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Blue Lagoon Iceland with Kids: Our Family Visit Tips

Blue Lagoon Iceland with Kids: What to Know Before Your Visit

Our family’s earlier Blue Lagoon visit · Full film (11 min 8 sec)

▶Watch full film 11 min 8 sec

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The Blue Lagoon was a memorable first stop on our Iceland trip. With five kids, a geothermal spa visit takes a little more planning than simply packing swimsuits and walking in. We had flown on a red-eye from Brazil, so the lagoon felt like a treat when we landed. We stopped at a playground on the way, then soaked for a few hours before heading back out. This is what our family remembers from that day, and what I would confirm before going now.

When to fit the Blue Lagoon into your trip

The lagoon is near Keflavík Airport, so some families plan a visit around arrival or departure. Whether that works depends on your flight, energy, transport, and the current booking time you can get. Leave more breathing room than you think you need when traveling with kids.

Before the lagoon, our film shows a separate playground stop with the kids running around the climbing equipment. This was part of our arrival day, not a playground at the Blue Lagoon. It is a useful reminder to leave room for a break between a long travel stretch and a booked activity.

A playground stop before the lagoon · Scene from our family film (1 min 40 sec)

▶Watch scene from our family film 1 min 40 sec

Tickets and packages

When we visited, the basic package included a mask and a drink for each paying guest. Grace was four and did not pay admission, so her drink was not included; we bought one for her. A towel was handed out after the shower. The upgraded package had extra masks and a robe, but I did not think the robe was worth the price for the short walk between the changing room and the pool. Those are memories of what was included then, not today’s terms. Prices and package details change, so check the official Blue Lagoon site for current options and terms. We skipped the restaurant and spa extras on our trip.

What check-in and changing were like for us

We received electronic wristbands that were used for admission, purchases, and locker keys. At the exit, we settled our balance and dropped the band into the return slot, which the kids thought was fun. The adults and children had different colors based on age and package. The family split up for the changing rooms, showered before entering, and then stored belongings in lockers. My American modesty took a moment to adjust to communal changing, but private stalls were available. The exact process and facility options may have changed since then.

Swimming with kids

The water felt lovely and warm to me, and we could have stayed in it for ages. It is a large lagoon, and we wandered around to the included mask station, freshwater fountains, and drink bar. The kids had fun with the mud masks, but keep the mask out of eyes—it stings. Our youngest was four on that visit, and the water was about five feet at its deepest, so our ten- and thirteen-year-olds could stand where the younger kids could not. We stayed close because the water is opaque and kids can disappear from view quickly. I brought my phone in, but it was annoying to carry it around with few places to set it down. The Blue Lagoon’s current guidance sets a minimum age of 2; children ages 2–8 must wear the lagoon’s provided armbands and remain under adult supervision. Review the safety standards and children’s policy before your visit.

This part of our film moves from arriving in the volcanic landscape to the milky blue water, including the rock-lined passage through the lagoon. The footage helps explain why I would keep the family close and make the water-safety plan before getting in, rather than trying to sort everything out while carrying wet belongings.

Arriving at the Blue Lagoon and getting into the water · Scene from our family film (1 min 33 sec)

▶Watch scene from our family film 1 min 33 sec

Hair, towels, and a few useful things to bring

Our family found conditioner useful before getting into the water, especially for long hair. I left it in because of the salt in the water, then used a brush and the hair dryers afterward. Check what is included with your ticket before packing towels or toiletries, and bring only what you want to manage around the water.

The film returns to the family in the car after our soak, including an uncomfortable moment with a child’s eye. It adds context to my earlier reminder about keeping masks out of eyes. Follow the venue’s instructions, and ask staff for help if someone is uncomfortable; this is a memory from our visit, not a demonstration of how to treat an eye problem.

After our soak: a family reminder · Scene from our family film (53 sec)

▶Watch scene from our family film 53 sec

How long to plan

We spent roughly three hours in the lagoon, not counting a meal. You may want more or less time depending on your ticket, how much your family enjoys soaking, and your travel schedule. Give the kids a chance to warm up and get changed without rushing straight to the next activity. Our original guide also listed the Secret Lagoon and Mývatn Nature Baths among other geothermal stops we had heard about but not visited; check location and current operations before comparing them.

Our takeaway

The milky blue water, dark volcanic landscape, and warm soak made this feel like a very Icelandic beginning to our trip. After the lagoon, we continued our seven-day adventure: Gullfoss around midnight, then a geyser and a beach. In Iceland’s summer light, it was still bright outside. It was also a good reminder that a little preparation—especially around showers, changing, and children’s water safety—can make the whole outing feel easier.