Iceland Family Holidays
A sense of adventure. A passion for geography. Or even just curiosity for the weird and wonderful. Whatever inspires your children, you’ll soon discover that Iceland is Nature’s ultimate playground – and classroom. Where else can you search for whales, track down trolls, soak in a geothermal pool, snowmobile across an icecap, climb a volcano and walk across a lava flow all in the space of a few days? An Iceland family adventure holiday will leave you and your children wide-eyed with wonder.
We can tailor make your Iceland family adventure to suit your timeframe and budget, as well as the ages and interests of your children.
Is Iceland a good family holiday destination?
The short answer is “Yes!”. Iceland is incredibly family-friendly. Just three hours’ flying from the UK, it is not only a superb destination for self-drive holidays (a favourite for families in search of freedom and flexibility), but it also boasts a wide range of family accommodation and child-friendly activities.
A single-base is a good option for families. We can recommend some great locations, packed with adventure potential and offering accommodation ranging from summerhouses and cottages to farmstays and hotels.
Is Reykjavik family-friendly?
Easy to reach from Keflavik airport, a great choice of accommodation and plenty to see and do, Reykjavik is a good option for a short family break if you’re looking for adventure.
Trendy cafes, quirky styles and a vibrant atmosphere will likely appeal to teenagers, while younger children will enjoy visiting attractions like FlyOver Iceland and the Saga Museum uncovering country’s colourful myths and Viking heritage. Within the city the modern Perlan museum is interactive and even offers the chance to explore an ice cave.
Then there is the wealth of activities and places to visit around the capital. From high-speed RIB rides to visiting geothermal swimming pools. Our Reykjavik Family Adventure is a 3-night action-packed break combining the best of the city with highlights of Iceland’s magnificent countryside. And we can easily adapt it to suit your family dynamic.
Family Adventure Holidays in Iceland
Reykjavik Family Adventure
West Iceland Escape at Glacier Lodge
Family Explorer the Icelandic Way
Family Activities in Iceland
From hiking to horse riding, snorkelling to superjeep safaris, ice caving to venturing inside a volcano, welcome to Europe’s ultimate adventure playground. Boredom is banished, thanks to a vast range of activities guaranteed to get the thumbs-up from your children.
Many activities in Iceland suited to families are offered year round from whale watching to horse riding, snowmobiling to lava caving, though some, such as searching for the northern lights are season specific. Below we’ve selected a few of recommendations for summer or winter. These is just the tip of the iceberg (if you pardon the pun) when it comes to fun things to do in Iceland. Speak to our team to discuss the activities best suited to your family.
Things to do in Summer
Rafting
- Shooting rapids on an adrenaline-fuelled river trip is always a guaranteed hit with children.
Inside the Volcano
- As crazy as it sounds, there is one rather special (and totally safe) place to take a journey towards the centre of the earth…
Kayaking
- A wonderful way to explore Iceland’s dramatic coastline, paddling a sea kayak also sits you right above the water for intimate encounters with curious seals.
Puffin Watching
- Iceland is renowned for seabirds, but it’s the puffin that most people want to see. The world’s largest breeding population nest here.
Things to do in Winter
Superjeep Safaris
- Kids (young and old!) love these pumped-up off-roaders, with their 40-inch tyres and ‘go-anywhere, do-anything’ mentality.
Geothermal Bathing
- When it comes to water-based activities in Iceland, lounging in a hot tub (or ‘hot pot’ as locals often call them) is right up there with whale and waterfall appreciation.
Northern Lights Hunting
- The aurora borealis can be witnessed in Iceland from as early as late August right through until April. Children love the ‘special treat’ of being allowed to stay up late on aurora-watching vigils.
Snowmobiling
- Easy to control (throttle on the right hand, brake on the left), snowmobiles are not only great fun, but they also give you access to Iceland’s spectacular icecaps. Children won’t be able to drive, but they can ride as passengers.
