Blue Lagoon with Kids: A Quick Stopover in Iceland

ByJessica Lee Updated on

We stepped off the plane from Greece in shorts and headed straight for steaming blue geothermal pools. Not exactly the ideal outfit when you arrive in Iceland, but it turned into an unforgettable memory.

Is a stopover in Iceland worth it? What about with kids? It can feel overwhelming. Do you try to squeeze in Reykjavík?

A young child stares up in awe at a giant puffin sculpture hanging above a baggage claim belt in the KEF Keflavík International Airport in Iceland, with travelers with suitcases and carts in the background.
Child in a green yoyo travel stroller waits near a large deep blue airport sign that reads “Exit to Iceland" and a graphic outline of Iceland, with directional arrow pointing left and terminal glass walls in the background.

We decided to go for it with our 3-year-old and 5-year-old, and made a one-night stopover in Iceland. It, surprisingly, turned out to be one of the easiest and most memorable parts of our trip.

From the airport to Blue Lagoon is only 25 minutes, which made it the perfect family-friendly adventure during our long Iceland layover. We managed it all despite lost luggage, tired kids, and the unpredictable Icelandic weather.

Read on to learn more about our experience, what worked well with young kids, and what you should know to plan your own stop at the Blue Lagoon.

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A Pinterest pin graphic image with a close-up photo in the background of a lava rock dark on top, white on the bottom underwater covered in silica from the Blue Lagoon, the overlaid text reads "Iceland: Blue Lagoon with Kids: A Guide for Families"

Blue Lagoon Basics

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal, man-made outdoor spa in Grindavík, Iceland, famous for its striking milky-blue water and volcanic rock surroundings. The water is famous for its rich silica content that totes skin healing properties. Families are welcome, but there are extra policies you should keep in mind if you bring your kids.

Sunny July day at the Blue Lagoon with people in the distance soaking in the mineral-rich water, framed by black lava rocks and steam rising in the background.

We visited at the end of July and booked our tickets about two months in advance, which I highly recommend since time slots can fill quickly. We chose the Comfort package—the most affordable option—which included entrance, a silica mud mask, use of towels, and one drink for each adult. Our kids were admitted free, which made it even easier to say yes.

Family policies worth knowing:

  • Admission fee – Children 13 and under are admitted free with a parent or guardian.
  • Minimum age – Kids must be at least 2 years old due to the mineral-rich water.
  • Lockers – Children ages 2–13 share a locker with their parent or adult.
  • Depth – The edges of the lagoon are 2.6ft (0.8m) or even less in some areas, while the greatest depth is 4.7ft (1.4m).
  • Safety – Lifeguards are on duty at all opening hours.
  • Floaties – Required for kids 8 and under; provided free at the entrance.
  • Supervision – Children must be supervised at all times by their adult. One adult is allowed to supervise a maximum of 2 children. If you have 4 children, you need 2 adults in the pool with them.
  • Behavior – The lagoon is meant to be a calming experience. Kids are welcome as long as they respect the space.
  • Food – Snacks and proper meals are available for families to purchase.

Why the Blue Lagoon Works for Families

Visiting the Blue Lagoon with kids might sound intimidating, but it turned out to be easy enough and very enjoyable for our family. As I’m drafting this article and reviewing the photos, my oldest is looking over and smiling at the memories.

The geothermal pools felt like a giant warm bath, instantly winning over our little ones. There were plenty of nooks and shallow spots to explore together, and the novelty of swimming in steaming, milky-blue water kept them entertained the entire time.

For parents, the biggest advantage is how surprisingly stress-free it feels. There’s enough space to spread out, lifeguards for peace of mind, and simple amenities like floaties and outdoor showers that make things easier with kids. The lagoon is close to the airport, designed for relaxation, yet still family-friendly, which makes it a treat.

A young child in a pink puddle jumper floatie steps into the shallow edge of the Blue Lagoon, surrounded by black volcanic rocks, as other visitors, including more kids in floaties enjoy the warm geothermal waters.

Our Family’s One-Night Iceland Stopover

Our stopover in Iceland wasn’t part of the original plan—it was a detour on our way home from Greece due to significantly cheaper flights. And I love a good stopover, one of my favorite travel hacks!

Instead of pushing through another long flight, we decided to stay one night and give our kids a taste of Iceland. With less than 24 hours to spare, we knew we had to keep things simple.

We chose a hotel close to Keflavík International Airport, Konvin Hotel, which made logistics much easier. Downtown Reykjavík is about 45 minutes away from the airport, so with young kids and limited time, staying near the airport meant less stress.

Of course, travel with kids rarely goes smoothly. Our luggage was lost along the way, so the four of us arrived in Iceland dressed in shorts. Not ideal for the chilly Icelandic summer air, but luckily it was a mild and sunny day. The kids thought it was hilarious, and it quickly became one of those family travel stories we’ll never forget.

Hotel Options near the Airport

Getting to the Blue Lagoon from the Airport

One of the best things about the Blue Lagoon is how easy it is to reach from Keflavík International Airport. At only 25 minutes away, it’s much closer than Reykjavík, which is about 45 minutes in a different direction. This makes the Blue Lagoon a natural first or last stop in Iceland.

You have a few options for getting there:

  • Taxi – The fastest and most convenient choice, especially with tired kids and luggage. It’s what we chose, and it was hassle-free. There’s a taxi stand outside KEF airport.
  • Rental car – Good if you plan to explore more than just the Blue Lagoon, but unnecessary for a one-night stay.
  • Shuttle bus – Usually cheaper and convenient if it can work with your schedule.
  • Rideshares – Uber is not available in Iceland, but you can use another rideshare app, Hopp.

If you’re on an overnight stopover, staying near the airport and heading straight to the Blue Lagoon is the least stressful option. If you have a long enough daytime layover, you can skip the hotel.

A young child stares up in awe at a giant puffin sculpture hanging above a baggage claim belt in the KEF Keflavík International Airport in Iceland, with travelers with suitcases and carts in the background.

Exploring Before Swimming

Before we even dipped a toe in the water, the Blue Lagoon had our kids hooked. The volcanic rock landscape around the pools looks like something from another planet, and our 3- and 5-year-old loved climbing around and exploring the paths. It gave them a chance to burn off some flight energy before heading inside.

At the entrance, we checked in and had to rent swimsuits—thanks to the airline losing our luggage. Luckily, the Blue Lagoon makes it easy to rent everything you need, from towels to swimsuits, so even unprepared travelers like us are covered.

We grabbed a quick snack and some drinks at the cafeteria before heading into the locker rooms. The steaming pools outside teased us through the windows. We couldn’t wait to get in.

Two young brothers in long tees and shorts play along the lava rocks outside the Blue Lagoon, exploring the rugged terrain with bright blue geothermal water behind them.
Young child explores rocky terrain along the edge of the Blue Lagoon, standing on a dark lava barely visible above the misty blue geothermal pools.
Two children walk across a small wooden bridge over pale blue geothermal water outside the Blue Lagoon, with steam rising in the background from the nearby power plant.

Getting Ready in the Locker Rooms

Like most parents, I was a little nervous about how the locker room process would go with two young kids. Thankfully, it was more manageable than expected. The Blue Lagoon has spacious, clean locker rooms.

Staff provide electronic wristbands that lock and unlock the lockers, so we didn’t have to juggle keys or worry about losing anything.

Before entering the pool, everyone is required to shower. The showers are set up with both private and communal options, and there’s conditioner available since the silica-rich water can dry out hair.

Need to Know

  • 🔑 Electronic wristbands double as locker keys
  • 🚿 Pre-swim shower is required (private stalls available)
  • 👙 Rentals: swimsuits, towels, and robes are all available
  • 🩴 Bring flip flops or water-friendly sandals if you don’t want to go barefoot
Two young kids walk down a concrete stairwell inside the Blue Lagoon facility, heading toward an exit framed by volcanic rock and glass doors.

Safety for Kids (and Parents) in the Blue Lagoon

Safety is always one of my top concerns as a mom, especially when traveling with younger kids. I want to make sure we can keep our kids safe in the new environment. Thankfully, the setup at the Blue Lagoon really put me at ease.

Children must be at least 2 years old to enter, and floatation devices are required for everyone ages 2–8. We were offered both inflatable arm bands and puddle jumper floaties, which helped all of us relax and enjoy.

Close-up of a child wearing bright orange floaties, eyes just above the surface of the Blue Lagoon’s mineral-rich water as his nose and mouth are underwater.
Young child in pink floaties swims in the Blue Lagoon, with the spa’s modern concrete and glass buildings in the background.

The lagoon isn’t a traditional swimming pool—it has varying depths, winding paths, and rocky edges. Many areas were shallow enough for our kids to stand and sometimes even sit, but there are deeper spots, so staying close is important.

The lava rocks captivated our kids, but they’re rough and can cause cuts. So play close attention to curious little hands. Underwater, the rocks are smooth and even slippery in some areas from the minerals.

Lifeguards are stationed around the pools, adding another layer of reassurance.

I was pregnant during our visit, and I double-checked beforehand to make sure it was safe. The water temperature stays consistent at 98–104°F, which is similar to a warm bath but not as hot as a hot tub. I made sure to hydrate, take breaks, and felt comfortable the whole time.

For anyone pregnant, it’s always best to check with your doctor, but for me, the Blue Lagoon was both safe and relaxing.

Woman in a navy swimsuit stands quietly holding her small pregnant belly in a secluded section of the Blue Lagoon, near a wooden bridge and surrounded by black lava rocks and pale blue water.
Pregnant mom and two children with floaties relax in a shallow corner of the Blue Lagoon surrounded by jagged black rocks, capturing a peaceful family moment at the Blue Lagoon.

Need to Know

  • 👶 Kids must be 2+ to enter
  • 🛟 Floatation devices required and provided (ages 2–8)
  • 👀 Lifeguards are on duty throughout the pools
  • 🤰 Pregnant visitors: safe for many, but check with your doctor

Family Experience Inside the Blue Lagoon

Once we finally stepped into the water, the kids were all smiles. The lagoon felt like a giant, steamy bath, and the novelty of swimming in milky-blue water kept them curious the whole time.

We wandered through different corners of the pools, discovering little nooks and shallow areas where the kids could stand comfortably. There are caves and bridges, waterfalls and winding paths. Small coves and larger open pools make the lagoon fascinating to explore all its edges.

Toddler in pink puddle jumper crouches near white thickly covered silica rocks beside a bright blue geothermal pool at the Blue Lagoon.
Mother cradles one child as another flots nearby both wearing pink floaties as they stand near a lava rock arch in a shallow section of the Blue Lagoon.
A toddler wearing floaties walks across a pale wooden deck near the edge of the Blue Lagoon with a large square wooden box at the end of the walkway flanked by tall lights on a pole, with calm blue water and volcanic rocks in the background.

One of the highlights for them was the waterfall. I can still hear their giggles and shrieks as the warm water pounded down on their shoulders.

My husband and I tried the famous silica mud masks—something the kids thought was hilarious when we both had white and gray clay smeared across our faces. They even dabbed a little on their own cheeks.

It wasn’t too crowded when we visited, so we felt we had enough space to spread out, explore, and play a little without disturbing other guests.

A smiling couple waist-deep in the milky blue aqua waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, with dark volcanic rocks lining the shore and a bright blue sky above.
Smiling couple with facial masks at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, one covered in a white silica mask and the other in a dark mud mask, standing in front of a lava rock wall with the spa waters just below.

Still, it’s important to remember the Blue Lagoon is also a spa environment, not a playground or water park. Guests come to relax and experience the unique atmosphere, so we reminded our kids to minimize splashing and use quiet voices.

When the kids or I needed a break, we climbed out onto the decking or cooled off in the outdoor showers. We grabbed fruit smoothies from the swim-up bar, a special treat without even leaving the pool.

Father and young child in puddle jumper stand beneath a strong waterfall at the Blue Lagoon, with splashes of water surrounding them in the warm pool.
A young child in pink floaties holds the wooden edge of the Blue Lagoon, with a waterfall feature and spa guests relaxing in the background.
A child wearing pink puddle jumper walks barefoot up an arch wooden bridge over the Blue Lagoon, heading toward a calm area of the water where others are swimming, surrounded by dark volcanic rock walls.

In terms of timing, I’d recommend planning for around 3-5 hours at the Blue Lagoon with kids. That gives you enough time to check in, change, explore the pools, take breaks, and enjoy a meal without rushing.

Whether you opt for the quick-service restaurant or the sit-down restaurant will impact how much time you need. With younger kids, any shorter might feel rushed, but any longer might start to feel tiring, especially after a flight.

Child wearing bright pink puddle jumper stands under an outdoor shower at the Blue Lagoon on the deck, water streaming down over their back and shoulders.
Two young boys in swim trunks wearing bright pink floaties walk along a winding wooden boardwalk through a rugged lava rock landscape at the Blue Lagoon.

Eating at the Blue Lagoon with Kids

After swimming, everyone was hungry, and luckily, the Blue Lagoon has options for families.

For quick bites, the Blue Cafe cafeteria-style restaurant serves toasts, breakfast, sandwiches, snacks, and drinks—perfect if you just need something simple. It’s a budget-friendly choice compared (still, Iceland prices though) to the formal restaurants, and it worked well for our pre-swim snack stop.

For dinner, we ate at the Lava Restaurant, which is built into the volcanic rock with incredible views of the lagoon. It’s definitely more upscale and pricey, but we still felt welcome with our kids. Plan to make a reservation if you want to dine here.

They had a children’s menu with kid-friendly dishes, while my husband and I enjoyed beautifully plated Icelandic seafood and steak. It was a splurge, but after a full day of travel and swimming, it was worth it.

Additionally, you can find Moss Restaurant, but this is a Michelin-starred fine dining choice, reserved for guests ages 12 and older. This might work for your family if you have older foodie kids.

Plated dessert featuring a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with caramel, served with small fried pastries dusted in powdered sugar and a nutty crumble base served at the Lava Restaurant.
Kid’s meal plate with thick-cut fries in a metal cup, fresh lettuce, cherry tomatoes, ketchup, and a partially visible wrap, with a child in a light orange tee sitting in the background.
Grilled white fish filet topped with a creamy sauce, served with shaved fennel salad on a stoneware plate at the Lava Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon.
Close-up of a dessert bowl with scoops of white and chocolate ice cream topped with red granita, fresh strawberries, and toasted coconut flakes served at the Lava Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon.
Plated gourmet beef filet topped with caramelized onions and microgreens, served on a rich brown sauce alongside a jumbo portobello mushroom over creamy mashed potatoes served at the Lava Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.
Close-up of a creamy soup served in a black bowl, garnished with fine reddish-brown powder and a swirl of froth.

Tips for Visiting the Blue Lagoon with Kids

A little preparation can make your Blue Lagoon visit with kids run much smoothly. Here are some lessons we learned from our own stopover:

  • Pack swimsuits and essentials in your carry-on. Lost luggage taught us this the hard way. Towels and swimsuits can be rented, but for certain items, it’s always better to have your own.
  • Book tickets in advance. Time slots fill up quickly, and arriving with a confirmed entry makes things less stressful.
  • Bring conditioner and tie up or braid long hair. The silica-rich water can dry hair out. They provide conditioner, but packing your favorite helps.
  • Use the floaties provided. Kids ages 2–8 are required to wear them, and they’re free at check-in.
  • Plan for breaks. Build in time to climb out, rest on the decking, or grab a smoothie so little ones don’t get overtired.
  • Stay close to the airport if you’re short on time. Hotels near KEF make logistics much easier than heading into Reykjavík if you’re only staying for 1 night in Iceland.
Expansive view of milky blue geothermal pools stretching between black lava fields near the Blue Lagoon, with distant hills and a mostly clear sky in summer.
Child in a long-sleeve navy shirt walks along a gravel path beside a narrow blue geothermal stream surrounded by black lava rocks near the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

FAQs About Visiting the Blue Lagoon with Kids

Before you go, you may still have a few questions about what it’s really like to bring children to the Blue Lagoon. Here are some of the most common ones parents ask.

Can kids swim in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?

Yes, kids can swim in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland as long as they are at least 2 years old. Children ages 2–8 must wear the floaties provided, and parents must supervise closely. It’s also important to remind kids that the Blue Lagoon is a spa environment—more about calm exploring and soaking than splashing and playing.

What to wear to the Blue Lagoon

Bring a swimsuit and any preferred toiletries. The Blue Lagoon rents swimsuits, towels, and robes if needed. Since the silica in the water can dry out hair, it helps to bring conditioner and tie long hair back. Robes and flip-flops are nice extras, but not essential for kids.

How long should you spend at the Blue Lagoon with kids?

Plan to spend about 3-5 hours at the Blue Lagoon with kids. That allows enough time to check in, swim, take breaks, and enjoy food without rushing.

Is the Blue Lagoon close to the airport?

Yes, the Blue Lagoon is only about 25 minutes from Keflavík International Airport. This makes it an easy stop before or after a flight.

Can you eat at the Blue Lagoon with kids?

Yes, there are family-friendly food options at the Blue Lagoon. The cafeteria offers snacks and simple meals, while the Lava Restaurant serves upscale Icelandic dishes and has a kids’ menu. Both work well depending on how much time you have.

A young child walks ahead on a stone path cutting through rugged lava rock formations, creating a dramatic pathway leaving the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

Making the Most of Your Iceland Stopover

Our quick stop at the Blue Lagoon showed us that even short adventures can become lasting family memories. With the right planning, traveling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful—it can be fun, flexible, and surprisingly easy.

If you’re looking for more ideas, check out my best tips for traveling with babies, toddlers, and kids of all ages. From packing smart to surviving long flights, I’ve got plenty of real-life advice to help your family travel smoother.

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