Iceland With Kids: What to Know Before You Go

There’s so much to do in Iceland for kids. You can check out iconic sightseeing routes, splash around in geothermal pools, and meet the local wildlife.

Dive in to find out everything you need to know about visiting Iceland with kids, including a handy list of the best things to do. 

Absolutely! The country’s epic landscapes are a natural playground for children. Imagine the look on their faces as they watch a geyser erupt for the first time – it's pure magic!

Iceland is also home to fascinating animals your children might not have seen. Spotting puffins in the wild or going on a whale watching boat tour will be an unforgettable experience.

Keen swimmers will also be in luck. You’ll find a pool in nearly every town and village in the country. Most use geothermal heat to keep the water warm for little ones who don't love the cold.

What’s more, Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, regularly topping lists of the safest places by the Global Peace Index. The people are friendly, and there are no dangerous wild animals to worry about if you’re hiking or camping.

Iceland’s main roads are well-kept year-round, so taking your family on a self-drive tour is a breeze. This is a great way to explore the country’s best bits and see top sights at your own pace!

You can have an amazing adventure in Iceland with kids no matter the season. Each time of year offers something different to keep your family excited and engaged.

From October to March, Iceland turns into a winter wonderland. This is the perfect time to soak up the cozy vibes and warm up with a hot chocolate while you watch the Northern Lights putting on a show.

In December, Icelanders go all out with Christmas traditions. Reykjavík fills up with festive markets packed with souvenirs and decorations.

Get into the Icelandic spirit by learning about local customs and folklore, like the Yule Lads. These 13 trolls come out in December to pull pranks and scare naughty kids into behaving!

Winter also amps up the adventure with activities like snowmobiling across glaciers. While it's not ideal for very small children, many tour providers let kids as young as 8 ride on the back of a parent’s snowmobile.

If you visit Iceland in winter, you can still explore must-see attractions, like the Golden Circle. Just remember to pack plenty of layers and wrap your youngsters up!

Summer in Iceland runs from June to August. This season brings milder weather and long days, giving you more time to explore.

Take easy day hikes to mind-blowing waterfalls, join a boat trip to see whales in the wild or sit out under the midnight sun. Kids love staying up late without it getting dark!

Places that are off-limits in winter because of snow and ice, like the highlands, open up for adventure in summer. You can spend more time in Iceland's remote areas for hikes and camping.

Spring and fall are also great times to visit Iceland. You can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities, and it’s often a bit more affordable. You’ll still find lots to do, and it’s an ideal time to explore with fewer people around.

Whenever you decide to come to Iceland with your family, there’s plenty to keep you busy. For a slower pace with more time to soak up the great outdoors, summer is your best bet. But each season has something special to offer.

You’ll find lots of child-friendly activities in Iceland. Whether you want to explore lava caves or spot local wildlife, there's no shortage of things to see and do. Check out this run-down of what to do in Iceland with kids.

Geothermal baths and hot springs are a big part of Icelandic culture. The water is naturally heated by underground volcanic activity, meaning it stays warm even in the colder months.

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous geothermal pool. It’s close to Keflavík International Airport, so you can easily stop in for a swim on your way in or out of the country.

Treat yourself to a face mask while your kids splash and play. The lagoon welcomes children as young as 2, so you can enjoy it even with toddlers in tow.

If you’re touring the Golden Circle, check out the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir. It’s smaller than the Blue Lagoon and often less busy, making it a great spot for families. 

You’ll also find public pools all over Iceland, which are well-equipped and easy to access. Reykjavík has plenty, especially downtown. The biggest one, Laugardalslaug, is right in the heart of the city and comes with geothermal hot tubs and a kids’ pool.

You’ll find thousands of waterfalls in Iceland. Visiting a few of these awe-inspiring natural wonders is a fantastic way for your kids to connect with nature. 

The country’s best-known waterfall is Gullfoss, one of the 3 main stops on the Golden Circle route. Its massive size will wow both you and your youngsters. Thanks to the viewing platforms, you can get close enough to feel the spray from the falls – but don’t forget your waterproofs!

Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are 2 other must-see waterfalls along the south coast. You can easily reach them from Reykjavík, making this coastal route a perfect day trip from the capital.

Seljalandsfoss has a cavern behind it that lets you see the water falling from a new angle. Skógafoss is broad and breathtaking, with plenty of grassy space in front of it for a family picnic.

Iceland is home to fascinating animals that your whole family will love getting to know.

Whale watching is a magical experience, and Iceland is one of the best places to do it. While you can join tours all year round, summer is definitely the prime time for sightings.

Minke whales, humpbacks, and orcas all swim through Iceland’s waters. Tour captains and crew are awesome at pointing out the different species of whales you might spot.

Many whale watching tours also include bird watching. About 2 million Atlantic puffins live in Iceland, building their nests in summer to mate and raise their pufflings.

The best places to see puffins include Lundey (‘Puffin Island’), off the coast of Reykjavík, and the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar).

Icelandic horses are also popular with kids. This small, sturdy breed is known for being friendly, and lots of farms offer horseback-riding tours where you can meet and even pet them.

A boat ride on Jökulsárlón is a genuinely unforgettable experience. This stunning glacial lake in southeast Iceland is famous for its floating icebergs. Massive chunks of ice break off from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and drift through the lagoon before making their way out to sea.

Boat tours through Jökulsárlón give you a chance to see the icebergs up close! Sometimes, you can also spot seals sunbathing on the ice or swimming next to the boat. 

For a laid-back tour, an amphibian boat is perfect for little ones.  If you’ve got older kids, they might get a kick out of a faster ride on a zodiac boat.

Many of the icebergs wash up on the nearby Fellsfjara (Diamond Beach), one of the country’s most iconic black sand beaches. After your boat trip, take the kids for a stroll along the volcanic sand to see the enormous pieces of ice sparkling in the light.

If your kids are up for more icy adventures, ice cave tours on the nearby Vatnajökull glacier are another exciting option. They run in wintertime and are usually suitable for children as young as 8.

Iceland has always been a volcanically active country. Past eruptions have left behind underground lava caves just waiting to be explored on guided tours.

You’ll have expert guides show you around, sharing cool insights while you check out the vibrant colours of the minerals on the walls.

One of the best lava caves for families is Raufarhólshellir. It’s only 42 km (26 mi) from Reykjavík, so you can reach it on a short day trip. The tunnel is easy to navigate, so your kids can safely explore and learn about Iceland’s volcanoes along the way.

Raufarhólshellir has a minimum age of 3, but if you've got younger kids, Víðgelmir is a great option since it has no age limit. Plus, you'll get to see some cool stalagmites and rock formations!

No trip to Iceland is complete without touring the Golden Circle, Iceland’s legendary sightseeing route. It’s super easy to get to from Reykjavík by car, or you can explore it on a privately guided tour. It's got plenty of attractions your kids will love.

Most Golden Circle excursions kick off at Þingvellir National Park. The park sits in a rift valley between 2 continental plates, so your kids can see geology in action! They’ll learn about tectonic activity firsthand as you walk the hiking paths between the Eurasian and North American plates.

Next up is Geysir, the OG hot spring that gave its name to all others. ‘The Great Geysir’ isn’t active anymore, but its neighbor, Strokkur, puts on a show every 5–10 minutes. Snap a photo of your kids’ reactions as the hot water shoots high into the air.

The mighty Gullfoss waterfall rounds out the Golden Circle route. You can also add stops at the Kerið crater and the hot spring town of Hveragerði. And don’t miss Efstidalur farm for an ice cream before you head back.

By now, we’re hoping you’re feeling inspired to book your Iceland getaway. The Land of Fire and Ice has so much to offer you and your family. 

Spend your days exploring jaw-dropping waterfalls, soaking in geothermal pools, and making memories at unbelievable natural sights. 

Need some inspo for your child-friendly Icelandic vacation? We’re here to help. We’ve got loads of itineraries for Iceland family trips, including self-drive, camping, or privately guided tours.

Book with Iceland Tours, and we’ll take care of your accommodation, local transport, and activities. Let us do the planning so you can focus on fun with the family!