Exploring Iceland: Blue Lagoon, Reykjavík, and Family Adventures

Our first trip to Iceland was planned for five days, and while our main goal was to experience the famous Blue Lagoon, we discovered so much more along the way. We visited during the season of 24/7 sunlight, which meant no Northern Lights; those are best viewed between late September and late March, but the midnight sun gave us endless opportunities to explore.

Getting to Iceland

We flew nonstop on Icelandair from Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Keflavik International Airport. The flight took about 5½ hours and came with some nice touches:

• Complimentary wine for adults.

• Activity bags for kids filled with coloring books and entertainment.

• Refreshing Icelandic meals and bottled water.

Instead of walking onto a jetway after landing, passengers exited via stairs directly onto the runway — a unique welcome with a cool Icelandic breeze.

From the airport, we picked up our SUV rental (great for extra luggage space) and drove about 45 minutes to our lodging. Driving in Iceland was a breeze, but we recommend getting an international driving permit for peace of mind when renting a car abroad.

Where We Stayed

We chose Blue Mountain Apartments for our stay. Spacious and family-friendly, the apartments came with a fridge, coffee maker, comfortable bed, and a separate wall dividing the bedroom for added privacy.

The property also included:

• A coupon book for local restaurants.

• A pantry where you could take or contribute items for free.

• Laundry facilities on-site.

It was the perfect setup for a family.

The Blue Lagoon

The highlight of our trip was, of course, the Blue Lagoon. We reserved tickets in advance and chose the Premium Package, which included:

• Entrance to the Blue Lagoon

• Silica mud mask and a second mask of choice

• Towel, slippers, and bathrobe

• First drink of your choice

• Table reservation at Lava Restaurant + a glass of sparkling wine

The lagoon itself was warm, soothing, and easy to navigate. Kids are required to wear orange flotation devices, and there’s a gradual ramp to walk into the water.

We enjoyed the silica mud mask, a refreshing waterfall rinse, and even stopped at the in-lagoon drink station for our included beverages.

In-Water Massage

The in-water massage was one of the best spa experiences ever. You float on a mat, covered with a warm towel, while the therapist uses the lagoon water to keep the towel heated. It feels like floating on air — an absolute must if you visit. Reservations are required, so book early.

Dining at Lava Restaurant

After a few hours in the lagoon, we dined at Lava Restaurant, overlooking the water. With sparkling wine included in our package and kid-friendly touches like coloring books and toys, it was the perfect way to refuel. The service was outstanding, and the food was delicious.

Exploring Reykjavík

Beyond the Blue Lagoon, we discovered some wonderful family-friendly spots in Reykjavík.

Hallgrímskirkja

This iconic Lutheran church is the largest in Iceland and the tallest structure in the country. Parking was simple, and the surrounding area was full of shops, cafés, and even a playground across the street.

Reykjavík Park and Zoo

Perfect for small children, the Reykjavík Park and Zoo was a hit with our son. He loved the open play areas, while we enjoyed seeing Icelandic farm animals, reindeer, seals, arctic foxes, and even a few reptiles. The adjoining recreation park offered carousels, train rides, segways, boats, and family barbecue areas, making it a great half-day adventure.

Final Thoughts

Our time in Iceland was unforgettable. From the magic of the Blue Lagoon to the charm of Reykjavík’s landmarks and family attractions, it felt like one of our best vacations ever.

The 24/7 sunlight made it easy to pack in activities without ever feeling rushed. We would absolutely return to Iceland — next time, hopefully, to catch the Northern Lights.

Tip: Book your Blue Lagoon tickets and spa treatments in advance, and don’t miss out on trying the in-water massage.