Reykjavík is the perfect home base for adventurous parents visiting Iceland with a baby. It’s easy to take kid-friendly day trips that offer a genuine Icelandic experience. From visiting bubbling geysers to black sand beaches and Icelandic horses, there is so much to discover just a short drive from the city—and yes, it’s all doable with a diaper bag.
This guide is tailored for travel-loving parents looking for low-stress, high-reward outings with infants or toddlers. Rounding up the best baby-friendly day trips from Reykjavík that combine easy access, some stroller-friendly paths, and plenty of “wow” moments to keep everyone smiling (even during naptime).
So grab the baby carrier (trust me, you’ll want one), and get ready to discover the gentler side of Iceland’s epic landscapes. Let the family-friendly adventure begin!
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Golden Circle Mini Tour (3–6 hours)
Visiting Iceland isn’t really complete without seeing some or all of the famous Golden Circle.
But if you’re traveling with a baby, spending hours and hours in and out of the car doesn’t always sound like the best time. This is when a ‘mini tour’ is the right answer! You can see highlights of Iceland’s stunning landscape without committing to a full day in the car.
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- Highlights: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall
- Why it’s toddler-friendly: Short driving distances between stops, wide open spaces for little legs to run, and several stroller-accessible paths (but keep the carrier on hand too)
- Bonus: Kerið Crater is a colorful add-on with a leisurely walk around the rim, and the view is stunning.
Viðey Island Ferry & Walk
Viðey is one of the 30 smaller islands around Iceland reachable by one of the shortest ferry rides. Viðey Island is the perfect mini adventure for a stress-free environment, as there are no vehicles to worry about with your baby.
- Highlights: Short ferry ride, nature trails, and thousands of puffins in summer.
- Why it’s toddler-friendly: Just a 5-minute ferry ride from Reykjavik Harbor, no cars, plenty of space to roam, and great picnic spots.
- Pro tip: Pack a blanket and snacks for a laid-back mini picnic after you’re done exploring.
Whales of Iceland Museum
One of the most interesting museums I’ve visited with my children! The ability to see so many different species of whales and accurately determine their size was a source of wonder for visitors, both big and small.
- Highlights: Life-size whale models you can touch.
- Why it’s toddler-friendly: Indoors (in case the weather turns on you), stroller-accessible, interactive displays, and close to the harbor cafés.
- Bonus: Combine with a walk along the waterfront or a stop at the Reykjavík Aurora Museum.
Reykjadalur Hot Springs (Drive + Partial Hike)
Visiting Reykjadalur Hot Springs is like stepping into a dreamy Icelandic spa with a scenic stroll and a steamy reward at the end. The hike through lush hills and bubbling geothermal vents is stroller-unfriendly, so pack a comfy carrier and take it slow. Once you reach the river, you and your family can settle into the soothing geothermal pools. Just bring plenty of layers, snacks, a towel, and a water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Highlights: Geothermal river in a valley with outstanding views!
- Why it can work for toddlers: The Drive from Reykjavik is about 45 minutes to Hveragerði; there’s a short nature trail near the town (not the full hot spring hike), and you can soak in a smaller pool or enjoy a geothermal park nearby.
- Alternative: Check out the Geothermal Park in Hveragerði—boiling mud pots and a safe baby-foot-soak zone.
Take a Private Tour
If you want to be a little more adventurous with your family, a private tour is the ideal solution. Friend in Iceland is one of the top-rated private Icelandic tours, and one I recommend booking when you’re visiting Iceland with a baby.
- Highlights: Having the opportunity to explore more of Iceland, but not having to worry about driving. Friend In Iceland offers private tours to various locations around the island.
- Why it’s toddler-friendly: Booking a private tour allows you and your family to explore so many more corners of this magical island without taking one of the largest bus tours. The privacy gives parents peace of mind when traveling with babies.
- Recommended tours with babies: We took the Landmannalaugar 4×4 tour. My 1.5-year-old loved the 4×4 off-road experience in the back seat. The South Coast Tour and Reykjanes + Lava Fields tour also work well for littles.
Hafnarfjörður Viking Town & Lava Park
The Viking spirit still echoes through the valleys and mountain peaks of Iceland, from ancient sagas and Viking longhouses set in dramatic landscapes that look like it is straight out of a fantasy novel. Visiting Hafnarfjörður, you’ll walk in the footsteps of some of history’s fiercest explorers and uncover a history as wild as its scenery.
- Highlights: Quirky Viking village, lava fields, harbor walks
- Why it’s toddler-friendly: Only 20 minutes from Reykjavik, Viking-themed fun, and space to explore.
- Food note: Enjoy great fish and chips at local cafés, and some offer kids’ menus.
Horse Farm Visit (Near Mosfellsbær)
No visit to Iceland is complete without visiting an Icelandic horse farm. Offering a gentle and joyful way to introduce young visitors to the country’s culture and famously friendly four-legged locals. It’s a sensory-rich experience full of soft noses, fresh air, and peaceful pastures, making it an ideal low-key outing for families traveling with a baby.
- Highlights: Icelandic horses, farm setting, short pony rides
- Why it’s toddler-friendly: Icelandic horses are famously gentle and small, making them perfect for tiny riders or simply petting.
- Where: Try the family-friendly Laxnes Horse Farm, which offers meet-the-horse experiences.
Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Bakery
Mother Nature’s power at its chef’s kiss finest! Icelanders have been using geothermal energy to cook their food for more than 1,000 years, dating back to the early Viking settlers.
Traditional methods, such as baking rye bread (known as hverabrauð) by burying it in hot geothermal soil near hot springs, have been passed down through generations. It’s one of the oldest and most delicious examples of sustainable cooking on the planet—nature’s slow cooker, Viking-style! And after your food experience, you can soak in the geothermal pools.
- Highlights: Rye bread baked in the hot ground, bubbling mud pots, steam vents
- Why it’s toddler-friendly: Toddlers are fascinated by the bubbling ground, and the geothermal bread is snack gold. My son couldn’t get enough of the bread topped with Icelandic butter and the smoked trout from the lake.
- Drive time: ~45 minutes from Reykjavik
Petting Zoo & Family Park (Reykjavik)
Because who doesn’t love taking their kids to the zoo? And a petting zoo, nonetheless? This zoo and park is a charming mini zoo with Icelandic ponies, reindeer, and fun farmyard friends. There is also a concession stand in the park, where you can purchase a quick snack or a small souvenir. Open daily from 10 a.m. (10 a.m.–6 p.m. in summer, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. in winter), it’s easy to fit in whatever works for your little one’s schedule.
- Highlights: Icelandic farm animals, rides, playgrounds
- Why it’s toddler-friendly: No long drives, full of safe and engaging spaces for toddlers to burn off some energy.
- Open year-round, but the rides operate more often in summer.
Soak in the Blue Lagoon
No location in Iceland is more iconic than the Blue Lagoon. Visiting the Blue Lagoon with your baby can be a relaxing and memorable experience if planned with care—babies under 2 aren’t allowed in the main lagoon due to the warm temperature, but the facility still offers family changing rooms and a calming atmosphere.
If visiting this iconic location is on your bucket list, I’d recommend taking turns soaking while the other adult relaxes with the baby in the café or scenic viewing areas.
- Highlights: Stunning geothermal spa with ocean views
- Why it’s toddler-friendly: Since not all geothermal lagoons and pools are baby-friendly, it is important to know which ones are. The minimum age for using the Blue Lagoon is 2, and they provide free floaties (which are required to be worn by all kids under the age of 8)
- Alternative: For something more casual and baby-splashy, head to Laugardalslaug, Reykjavik’s largest public pool with baby pools and slides.
Bonus Tips for Traveling Around Iceland with a Baby
- Car seat laws in Iceland are strict: Always use a proper one when renting a car. Keep in mind that the car seats in the United States might not be up to standard. Check the regulations first, or rent a car seat upon arrival.
- Layer up! Weather changes every 5 minutes in Iceland. Bring waterproof and windproof everything. Check out our full Iceland packing list for all the recommendations you need.
- Pack local snacks: Icelandic repacked food was a gold mine for our trip. The sandwiches, crackers, baby pouches, and puffs were all major food toddler wins.
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