Planning the Perfect Family Trip to Iceland

Iceland isn’t just a place for adults, solo travelers, or couples. It can also be the perfect place for the entire family. With the proper planning, a family trip to Iceland can be a great bonding experience and give your kids the trip of a lifetime that will hold precious memories for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know about planning your Iceland family vacation.

Why Iceland Is a Great Destination for Families

If you’re considering Iceland with kids, you won’t regret your choice. Iceland is a safe, family-friendly destination that offers something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re considering an Iceland campervan rental for families during the summer or prefer to plan your family trip in the winter, Iceland is a great destination for families, especially those just venturing overseas for the first time.

One of the Safest Countries in the World

Iceland has earned the reputation of being one of the safest countries in the world. When families choose a destination, they typically want a place where they can feel safe and don’t have to worry about their children. Iceland fits this description perfectly.

Plenty of Natural Sites and Wildlife

While some children enjoy museums and indoor activities, many kids prefer to spend time outdoors. Iceland is a great place for visiting the natural sites and finding unique wildlife that they may not otherwise see at home. The natural sites, such as waterfalls, are generally open 24/7 and provide wide open spaces where kids can be kids. Just watch them carefully around cliffs and steep edges.

If your kids are interested in animals, there may not be many species, but some of them are uncommon in other parts of the world. Some of the animals you may see in the wild include the arctic fox, reindeer, and puffins. Sheep and Icelandic horses are also frequently seen around the country, but remember that these animals are not wild.

An Educational, Inspiring Trip

While keeping your children occupied and preventing boredom is a top priority for any family trip, a location that provides an educational experience is a bonus. Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice, offers many educational experiences, such as museums, volcanoes, and other excursions that can teach your children something while keeping them entertained and excited.

Easy to Explore

Whether you decide to drive around the entire Ring Road or just focus on a few regions, you’ll find Iceland easy to explore. The main road around the island leads to many of the most popular destinations. Those that are away from the main road are easy to locate. No matter where you choose to go, it’s difficult to get lost in Iceland.

When to Plan Your Family Vacation in Iceland

The next question many people have is when is the best time to visit Iceland with family. The answer to this question varies depending on what you expect to do during your stay. As you consider your options for your Iceland family travel, here’s a breakdown of what to expect during various times of the year.

Summer

Summer is the most popular time to visit Iceland for families and others. It’s an ideal time for families because children are out of school, but that’s not the only reason. Icelandic summers have long daylight hours and generally better weather than other times of the year, although it's still colder than many other parts of the world and may still have storms.

Summer is also a great time to travel the country in a campervan, giving you the ultimate flexibility. Being flexible is especially important for families. However, keep in mind that costs can be higher during the summer due to its popularity, so book early.

Winter

Winter can also be a good time to visit with family, but make sure you plan for the weather. The weather in Iceland can change rapidly, and winter storms can cause delays in your travels. However, winter offers certain activities that aren’t available at other times of the year. Some of these activities are only offered for older children, like snowmobiling, glacier hikes, and ice cave tours.

Daylight hours are significantly shorter in the winter, but you have a good chance of seeing the northern lights. Seeing these lights at a young age can be awe-inspiring and promote a love of nature.

Shoulder Seasons: Spring and Autumn

If you’re looking to travel with your family on a budget, the shoulder seasons can be a great alternative. During these months, you can get a bit of both worlds. You may get to experience snow and northern lights, while still having a better chance of good weather. With fewer visitors, you will find lower prices and less crowding at the popular sites.

During these transitional months, some roads and trails may be closed due to snow or muddy conditions. Some campgrounds may still be closed if you plan to rent a campervan, so do your research before you go.

How Much Does a Family Trip to Iceland Cost?

Iceland family travel can be more expensive than other destinations, but the cost can be well worth it. As you plan your itinerary, you’ll have to keep your budget in mind. However, the good news is that you can find ways to save money and still enjoy the trip of a lifetime with your family.

There are many factors that go into the cost of a family trip to Iceland, including the number of people in your family, the time of year you visit, where you are traveling from, and your preferences. The following is a general outline that can help you get an idea of how much you can expect to spend.

• Flights: The cost of your flights will depend on the airline, time of year, number of tickets, and origin.
• Car Rental: Car rental prices also vary dramatically. For instance, if you rent a small vehicle, you will spend less than on a larger 4x4, but in some cases, the 4x4 may be necessary. Campervans can fall in the middle, but your accommodation costs will be lower.
• Fuel: Fuel costs in Iceland don’t fluctuate much, but are likely higher than in your home country. Current fuel costs range from 280-318 ISK per liter ($2.26-$2.56 USD or 1.96-2.22 EUR). You can view the latest prices on the GMS Bensin website.
• Accommodations: If you’re renting a campervan, the fee for campsites will be considerably less than for other accommodations. You will pay per person, but children are generally free. For hotels and guesthouses, you will be better off booking family rooms or apartments to ensure enough space, but this will increase your costs.
• Food & Dining: Another point that can vastly change your budget is food and dining costs. The most cost-effective way to save money on food is to go grocery shopping and prepare meals yourself. Restaurants can be expensive. A family of four can expect to spend $150-300 or 129-259 EUR per day in restaurants. There are cheaper options like premade sandwiches or Icelandic hot dogs.
• Activities/Tours: Natural sites are generally free, but you can expect to pay about 1000 ISK ($8 or 7 EUR) per stop. However, if you want to book a tour or an activity, you will need to pay a fee. Many families can expect to spend between $300 and $800 (259-690 EUR) on these activities for the entire trip.

Any souvenirs or other extras you choose to add will increase your budget accordingly. Booking early or traveling during the off-season can help you reduce your overall costs. For a family of four, however, you can expect to spend anywhere from $5,000-10,000 (4,300-8,600 EUR) for a moderate trip. You can increase or decrease these costs based on the choices you make.

Best Accommodation Options for Families

Finding the right accommodation for your family trip to Iceland is vital for your family’s comfort and the convenience of being close to where you want to go. There are some types of accommodations that are more family-friendly than others.

Apartments

An apartment can be an excellent option for families due to having all the comforts of home. You’ll have plenty of space for everyone to sleep, a place to prepare meals, and a private bathroom. These apartments are typically only found in the city and possibly larger towns like Akureyri. Be sure to check the amenities to make sure they align with what your family needs.

Family-Friendly Hotels

Iceland has many hotels, but not all of them are family-friendly. Some only have rooms for two, maybe three, people, requiring families to book at least two rooms and split up. However, you can find family-friendly hotels that have family rooms to accommodate your entire family. You can expect all the same amenities you would find in other hotels.

Guesthouses and Farm Stays

Once you get outside Reykjavík or the larger towns, you may find family-friendly hotels and apartments more difficult to find. When staying in rural locations, guesthouses and farm stays are your best choice for families. Like apartments, you’ll have more room to sleep and spread out, along with the ability to prepare your own meals. Some of these accommodations may also offer meals as part of your stay.

Family-Friendly Itineraries in Iceland

The best Iceland family itinerary will depend on numerous factors like the ages of your children, your interests, and how long you have to stay. Here are some examples of itineraries to get you started on planning your family trip to Iceland. These can be adjusted depending on your preferences.

6-Day Family Trip

A six-day or one-week trip may not seem like much time, but you can pack plenty into your vacation if you plan carefully. Here's a basic six-day itinerary:

• Day 1: Spend the time exploring Reykjavík after arrival, especially if you are arriving on an overnight flight. Taking it slow the first day will help you adjust to the time change and avoid meltdowns.
• Day 2: Drive the Golden Circle route, stopping at sites like Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss, and Þingvellir. You can add other stops along the way as time allows.
• Day 3: Continue along the South Coast, stopping at Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Reynisfjara black sand beach. Add other stops that draw your attention as you drive.
• Day 4: Drive further east along the South Coast. Many visitors drive as far as Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
• Day 5: Work your way back toward Reykjavík along the South Coast, stopping at sites you may have missed or not had time for on the way east.
• Day 6: Unwind in Reykjavík and prepare for your return home. This is a good day to visit a swimming pool or lagoon.

10-Day Family Vacation

If you have a bit more time to spend in Iceland, you can expand on the above itinerary to enjoy more parts of the country or make more stops along the way. Here’s an example of a slightly longer trip itinerary:

• Day 1-2: Start your family adventure in Reykjavík, visiting museums, shopping, and enjoying the sights around the city. Reykjavík is a fairly small city, making it easy to get around, even if you don’t have a rental car.
• Day 3-4: Drive up to the Snæfellsnes peninsula. This part of the country is sometimes referred to as “mini Iceland” because it offers a little of everything. Spending time in the western part of Iceland is a good way to start your trip.
• Day 5-6: Drive along the South Coast, stopping at the major sites, along with anything else that may pique your family’s interests.
• Day 7-8: Consider traveling further toward the east, away from the crowds, or spend a bit longer in areas of the south that your family is enjoying.
• Day 9: Drive back toward Reykjavík to spend your last night in the city or near the airport.
• Day 10: Finish souvenir shopping, relax in one of the pools or lagoons, and prepare for your departure.

A 14-Day Epic Adventure

Two weeks gives you plenty of time to see the sights around Iceland at a slower pace without making your kids restless or spending significant time in the car every day. Here are tips to consider for a longer trip.

• Explore the entire Ring Road, spending the night in a different place every night or staying no more than 2 nights in one place.
• Add some off-the-beaten-path stops to get away from the crowds and enjoy some of the more unique features of the country.
• A longer itinerary gives you time to take a rest day and recharge without all the sightseeing.
• Spend some time in the east. This area of the country is often overlooked and treated as a quick drive from south to north or north to south.
• Be sure to leave an extra day or two in case the weather slows you down. Spend the last night in Reykjavík or near the airport to avoid missing your flight.
• Don’t overplan. Packing your itinerary is more likely to lead to disappointment.

Best Things to Do in Iceland with Kids

You’ll find many options for Iceland family-friendly activities to ensure everyone in your family can find something they enjoy. Consider what your children prefer and find activities that align with their interests. Below are some of the best things to do in Iceland with your kids.

• Visit local swimming pools or geothermal lagoons. Be mindful of the age requirements for some of the lagoons.
• Horseback riding is a fun activity for animal lovers. Some stables offer supervised rides for smaller children.
• Glacier hikes or a boat tour on the glacier lagoon can be fun and educational for older children. Age requirements apply to this activity.
• Museums can be found throughout the country, offering valuable educational information and entertainment.
• Animal encounters are often interesting for children. Iceland offers options like whale-watching tours and puffin tours.
• Guided Iceland family tours can be an option, even if you’re self-driving. Explore lava tunnels, volcanoes, and ice caves. Note any age restrictions on these tours.
• Snowmobiling and ATV tours may be an option if you’re traveling with older children.

Tips for Traveling to Iceland with Kids

Whether you’re visiting Iceland with toddlers or older children, careful planning is the key to a successful family trip to Iceland. The following tips will help you plan your trip and ensure everyone has a great time on their Iceland adventure.

• Pack layers, including warm base layers and waterproof outer layers, for everyone, no matter the time of year.
• Consider sleep masks for sleeping in the bright summer nights. Not all accommodations have blackout curtains.
• Ask your car rental company about child safety seats to understand Iceland’s laws.
• Plan for frequent stops and breaks to use the restroom, eat a snack, or just burn some energy. There are jumping pillows and playgrounds located throughout the country.
• Be respectful of nature, keeping your children on the trails. This is also important for their safety.
• Check for age or height restrictions on tours and other activities to avoid disappointment.
• Use toilets whenever they are available to prevent accidents or emergencies.
• Monitor weather and road conditions on official apps before leaving each morning and throughout the day.
• Consider grocery shopping and preparing your own meals at least some of the time to keep food costs low. Icelandic hot dogs and premade sandwiches are good, low-cost options.
• Always bring snacks and entertainment to keep your kids satisfied and occupied during longer drives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Iceland a good destination for families?

Yes, Iceland is a fantastic destination for families. Many children love spending time outdoors, and Iceland is filled with natural sights. You’ll find plenty of family-friendly activities and other experiences that will enrich your children’s lives.

Are there family-friendly restaurants in Iceland?

Many of the restaurants in Iceland have typical children’s menus, offering the types of foods kids are more likely to eat. These menus also often include local favorites. Check online menus before choosing a restaurant to ensure there’s something your children will eat.

Do we need a car to travel around Iceland with kids?

While tours are always an option, renting a car or campervan is often the best choice when traveling with kids. By driving yourself, you gain the flexibility to set your own itinerary and make changes as needed based on your children’s needs. Renting a car is also more cost-effective for families.

Are there playgrounds or kids’ areas in Iceland?

Yes, there are playgrounds and other areas designed for kids in most towns around the Ring Road. You can also find picnic areas in some places, giving you plenty of places to stop and break up the drive.

Are there hospitals and pharmacies available if my child gets sick?

Iceland has a well-developed medical system, but be mindful of the short hours for pharmacies and the scarcity of hospitals in more remote areas. Most small towns at least have a health center. Ask your accommodations for assistance if needed or dial 112 in an emergency. 

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Ultimate Family Trip to Iceland

When considering a family trip to Iceland, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the possibilities. Every family is different, but with the right planning, Iceland can be the perfect family destination for a fun and educational trip. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing experience or something that will inspire a love of travel in your children, renting a campervan in Iceland can be the perfect way to maintain flexibility and see more of the country.