Iceland is a land of dramatic contrasts where fire meets ice, featuring active volcanoes, massive glaciers, geothermal hot springs, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights. This Nordic island nation offers breathtaking natural wonders from thundering waterfalls to black sand beaches, making it one of the world's most unique travel destinations.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Strokkur Geyser at Geysir
Watching Strokkur erupt every 4-8 minutes to 25-35 metres is endlessly entertaining for children of all ages. The anticipation and explosion never fails to delight. Combine with Gullfoss waterfall for a half-day Golden Circle start.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
Reykjavik's geothermally heated beach with warm seawater and hot tubs, perfect for families wanting a beach experience. Swimming changing rooms, shallow paddling area, and a small cafe make it a relaxed family outing.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Perlan Museum Interactive Exhibits
Iceland's best family museum with a real indoor ice cave, interactive nature exhibits, planetarium show, and 360-degree observation deck. Children can learn about Iceland's geology, wildlife, and climate in an engaging hands-on environment.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Whale Watching from Old Harbour
Traditional wooden boats depart from Reykjavik's old harbour for whale watching in Faxaflói Bay. Humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins are commonly spotted. Boats have heated interiors for Iceland's cold waters.
Duration: 3 hours
Icelandic Horse Riding
Ride the unique and gentle Icelandic horse breed with a guide at one of many riding schools near Reykjavik. The Tölt (smooth four-beat gait unique to Icelandic horses) makes for a comfortable ride even for nervous beginners.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Reykjavik Zoo & Family Park (Húsdýragarðurinn)
Iceland's only zoo in Laugardalur valley with farm animals, seals, reindeer, Arctic foxes, and a large playground. Relaxed atmosphere with plenty of space for young children to run and interact with animals.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Seljalandsfoss Walk-Behind Waterfall
Walking behind the 60-metre Seljalandsfoss waterfall on a path cut into the cliff face is an exciting and memorable experience for older children. Waterproof gear essential as you get very wet passing behind the curtain of water.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Local Swimming Pool (Laugardalur)
Reykjavik's largest community geothermal pool complex with water slides, hot tubs, paddling pool, and outdoor heated pools. The authentic Icelandic experience used by local families daily and excellent value for an afternoon activity.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Hotel Klettur
Modern hotel near Reykjavik's harbour with family rooms that sleep 3-4 people comfortably. Two on-site restaurants, fitness centre, and free parking make it very practical for families with a car.
Family features: Family rooms available, free parking, two restaurants, central location near Laugardalur valley
Fosshotel Reykjavik
Large modern hotel with spacious rooms, free parking (a rarity in Reykjavik), and a good breakfast buffet. Easy access to Laugardalur pool and park, and convenient for families with a rental car.
Family features: Spacious rooms, free parking, rooftop restaurant with city views, close to Laugardalur
Kex Hostel
Family rooms available in this hip hostel in a converted biscuit factory. Budget-friendly with an excellent bar and restaurant, live music events, and a social atmosphere that appeals to teenage travellers.
Family features: Family rooms available, shared kitchen, social atmosphere, central location
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most Reykjavik restaurants welcome children warmly – high chairs are available in most places and staff are accustomed to families.
Icelandic Street Food (Lækjargata 8) is perfect for families: generous portions of lamb soup and fish stew at $12-15, simple ordering, and a cosy informal setting.
Hamborgarabúllan burgers ($14-16) and Flatey Pizza ($16-18) are reliable crowd-pleasers for children who prefer familiar food.
Supermarkets (Bónus, Krónan) sell excellent Icelandic skyr, fruit, and sandwiches for picnic lunches on road trips – much cheaper than restaurants.
Most tourist restaurants have children's portions at $8-12 and will adapt dishes on request for picky eaters.
Bring snacks from home for long drives – petrol station food (hot dogs, crisps) is expensive and not always nutritious.
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Iceland is genuinely one of the world's best family destinations – it is safe, clean, English-speaking, and full of natural wonders that captivate children.
Book accommodations with kitchens (guesthouses, Airbnb apartments) to prepare breakfasts and lunches – this can save $60-100 per day for a family of four.
The midnight sun in summer (sun barely sets June–July) can disrupt children's sleep patterns significantly – pack blackout curtains or eye masks.
Car seats are mandatory for children and must be booked in advance when renting a car – confirm availability at time of reservation.