Iceland with Kids: A 5-Day Self-Drive Itinerary

Iceland is an inspiring, thrilling, and stimulating destination for kids—and their parents too. On a trip to the Land of Fire and Ice, you’ll learn about the geological processes shaping our planet, see jaw-dropping wildlife and landscapes, and get to know a friendly and welcoming culture.

In this post, we suggest a five-day itinerary that shows Iceland at its best. As you’re planning a shorter trip, we’ll focus on the area around the capital, Reykjavík, and Iceland’s south coast. We’ll highlight some family-friendly activities and share some tips to make your stay extra-special.

• Get prepared for your trip by reading our guide to driving in Iceland

Why visit Iceland with kids?

Iceland is a thrilling destination for the whole family. Here are four reasons why you should choose the Land of Fire and Ice for a trip with your kids.

• It’s hands down one of the most breathtaking places on Earth. If we’re honest, there are few places whose natural beauty is as awe-inspiring and downright epic as Iceland’s. Here you’ll find towering mountains, bubbling volcanoes, rugged glaciers, atmospheric black-sand beaches, deep fjords, and more to keep you all amazed and entertained.
  
  

• Iceland is an educational place too. With so many cool things to see in Iceland, it’s a great spot to teach your kids about nature and the changing planet. For instance, it’s one of the few places to see volcanoes up close. And, with glaciers retreating across Iceland, it offers an opportunity to show them the concrete impacts of climate change.

What’s more, Iceland is well-equipped with captivating museums that show the different processes you can see across the country—whether that’s volcanoes, glaciers, or something else entirely.

• It offers unforgettable glimpses of magnificent creatures. There’s nothing that brings you closer to your kids than experiencing something unforgettable together. In Iceland, aside from the landscapes, you can see whales, dolphins, seals, puffins, and much more.
  
  

• It’s an easy place to travel. If you’re travelling with kids, you’re less likely to want the hassle of language issues or tricky transport arrangements. In Iceland, with a rental vehicle of your own, getting around as a family is really straightforward. Plus, most people here speak English!

No matter what time of year you visit, Iceland is an ideal destination for you and your kids.

A five-day itinerary for kids (and adults)

So what should you do on a five-day trip to Iceland with your kids? Here’s our suggestion for the perfect family holiday.

Note. This itinerary is for five full days in Iceland. If you have only five days for your entire trip including travel days, we recommend following the same schedule but with less time in Reykjavík.

Day 1. Reykjavík

Spend your first full day in Iceland exploring Reykjavík. There’s lots to do in the city to fill a day. But don’t worry if you don’t get to do everything—you’ll be back in town at the end of your trip.

Have a walk around and explore the likes of Laugavegur, the harbour, and the Sculpture and Shore Walk. Then, visit some of the capital’s museums for family friendly activities:

• Perlan Museum. Perlan sits on the top of a hill above Reykjavík. Visit for the incredible views over Reykjavík and the world-class science exhibitions. You can visit an ice cave, learn about the northern lights, explore Iceland’s volcanic power, and much more.
  
  

• Reykjavik Family Park and Zoo. Originally planned as a space where locals could learn about farm animals, the Reykjavík Zoo has come on leaps and bounds since then. Today, you can see seals, reindeer, Arctic foxes, and more—and play on the fairground rides too.
  
  
• National Museum of Iceland. Reykjavík’s major cultural museum tells the story of Icelandic history from settlement to the present day. It offers a fascinating insight into Iceland’s Viking past.
  
  
• Whales of Iceland. For kids who are crazy about sea life, there’s nothing better than the Whales of Iceland museum. It’s probably the world’s largest whale museum, and it tells you everything you need to know before you head out on a whale-watching tour.

After a busy day exploring the city, visit one of Reykjavík’s family-friendly restaurants. Head to Hamborgarafabrikkan for hamburgers and ice cream, for instance. Or try food halls including Grandi Mathöll, Hlemmur Mathöll, or Pósthús Mathöll, for something for everyone.

Day 2. The Golden Circle

On your second day in Iceland, get out of the city and see some of the country’s natural wonders.

To do this, we recommend hiring a car. You can pick one up at Höldur’s rental outlet in downtown Reykjavík, or it’s possible to hire one from Keflavík International Airport when you arrive.

Once you’ve secured your vehicle, go and drive the Golden Circle. On this route, you’ll be driving for about three to four hours in total throughout the day—but it’s worth every moment. You’ll explore:

• Þingvellir National Park. Of Iceland’s three national parks, Þingvellir is unique for its blend of captivating history and staggering natural beauty. This park is where Iceland’s original parliament was held—although, today, it’s difficult to imagine Vikings meeting here to make political decisions.

Instead, walk through the rift valley that cuts through the park. You’ll be strolling between two tectonic plates—and the continents of Europe and North America.

• Geysir geothermal area. This is one of the places to see Iceland’s geothermal activity at its most impressive. Here, you can witness geysers fire water high into the sky, see mud pots bubble with volcanic gases, and discover the fascinating fumaroles.
  
  

• Gullfoss waterfall. The third major sight in Iceland’s Golden Circle is Gullfoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. You can hear the noise of the water thundering down the canyon as you approach—and it’s an incredible thing to see for yourself.

If you have time, it can be worth stopping off at Laugarvatn Fontana or the Secret Lagoon for a family-friendly spa trip too.

While some people may return to Reykjavík after a tour around the Golden Circle, we recommend that you book accommodation somewhere along the south coast, so that it’s easy to get started exploring tomorrow. For instance, you could stay somewhere such as Selfoss or Hella, and use it as a base for the next two nights.

If you’re staying in Selfoss, the Old Dairy Food Hall (or Mjólkurbúið Mathöll) is a good place for some casual dinner in the evening.

Day 3. The South Coast

Your third day in Iceland is all about the south coast. From your base in Hella, Selfoss, or around, you can spend the full day exploring the area.

Make sure you don’t miss:

• Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. These twin waterfalls are a short distance apart on the south coast. Skógafoss is an enormous wall of water at the head of a wide river. But Seljalandsfoss holds a secret: you can walk behind the curtain of water into the cave behind.
  
  

• Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey. Reynisfjara is Iceland’s most famous black-sand beach, thanks to its evocative rock formations and basalt cliffs. It’s an unmissable destination in Iceland, but be aware. While it’s beautiful, the sea here can be dangerous—so don’t get too close.

Don’t forget to visit the clifftop known as Dyrhólaey, just to the west of Reynisfjara. It makes for an exhilarating hike, and the views are stunning.

• Vík. If you’re looking for a place for lunch, you can do much worse than the village of Vík. As a travel hub, it has many restaurants and shops. Plus, you can stop off in the Lava Show, where you can see real lava up close.

In the evening, head back to your base, wherever you stayed last night.

Find out more in our guide to the south coast of Iceland.

 

Day 4. Return to Reykjavík

On your fourth day in Iceland, you have some options. But whatever you do, we recommend that you return to Reykjavík in the evening so that you can enjoy your final day in town tomorrow.

One option is to visit the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. This is one of the very top sights in Iceland, thanks to its astonishing scenes of floating icebergs. However, from Hella, it’s a four-hour drive east and you’ll need to return to Reykjavík afterwards. It’s worth it—but it’s definitely a long way. If you’re keen to get there, consider booking accommodation further east on the south coast.

Alternatively, stop off at some of the sights on the way back to Reykjavík. These include:

• Eyrarbakki. It’s a small village with a beautiful beach that’s ideal for a stroll. You can also visit Husið, a house with a museum that tells the story of life in this once bustling trading centre.
  
  

• Stokkseyri. See traditional Icelandic turf-roofed buildings, visit a local wildlife museum, or explore the local beach.
  
  

• Reykjanes peninsula. One of the most volcanically active places in the world, Reykjanes is the location of some of Iceland’s recent eruptions. You can visit some volcanic sites safely, including the lava fields of Fagradalsfjall. However, if you hope to see live volcanoes, make sure you do your research beforehand, for instance at Visit Reykjanes.
  
  

• The Blue Lagoon. The most famous of Iceland’s spas, the Blue Lagoon is a therapeutic geothermal pool that’s well worth a stop. It welcomes well-behaved kids above the age of two.

Tonight, we recommend staying in Reykjavík once more. But it’s your choice whether you dine there or somewhere close to where you’re exploring. For instance, you can eat in the Blue Lagoon.

Day 5. A final day in Reykjavík

Spend your last full day in Reykjavík. It’s a good opportunity to visit any of the sights you missed on your first day. Or you can try something different. Other top sights in Reykjavík include:

• Harpa. While all kids may not be interested in the concert hall’s unique architecture, they may like to join a show or performance. The cultural centre has a wide range of family-friendly events to enjoy.
  
  

• FlyOver Iceland. This immersive experience takes you on a thrilling ride across Iceland. It’s an exhilarating way to see some of the glaciers and volcanoes you might have missed on your trip.
  
  

• Grótta Island lighthouse. Take a walk to the furthest point of Reykjavík’s peninsula, for fantastic sea views.
  
  

• Reykjavík’s many swimming pools. There are many open-air swimming pools around Reykjavík that are heated by Iceland’s geothermal power. They’re a great way to spend an afternoon with the kids!

Tonight’s your last night in Iceland. Why not spend it by trying an authentic Icelandic hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur?

Tips for visiting Iceland as a family

By now, you should see for yourself that Iceland is a great place to travel with the whole family. But what should you know to get the most out of your trip?

Here are three pieces of advice to ensure that you have a comfortable, safe, and hassle-free trip:

• Choose the right rental vehicle with space for all the family. If you’ll be exploring Iceland’s natural sights by car, it’s important to have a vehicle that’s comfortable for everyone. That means you’ll need enough space for the kids and everything you’re bringing with you. Find the right car for you by exploring our vehicle fleet.
  
  

• Prepare for Iceland’s changeable weather. In Iceland, it’s common to experience every season in a day—no matter when you’re visiting. So, come prepared for rain, sunshine, wind, and everything in between. Waterproofs and sturdy shoes are a must even in summer.
  
  

• Choose a good base where to stay. Some people come to Iceland and change accommodation every night. That can sometimes be a good option, but it can also be a little tiring if you’re with your family. Instead, choose a base from which you can easily reach local sights.
  
  

• Bring some car entertainment for the kids. On long drives, it can be useful to have something for the kids to do. An audiobook or iPad can be a good option.

FAQs

Is Iceland suitable for kids?

Iceland is a great place for a family trip with kids. While you may see regular headlines about volcanic eruptions, these don’t pose any risk to visitors. Instead, they’re an inspiring educational sight.

There’s a lot more to do and see in Iceland, including geothermal swimming pools, natural wonders, and some of the world’s best science museums.

What is the best time to visit Iceland with kids?

All times of the year can be a good moment to visit Iceland with your kids. Summer tends to be the most popular option, as it’s when the weather is best and when the days are long. But spring and autumn can be just as beautiful, and they’re often more affordable.

Winter offers the mesmerising northern lights, as well as the promise of snow-covered landscapes—and, over the festive period, lots of Christmas spirit.

What should you pack for a family trip to Iceland?

On any trip to Iceland, you should be prepared to encounter all kinds of weather. So, even if you’re coming in summer, waterproof jackets, warm layers, and sturdy shoes are a must.

The rest depends on what you plan to get up to. But we recommend you bring a camera, as well as something—such as a pack of cards—to keep you all entertained on days when it might be raining.

Are there child-friendly activities in Iceland?

There are many child-friendly activities in Iceland, including:

• Visiting the largest man-made ice tunnel in the world
• Witnessing the power and heat of lava in a safe environment at the Lava Show
• Riding Icelandic horses
• Exploring some of the most inspiring science museums in the world
• Taking a sea-life tour to see whales, seals, and dolphins.

How easy is it to drive in Iceland?

Iceland may have a reputation for challenging weather conditions. But, in reality, most main roads are well-maintained in all seasons. So, if you’re sticking to the Ring Road, you shouldn’t have any problems.

However, you should be aware that many of Iceland’s roads are single track, and driving rules are slightly different than they are in other countries. You can find out more in our guide to driving in Iceland.

Do I need a car in Iceland?

You don’t need a car in Iceland. But if you’re looking to travel around the country on your own schedule, it can be a good idea. Plus, if you’re travelling as a family, hiring a car can be more affordable than joining tours.

Explore Iceland with Höldur

Now you have your family itinerary sorted, it’s time to start booking your trip. Why not get started by securing your rental vehicle?

At Höldur, we’re the largest rental operator in Iceland, with over 7,000 vehicles in active rotation at our outlets across the country—including at Keflavík International Airport and in downtown Reykjavík.

Explore our fleet to find the right vehicle for you.