Are you a mom with a case of wanderlust and a diaper bag full of dreams? Iceland is calling—and yes, you can answer with kids in tow. Whether you’re traveling with a toddler, a seven-year-old explorer, or a mix of both (like me), Iceland with kids delivers the magic, the mystery, and the memory-making without the chaos you might fear. Spoiler alert: it’s not just doable—it’s dazzling.
From bubbling hot springs and Viking history to waterfalls so big they’ll make your jaw drop, Iceland is the ultimate outdoor playground for families who don’t mind a little adventure in their travel snacks. So buckle those car seats and pack the snacks—here’s how to make your family trip to Iceland unforgettable.
- Why Iceland is the Perfect Destination for Family Travel
- How to Get Around Iceland with Kids
- Reykjavík: Your Family-Friendly Home Base
- Unmissable Natural Wonders That Wow All Ages
- Vík: Puffins, Black Sand, and Beachside Magic
- Höfn: Glaciers, Lobsters, and Low-Key Charm
- More Family-Friendly Towns Worth Adding to Your Iceland Itinerary
- Icelandic Horses and Farms
- What About the Blue Lagoon?
- What to Pack for Iceland with Kids
- Kid-Friendly Eats in Iceland
- Final Thoughts: You Can Do This, Mama
Why Iceland is the Perfect Destination for Family Travel
Let’s be honest—when you first picture Iceland, you probably think Game of Thrones, not Paw Patrol. But Iceland is surprisingly family-friendly, safe, easy to navigate, and full of activities that will entertain both kids and adults without requiring a full-on itinerary spreadsheet (although, no judgment if you have one).
Here’s why Iceland works so well for traveling with kids:
- It’s compact! You can see so much without long drives (unless you want them).
- The tap water is pristine, the food is fresh, and the people are wonderfully welcoming to families.
- There’s STUNNING nature everywhere, which means built-in entertainment.
- And bonus: almost everyone speaks English.
How to Get Around Iceland with Kids
Unless you plan to stay in Reykjavík only, which I don’t recommend, you’ll want to rent a car. The Ring Road—basically Iceland’s scenic highway around the country—is incredibly drivable, even with kids.
Reykjavík: Your Family-Friendly Home Base
Start in Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital and most adorable city. It’s colorful, walkable, and full of things for kids to do, like:
- Reykjavík Family Park & Zoo – A perfect half-day with farm animals, rides, and a playground.
- Whales of Iceland Museum – Life-sized models and hands-on learning? Yes please.
- Aurora Museum – A small museum that captures the magic of the Northern Sky and shares tales of the Aurora! (Also, just down the street from Whales of Iceland Museum)
- Local pools like Laugardalslaug – Geothermal pools with slides and kiddie areas.
Stay somewhere with a kitchen and easy access to groceries—budget-friendly and picky-eater approved. I’ve listed the properties we stayed at during our adventure!
Unmissable Natural Wonders That Wow All Ages
Let’s talk adventure. Iceland’s nature is a sensory buffet that even babies can enjoy (from the safety of a carrier, of course). Here are some family faves:
1. The Golden Circle
A loop from Reykjavík with stops like:
- Þingvellir National Park – Walk between tectonic plates!
- Geysir Hot Springs – Watch it erupt every few minutes. Mesmerizing for all ages.
- Gullfoss Waterfall – So powerful, even your toddler might pause to appreciate it.
2. Reykjadalur Hot Springs
A warm river you hike to, baby in carrier, then soak in nature’s bathtub. It’s like spa day meets babywearing BootCamp.
3. Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss
Two stunning waterfalls right off the road. Let your kids run, splash, and squeal under the mist.
Vík: Puffins, Black Sand, and Beachside Magic
Vík may be small, but it packs serious wow-factor. Located on Iceland’s southern coast, this charming village is famous for its dramatic black sand beaches, towering sea stacks, and adorable puffins that nest in the cliffs during summer.
Things to Do in Vík with Kids:
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – Keep a tight grip on little hands (those waves are no joke!), but the beach’s basalt columns and sea stacks will have them feeling like they’ve entered a real-life fairytale.
- Dyrhólaey Peninsula – Puffin-spotting central from May to August! Bring binoculars and excitement.
- Vík i Myrdal Church – Even toddlers will feel the calm here, and the view from the hilltop is photo-op perfection.
- Icewear Wool Factory & Gift Shop – Warm clothes + soft Icelandic wool = comfy souvenirs.
Mom tip: Vík has a great grocery store (Kjörbúðin) and a few cafés with child-friendly options like pancakes, hot cocoa, and pastries. There is also a Wok restaurant that was absolutely DIVINE!
Höfn: Glaciers, Lobsters, and Low-Key Charm
If your family adventure is leading you along the southeastern coast, Höfn is a must-stop. It’s a quiet harbor town known for its proximity to Vatnajökull National Park—home to Europe’s largest glacier—and some seriously delicious seafood.
Family-Friendly Activities in Höfn:
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Giant icebergs floating in a serene blue lake—need we say more? Take a boat tour if your kids are old enough or just wander the shoreline and watch the seals play.
- Diamond Beach – Just across from Jökulsárlón, this black sand beach glitters with ice chunks like nature’s jewelry box.
- Vatnajökull Visitor Center – Educational displays that help explain glaciers, geology, and climate change in a kid-friendly way.
- Höfn Swimming Pool – Because what’s a trip to Iceland without more geothermal pools? This one’s got a waterslide!
Mom tip: Höfn is a great spot to slow down, grab a lobster dinner, and let the kids run around by the sea. We had a wonderful time “taking a breath” during our two-week trip to explore the area.
More Family-Friendly Towns Worth Adding to Your Iceland Itinerary
🚶♀️ Hella & Hvolsvöllur
These small southern towns make excellent stops between the Golden Circle and Vík. They’re calm, low-key, and give kids a breather from too much car time.
- LAVA Centre in Hvolsvöllur – Interactive exhibits, volcano simulations, and even shaking floors that replicate earthquakes (you’ve been warned).
- Petting zoos and horse farms – Scattered throughout the area and usually happy to welcome little guests!
Egilsstaðir (East Iceland)
If you make it out to the east, Egilsstaðir is your family’s friendly pit stop in Iceland’s lesser-visited wilderness.
- Vök Baths – Floating geothermal pools in a lake? It’s a spa with kid-safe sections and killer views.
- Hengifoss Waterfall Hike – One of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls! Older kids will love the adventure, and there’s a resting spot mid-hike for picnics.
Akureyri (North Iceland)
The “Capital of the North” is Iceland’s second-largest city and perfect for families who want nature with city comforts.
- Akureyri Botanical Gardens – Great for a stroller stroll and flower spotting.
- The Christmas House (Jólagarðurinn) – Open year-round and basically a magical holiday explosion. Yes, even in July.
- Whale Watching Tours from Húsavík – Nearby and known as the whale watching capital of Iceland!
Icelandic Horses and Farms
Introduce your littles to Iceland’s famously fluffy, gentle horses. Most farms are super kid-friendly and offer meet-and-greets or short rides for children. These horses are basically oversized therapy animals with better hair.
Why it’s awesome: Teaches kids about animals, local culture, and patience (sometimes).
What About the Blue Lagoon?
Yes, the Blue Lagoon is dreamy. But here’s the scoop: babies under 2 aren’t allowed in the water. If you’re traveling with an infant, one parent can soak while the other relaxes with the baby at the café or viewing area.
If your kids are older? Go for it. It’s the kind of thing they’ll talk about forever, especially if you do the silica mud mask together—instant family spa moment.
What to Pack for Iceland with Kids
The weather in Iceland is moody. She’s the kind of moody girl who wears sunshine, wind, and rain in one hour…actually, more like in 10 minutes.
Family packing must-haves:
- Layered clothing: Thermal base layers, waterproof and windproof outer layers of a jacket and pants, and quick-drying layers.
- Sturdy baby carrier (preferably with a rain/wind cover)
- Reusable water bottles (the water is insanely pure! Here is a tip for Iceland, ALL the COLD tap water is drinkable)
- Snacks. Always snacks.
- Swimsuits (there are geothermal pools everywhere!)
Kid-Friendly Eats in Iceland
Eating out in Iceland can be pricey, but it’s also high-quality and surprisingly kid-accommodating.
Look for:
- Hot dog stands (Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur) – An Icelandic staple!
- Bakery cafés – Great for pastries and quick bites.
- Supermarkets like Bonus – Stock up on yogurt (such as Skyr), bread, sandwiches (with a great selection), and fresh produce.
And yes, you can absolutely find pizza and pasta for picky eaters. No dried fish for dinner—unless you’re into that.
Final Thoughts: You Can Do This, Mama
Iceland isn’t just for honeymooners or hardcore hikers—it’s for families, too. The kind that packs pull-ups and trail mix. The kind that wants their kids to grow up knowing the world is wide, wild, and wonderful.
So if you’ve been dreaming about fjords and fairytale waterfalls, consider this your permission slip. Iceland with kids? Totally worth it. Totally unforgettable. After traveling to more than 50 countries, Iceland just took the top country I’ve visited thus far.