Systems for cooling a virtual reality (VR) headset, including a viewing module that includes a VR display; and a cooling module that includes: a Peltier element having a cold side and a hot side; a blower mounted on the cold side of the Peltier element and configured to draw air across the cold side of the Peltier element and into a first duct; and a fan mounted on the hot side of the Peltier element and configured to draw air from a second duct, where a portion of the first duct and a portion of the second duct are positioned within the viewing module, and where each of the portions includes multiple openings.