*By Jessica Huras*
Iceland might not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a trip with a toddler, but it should be. With its geothermal pools, wide-open landscapes and stroller-friendly city streets, it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable — and surprisingly manageable — places we’ve travelled as a family.
While we packed the usual snacks and sticker books, it was Iceland’s natural beauty and quirky charms that kept our two-year-old daughter engaged. From splashing in warm pools to feeding horses and ducks, here’s how we made the most of our time in the land of fire and ice.
Nature, Up Close
The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most iconic routes: a 300-kilometre loop through the southwest that packs in some of the country’s most dramatic natural sights. The drive takes you from Reykjavík to Þingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall — all within a single (very scenic) day.
Most visitors spend six to eight hours on the route with stops, so it’s worth treating it as a full-day outing. We timed the longer stretches of the drive around a much-needed car nap for our daughter, Izzy.
Þingvellir was our favourite stop. The national park is steeped in history and set between two tectonic plates, with easy paths, big views and plenty of space for Izzy to run without us worrying. We followed the trail to Öxarárfoss, a waterfall tucked into the canyon. At about 1.2 km round-trip, it was a satisfying but manageable trek.
Geysir, the geothermal field that gave all geysers their name, was fascinating. Steamy vents and bubbling pools meant keeping Izzy close, so we caught Strokkur’s eruption and didn’t linger long.
Gullfoss made for an ideal finale. This two-tiered waterfall plunges into a rugged canyon. It’s just a short walk from the parking lot for a quick, misty photo op before heading back to Reykjavík.
Soaking Icelandic Style
One of the biggest surprises in Iceland wasn’t the jaw-dropping volcanoes or waterfalls — it was how central swimming is to everyday life. Geothermal pools are everywhere, from tiny village hot pots to sprawling public complexes in Reykjavík. They’re open year-round, and it’s common to see families braving the cold for a warm soak.
Unlike North American hot tubs, which are often too hot for kids, Iceland’s geothermal pools are kept at milder, family-friendly temperatures and typically feature shallow areas designed for little ones.
We enjoyed Laugardalslaug, Reykjavík’s largest public pool, which features a kid-friendly area, small slide and warm wading pools; and Seltjarnarnesslaug, a relaxed neighbourhood spot with mineral-rich water that’s said to be gentle on sensitive skin.
We also visited the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most famous geothermal pool, to check it off the bucket list. While it’s touristy (and pricey), Izzy loved it. Bonus: kids aged 2–13 enter free with an adult and flotation armbands are provided for children 8 and under.
Easy Days in Iceland’s Capital
Reykjavík is an easy city to explore with kids. It’s compact, walkable and full of little gems that don’t require much pre-planning. One of our favourite outings was a stroll along the waterfront path that stretches from the Harpa concert hall past the Sun Voyager sculpture to the historic Höfði House. It’s flat, scenic and stroller-friendly, with views of the bay and distant mountains.
Tjörnin, the city’s central pond, is a peaceful spot for birdwatching and feeding ducks. The nearby playground, which has a zip-line and in-ground trampoline, makes a great pit stop.
For rainy or especially cold days, the Laundromat Café was a cozy reset: coffee and comfort food upstairs, and a well-stocked (and free) kids’ playroom tucked away on the lower level.
Wildlife, Big and Small
Iceland’s wildlife is wonderfully varied — whales, puffins, seals and, of course, those horses. The Reykjavík Zoo came highly recommended. While Izzy enjoyed the playgrounds in the adjoining Family Park, I found the animal enclosures underwhelming. The park, though, didn’t disappoint: trampolines, ride-on diggers and a tiny racetrack kept her busy for well over an hour.
Out on the road, we spotted plenty of Icelandic horses while driving along the Golden Circle, which quickly became a highlight for Izzy. We also made a short detour to Brú Horse Farm, located between Gullfoss and Geysir, where visitors can buy “horse candy” to feed the horses and spend some time up close with them. It’s one of many small farms in the region that welcome visitors — some also offer riding tours, which could be a fun option for families with older kids.
Sweet Treats and Street Eats
Icelanders are serious about their sweets — especially ice cream, which worked out well since it’s Izzy’s favourite treat. Shops stay open year-round and local families often go on ísbíltúrs (ice cream drives) to visit their go-to spots.
One of the more unexpected hits was rye bread ice cream at Kaffi Loki, a café across from Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík that serves traditional Icelandic fare. Sweet and slightly nutty, it was a hit with all of us — even Izzy.
Dining out in Iceland can be pricey, so hot dogs became our go-to: quick, affordable and kid-approved. Most Icelandic pylsur are made with lamb, plus a bit of pork and beef, and come topped with crispy and raw onions, ketchup (sweetened with apples), remoulade and mustard. The most well-known stand in Reykjavík is Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, which has been open since 1937 — but you’ll find hot dogs everywhere, from gas stations to grocery stores.
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