If you’re planning a trip to Iceland with kids, you’re in for a treat!
Not only is it one of the safest countries to visit; but it’s also incredibly family-friendly.
I get a lot of questions about traveling with kids in Iceland, and honestly, there isn’t a ton of information out there…
Until now!
If you’re worried that there aren’t enough activities for the whole family, rest assured, there are plenty!
I’ll walk you through the best options, from exploring the capital to family-friendly adventures all over Iceland.
Plus, I’ve thrown in a few tips to help make your trip go smoothly (let’s face it, traveling with kids can definitely be its own adventure!).
Your trip may look a little different from the honeymooners or solo travelers, but it’ll be just as magical.
If you’re wondering, “Is Iceland good for families?”
You betcha!
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- Museums in Iceland
- Public Pools in Iceland
- Family-Friendly Iceland Tours
- Bouncing Mats Throughout Iceland
- Activities for Kids Around Reykjavík
- Icelandic Nature: THE Playground of Iceland
- Tips on How to Travel with Kids in Iceland
- Iceland Guidebooks + Maps
Things to Do in Iceland with Kids
A family trip to Iceland doesn’t mean you have to miss out on cool adventures.
There are plenty of things to do that let you explore the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unique attractions while keeping your little ones entertained and engaged. Here are some of my all-time favorite family-friendly activities in Iceland.
1. Museums in Iceland
There are so many museums in Iceland – not just in Reykjavík. Even smaller towns have them. Here are some of the more notable ones I recommend visiting, and they’re suitable for all ages!
Perlan
You might recognize this as the impressive glass-dome structure in Reykjavík.
It’s also home to the only planetarium in Iceland.
These interactive exhibits are perfect for families visiting Iceland with kids. You can expect to see the beautiful Ice Cave and Glaciers Exhibition, the Northern Lights Show, the Volcano Show, and more.
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Perlan – Wonders of Iceland
Aurora Reykjavík
This is Iceland’s only Northern Lights center, where you can explore both the legends and science behind the aurora.
My little ones love the interactive displays that let you experience the magic of the Northern Lights. And if you bring your camera, they’ll even show you the best settings to capture the stunning photos of the Northern Lights!
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center of Iceland – Museum Visit
The Settlement Center in Borgarnes
If your kids love stories about daring heroes and adventure, then the Settlement Center is a must-visit! It’s all about Iceland’s Viking roots, especially through the epic Egils Saga.
You’ll learn about the brave settlers who sailed across the Atlantic, claiming Iceland long before Columbus.
The exhibition brings the story of the hero Egill Skalla-Grimsson to life with cool multimedia effects. It’s a fun way for the whole family to enjoy and learn together.
It’s such a fun way to dive into this country’s past when you’re traveling to Iceland with children!
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Settlement & Egils Saga Exhibition
Árbær Open Air Museum
This old Icelandic turf village gives you a sense of what life was like through the centuries in Reykjavík.
There are 20 relocated buildings, and during the summer, you can even interact with domestic animals – kids absolutely love this!
Enjoy 24-hour free access to a selection of over 10 museums (including the Árbær Open Air Museum) Reykjavík Zoo, family park and more with the Reykjavik City Card.
Find out more here! 👉 Reykjavík City Card 24 hours.
2. Public Pools in Iceland
Did you know that almost every village in Iceland has a public pool?
Icelanders love their pools… looove them!
These pools are popular with kids and adults alike, making them the perfect activity if you’re planning a family trip to Iceland.
Many offer special features for kids, like water slides and fun activities.
And the best part is that they’re super affordable, costing a lot less than some of the famous hot springs.
Here are a few options:
Akureyri, North Iceland: This thermal pool was once voted the best pool in Iceland. It’s open year-round and pool temperatures range between 80°F- 91F (27°C to 33°C).
Some facilities include two 25-meter outdoor pools for lane swimming, water slides, a splash pool, an indoor pool, hot tubs, a jacuzzi, a cold bath and a steam bath.
Álftanes: Just a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík, this pool has both indoor and outdoor options, making it the perfect spot for a day trip.
Húsafell: Located in West Iceland, this pool has a hot tub and waterslides for the kids to enjoy. When you’re in Húsafell, and it’s a view you’re after, check out the Húsafell Canyon Baths, which overlook a stunning highland canyon! All ages welcome.
Check it out here.👇
If you want to splurge, there’s the Blue Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, or Laugarvatn Fontana. These places are amazing, but a little more on the expensive side.
I’ve listed my top 10 Blue Lagoon alternatives below.
➡️ READ: Top 10 Blue Lagoon Alternatives: Hot Springs, Pools, and Spas That Are Just as Breathtaking
Pssst… I’ve included age requirements for spas and attractions in my Iceland Guidebooks + Maps, making it even easier for you to plan. Not all hot springs allow young children, so be sure to double-check them when traveling to Iceland with kids.
3. Iceland Family Tours
You’ll find a lot of Iceland tours for families, however, keep in mind that some have minimum age requirements depending on the company and the nature of the activity.
It’s always a good idea to check with the specific tour operator to make sure your entire family can enjoy the experience together.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding on Icelandic horses is a popular activity in Iceland for kids. These gentle animals can be ridden by young riders.
Icelandic horses are known for their unique traits, including their sturdiness and easygoing temperament. Riding one would be an unforgettable experience for an Iceland family vacation!
Explore the stunning Icelandic countryside on horseback and even visit the Strokkur geyser, Gullfoss waterfall and Þingvellir National Park.
Horses and nature combined, what’s not to love?!
Suitable for children over 7.
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Horse Riding & Golden Circle
Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon Boat Tour
Jökulsárlón is hands down one of my favorite places in the world! And if you’re visiting Iceland with kids you can experience it too.
You’ll cruise through a stunning glacial lagoon, surrounded by icebergs, and stop by epic spots like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls.
It’s a perfect mix of adventure and once-in-a-lifetime views!
This tour is available to children over 6 but it’s long and may be more suitable for slightly older children.
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon & Boat Tour
Langjökull Ice Cave: Into the Glacier
Visit Iceland’s second-largest glacier, where you’ll explore a stunning man-made ice cave.
Imagine walking inside a glacier, surrounded by the beautiful blue ice.
It’s an incredible experience that your kids won’t stop talking about on your Iceland family holiday!
Suitable for children over 6.
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Into the Glacier from Reykjavík – Langjökull Ice Cave Tour
Puffin Watching in Iceland with Kids
I’m convinced that anything involving animals will be a win with the kids!
These little birds are so cute, and if you’re in Iceland in the summer, it’s the perfect time to spot them.
One of the best places to watch Puffins with kids is at Borgarfjörður Eystri in Iceland’s East Fjords. You can see thousands of them up close!
But tours also run from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour and the boats take you as close as possible to Lundey and Akurey islands.
Suitable for all ages.
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Puffin Express
The Reykjavík Food Walk Tour
Since snack time is inevitable with kids, why not make it more exciting by joining a foodie tour?
The Reykjavík Food Walk has earned the top spot on TripAdvisor as the #1 food tour with over 14,000 glowing reviews.
It’s perfect for families with children aged 4 and up!
👉 Book your Reykjavík Food Walk tour using the code: ICEVIEW for a 10% discount.
4. Bouncing Mats Throughout Iceland
One of the best things for kids are the gigantic bouncing mats/pillows.
I’ve come across them in several villages throughout Iceland. We always stop at them with my little ones – they’re so much fun!
Imagine something like a big trampoline that’s built into the ground.
I have been on them myself (can you imagine the sight?! 😂), and I could not stop laughing!
If you have kids, they’ll absolutely love it. These bouncing mats are usually found near playgrounds in the villages throughout Iceland.
Between you and me… I have them marked on my maps!
They’re an absolute blast!
5. Activities for Kids Around Reykjavík
If you’ve already toured the museums in Reykjavík, don’t worry, there’s still plenty more to do.
A lot of the main sites and attractions are family-friendly and easy to explore on your own, including famous landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja Church and Harpa Concert Hall.
And if you’re looking for more ideas, here are a few options you might want to try:
Tjörnin: A really fun and popular activity to do with the locals is heading to Tjörnin, a large pond in the city center. You’ll find ducks and geese and if you bring a loaf of bread with you, they’ll quickly become your best friends!
Reykjavík Zoo: Another great spot in Reykjavík is Laugardalur Valley, especially the zoo, which is obviously a hit with kids. There’s also a large park with walking trails, making it a perfect place to stroll and explore.
Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect.👇
FlyOver Iceland: This is a virtual reality ride that allows you to ‘fly’ over waterfalls, volcanoes, you name it! This is great for the whole family, provided that you’re over 40 inches tall and over five years old! Get your FlyOver Iceland tickets here.👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: FlyOver Iceland
Reykjavík Botanical Garden: If you’re visiting in the spring or summer, be sure to head to Grasagarður Botanical Garden. It’s filled with a variety of trees and flowers, making it incredibly beautiful.
6. Icelandic Nature: THE Playground of Iceland
Kids love being out in nature, and what better place for them to experience it than in Iceland, home to some of the most incredible landscapes in the world?!
Family trips to Iceland are ideal for nature lovers, whether it’s puffin watching, going on whale watching tours, or chasing the Northern Lights.
Kids will enjoy running around black sand beaches, climbing basalt columns or enjoying the waterfalls….
Ah, waterfalls! 😍
These are likely new experiences for them, and they’ll be really excited.
That said, safety always comes first.
Make sure to keep a close eye on your children. Iceland has many places with cliffs and slippery rocks, so be sure to pay attention to all the safety signs.
Tips on How to Travel Iceland with Kids
Traveling to Iceland with kids can come with a unique set of challenges, but with a few helpful tips, you can make the trip smoother for both you and your children.
Kid-Friendly Options
Before your trip, take the time to research child-friendly activities at the places you plan to visit. Whether it’s tours, museums, or hiking – just make sure they’re age-appropriate.
Accommodation is another key factor. Search for the best family-friendly hotels in Reykjavík; they’ll often provide items like a pack-and-play to make your stay easier.
If you’re planning a road trip, try doing it by camper van.
I know, I was a bit sceptical at first, especially traveling around Iceland with a 2-year-old! But we had an amazing experience with Happy Campers.
The best part about a camper van is when your child gets hungry, you can just pull over and make a meal.
Or if they’re tired, you can take a break and let them nap right there.
Happy Camper vans are sturdy, spacious enough for a small family, and well-stocked for your road trip.
Sign Up for my FREE newsletter and get an exclusive discount code you can use when booking with Happy Campers.
Take a look at our experience campervanning with our 2-year-old.👇
Bring Familiar Items
Avoid naptime struggles or grocery store meltdowns by packing that special toy.
Being in a different environment can feel like a lot for children to process.
So, don’t underestimate the power of the magical binky or the one-eared bunny that’s seen better days!
Pack Wisely
When traveling to Iceland with kids, you’ll be tempted to overpack. Don’t do that!
Try and bring the essentials like diapers, bottles, and plenty of wipes!
But, remember that you can always grab supplies at the grocery store if you forget anything. That said, don’t forget to bring medication from home!
Layering is key, so be sure to pack thermal layers.
My 👉 Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide will show you exactly how to layer up. It includes weather averages, packing lists, shopping suggestions for every season, and items I personally recommend for the kids as well.
Download the FREE PDF here.👇
Slow Down
As a parent, you know that everything seems to take longer when you have kids, (can I hear an Amen?! 🙌).
So, I wouldn’t suggest a fast-paced itinerary, especially if you’re visiting Iceland with toddlers and young children.
Iceland Guidebooks + Maps For Your Family Trip
Planning a trip to Iceland with kids can definitely feel overwhelming, I know!
There’s so much to organize, and you don’t want to miss out on any of the amazing experiences in this beautiful country.
The last thing you need is to be caught off guard (like when your toddler suddenly announces they have to go potty… RIGHT NOW!).
And you’re left scrambling to find a restroom.
But don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be that way.
My 👉 Iceland Guidebooks + Maps are designed to make your trip stress-free.
You’ll get a digital map with hidden gems, must-see sites and practical details – like where to find restrooms 😉, grocery stores, and child-friendly spots like museums and parks.
There are insider tips, exclusive discounts, and daily suggested schedules. You’ll have everything you need to keep the kids entertained and the trip running smoothly!
Plus, I’ve included suggested tours, exclusive discounts and so much more.
Iceland is such a fun place for kids to experience, and with a little guidance, you’ll have more time to explore and less time stressing over the details.
Happy Planning!
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