THINGS TO DO IN ICELAND WITH KIDS

All parents know that traveling with kids can be challenging. Add in a place where you can find extreme weather, like Iceland, and that challenge grows. In another Blog, I will write about how to dress when you visit Iceland at different times of the year for both children and yourself. You’ll have to keep your eyes out for that one because today I am first going to give you all of my best tips and ideas for activities to do with children of all ages in Iceland. I bet there is more to do than you think. Let’s Go!

Yes, the weather can be intense, and yes, you’ll probably pack 100 things “just in case.” But trust me, exploring this magical island with children is way more doable (and fun!) than you think.

I live here with my family and we’ve done it all, from building lopsided snowmen to chasing puffins with a camera. So here’s a list of our absolute favorite things to do in Iceland with kids of all ages. Some are well known, others are secret gems… and almost all are doable even with small children.

First things first: transportation

Get a car. Period. Public transport in Iceland isn’t great, especially with kids and gear. A spacious car or van will make life much easier, and you’ll have the freedom to stop whenever you see something cool (which happens a lot here).

Iceland is super accessible

Most waterfalls, beaches, canyons, and glaciers are surprisingly easy to reach, even with kids. That means short walks, no crazy hikes (unless you want them), and loads of nature right off the main road. Check this other blog post we have done with amazing off the beaten path locations in Iceland:

Don’t skip these everyday adventures

Here are a few things locals do all the time and they’re perfect for families:

• Swimming pools – Almost every village has one. Warm water, hot tubs, and slides, a lifesaver after a long drive. We love Lágafellslaug in Mosfellsbær, it has three slides and a huge kid-friendly area.
• Public libraries (Bókasafn) – Cozy, free and a great place to wait out bad weather. Most have play areas and story corners.
• Parks with inflatable trampolines – Sounds random, but Icelandic playgrounds are amazing. Our favorite is in Vík, right by the black sand beach.

Our Favorite Family Activities in Iceland (with kids of all ages)

Here’s the good stuff, a mix of indoor and outdoor fun:

• Perlan Museum (Reykjavík) – Indoor ice cave + Northern Lights show + puffin exhibit = perfect half day.
• Ice Cave at Perlan – Worth mentioning twice! Kids love it.
• Maritime Museum (Reykjavík) – Great for curious minds and sea lovers.
• Harpa Concert Hall (Reykjavík) – Daily immersive kids’ shows and concerts.
• Árbær Open Air Museum – Old Icelandic houses + toys + horses = time travel fun.
• Whales of Iceland (Reykjavík) – Europe’s largest whale museum (and my daughter’s top favorite).
• Reykjavík Family Park & Zoo – Pet animals, ride mini roller coasters and snack your way through it.
• Floran Garden Bistro (next to the zoo) – Indoor garden café, super kid-friendly and relaxing for parents.
• Friðheimar Tomato Farm (Flúðir) – Tour the greenhouses and eat tomato soup with basil straight from the plant.
• Slakki petting zoo in Flúðir – You can see and pet some farm animals, our daughter loved it!
• Hrunalaug Hot Springs – Natural soak + changing hut = comfort in the wild.
• Forest Lagoon (Akureyri) – Spa vibe but very family-friendly. Great alternative to the Blue Lagoon.
• Blue Lagoon – For kids over 2. Always book in advance.
• Reykjadalur Valley (Hveragerði) – 3km hike to a hot river. So worth it, even with kids.
• Horse riding near Mosfellsbær – Easy trails and animals to say hi to. Hraðastaðir, a fun petting zoo with Icelandic farm animals.
• Packraft in a glacier lagoon – Only in summer and for older kids (although our daughter was just 3), but epic if you catch good weather.
• Esjan mountain – Hike as far as the kids want (we made it to the top!), views start early and there’s a café at the base.
• Ytri Tunga Beach (Snæfellsnes) – Seal watching, always a hit.
• Vík town center – Stop at the School Bus Café, check the playground, and eat hot dogs.
• Street walking in downtown Reykjavík – Art, shops, cozy vibes. Never gets old.
• The Secret Garden on Heimaey Island (Vestmannaeyjar) – A fairy tale in real life.
• Heiðmörk nature reserve – Cozy and beautiful forest, close to Reykjavík.
• Elves’ houses spotting – They’re everywhere if you look 😉
• Ice cream in Selfoss – Our favorite spot! Even in winter. We won’t say the name but if you go you’ll see the place!
• Camping in the Westfjords (summer) – Wild, remote, full of surprises. Our favorite yearly family escape.
• Building ugly snowmen (winter) – Because not all fun needs to be Instagram-perfect.
• Watching puffins at Dyrhólaey – Our most magical family moment so far.

Be sure to keep scrolling to see our photos from these kid-friendly activities in Iceland!

Final thoughts

Traveling with kids in Iceland is not only possible: it’s awesome. With a bit of planning and flexibility, you’ll discover that the land of fire and ice can be the perfect family destination.

If you want more info or need help organizing your trip, I’d love to help — I know how it is to travel with a little one, and I’m here to make it easier (and more fun) for you.

Follow this link to see what our family adventure at Múlagljúfur Canyon looked like, and feel free to message us if you’re curious about the hike!