Family hotels to compare
| Hotel | Address | What its own site says (read on 7 November 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Fosshotel Reykjavik | Thorunnartun 1, 105 Reykjavik | 320 rooms; cribs and extra beds; elevator; gym for guests; restaurant, bar and beer garden; a short walk to the main shopping area; lodging tax of 800 ISK per room per night |
| Fosshotel Vatnajokull | Lindarbakki, 781 Hofn | 66 rooms in four types, up to family rooms; free parking; cribs and extra beds; restaurant; views of the Vatnajokull glacier; Jokulsarlon lagoon listed nearby |
| Hotel Ranga | South Iceland | Its Deluxe Superior room is described as a great choice for families; restaurant with river view; on-site observatory for northern lights |
What to look for
Visit Iceland says children are highly welcome at municipal pools and many geothermal spas. The main rules are simple. Everyone showers thoroughly without a swimsuit before entering the water. Some luxury lagoons have age limits: Sky Lagoon does not admit children under 12, and ages 12 to 14 must be accompanied by a guardian of 18 or over with ID (skylagoon.com). Natural winter ice cave tours often have a minimum age of about 8. Families that rent a car should check that child seats meet local requirements, and many rent approved seats from the car rental company; see Iceland car rental. Guesthouses, cabins and hostels often have a shared kitchen, and breakfast included with the room saves money on groceries.
Laugardalur
Laugardalur is just east of the centre and well connected by bus. Laugardalslaug is a municipal pool, and the single entry cost ISK 1,500 for an adult from 5 May 2026, with children 0 to 9 free (City of Reykjavík). The area also has a botanical garden and the Family Park and Zoo. Compare it with other districts in where to stay in Reykjavik.
What families can do
Visit Iceland names indoor attractions for children, among them Whales of Iceland, the Lava Show and Volcano Express in Reykjavík, Perlan and the Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur, and outdoor spots such as Seljalandsfoss, the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel and Ásbyrgi Canyon (see the lava tunnel). For whales, Húsavík and Eyjafjörður offer family trips: children aged 0 to 6 go free on Gentle Giants' tour, and the 3-hour tour costs ISK 6,490 for ages 7 to 15 (see Húsavík). Babies aged 0 to 1 enter the Lava Show free; the show is loud and hot (see the Lava Show).
Safety with children
- At black sand beaches, stay far from the water and keep tight hold of small hands; see Reynisfjara.
- Near waterfalls, mist makes paths slippery.
- In geothermal areas, never step off marked boardwalks.
Where else to sleep
Vík is about 190 km from Reykjavík and works for a night between the waterfalls and the black beach; see where to stay in South Iceland. Akureyri has the widest choice of hotels in the north: see where to stay in Akureyri. Camping is also an option for families, and Visit Iceland notes campsites with playgrounds and farms offering horse rides and stable visits. For a wider choice by region, read where to stay in Iceland.
Mistakes to avoid
- Bringing a child under 12 to Sky Lagoon.
- Booking a long South Coast day with small children in winter, when daylight is four to five hours.
- Turning your back on the sea at Reynisfjara.
- Forgetting to book child seats with the rental car.
FAQ
Where should a family stay in Reykjavík?
Laugardalur, for the pool, botanical garden and Family Park and Zoo.
Are children welcome in geothermal pools?
Yes, in municipal pools and many spas; some luxury lagoons have age limits.
Are ice cave tours suitable for children?
Natural winter ice cave tours often have a minimum age of about 8.
Do guesthouses have kitchens?
Guesthouses, cabins and hostels often have a shared kitchen.
The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.
