Travelling with children in Iceland

Iceland’s raw nature—where steaming geysers meet icy glaciers might sound extreme—a land of erupting volcanoes, thundering waterfalls and vast lava fields. But beneath its dramatic landscapes lies a destination that’s surprisingly family-friendly. With its clean, safe streets, welcoming culture and easy access to natural wonders, Iceland offers an unforgettable adventure for families of all ages.

Whether it’s splashing in geothermal pools, marvelling at erupting geysers or standing between two tectonic plates, Iceland’s wild beauty is remarkably accessible—even with little ones in tow. And for families arriving in Reykjavík, there’s no better way to begin the journey than with the Volcano Express: an immersive, weather-proof volcanic experience that entertains, educates and excites, whatever the weather.

Reykjavík: The family-friendly capital

Reykjavík may be Iceland’s cool, cosmopolitan capital, but it’s wonderfully suited to families—with plenty of child-friendly attractions and easy ways to keep little ones entertained.

Spend the day exploring some of the city’s top family-friendly museums: marvel at life-sized models at Whales of Iceland, discover interactive exhibits at Perlan, or delve into Iceland’s fascinating history at The National Museum of Iceland.

Don’t miss a visit to Hljóðheimar, the interactive children’s corner at Harpa Concert Hall, where kids can experiment with sound, music and rhythm in a playful, hands-on environment. It’s a perfect quick stop to engage curious young minds during a stroll along the harbour.

Watching your child’s eyes light up as they tap the sound wall or strum a digital harp is a moment of pure wonder.

When the sun’s shining, head outdoors to Reykjavík’s best playgrounds and parks. Let the kids roam free at Hljómskálagarður by the city pond, enjoy a picnic at Klambratún park, or paddle and play at Nauthólsvík, the city’s unique geothermal beach.

Need a relaxed bite to eat? Pop into The Laundromat Café, a quirky spot that’s perfect for brunch or lunch, with a play area downstairs that keeps younger children entertained while you enjoy a coffee.

For an exciting indoor afternoon just minutes from downtown, head to Kópavogur:

• Bounce and climb at Skopp, an indoor trampoline park where kids can burn off energy regardless of the weather.
• Splash around at Sundlaug Kópavogs, a family-friendly indoor and outdoor swimming pool complete with slides and hot tubs.
• Round off the day with a casual dinner at Mossley, a local favourite offering kid-friendly meals in a laid-back atmosphere.

And for a truly unforgettable family experience, don’t miss the Volcano Express — a must-do activity for families visiting Reykjavík. This immersive volcanic adventure combines stunning visuals, interactive storytelling and sensory effects, offering children an educational yet thrilling journey into Iceland’s fiery landscapes. It’s suitable for children aged 4 and up, the show runs every 15 minutes, and is the perfect indoor, weather-proof activity for families looking to kickstart their Icelandic adventure. Book your tickets here and make sure your family gets a front-row seat to the wonders beneath Iceland’s surface!

Don’t miss the Volcano Express — a must-do activity for families visiting Reykjavík.

The Golden Circle with kids

The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most popular routes—and it’s surprisingly easy to explore with children. With short drives between stops, family-friendly walking paths and plenty of open space to roam, it makes for a memorable day trip packed with natural wonders.

Start at Strokkur, the famous erupting geyser that reliably shoots a plume of water 20–30 metres into the air every few minutes. The viewing areas are safely marked and fenced, so even little ones can enjoy the spectacle up close (but not too close!).

Next, head to Gullfoss, Iceland’s iconic waterfall, where well-maintained pathways lead to stunning viewpoints overlooking the thundering cascade. The viewing platforms have sturdy railings, making it a safe spot to take in the scenery as a family.

At Þingvellir National Park, stretch your legs along stroller-friendly walking paths that weave through this historic rift valley—where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates drift apart. Kids will love the idea of standing “between continents,” while parents appreciate the breathtaking views and cultural significance.

Bonus Family Stops Along the Way

If you’ve got animal lovers in tow, plan a visit to Slakki Petting Zoo in Laugarás, just a short detour from the Golden Circle route. This cosy little farm is home to rabbits, goats, kittens and even exotic birds, offering a fun hands-on experience for children.

Another fascinating stop for curious young minds is the Geothermal Exhibition at Hellisheiði Power Plant, located just outside Reykjavík on the way to the Golden Circle. This interactive exhibition explains how Iceland’s geothermal energy is harnessed to provide heat and electricity—and is the perfect follow-up for families who’ve already experienced the Volcano Express. Kids can connect the dots between the dramatic volcanic forces they saw at the show and the sustainable energy powering Iceland today.

For families with older children or teenagers craving a thrill, the Mega Zipline at Hveragerði offers an unforgettable ride across a dramatic canyon, soaring above geothermal landscapes. With safety gear provided and expert guides leading the experience, it’s an exhilarating way to see Iceland’s scenery from a new perspective. Age and height restrictions apply, making it best suited for adventurous tweens and teens.

Alternatively, break up the journey with a relaxing dip at the Selfoss Swimming Pool, featuring family-friendly slides, shallow pools and hot tubs—perfect for letting kids unwind (and warm up) after a day of sightseeing.

Family travel tips for the Golden Circle:

• Bring waterproof jackets and rain trousers, even on sunny mornings—the weather can change quickly.
• Some paths are stroller-friendly, but an all-terrain buggy or baby carrier makes things easier on uneven trails.
• Pack snacks or picnic supplies, as cafés are limited along the route (though ice cream at Efstidalur farm is a fun treat!).

For families who’d rather not self-drive, several companies offer family-friendly Golden Circle tours, with comfortable coaches, child car seats available upon request, and shorter itineraries designed to avoid over-tiring young travellers. Recommended operators include Reykjavik Excursions and Gray Line Iceland.

South Coast adventures with kids

Iceland’s South Coast is a land of waterfalls, black sand beaches and sweeping views—and it’s wonderfully accessible for families travelling with children. Many of the sights are located right off the main road, with short walks and safe viewpoints, making it easy to explore without long hikes or tricky terrain.

Start at Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, where an adventurous trail leads behind the cascading water. While older children will love the thrill of walking through the mist, the path can be slippery for toddlers and younger kids, so sturdy shoes and a watchful hand are a must.

Further along, stop at Skógafoss, a breathtaking waterfall that’s not only easy to reach but offers the chance to spot rainbows shimmering in the spray on sunny days. The flat path to the base is stroller-friendly, making it one of the most accessible falls for families with little ones.

At Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, marvel at the towering basalt columns and dramatic sea stacks offshore—but be sure to keep a safe distance from the water. This beach is beautiful yet dangerous due to sneaker waves, so young children should be closely supervised and stay well back from the shoreline.

It’s a place that feels like stepping into a Viking legend—just be sure to enjoy it safely from afar.

Along the route, many horse farms offer the chance to meet Icelandic horses up close. Stop to pet these gentle, curious animals—or, for older children, book a short riding session to experience Iceland’s unique tölt gait.

Bonus Family Stop: Icelandic Lava Show in Vík

If your family is continuing further along the South Coast to Vík, don’t miss the Icelandic Lava Show—a thrilling experience where you can watch real, molten lava poured into the room right before your eyes. This fiery spectacle is safe, educational, and absolutely unforgettable, offering kids (and grown-ups!).

The show takes about 50-60 minutes and is suitable for children aged 5 and up, with safety glasses provided for all visitors. It’s an ideal indoor stop on a rainy or windy day—or simply as a memorable capstone to your South Coast adventure. Booking in advance is recommended, especially in summer.

Family travel tips for the South Coast:

• If travelling with younger kids, consider splitting the journey into half-day tours to avoid long stretches in the car. Several tour operators offer family-friendly packages with smaller groups and flexible itineraries.
• Bring waterproof layers for both kids and adults—especially if walking behind Seljalandsfoss!
• Pack snacks or picnic supplies, as dining options can be limited between sights.

The South Coast offers a dramatic glimpse into Iceland’s natural wonders—and with a little planning, it’s an unforgettable adventure for families.

West Iceland: Caves & Sagas

West Iceland offers a perfect mix of adventure and storytelling for families, where epic landscapes meet the legends of the Icelandic sagas. With exciting underground tours, geothermal pools and welcoming farms dotted along the route, it’s a region that sparks curiosity and wonder in travellers of all ages.

One of the most unforgettable experiences is the Into the Glacier tour, where families travel deep inside the Langjökull glacier through a man-made ice tunnel. Walking beneath the shimmering blue ice is truly magical—but do note that age restrictions may apply, and the cold, slippery conditions make it better suited for older children.

For a cave adventure that’s ideal for younger explorers, head to Víðgelmir Lava Cave, one of Iceland’s largest lava tubes. The family-friendly guided tours provide helmets and lights, turning the walk through ancient lava formations into an exciting underground expedition. Kids will love spotting the strange shapes in the rocks while learning about Iceland’s volcanic past.

After a day of adventure, relax and unwind at the Borgarnes Swimming Pool, one of Iceland’s hidden gems for families. With outdoor hot tubs, water slides and shallow pools, it’s the perfect spot for children to splash and play while parents soak in the warm waters and enjoy the surrounding mountain views.

Along the way, stop at one of West Iceland’s family-friendly farms, where children can meet Icelandic horses, sheep, goats and other friendly animals. These farms often offer hands-on experiences like feeding animals or pony rides, creating lasting memories of Iceland’s rural charm.

Family travel tips for West Iceland:

• Dress warmly for both glacier and cave tours—layers, hats and gloves are essential, even in summer.

• Check age and height restrictions before booking Into the Glacier or other guided tours.

• Bring swimsuits and towels for a relaxing stop at Borgarnes Swimming Pool.

• Pack snacks and water for the day, as dining options can be sparse outside major towns.

With its blend of natural wonders, hands-on activities, geothermal fun and legendary tales, West Iceland makes a fantastic family day trip — or an adventurous addition to a longer Icelandic itinerary.

Seasonal & practical tips for travelling with children in Iceland

Travelling in Iceland with kids is an unforgettable adventure — but being prepared for the country’s ever-changing conditions makes all the difference. Here are some essential seasonal and practical tips to help your family trip run smoothly:

What to pack by season

• Year-round essentials: waterproof jackets, rain trousers, sturdy shoes, warm layers (including hats and gloves even in summer), and sunscreen for high UV days.
• Summer: lighter layers for warmer days, sleep masks for bright nights, insect repellent (especially near lakes).
• Winter: thermal base layers, insulated outerwear, waterproof boots with good grip, crampons for icy paths (particularly if exploring waterfalls).

Tip: High chairs and baby-changing facilities aren’t always available in restaurants or cafés, so consider packing a portable seat or travel mat.

Getting around: Family-Friendly car rentals

• Most car rental companies offer child car seats or booster seats — be sure to book them in advance.
• Consider a 4x4 vehicle if you’re visiting outside summer or venturing beyond paved roads.
• Keep drives short and plan plenty of stops to break up long stretches for little travellers.

Dining with kids in Iceland

• Iceland’s dining scene is casual and welcoming, but kids’ menus aren’t always standard but are most often available — look for family-friendly restaurants like The Laundromat Café, Mosley and Ráðagerði or ask for smaller portions.
• Hot dog stands (pylsur) are a fun, affordable treat that kids love—perfect for a quick snack or light lunch.

Start your adventure with Volcano Express

One of the best ways to prepare children for the adventures ahead is by beginning your journey with the Volcano Express in Reykjavík. This immersive volcanic experience introduces kids to Iceland’s dramatic landscapes through sights, sounds and storytelling, helping them understand and connect with what they’ll see on their travels. By learning about eruptions, lava flows and volcanic forces in a fun, sensory-rich setting, children will be more engaged, excited and curious as they encounter Iceland’s real-life natural wonders.

Travelling in Iceland as a family may require a few extra layers and a little planning — but the rewards are endless, with every waterfall, glacier and geyser becoming part of your children’s unforgettable Icelandic story.

Ready for your Icelandic family adventure?

Iceland is a rare destination where wild nature and family comfort go hand in hand. From geothermal pools and thundering waterfalls to interactive museums and cosy cafés, every corner invites young explorers to wonder, learn and play. Travelling with children here isn’t just possible — it’s magical.

Whether you’re splashing beneath waterfalls, standing between tectonic plates or cuddling Icelandic horses, each moment becomes part of your family’s story—one they’ll carry home in their hearts, long after the journey ends.

And to make that adventure even more memorable, start — or end — your journey with the Volcano Express. This immersive volcanic experience in Reykjavík offers fun for all ages, rain or shine, giving children an unforgettable introduction to Iceland’s fiery landscapes before they see them in the wild.

Make Volcano Express your first Icelandic adventure — fun for all ages, rain or shine! Book your tickets here

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