Iceland With Kids | 6-Day Self-Drive Road Trip Itinerary
Discover An Epic Family Road Trip In Iceland
Iceland is known as ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’, with 32 active volcanoes and over 260 glaciers, so it’s easy to see why!
Throw in some spouting geysers, beautiful waterfalls, hot springs, and the Northern Lights, and you will have all the ingredients for a family adventure in Iceland with your kids.
Whether you have five days, two weeks or just a few hours while you wait for your next flight, Iceland has something for you. Even flying in, you can witness lava fields, an eruption or the Northern Lights!
We spent six days on the ultimate family adventure, discovering some of Iceland’s most incredible landscapes. Our road trip took us from Reykavik to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon on the South Coast, and it’s safe to say that the extreme geological and ecological diversity wowed us. We can’t wait to return and are planning a future trip!
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Self-Drive Iceland With Kids
Iceland is a fantastic destination for a family road trip and, despite its small size, has many reasons to visit of stunning natural wonders, accessible activities, and unique cultural experiences.
Active volcanos, lava, hot springs, waterfalls, and glacial formations are a walk-in classroom and a geologist’s dream! The memories your kids make here will last a lifetime and have them talking about it for years.
Our kids especially loved exploring Yoda Cave, Black Sand Beach and Diamond Beach, with many other activities a close second!
6 Days In Iceland Itinerary With Kids
A family road trip is a great way to experience Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes and find plenty of kid-friendly adventures. Rather than complete the entire ring road of the Island (6 days is not long enough), we’ve focussed on some of Iceland’s highlights. It’s better to leave wanting more than to wish you’d taken time to enjoy it!
This 6-day self-drive journey is a blend of natural wonders and family adventures. With manageable driving distances and plenty of stops for families to discover, it’s about quality over quantity.
If you are visiting in winter, we strongly recommend you take ice grippers for your shoes; without them, you may struggle to move or even stay upright when you are on ice.
Here’s our 6-day Iceland road trip itinerary, specially tailored for families with children:
Day 1 in Iceland: Reykjavik – Explore The City
Day 2 in Iceland: Golden Circle – Natural Wonders
Day 3 in Iceland: South Coast – Waterfalls & Black Sand Beaches
Day 4 in Iceland: Vatnajokull National Park – Glaciers & Lagoons
Day 5 in Iceland: Vik – Natural Wonders
Day 6 in Iceland: Reykjavik – Whales and Northern Lights
Day 1 Iceland Road Trip: Arrival in Reykjavik
You’ll arrive at Keflavík International Airport, in the South West of Iceland, right in the middle of an ancient lava field! Once you’ve collected your pre-booked rental car from the airport, head to your first stop, Reykjavik. Make sure to factor in some extra time to collect your vehicle; the collection process is not always quick!
Your drive to Reykjavik should take around 45 minutes, and we advise using an app such as Google Maps to help you navigate. You can plot all your locations in advance, which is especially useful for finding your accommodation in built-up areas like the capital.
After checking in, leave your car at the hotel, grab a bite, and head to the interactive Parlan Museum for a great introduction to Iceland. You’ll learn about Iceland’s natural wonders, visit the replica ice cave, and enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavik from the observation deck.
Next, if you and your kids still have plenty of energy, head to Downtown Reykjavik via Tjörnin Lake. Depending on how much time you have, spend the rest of your day discovering some of Reykjavik’s Iconic landmarks, such as Hallgrímskirkja church, Laugavegur shopping street, Skolavordustigur ‘Rainbow’ Street and The Sun Voyager.
You could even take a Walking City Tour, FlyOver Iceland or experience a live Lava Show to make the most of your first day in Iceland.
By now, you’ll have worked up an appetite, so find a family-friendly restaurant (we can highly recommend trying Icelandic Fish & Chips) and tuck in!
Once you’ve finished souvenir shopping, sightseeing and eating, head to bed before an action-packed day two when your Iceland road trip heats up!
Where To Stay In Reykjavik: Reykjavik Marina – Berjaya Iceland Hotels
➡️Click here to get family tickets to the Parlan Museum
Day 2 Iceland Road Trip: Golden Circle
It is advisable to get an early start, especially if you are visiting Iceland in winter (with limited daylight). Following breakfast, pack up your car and travel from Reykjavik to Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park.
This is where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. In addition to exploring the valley and waterfalls, you can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra Fissure – one of the few places in the world where you can safely swim between two continents.
After a picnic lunch, continue your Golden Circle Road Trip anti-clockwise to the Geysir Geothermal Area. After a short walk from the car park, your kids will be bemused by the eggy smell but in awe of the bubbling geothermal pools and geysers. Join the crowds and watch the Strokkur geyser erupt up to 40 metres high, every five to ten minutes.
You’ll find Gullfoss, Iceland’s most powerful waterfall, just a ten-minute drive along the road. Follow the walkways for the impressive view.
If you’ve made good time on your road trip, the famous Friðheimar Tomato Farm is an educational stop where the Greenhouse restaurant serves tomato-based meals grown on the farm; reservations are required. We gave this a miss, opting instead to relax in the Secret Lagoon hot spring instead.
Where To Stay On The Golden Circle: Guesthouse Fludir
➡️Click here to book tickets for your Secret Lagoon experience
Day 3: South Coast
After a relaxing sleep, we were fully refreshed and ready for day 3 of our road trip. We’d booked into a two-bedroom apartment with its own kitchen and, while the kids talked excitedly about our planned adventures, we made up a packed lunch for the day ahead.
First up was the Kerid Crater rim walk, which was windy, cold and very busy with coach tours. Despite this, it is worth the stop, and if you can get there early, you might find fewer crowds.
Next, just off the Ring Road to the South Coast, was the Urriðafoss waterfall. While it doesn’t have an impressive drop, its fast, broad cascade makes for a good photo opportunity before moving on to the next stop. A further forty-minute drive South along Iceland’s scenic route takes you to the Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls.
In summer, it is usually possible to walk behind Selljalandsfoss, but the path was closed due to ice when we visited in December. A ten-minute walk took us to the entrance to the enclosed Gljúfrabúi Waterfall. We chose not to get too close, as it was freezing and we would have got very wet, but it was impressive!
There are many other less visited waterfalls in the area that you can also hike to. While they may be off the beaten track, they are often well worth exploring.
Our teens were keen to explore the DC-3 Airplane wreck in Eyvindarholt, and despite not laying where the US Navy crashed it, it’s still an interesting stop.
Today’s final waterfall is the impressive 200ft Skógafoss, which can also be viewed from above, giving stunning panoramic views. While you are in the area, take some time to look around the open-air Skógar Museum. It is great for learning about Iceland’s architectural heritage and has guided tours that can be booked in advance.
If time allows, consider taking a family-guided glacier walk at Sólheimajökull Glacier. Our last stop on today’s road trip with kids is Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. This Iceland gem is famous for its unique basalt columns, impressive stacks, and black sand. However, you must be cautious of rogue waves, as people have been caught unaware and swept into the sea.
Where To Stay on the South Coast: Vik Apartments
➡️Click here to book your glacier walk at Sólheimajökull Glacier
Day 4: Vatnajökull National Park & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
With warm, waterproof clothing to hand, head off early along Iceland’s South Coast for a blast of more surreal scenery. Choose between Fjaðrárgljúfur and Mulagljufur Canyon to stop at for a short hike for some fantastic valley views.
Skaftafell Nature Reserve is an excellent area for kids to stretch their legs. We recommend taking a short hike to Svartifoss. As you saw at Reynisfjara Beach, the basalt columns surround this waterfall, setting it apart from others seen on this road trip.
For the perfect lunch stop with a view, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon will not disappoint.
This is a truly unique natural lagoon, full of icebergs discharged from Europe’s largest glacier in Vatnajökull National Park. Make time to visit Diamond Beach, where high chunks of diamond-like ice wash ashore. Take a boat tour amongst the icebergs or a glacial hike to an ice cave, an excellent option for adventurous teens.
After an eventful day of road-tripping Iceland’s South Coast, settle into your accommodation and enjoy a well-deserved Icelandic meal.
Where To Stay near the lagoon: Kálfafellsstaður Guesthouse
➡️Book Your Family Glacial Hike Here
Day 5: Vik and Return to Reykjavik
Today, you return to Reykjavik for your final two days in Iceland. If you only stopped at one of the canyons on day 4, you could visit the other today.
Otherwise, ten minutes before Vik, your kids will be delighted to uncover one of Iceland’s hidden gems, Gígjagjá, Yoda Cave. While the cave is famous among Star Wars fans, it is also an interesting piece of natural geology.
Vik is also home to the original interactive Lava Show where the whole family can learn about volcanoes.
Pick up some lunch in Vik and travel to Reykjadalur Valley for a soak in Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River. Your kids will be pleased to be out of the car and hike 60 minutes to the river, where you can bathe freely. Put your swimsuit on before setting off as there are no changing facilities.
Depending on your departure time on day 6, you could stay in Hveragerði or continue your road trip back into Reykjavik. If the skies are clear, take a Northern Lights tour or park in a dark spot and look up!
Where To Stay In Hveragerði/Reykjavic: Hotel Eldhestar (Hvergerði)/Reykjavik Marina
➡️Book tickets to Vik’s Lava show here
Day 6: Reykjavik & Departure
Make the most of your final day in Iceland, ensuring you give yourself enough time to return your hire car to the airport.
A great way to finish your Iceland road trip is to take the kids on a whale-watching tour from Reykjavik Harbour. You might even see dolphins and puffins or head to Reykjavik Zoo and Family Park to see some Icelandic animals.
If you enjoyed your geothermal experiences, there are several local geothermal swimming pools in Reykjavik where you can take a final dip. Alternatively, you can head to the famous Blue Lagoon for a real pampering before you leave the city.
➡️ Click here to buy a ticket to the Blue Lagoon & children under 13 years go free! ⬅️
When To Visit Iceland With Kids
The ideal time to go on a road trip in Iceland with kids is during the summer, between June and August. The temperatures are at their most comfortable, 10-15°C, and the extended daylight hours maximise your family’s time to explore Iceland’s natural wonders and outdoor activities.
If you wish to avoid peak season and to have the chance to see the Northern Lights, a winter visit between September and April would be more suitable. Older children and teenagers may tolerate the cold and unpredictable winter weather better than younger kids. Remember to plan your activities to fit the reduced daylight hours.
Make sure that your planned itinerary is suitable for the whole family. Iceland is a country of extremes, and some activities may not suit younger children. If that is the case for you, tailoring your itinerary or delaying travel to this destination until they are older might be the best decision.
Tips For Travelling In Iceland With Kids
Iceland is a fantastic, family-friendly country where kids are welcome. Due to Iceland’s weather, planning ahead is essential to get the most out of your visit.
- Wear layers: Pack many layers, including thermal underwear, waterproof clothing, hats, gloves, and sturdy boots. Even in summer, temperatures can drop; when combined with rain and high winds, Iceland can get very cold and boggy.
- Daylight Hours: Summertime has endless hours of daylight, with the midnight sun, whereas winter days are short (only 4-5 hours of daylight). Plan your visit and activities according to the hours of daylight you have.
- Self-Drive Road Trip: Icelandic roads are well-maintained, and hiring a car is the best way to see Iceland. Always check road conditions and closures, especially in rural areas and winter months.
- Look For Northern Lights: Keep an eye on aurora forecasts, and be prepared how to spot the Northern Lights at night.
- Food & Drink: Eating out in Iceland can be expensive; look for kids’ menus or pick up snacks and supplies from grocery stores and petrol stations. Tap water is safe to drink in Iceland.
- No Need To Carry Cash: Iceland is primarily a cashless country. Be prepared to pay with a card instead of exchanging your currency for Króna.
Accommodation In Iceland For Families
In fitting with Iceland’s natural environment, hotels are only found in cities and large towns. Some accommodation choices in remote areas give you a great vantage point if you hope to see the northern lights or explore off the beaten path. Campsites are popular in Summer and can help to keep family travel costs down.
We advise you to book accommodation early, especially during peak season.
We road-tripped in Winter and needed suitable accommodation for the long, dark evenings with our kids. Here are our recommendations:
Reykjavik: Reykjavik Marina – Berjaya Iceland Hotels A modern, centrally located hotel within easy walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions. Family-friendly, interconnecting rooms that accommodate six make this a great choice if you are travelling with kids.
Golden Circle: Guesthouse Fludir This clean and spacious accommodation is ideal for families with a range of comfortable double, triple and family rooms. With fast Wifi, stunning views and luxurious beds, you won’t find better for the price. Breakfast is excellent and included in the room rate.
Vik: Vik Apartments – Comfortable, family-friendly apartments with fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities. It is a fantastic location and reasonably priced. We stayed here for two nights in a six-person apartment instead of at Glacier Lagoon
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Kálfafellsstaður Guesthouse This hotel is in a stunning location and has excellent, friendly service. The rooms are basic but comfortable and have blackout blinds for the summer.
Hveragerði: Hotel Eldhestar: A nice, family-friendly hotel with a restaurant and lounge. It has good-sized rooms, a great breakfast, and a beautiful location.
Iceland Family Road Trip | FAQ’s
Yes, Iceland is absolutely worth visiting with kids! It has a huge range of landscapes, family-friendly activities, and unique experiences such as exploring ice caves, geysers, and waterfalls. It’s an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
Iceland’s excellent Ring Road makes navigating its diverse landscapes easy. Everything from waterfalls and glaciers to volcanic beaches and geothermal hot springs can be explored on a self-drive road trip.
While a 4×4 may make driving more comfortable, it is not necessary for Iceland’s popular routes, including the Golden Circle and the South Coast. However, if you plan to explore cross country or drive off the main roads during winter, a 4×4 is required.
The best time to drive around Iceland’s Ring Road is during the summer, from June to early September, when the weather is milder, daylight hours are long, road conditions are at their safest, and the landscape is in full bloom.
Iceland has something for all ages and is an excellent location for families whether you want somewhere to relax or go on an adventure! Before booking, ensure your planned activities suit your kid’s age and ability.
Final Thoughts | Family Trip To Iceland
Iceland’s relatively compact size and limited road network make navigating almost anywhere on the island easy. Whilst the roads can be challenging in Winter, they are well maintained, and a self-drive road trip allows you to make the most of the diverse landscapes, natural wonders and fun family activities.
Whether you have a few hours, a few days or several weeks to spend in Iceland, our 6-day family road trip itinerary will guide you around some of the ‘must-see’ attractions and give plenty of ideas for your next visit!
