Planning a family trip to Iceland? The land of fire and ice is an absolute dream destination for any and every age. Whether want to summit a volcano or lounge in a thermal pool, you are going to love what you find here.
Ready to choose your adventure? It’s time to choose those bucket-list experiences that transform your family vacation into the trip of a lifetime.
Here’s Everything You MUST Do on a Family Trip to Iceland.
Go Whale Watching
There is no better place in the world to see these impressive animals in the wild.
Where can you go whale watching in Iceland?
On Skjálfandi Bay, you will find the city of Húsavík. Known as the capital of whale watching in Europe, this is the ultimate destination for whale watching in Iceland.
When is the best time to go whale watching in Iceland?
Whale watching season in Iceland runs from April to October. You’ll find tours operating in Húsavík from late March to late November. The warmer months of June, July, and August are absolute prime time.
Once you are back on land, be sure to check out Whales of Iceland in Reykjavik. This impressive place is the largest Whale exhibition in Europe.
See the Northern Lights
People travel from all over the world to see that magical green glow in the sky, and it’s oh-so-worth-it!
Where can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
Jökulsárlón is widely considered the best place to see the Northern Lights. If you get lucky though, you might be able to see them from just outside of Reykjavik.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
You can see the Northern Lights from late August to May. If you can plan your family trip to Iceland from October to April, you’ll have the best odds.
Planning Tip: Dying to see this incredible phenomenon? Be sure to check out our Best Destinations to See the Northern Lights with Kids guide.
Swim in the Blue Lagoon
If you have only seen one pic of Iceland, chances are pretty good that it was a shot of this famous swimming hole.
Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon?
While the Blue Lagoon used to be the gold standard, there is some debate now. So, which is better: the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon?
In terms of convenience, you can’t beat Sky Lagoon. This beautiful spot is literally five minutes from central Reykjavik. The Blue Lagoon, on the other hand, will take you about 45 minutes to reach the lagoon from the capital city. In terms of the price, you will be looking at least $50 for entry to either (and upwards depending on your package).
Explore the Golden Circle
If you’re comfortable driving in snow and ice, rent a car and hit the road for the Golden Circle. Prefer to just sit back and soak in the scenery? You will find a wide range of tour options that will show you around to all of the best spots.
What is Golden Circle Tour Iceland?
In the heart of the southern region, a Golden Circle Tour winds through Iceland’s most iconic sites. From historical sites to natural wonders, you can take it all in during a single day. While there are plenty of detours to take along the way, any good itinerary will have the same core stops: Haukadalur Geothermal Area, Gullfoss, Thingvellir National Park, and Barnafoss.
How long does it take to do the Golden Circle in Iceland?
You could complete the entire Golden Circle in just three hours — but you shouldn’t! While the routine spans 230 kilometers (140 miles) of relatively easy-to-navigate roadway, there is no sense in rushing it. After all, it’s not about your destination on this journey. Plan plenty of time to stop for roadside photos and to explore every inch of it.
Where to Stay on a Family Trip to Iceland
If you have time, I would highly recommend checking out the countless little family-owned bed and breakfasts dotting the landscape of rural Iceland. This is such a hospitable country with so many off-the-beaten-path places to see.
Traveling with little ones and looking for an easy and reliable accommodation pick? The best family-friendly hotel in Reykjavík is the Grand Hótel Reykjavík. This kid-friendly spot is in the center of all it and offers all of the amenities of a home away from home.
Money-Saving Tip: This gorgeous country is anything but a budget destination! To plan your trip without breaking the bank, check out our travel deals to save up to 90% on hotels and resorts.
