Iceland With Kids
Iceland is wild like, raw-energy of the earth wild. One moment you’re standing in front of a thundering waterfall so close you can feel the mist in your bones, the next you’re soaking in a steamy lagoon while geysers explode just down the road. But the real magic? The drives. Mile after mile of jaw-dropping scenery, glaciers, lava fields, black sand beaches rolling past your window like nature’s own IMAX.
Traveling with kids here feels like stepping onto another planet where every stop is an adventure playground. The only catch? Iceland is pricey. Flights, especially from the East Coast or Europe, are surprisingly reasonable (think $300–600 roundtrip), but once you land, the meter’s running—gas, food, hotels, even snacks at the gas station all add up fast. It’s like buying a color printer: the machine itself isn’t bad, but the ink will bleed your wallet dry.
So plan smart, pace yourself, and embrace the splurge where it counts. Because when your kids are chasing puffins along the cliffs or watching the Northern Lights dance overhead, you’ll realize Iceland doesn’t just wow, it rewires how you see the world.
9 Day ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival & Reykjavik: Land early at KEF, grab the rental, and shake off the jet lag with Reykjavik highlights—Hallgrímskirkja, Sun Voyager, and Harpa Concert Hall. Quick Costco stop for snacks before cozying into your Hotel.
Day 2 – Golden Circle: Classic hits—Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, with the option to soak in Secret Lagoon. Tomato farm lunch is a must.
Day 3 – South Coast to Vik: Waterfall hopping at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, puffin spotting at Dyrhólaey, and the dramatic black sands of Reynisfjara.
Day 4 – Glacier Magic: Head east to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for an Amphibian Boat Tour, stroll Diamond Beach..
Day 5 – Scenic Drive West: Explore Skaftafell (choose easy glacier walk or Svartifoss hike) and grab a pizza stop in Vik.
Day 6 – Hidden Gems: A flexible day for offbeat sights—Kerið Crater, Seljavallalaug pool, or Laugarvatn Fontana Spa. Kids can run wild while parents soak it all in.
Day 7 – To Snaefellsnes: Break up the drive with lunch in Reykjavik, then relax in Borgarnes with harbor strolls and a swim.
Day 8 – Snaefellsnes Loop: Coastal walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar, volcanic craters, dramatic cliffs, and the iconic Kirkjufell thats feels like straight out of a postcard. Overnight near Reykjavik.
Day 9 – Departure: If time, squeeze in a geothermal swim before heading to KEF for the flight home.
Hotels and Airbnbs
Book early → Hotels & Airbnbs sell out fast and only get pricier.
Mix it up → Stay at a few Airbnbs for kitchen access, then splurge on a hotel for comfort.
Cook at “home” → Breakfasts and dinners in your Airbnb = huge savings.
Free breakfasts → Pick hotels that include it. It’s one less meal (and cost) to stress about.
Stays We Loved (Kid-Tested, Parent-Approved)
Hotel Viking – Reykjavik
Cozy cabin-style rooms with a fun attic loft that the kids claimed as their own little hideout. Excellent free breakfast, perfect fuel before a day of sightseeing.Farmhouse Lodge near Vík (Airbnb)
We booked a glamping tent here, and it was a hit. Beautiful location, rustic vibe, and a unique experience the kids will remember.Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
A splurge, but worth it. Gorgeous hotel with a fantastic breakfast (free for adults, $18 for kids). The staff even woke us up for the Northern Lights on request, an unforgettable moment.Brú Guesthouse
Futuristic, super-clean cabins with big views. Heads up: confirm your booking matches your group size as we had a small mix-up, but the owner was quick to sort it out.Airbnbs in Borgarnes & Reykjavik
Iceland has plenty of family-friendly Airbnbs. Our advice: read reviews carefully and book early. Having a kitchen made mornings and dinners way easier on both our budget and our sanity.
RV Rentals in Iceland
Iceland’s ring roads and wild landscapes are practically made for RV travel. Renting a campervan gives you the freedom to chase waterfalls, pull over at hidden hot springs, and sleep under the stars, all with your bed and kitchen rolling along with you. It’s the ultimate flexibility, especially when traveling with kids who might need quick breaks or early bedtimes. We rented a car for our trip, but next time we visit Iceland, we’d love to try a camper as well.
Campervan Iceland – A popular choice with a wide range of camper sizes, from basic vans to fully equipped RVs. Their vans are reliable, and customer service gets solid reviews. Perfect if you want simplicity without sacrificing comfort.
KúKú Campers – Known for their quirky branding and budget-friendly rentals, KúKú is a fun option if you’re looking for something a little less conventional. Their fleet is straightforward but gets the job done, and the vibe is very “road trip adventure.”
Happy Campers – Another traveler favorite. Their campers are clean, well-designed, and come with thoughtful touches like built-in cooking gear. The company has a reputation for being family-friendly and easy to work with.
Whether you go budget or splurge, an RV in Iceland turns the island into one giant playground. Just remember: weather can change quickly, so always plan ahead when picking campsites.
Flights and Car Rental
Almost everyone flying to Iceland lands at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), just outside of Reykjavik, it’s the country’s main gateway.
For tips on snagging the best deals, check out our [Flight Booking Guide].
As for getting around, a car rental is pretty much essential unless you’re sticking strictly to Reykjavik. The open roads, waterfalls, and hidden gems are half the fun, and driving lets you set your own pace (and pull over whenever the kids spot horses).
We rented with Lotus Car Rental, a local company, and had a great experience. We opted for their Platinum Insurance package. It was expensive, but we didn’t want to take chances in a foreign country. The check-in and check-out process was quick and easy, and while our car was a bit older, it ran flawlessly the entire trip. Highly recommend them if you want peace of mind on the road.
For advice on choosing the right vehicle, check out our [Car Rental Guide].