The Blue Lagoon: Is It a Good Fit for Your Family?

One of the most talked about attractions in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon, and while the photos are impressive and the travel stories equally so, is it a good fit for a traveling family?

There are a few things that may make first-time family travelers wary when it comes to visiting this spot. The Blue Lagoon can be quite crowded and there can be lines to get in the front door, lines to get to your locker, etc. While that doesn’t spell out an ideal situation for any young child, if you’ve been to an amusement park or other similar attraction as a family, you know the drill by now and how to keep children calm under these types of circumstances.

However, while the interior spaces are crowded, the lagoon itself typically is not, and the crowds that do exist hover around certain spots, like the in-water bars, mud mask bars and grotto. There are huge expanses of easily wade-able open water for you to claim. This means there are also lots of places for your child to explore, and since the area is relatively open, you can spot your child from a ways away. These open expanses of water often differ in terms of temperature and depth, though, so you may have to walk around a bit until you find your sweet spot.

If you’re worried about depth and poor swimmers, the lagoon at its deepest point is 5 feet, 3 inches. For a pretty short non-swimmer, the deepest point made even me a little nervous, but if you stick to the favored spots in the lagoon (warmer anyway), you won’t have to worry. Also, all children under 9 are required to wear floaters (they are provided for free, though you can bring your own as well) and the lifeguards are plentiful.

© Aleksei Mikhailov | Dreamstime.com

One thing to note —14–15 year-olds are half the ticket price, while children 2–13 are free. However, children under the age of 2 are not allowed into the lagoon and must be accompanied by a parent. During a recent visit, though, I did not see any children under 2, and few under the 15-year-old age group.

Large families are at a disadvantage, however. The Blue Lagoon asks there be one adult in your party for every two children under 13. If your pack is on the larger side and you absolutely must see the Blue Lagoon while in Iceland, you may want to consider bringing the grandparents along.

A small concern for some parents may be the wristband each entrant receives to purchase drinks and snacks and gain entrance. The tricky little band has to be turned in at the end of your visit and any missing bands result in extra fees. Drop anything in the vibrant, yet murky, blue waters and you’re likely not going to find it again.

Taking all of the above into consideration, is a trip to the Blue Lagoon worth the investment for your family? Absolutely. Though busy and with its quirks, the experience is an unforgettable one that can be easily managed by any parent who’s managed the stress of any other travel experience with their kids, whether it’s a crowded theme park or even just the airport.