My husband and I had long been curious about Iceland. With the help of The Little Voyager, we finally turned that dream into a family-friendly adventure with our two kids (ages 8 and 10). Over the years, we’d been captivated by images of Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. We knew it would be the perfect destination for an unforgettable family road trip.
To make it even more exciting for the kids, we decided to rent a campervan for part of the journey. This combines the thrill of camping with the freedom to explore Iceland at our own pace. Though I usually lean toward warmer destinations, I was intrigued by the idea of an outdoor, nature-immersed holiday set on a remote island. Iceland proved to be a perfect blend of adventure, learning, and fun.
Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavík and a Geothermal Surprise
We landed at Keflavík Airport late at night and caught a few more hours of sleep at the airport hotel. The next morning, after picking up our rental car, we set off to explore Reykjavík. The city has a laid-back Scandinavian vibe with charming shops and cozy cafés. We couldn’t resist trying a cinnamon bun from Brauð & Co. and enjoyed it under the sun in front of Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic church.
Despite being tired, we rallied the kids for one more adventure: a visit to Kvika foot bath, just outside the city. Soaking our feet in the warm geothermal water while the cold wind howled around us was a highlight—and a fun, family-friendly Icelandic experience.
Day 2: Hot Springs and Horses in the West
We left Reykjavík and headed to Krauma, a geothermal bath and spa fed by Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver. The kids loved the warm outdoor baths, and it turned out to be one of the best things to do in Iceland with children.
With our batteries fully charged, we continued our journey toward Hvassafell II. This is a peaceful and remote farm surrounded by dramatic natural beauty. We were warmly welcomed by Árný Björk and her mother Árný, the charming hosts. They run Rest in the West, offering tailor-made private tours around Iceland. We first met them in the sheep stable, where we were introduced to a whole bunch of woolly friends. After that, we visited their beautiful horses, who truly feel like part of the family. We were all amazed by how gracefully mother and daughter moved among the animals—touching, caressing, and even whispering to them. It was a genuinely inspiring sight, and our kids immediately wanted to cuddle every single one. Icelandic horses are smaller than the breeds we’re used to—and just as soft as teddy bears!
We were joined by other guests staying at the farm, and together we shared a wonderful, typical Icelandic afternoon treat: pancakes and hot chocolate. We spent time chatting about Icelandic culture, traditions, and daily life. It was a joy to learn so much about life on the island and to share these special moments with locals. That day, we truly felt at home.
The day ended with a short walk to a nearby volcano crater and—a true bucket-list moment—our first sighting of the Northern Lights.
Day 3: Exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
We spent the day discovering the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its stunning scenery and peaceful remoteness. We stopped at various viewpoints and ended the day at Djúpalónssandur Beach, famous for its black sand and dramatic rock formations. That night, the Aurora Borealis made another appearance—a magical sight for all of us.
Days 4–7: The Golden Circle & South Coast
We traded our rental car for a spacious campervan and began the second part of our adventure: exploring Iceland’s South Coast. We followed the Golden Circle route, visiting craters, waterfalls, geysers, and iconic natural landmarks. Each stop was a reminder of Iceland’s incredible power and beauty.
Along the way, we visited Stokksnes, the abandoned Viking village, passed through Vík and Höfn, and marveled at the beauty of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. These were not only highlights of the trip, but also perfect places for unforgettable family photos.
Camping was easy and enjoyable, with well-equipped sites and friendly staff. It added a sense of freedom and spontaneity to our family-friendly Iceland itinerary.
A Birthday on Horseback
For our daughter’s 8th birthday, we had planned a beach horseback ride, but strong winds led to a last-minute change. Thankfully, we found another horse-riding tour across volcanic terrain. It turned out to be a memorable alternative—our kids were thrilled, and we learned even more about the special bond Icelanders share with their horses.
Final Reflections
On our last night, strong winds and rain reminded us of Iceland’s untamed nature. As we drove through fog back to the airport, it felt like the island was bidding us farewell.
Looking back, this journey was more than just a vacation. It was a family adventure packed with wonder, connection, and learning. If you’re considering family travel to Iceland, I highly recommend it. Please contact us at The Little Voyager for more information. And if you’d like support planning a more tailor-made itinerary, we`d be happy to connect you with Árný Björk from Rest in the West for a truly personalized experience.
Tips for Planning Your Family-Friendly Iceland Trip
- Don’t forget to set alarms to catch the Northern Lights!
- Travel in late spring or summer for milder weather and long daylight hours
- Consider a campervan to maximize flexibility and fun
- Include geothermal baths for relaxing, kid-friendly stops
- Pack layers and waterproof gear
