Thinking about a Rough Guides trip to Iceland with kids? Good call. From the glow of the Midnight Sun to the glow of the Northern Lights, this island packs in more natural drama than most kids' movies. You’ll find steaming geysers, black-sand beaches that sparkle like diamonds, and waterfalls you can walk behind. Add in puffin sightings, glacier hikes, and whale-watching trips, and you’ve got a family adventure they’ll be talking about for years. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Iceland with kids, plus a sample itinerary to get you started.
The best time to visit Iceland with kids depends on their ages and what kind of adventure you're after.
For an easy Iceland trip with young kids, June to August is ideal. Expect mild temperatures (50°F-60°F / 10°C-15°C), long daylight hours, and safe roads — perfect for a Ring Road or Golden Circle road trip. Summer activities include whale watching, puffin spotting, horseback riding, easy waterfall hikes, and soaking in geothermal pools.
If your kids are older and up for adventure, November to March is magical. Think Northern Lights, ice caves, glacier hikes, and snowmobiling. Just be prepared for icy roads and only 4-6 hours of daylight.
Prefer fewer crowds? Spring and fall (April-May, September-October) offer a mix of both seasons, plus great wildlife watching.
Northern Lights, Iceland © Shutterstock
While Iceland is an eminently safe and family-friendly country, a few factors — such as its harsh winter weather, unpredictable landscapes, and the remoteness of some locations — mean you should take a few extra precautions when thinking about how to plan a trip to Iceland with little ones.
First up, a note on the weather and what to wear. Even in the spring, summer and fall months, the weather can be on the unpredictable side, and can change fast.
So, be sure to bring waterproof jackets and pants, hats and sturdy boots whenever you visit.
In the winter months, you’ll also need thermal base layers. In summer, you should bring plenty of sunscreen.
When exploring Iceland’s epic outdoors, it’s essential to follow some safety rules, especially when you have kids in tow.
Note that some hot springs and geysers, such as Strokkur, have boiling water, so you need to keep your kids at a safe distance.
When exploring waterfalls and cliff paths, be aware that the likes of Gullfoss and Reynisfjara are often slippery — make sure you hold hands, and stay on marked paths.
The same goes for ice and snow-shrouded winter landscapes, when crampons should be used if you go hiking with your older kids.
Finally, note that lots of Iceland’s beautiful black sand beaches have sneaker waves — never turn your back on the water.
It’s best to rent a 4WD vehicle if you’re planning to travel to more rural areas, and always, always use (legally required) child car seats.
Always check road conditions (www.road.is) before driving, especially in winter, and keep an eye on weather changes. Fog, winds, and snowstorms can appear out of the blue.
We suggest downloading offline maps in advance of any road trips, and it goes without saying that you’ll want to pack plenty of snacks and drinks for longer drives, when villages and towns might be few and far between.
While Iceland has an excellent healthcare system, note that clinics can be far apart, and you should bring medicines with you, and on any road trips.
Skaftafell, Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland © Jens Ottoson/Shutterstock
On balance, getting around Iceland with kids (or otherwise) is best done with a rental car. That way, you and your family have the ultimate flexibility to follow your Iceland itinerary at your own pace. Also, because public transport is limited outside Reykjavik.
Here’s a run-down of your options.
As mentioned above, renting a car is the easiest and most flexible way to explore Iceland, especially if you’re keen to visit lots of waterfalls, glaciers and remote sights to your own schedule.
While standard cars are perfectly fine for summer travel along the Ring Road (Route 1) and Golden Circle, you’ll want a 4WD if you’re traveling in winter (October–April), or exploring the Highlands.
Also note that child car seats are legally required for kids under 135cm, and are readily available from rental companies.
Alternatively, you could base your family vacation in Iceland around booking guided bus tours.
For example, Golden Circle and South Coast bus tours are family-friendly and include stops at Geysir, and stacks of waterfalls and glaciers.
Private tours cost more, but can be a good idea if your kids are younger and you need more flexibility than going on a guided group bus tour.
While Iceland does have public buses (strætó), these are impractical for sightseeing — routes mainly serve locals in cities and towns.
Based in Reykjavík? The capital is walkable, but note that strollers can be tricky to manoeuvre on winter’s icy pavements.
You can also get around Reykjavík by public bus, but you need the exact fare, or a prepaid card.
Other towns, such as Akureyri, have very limited public transport, which means walking (or renting a car) are your best options.
Akureyri, Iceland in winter © Shutterstock
To help you and your loved ones make the most of your trip, here we share our top ten tips for traveling to Iceland with kids.
No need for alarm — Iceland is safe! — but accidents can happen, and it’s always best to be prepared, especially given Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, remote attractions and changeable weather.
So, ahead of your trip, be sure to get travel insurance that covers all of you, and covers outdoors activities.
You should also keep a first aid kit in your car and backpack, and save emergency numbers. Call 112 for assistance.
Good news — lots of Iceland accommodation is of the child-friendly variety. By which we mean, many places have spacious family rooms and kitchenettes.
Cabins and farm-stays are also a big hit with kids, not least if you get to stay close to animals.
When it comes to eating and drinking in Iceland, note that restaurants in Iceland are expensive, and kids’ menus aren’t always available, even in some of the best Reykjavik restaurants.
As a result, if your kids are picky eaters, you’ll want to bring their must-eat stuff from home, and stock up on groceries in supermarkets.
No-one wants to be stuck without snacks on a road trip to remote regions!
Kind-of related to the last point, distances between sights can be pretty long. So, to avoid car fatigue, plan breaks at rest stops, geothermal pools or small towns.
That way you and your kids can take toilet breaks, stretch legs, release any pent-up energy, and stock up on … snacks!
Staying on the theme of toilet breaks, it’s worth being aware that toilets are scarce outside major towns. Some gas stations charge €1-€2 per use, while remote nature spots have no facilities.
So, you should keep wet wipes, hand sanitizer and toilet paper in the car.
Sunrise in Iceland © Shutterstock
We mentioned this above in relation to health and safety, but it’s worth highlighting again. As Iceland’s weather is prone to changing fast, you and your kids will need waterproof jackets, layers, hats, gloves and sturdy shoes whenever you visit.
Oh, and it’s best to avoid dressing in denim on rainier days — jeans will take an eternity to dry.
Ahead of your trip, and throughout it, be sure to teach your kids the importance of staying on paths – especially near waterfalls, geysers, and cliffs — and make a fun thing of holding hands.
To avoid disappointment, be sure to check the experiences and attractions you have in mind are suitable for kids.
For example, 5+ is recommended for whale watching, and some glacier hikes and ice caves require kids to be 8+.
Icelanders are big fans of their natural hot springs, and kids are very welcome at most of the pools that are set up for tourists, including the top 10 hot pools in Iceland.
While the Blue Lagoon is accessible and family-friendly, it’s pretty pricey, with local pools in Reykjavík and Akureyri cheaper, and also kid-friendly.
Read up on the dos and don’ts of Icelandic spas, bring your own swimsuits and towels, and enjoy!
As daylight hours in Iceland vary hugely by season, you’ll want to plan accordingly.
For example, if you’re visiting in summer, when there’s pretty-much 24 hours of daylight, your kids (and you) will benefit from blackout curtains.
Conversely, winter months see around 4-6 hours of daylight, which means you’ll need to plan an itinerary around enjoying outdoor activities and sightseeing in the middle of the day.
Siglufjorour. Northern Iceland, in summer © Jordan Lye/Shutterstock
Covering many of the best things to do in Iceland — and the best places to visit in Iceland, for that matter — read on for a run-down of the best things to do in Iceland with kids.
We cover all bases, with suggestions for year-round activities, seasonal activities, and indoor attractions when the weather (or light) isn’t at its best.
An Iceland icon, the Blue Lagoon is fabulous fun for kids aged 2+, with free entry for kids under 14.
Other options include the Sky Lagoon (this has a cool cold-plunge challenge) and the water-slide-loaded Laugardalslaug in Reykjavík.
Meanwhile, the Secret Lagoon (Golden Circle) tends to be less crowded and has a more natural vibe.
Many Icelandic pools require showering without swimsuits before entering, so it’s best to prepare kids in advance!
With short drive times between stops, the Golden Circle route is absolutely perfect for families.
Along the way, kids can walk between tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park, see the powerful Strokkur geyser erupt at 5-10-minute intervals in the Geysir geothermal area, and be wowed by the wild wonder of Gullfoss Waterfall.
Small and gentle, with stacks of cute appeal, many farms enable kids to get up close to adorable Icelandic horses, and offer short rides.
For example, Eldhestar, near Reykjavík, and Skálakot on the South Coast run family-friendly riding tours.
Ideal for cold or rainy days, the Perlan Museum is one of Reykjavík’s top indoor attractions, and certainly the best for kids.
Boasting a real indoor ice cave, Northern Lights planetarium show, and stacks of hand-on nature exhibits, it means you and your kids can appreciate the full glory of Iceland no matter what time of year you visit.
Another recommended year-round indoor attraction for kids is Hvolsvöllur’s Lava Centre.
Loaded with interactive exhibits. It shares everything you need to know about Iceland’s volcanoes and earthquakes in exhilaratingly explosive style.
Gullfoss waterfall, Iceland © Shutterstock
One activity that can’t be enjoyed around the year is getting to see the glory of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
Visible in Iceland from late September to early April, the best way to see the Northern lights with kids is to book to stay in a rural hotel or cabin that’s geared up to view them. This means the waiting time will be easier to handle than if you join a guided tour.
Alternatively, older kids, in particular, will love joining a jeep tour to see them.
Anther seasonal experience is getting to explore the magical ice caves that only form in winter.
While taking a trip to the Crystal Ice Cave (Vatnajökull Glacier) in eastern Iceland is the most popular tour, note that Katla Ice Cave is easier to reach.
Also note that ice cave trips require a guide, and kids must be at least 8 years old.
The sight of colonies of cute puffins nesting is something to behold, and a must-do, child-pleasing experience if you visit Iceland between May and August.
The best places to see them include Vestmannaeyjar on the Westman Islands, which boasts one of Iceland’s largest puffin colonies, and Borgarfjörður Eystri in East Iceland. The observation platform makes the latter especially practical.
Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see whales, with family-friendly, 2-3-hour whale-watching boat tours departing from Faxaflói Bay in Reykjavík.
Meanwhile, Húsavík in the north is known as Iceland’s whale watching capital for very good reasons.
While you’ll most likely see more cetaceans during trips from here, note that tours tend to be longer — something to consider if you have younger kids.
The best time to see whales in Iceland is from April until September when several species are frequently spotted.
That said, though fewer whale watching tours run in winter, those that do bring the bonus thrill of seeing snow-capped mountains, and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.
Whenever you go on a whale watching boat trip, be sure to wear warm clothes — even in summer, the boat can be pretty cold!
Iceland is home to tonnes of active and dormant volcanoes., which means adventurous older kids might just love the thrill of hiking to one (or more) of them.
Among the most child-friendly volcanic hikes, we especially recommend heading to Kerið Crater. Part of the Golden Circle, a short walk reveals a secret crater lake.
Whale in Hhusavik, iceland © Shutterstock
While you’ll need to fine tune an Iceland itinerary that aligns with the ages of your children, personal tastes and Iceland must-sees — and all that in accordance with when you visit — the following 7-day itinerary is a useful starting point.
Designed for visiting Iceland in spring (April-May) or fall (September-October), it serves a rewarding balance of wildlife experiences, waterfalls, volcanoes, geothermal pools — and chances to see the Northern Lights — while keeping drives manageable for kids.
If you’re traveling with older kids who will be fine with a longer trip on the road, take a look at our guide to how to drive the Iceland Ring Road.
After landing at Keflavík Airport, grab your rental car and stock up on snacks. Spend the afternoon at Whales of Iceland and Perlan Museum, or explore Harpa Concert Hall and the old harbor. In the evening, unwind in a geothermal pool or chase the Northern Lights — then head back to one of the best places to stay in Reykjavík for the night.
In the morning, drive 45 minutes to Thingvellir National Park to walk between tectonic plates and visit Öxarárfoss waterfall. Continue to Geysir to watch Strokkur erupt, then spend the afternoon at Gullfoss. End the day in Flúðir or Hella, with an optional soak in the Secret Lagoon.
Strokkur geyser, Iceland © Shutterstock
Start the day at Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall — waterproofs recommended! Don’t miss nearby Gljúfrabúi. Next, visit Skógafoss, climbing 500+ steps for epic views, then explore Skógar Folk Museum. Spend the afternoon at Reynisfjara beach and Dyrhólaey cliffs for puffin spotting. Stay overnight in Vik.
On day four, drive two hours to Skaftafell for a kid-friendly hike to Svartifoss. Older kids (8+) can try glacier hiking. Then, visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for iceberg views and an optional boat tour, followed by a walk on Diamond Beach. Stay overnight in Höfn.
Drive 2.5 hours from Höfn to the East Fjords, stopping in Djúpivogur for a break. In spring, spot puffins at Borgarfjörður Eystri or seals in Vopnafjörður. The Langanes Peninsula also offers great wildlife watching. End the day in Egilsstaðir for an overnight stay.
Northern Lights over Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon © Shutterstock
On day five, drive two hours to Húsavík for a whale-watching tour, then explore the Mývatn geothermal area. Visit Hverir’s bubbling mud pots and steam vents before unwinding in Mývatn Nature Baths — an excellent Blue Lagoon alternative. Stay overnight in Mývatn or Akureyri.
Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, is a charming stop — don’t miss Brynja’s famous Icelandic ice cream. Visit the Botanical Gardens before driving five hours back to Reykjavík. Set off early and break up the journey at Hvítserkur, a striking rock formation that looks like a sea dragon.
Lake Myvatn, Iceland © Shutterstock
Fancy booking your family a thrilling Iceland vacation? Before taking the plunge, get yourself The Rough Guide to Iceland to help with every stage of the planning process.
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 18.03.2025
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Iceland
