and in addition, employees recruited from the vocational school.
The basketball course is set up in the same way as last summer and care is taken to ensure that it does not conflict with the football courses or practices.
There will be three training sessions per week from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Further information can be found here: Álftanes | Summer courses | Shop | Abler
Þórunn's drawing course
Þórunn's drawing course is for children aged 6-8. The course is offered in July at Urriðaholtsskóli.
Further information can be found here: Þórunn's drawing course
Let's draw a comic strip
Exciting course in comic book creation and character design at the Garðabær Library on June 15th, 16th, 18th and 19th. The course is intended for children aged 8-12.
Þórey Mjallhvít, author and director of the animated series Ormhildarsaga, is holding an exciting and original course in comic book creation and character design at the Garðabær Library on June 15th, 16th, 18th and 19th from 9 am to 12 pm. The course is intended for children aged 8-12 years. The participation fee is 7,000.- krónur per child and the number of participants is limited, so it is important to secure a place as soon as possible.
For registration and further information, you can send an email to asbjorgbj@gardabaer.is
Þórey Mjallhvít has a BA Animation degree from UWCN, Wales, an MA in Writing and a Diploma in Education from the University of Iceland. She has taught art for many years and has published comics and books. The course will work with pencils, ink, pen and watercolour. This course is suitable for children who enjoy storytelling and drawing.
Installation: The library staff welcomes the children at 9 a.m. and offers crafts, games, and other entertainment until Þórey starts the workshop at 10 a.m. It is a good idea to pack a light lunch and a water bottle with the children.
Agenda:
- June 15: Comics reviewed, character designs reviewed. Worked with ink blots and designed characters.
- June 16: A two-page comic about a day in the life of the character designed the day before.
- June 18: Working with frames in comics. Different types of frames examined. One-page comic with original frames created.
- June 19: cover drawn and painted. Finally, the comic book is sewn together.
Stjarnan - various summer courses
Stjarnan is offering a number of courses this summer, both in the Ásgarður area and in Urriðaholt.
Stjarnan is offering a number of courses this summer both in the Ásgarð area and in Urriðaholt. You can choose between several courses before noon most weeks this summer. These courses are from 9-12. In order to ensure that the kids can attend courses run by Stjarnan from 9-15:30, it is possible to register for a game course from 12-15:30.
Further information can be found here. https://www.abler.io/shop/stjarnan/sumarnamskeid
Birna Björn's Dance School - summer courses
DBB's creative summer school for children aged 6-13.
The courses will take place in Ásgarður from June 29 to July 3.
From 9-12 for 6-9 year olds and from 12.30 to 15.30 for 10-13 year olds
5 days of dance, music, games, outdoor activities, creativity and all kinds of projects. A diverse and fun program where the goal is for students to enjoy themselves in physical activity and creative work.
We emphasize a safe and constructive environment, good company, friendship and the joy of dancing.
The course is suitable for everyone, both those who have danced before and those who want to try something new. All are welcome, both students inside and outside the dance school.
Limited space!
Registration and further information at dansskolibb.is
Design Museum summer course
The Design Museum offers creative summer courses for 9-12 year olds
The courses are as follows:
The world at home - interior architecture for kids!
How would you design a home for an astronaut who has 3 rabbits and loves to bake?!
Participants are given a model of a house that they design for an imaginary resident, taking into account their personality and needs. Students get to experiment with methods in interior architecture and furniture design. The project aims to put themselves in the shoes of a designer, activate creativity, think with their hands, see possibilities, and become familiar with scale and model making.
- Dates: June 23 - June 26
- Time of day: 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
- Age: 9-12 years old
- Supervisor: Auður Ösp Gilsdóttir
Barbie clothing design
Want to try your hand at being a fashion designer for four days? In this course, kids learn to design and make their own Barbie clothes from scratch. We experiment with cuts, embellishments, and fun solutions that make each garment unique. No previous experience necessary – just courage and imagination!
- Dates: June 30th to July 3rd and August 4th to August 7th
- Time of day: 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
- Age: 9-12 years old
- Supervisor: Guðrún Sigurjónsdóttir
Further information can be found here: Icelandic Design Museum | Courses | Abler
Summer course Bastel craft cafe
Summer courses for children aged 7-12 years
A creative and educational summer course for children aged 7–12 who enjoy crafts and creativity 🎨
The courses take place at Bastel at Garðatorg 1, where children participate in organized craft activities under the guidance of instructors. They work with a variety of materials and different methods in crafting and simple creation.
Further information and registration can be found here: Summer Course 2026 – Bastel
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