Disclosure: I need to let you know that if you click on some links within the post, I may earn a few pennies. I may have also been compensated to write this article, gifted an item, or been hosted on a press trip. Please see My Travel Monkey's full Disclosure Policy for more details.

Our Family Trip To Iceland

Iceland – the land of ice and fire. Yet despite sub-zero temperatures, several months of darkness and hefty prices – it’s still one of the hottest destinations around, and quite rightly so. If I could go back, I would in a heartbeat. I had no expectations about a family trip to Iceland but was blown away by the sheer beauty that greeted us. But even though it’s a beacon for many travellers, can you go travelling to Iceland with kids or go on a family holiday to Iceland? We did… And we explored by ourselves by hiring a car on going on a self-drive with Hey Iceland!

Why choose an Iceland Family Holiday?

I booked us a family trip to Iceland to spend a week exploring Reykjavík (you can find out The Top Things To Do here) and beyond and it was to be our first family adventure in more chillier climes.

It was February, in the middle of winter and extremely cold. One day it snowed so hard, over 30cm fell overnight and it hit -17°c on the thermometer. Did that bother are then four-year-old son? Did it heck! He was in snow heaven. And we also fulfilled one of my dreams to see the Northern Lights, twice in fact while we were staying out in the Icelandic countryside in a farmhouse hotel in Hella (read here for more)…

Things To Do In Reykyavik

Iceland Family Holidays

When we told family and friends we were traveling to Iceland with kids, they all looked at us in, what I would like to perceive as awe, but in reality, was more like bewilderment. “What are you going to out there with a young child – Iceland with kids? Are you sure?” one person asked; “Won’t it be too cold?’ another chimed.

Of course, prior to our trip (we did a lot of planning) because I didn’t really have a clue about what we were going to do – all I knew was that we were prepared for the weather and had tons of suitable clothing – plus I assumed that all the amazing sights we were going to see would be spectacular even for a small child.

Things To Do in Reykyavik

Things To Do In Iceland

Was I wrong? Of course not! Iceland may not have specific activities and attractions aimed at mini-travellers, but it’s a natural playground for all ages. How can you not be in awe of some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world? Monkey screamed in delight watching a geyser explode, and was so proud of himself when we climbed to the top of Skógafoss Waterfalls. He also ran around in amazement at the black volcanic sand on Vík beach.

Even if you can only make it to Iceland’s capital Reykjavík – there is a great deal for you to enjoy with children. We went whale watching (read about our experience here), visited museums and explored the city on foot.

Icelanders have children, too, so not is only are they plenty of parks in the city, but restaurants are accommodating, with most offering children’s menus.

If you still need some convincing about whether to take an Iceland family holiday, here are six reasons why you should go on a family trip to Iceland – and remember, you don’t have to go in winter. Iceland enjoys long warm summers where the scenery is carpeted with lush green and awash with colour.

Kids enjoy attractions for free

Many attractions in Reykyavík offer discounted prices or free entry to children who are under 12 such as the viewing platform at Perlan and free tours including the Viking exhibition at The National Museum of Iceland. You also have numerous parks, a Botanical Garden and Tjörnin – a huge pond where children can feed the ducks and geese.

Secret Lagoon With Kids

Children can swim in hot pools

When we decided to experience world-famous geothermal pool The Blue Lagoon (read all you need to know before visiting it here) the first thing I was worried about was whether Monkey would be allowed to come. Kids as young as two are permitted to swim in hot pools across Iceland. And if they can’t swim, floats and armbands are provided, too. I still have a fond memory of us sitting at the side, a glass of wine in my hand, while Monkey was slurping a slushy. Then we did it all again in various other pools including Gamla Laugin which is also known as the Secret Lagoon (read here about our visit). There are over 18 pools alone just around Reykjavík, and many have sections for children.

Iceland is safe

Iceland has been named the safest country in the world a staggering 10 times. With a small population, Iceland has low crime rates, the police do not carry weapons and its inhabitants are peaceful. Plus there are so many interesting things that we learned about the culture of Iceland here – have you ever heard of Love Balls? N,o neither had I!

There are amazing things to do in Iceland

From toddlers to adventurous teens, there is an activity for all members of the family. The list is truly endless but glacier walking, dog sledging, horse riding, snowmobiling, jeep and boat tours, volcano hiking, mountain climbing and even snorkelling in Iceland are just some of the adventures that can be had.

For younger kids, it’s the simple things which delight. Monkey loved jumping in the car and asking what adventure we would be doing next? We drove around the Golden Circle ourselves – taking in Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss Waterfall at our own pace. He also couldn’t get enough of making snow angels, and eating Icelandic hotdogs!

Visiting Vik in Iceland With Kids

There’s wildlife galore

Dependent on what time of year you visit Iceland, you can get your fill of stunning wildlife including puffins, rare birds, Arctic foxes, Icelandic horses, dolphins and whales. We were lucky enough to see a minke whale and a pod of dolphins when we went out on a boat trip from Reykjavík.

It’s so close to the UK and USA

It’s just over three hours to fly from London to Reykjavík, which is hardly any time at all when you think of the completely different landscape and culture you’d be experiencing. Even from the USA, it’s a manageable time to fly with young kids – from the East Coast, you’re only looking at around 5 hours 40 mins.

Would you consider going on a family holiday to Iceland? I hope I’ve inspired you to go!

 

Pin for later – Reasons Why You Should Go On A Family Trip To Iceland

Six Reasons for Iceland Family Holidays | My Travel Monkey