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!
Transportation is one of the first things I would say that is important to nail down. You should know that the best way to get around with children when traveling in Iceland is by car. If you can get your hands on a bigger car or even a van, that would help in carrying everything you need and all the things you’ll need “just in case”. Better safe than sorry with kids, right? Having your own transportation will give you the freedom of coming and leaving the activities without caving to group schedules or having to rely on public transportation, as it is really not the best here.
Of course, you come to Iceland to explore and admire its nature, but you might not know how accessible everything is! With most of the places for exploring or sightseeing (like waterfalls, canyons, and glaciers) being so accessible, that makes it actually really convenient to travel around Iceland with kids. Another thing that I totally recommend you do, is to visit the local swimming pools. I know it sounds like a crazy activity to add to your Iceland Itinerary, but it’s the thing to do here. After a long day of work or school, Iceland locals like to unwind and socialize in these oh-so-popular swimming pools. They provide a relaxing and warm soak, perfect for enjoying with friends or family. There are public swimming pools in almost every village, and they are surprisingly affordable! One more thing that I want to mention, and one of our favorite activities to do in Iceland with kids is to visit the public libraries (bókasafn). They have nice spaces set up for kids, and they are free, so it’s a good thing to have on your list in case of bad weather.
I could go on forever about the things to do in Iceland with kids, but to keep it as short as I can, here is a list with plenty of activities to do in Iceland with kids:
• Perlan Museum - Home of the only Indoor Ice Cave
• Fjölskylduland - The first holistic Indoor Playground and Family Center in Iceland
• Lágafellslaug Swimming Pool in Mosfellsbaer - 3 water slides that kids will love!
• Harpa Concert Hall - Children’s immersive shows daily and they also host children’s concerts
• Árbær Open Air Museum - Children’s exhibitions, areas, and outdoor toys as well
• Whales of Iceland Museum - The largest whale museum in Europe and my daughter absolutely loved this one!
• Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo - Nonstop children's entertainment with theme park rides and a zoo
• Blue Lagoon - Note that this is for children 2 and up
• Hrunalaug Hot Springs - It is a natural hot spring, but there is a little house to protect you from the cold while you change your clothes
• Friðheimar Tomato Farm - Take a tour and then go to the restaurant, but make sure to reserve in advance because they are always booked out
• Reykjadalur Valley by Hveragerði - A 3kms beautiful walk to a hot river for soaking
• Seal Watching at Ytri Tunga Beach (in Snæfellsnes Peninsula) - The most reliable place in Iceland to see seals
Stay tuned for more activities and hikes to do with kids in Iceland, and be sure to let me know if there is anything else you’d like to see here. As someone who knows firsthand, I would absolutely love to help you plan your upcoming trip to Iceland with your precious little ones!
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