The best things to do with kids in Iceland from toddlers to teenagers

30.07.2023 - 21:19 / lonelyplanet.com

Iceland's incredible landscape is an endless source of wonder no matter your age and exploring it with the family will create memories that will last a lifetime.

Don't worry about cries of "Are we there yet??" as you set off across the wild landscape – there is plenty of fun to be had at stops along the way once watching from the car window isn't quite enough. From calm walks in nature to thrilling rides down ziplines, you can find fun activities in Iceland for the entire family.

Absolutely! Top tip – bring swimsuits in all seasons. In the summer, make the most of the jumping balloons (a type of outdoor trampoline that you'll never want to leave) around the country – the one in Blönduós is especially big and bouncy. It's also a good idea to bring or buy discs for the disc golf courses in all corners of the country.

Always keep a football in the car for an impromptu game – soccer pitches are scattered all over the country (often by schools). In winter, toboggans are good companions and don’t take up much space. 

In Reykjavík and the vicinity, you’ll find the most museums, restaurants and swimming pools, and the largest variety of activities. In almost every town and village along your journey there'll be at least a pool and playground, and some of the remotest places have the quirkiest museums.

Nature is an endless attraction for young and old but remember to plan long hikes and Highland tours thoroughly and make sure that your children can handle the distance and terrain before embarking on wild adventures (for safety tips, go to safetravel.is).

Fun, relaxing and budget-friendly, swimming pools will relieve the adults’ post-hike sore backs and muscles, and help energetic kids blow off steam. Afterward, everyone feels calm and refreshed. There are pools in almost every town and village, and in some scenic locations in the countryside. Many have thrilling waterslides and all of them are heated, so it doesn’t matter what the weather is like.

The Akureyri pool is the country’s most popular and has the added bonus of the longest slide in Iceland – thrill-seeking tots will love it. The Álftanes pool outside Reykjavík has a wave pool and an indoor pool that's perfect for toddlers or first-time swimmers.

Sundhöll in central Reykjavík has jumping boards (the big one is usually open in the evenings). The Hofsós pool offers an amazing view of Drangey Island and the fjord and Lýsulaugar on Snæfellsnes is a geothermal bath that has unique green algae and a glacial view. A special mention goes to beaches with hot tubs, including Nauthólsvík in Reykjavík, Guðlaug in Akranes, Drangsnes in the Westfjords and Hauganes near Akureyri.

Meet Iceland’s domesticated animals and other more exotic creatures in Reykjavík Zoo and Family