Family-Friendly Activities in Iceland

Few destinations are as unforgettable for a family trip as Iceland. With its dramatic landscapes, thrilling adventures and endless opportunities for discovery, it’s a place where memories are made at every turn. To help you plan the perfect family journey, we’ve created this ultimate guide to experiencing Iceland with kids.

The Best Time to Visit Iceland with Kids

When planning the ultimate family trip to Iceland, one of the first questions that will most likely spring to mind is ‘when is the best time to visit?’. Each season offers something magical. In summer, the Midnight Sun paints the sky in endless light.

Winter brings a wonderland of glistening ice caves and a cozy festive atmosphere in December, whilst the off-season (April to May and September to October) offers quieter moments and fewer crowds, letting you experience Iceland at a gentler pace.

Why Visit Iceland in the Winter

Winter in Iceland offers adventure around every corner for you and your children. Step inside glittering ice caves on a guided tour and explore how nature sculpts these magical chambers and walkways, straight out of the movie Frozen.

Then feel the heat and see the sorcery of a lava show in Vík (always a favorite for the kids). And, as we all know, the Northern Lights are one of the most spellbinding sights in the world. Your best chance of seeing them is in the winter and we recommend doing so with a rich hot chocolate in hand.

Why Visit Iceland in the Summer

A summer trip is perfect for families looking for maximum flexibility. The Midnight Sun glows all day and night, promising days that look and feel endless and provides fantastic opportunities to explore a land that never gets dark. Kids love spotting migrating animals they’ve heard of, but never seen, like the iconic puffin and the whales breaching offshore. And at the end of the day, they can dip into a hot spring, which is available all year, but amazing after a long summer hike.

Why Visit Iceland in the Spring or Autumn

The off-season is calmer and provides a quieter Iceland rarely seen in the peak seasons. Visit secluded hiking trails and stroll across the landscapes with only the mountains and your family for company. Milder weather is also often preferable for families with young kids, as you can spend days exploring without worrying about the cold.

At Hidden Iceland, we make sure your family adventure is magical, no matter when you decide to go. Your itinerary is designed to move at your pace, with plenty of flexibility built in. If certain activities have age restrictions, we will always provide fun and memorable alternatives so no one misses out.

Now that you have decided when it is best to visit, let’s explore what there is to do when you arrive.

Things to Do in Iceland with Kids

Every parent knows that, as beautiful as a place may be, even the most patient child can get restless and will need an activity to stay engaged. Thankfully, there are plenty of things to do in Iceland with kids that will help make lasting memories.

1. Go on a Glacier Hike

In winter, glacier hikes are an experience without comparison.,Walking across the glacier, with the ice beneath your feet is a truly wondrous adventure for adults and older children alike.

Hidden Iceland offers glacier hikes across the country, from the ever-changing landscape of Sólheimajökull to Vatnajökull, which is the largest glacier in Europe. Here, volcanic heat and glacial ice combine to create stunning formations that fascinate the whole family.

During your trip to the iconic glaciers, you’ll find countless opportunities for adventure for both you and the kids along the way. Whether it’s taking a dip in natural hot springs, trying your hand at lake fishing or simply exploring the stunning surroundings, there’s something for everyone. With your own expert guide, you’ll discover the best nearby spots to rest or recharge, whether it’s for a quick ice cream stop or to marvel at a scenic viewpoint.

Our Guide & Operations Manager, Emily Bridger, has her own favorite family activity.

With my growing family, my favorite activity is whale watching on Húsavík’s eco-friendly sailboat Opal. Of course, seeing the whales was a real highlight, but thanks to the balance of relaxation & exploration, excellent guides and endless hot chocolate & cinnamon buns, my children absolutely loved every minute of the tour! They felt like ‘real’ Vikings sailing their boat through the beautiful Icelandic fjords.

That brings us to our next reason to make your next family trip to Iceland. The native wildlife.

2. Meet the Icelandic Wildlife

The wildlife in Iceland is truly remarkable, offering opportunities to see species found in few other places on Earth. From the shores of Husavík, you can go whale-watchingwhere orcas and humpbacks and even the occasional blue whale can be seen.

There’s also the chance to spit puffinsthose iconically adorable birds will waddle across the cliffs and shores straight into your hearts. It should be said that whilst there is potential for spotting these wonders in Reykjavík, they are often best seen far from the capital, to the west or the south. Wherever you and your little ones prefer to see these cute birds, we can arrange the perfect trip to experience their magic amid Iceland’s stunning landscapes.

But wildlife experiences in Iceland go far beyond simply watching animals from a distance. The Icelandic horse, famous for its gentle nature and unique gait, is a favorite among families. Younger children can meet and feed these friendly animals at local farms, while older kids and adults can join guided horse-riding tours across lava fields, valleys and black-sand beaches.

3. Explore Iceland’s Stunning Natural Wonders

Iceland’s landscapes are a playground of natural wonders, where every turn reveals dramatic sights that will captivate both children and adults alike.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach offers the enchanting sight of shimmering black sand, surrounded by areas steeped in myth and legend. The basalt sea stacks of Reynisdrangar that inspired tales of trolls turned to stone, now standing prominently against the often dangerous waves (so always remember to keep a safe distance).

Strokkur’s erupting geysers are always a favorite for the kids. Here, Iceland’s geothermal power is on full display, as the ground rumbles and a burst of steaming water shoots skyward every few minutes. It’s a mesmerizing reminder of the power beneath your feet and it’s also a fun family video opportunity!)

You can even combine a bite to eat with a natural force by visiting the Friðheimar Tomato Farm. This family-run greenhouse harnesses Iceland’s geothermal energy to grow tomatoes year-round, producing some truly delicious dishes.

The tomato soup is always a favourite, and their unique tomato ice cream is a fun surprise that children love to try. Next door, the friendly Icelandic horses are a delight for younger visitors, who can enjoy petting them or watching the popular summertime horse show.

And across the country, volcano hikes are another must-do for families in Iceland. The volcanoes standing tall in the distance always seem to call to travelers, old and young, and during volcanic activity there may be opportunities to hike near the eruption site with our expert guides. These are the experiences that always inspire awe, as both kids and parents marvel at the sheer scale of the volcano.

“I sought Hidden Iceland out on a whim and couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. We traveled with our 8, 6 and 1 year old (very bold of us haha), and [Unnur from Hidden Iceland] found a way to make the itinerary enjoyable for the adults, while also including interesting places the kids would have fun at! She was mindful of the places that had age restrictions, and had great alternatives.” – 5 Star Review from TripAdvisor

4. Discover Iceland’s Hidden Gems

At Hidden Iceland, we pride ourselves on finding places that are a little different, with destinations that make your holiday feel full of adventure and wonder. The Southern Highlands, for example, offer landscapes like Þórsmörk Valley, which seem straight out of another world. Accessible only by super jeep, the valley is an adventure in itself, with glacier-fed rivers to cross and winding canyons to explore. For you and your little explorers, the reward is breathtaking.

Endless views of mountains and rivers stretch as far as the eye can see, and there is even the chance to spot arctic foxes roaming freely. It is a place that shows how astonishingly beautiful and wild the world can be.

The Westfjords offer equally exciting adventures. Landscapes like Dynjandi waterfall and wildlife-filled bays such as Ísafjarðardjúp are perfect for families to explore. Tiny fishing villages still live much the same way they have for centuries, and the quiet valleys where cars are rare give a sense of stepping back in time, far from the rush of city life. With Hidden Iceland as your guide, you have the chance to explore the quieter spaces, discovering parts of Iceland at your own pace with experiences tailored just for you.

Where to Stay on a Family Trip to Iceland

There are plenty of wonderful luxury hotel options for a family trip to Iceland, and the best choice depends on what your family values ​​most. In Reykjavík, hotels like the Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel offer apartment-style suites, giving families space to relax while staying close to the city center.

If you prefer a retreat closer to nature, Hotel Búðir in West Iceland provides a peaceful escape surrounded by stunning landscapes. Further south, near Vatnajökull, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon features on-site hot tubs and a spa, which are always a hit with the children and adults after a long day’s adventure.

At Hidden Iceland, we arrange luxury stays across the country, selecting the very best accommodation options for your trip.

Iceland offers unforgettable experiences for families of all ages. From toddlers to teens and even grandparents, your family trip will be filled with exceptional activities and adventures across awe-inspiring landscapes. Hidden Iceland ensures every detail is tailored to your family’s needs, from child-friendly activities and comfortable accommodation to flexible itineraries (with the occasional hot chocolate break, of course!).

Let us make your family trip to Iceland your best holiday yet! Contact Hidden Iceland at +354-770-5733 or email at info@hiddeniceland.is and start planning your luxury trip today.

Explore some of our example tours here: