This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
I’ve now been to Iceland twice, once with my son and most recently with my youngest daughter, and it’s become one of my favorite places to explore! The combination of jaw-dropping landscapes, fun kid-friendly adventures, and relaxing geothermal spas makes it an unforgettable trip for families.
Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of what we did across our two trips to Iceland, including some new favorite spots from our second visit.
Plus, explore where we stayed, what we ate and all of the tips I have for traveling to Iceland with kids! If you’re looking for more, check out my traveling with kids category!
Table of Contents
- Day 1: Arrival + Blue Lagoon + Reykjavik
- Day 2: Reykjavik Sights + FlyOver Iceland + Lava Show
- Day 3: The Settlement Center + Hotel Husafell
- Day 4: Into the Glacier + Mega Zipline Iceland
- Day 5: Geothermal Spa + Rye Bread Baking Class + Skyrland
- Day 6: The Golden Circle
- Day 7: South Coast Adventure
- Day 8: Horseback Riding + One More Blue Lagoon Dip
- Where We Stayed
- Where We Ate
- Traveler Tips for Visiting Iceland with Kids
- More Weelicious Travel Guides
Day 1: Arrival + Blue Lagoon + Reykjavik
We arrived in Iceland early in the morning, picked up our rental car at the airport, and went straight to the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing soak. We did this on both of my trips with my son and my daughter. It’s the perfect way to ease into Iceland after an overnight flight (go again on your last day before you take off as the geothermal waters are incredibly healing!). Kids under 14 get in free, so it’s a great affordable activity to do with younger ones!
We had a reservation at the Lava Restaurant inside the Blue Lagoon for lunch, which was a treat. They have an amazing kids menu. The fish and chips is a must! Everything is beautifully plated and you have a great view of the steamy, otherworldly pools.
Afterward, we checked into our Airbnb Stay #1 in the heart of Reykjavik. We stayed here for 2 nights and it was great! It’s all glass upstairs with insane views of the city from both sides of the apartment. The kitchen is well equipped to cook meals, and it’s right in the center of town so it’s walkable everywhere. Plus, it has a parking space in case you rent a car, like we did.
That evening we enjoyed dinner at Sumac Grill + Drinks and wrapped up the night with delicious food to kick off the adventure.
Day 2: Reykjavik Sights + FlyOver Iceland + Lava Show
We spent the day exploring Reykjavik, and even though it’s a small city, there’s plenty to see with kids.
This day included a stop at the stunning Sun Voyager sculpture, a huge steel boat installation by the sea, and a wander through Kolaportið, Reykjavik’s main flea market full of quirky souvenirs and vintage finds.
We added a stop at the Lava Show in Reykjavik, a unique and educational experience where real molten lava is poured in front of you! It’s hot, loud, and totally fascinating! Gemma couldn’t stop talking about it.
My son and I loved seeing Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic church with panoramic views of the city, on our trip together years ago, so I took Gemma there on this trip as well. After that, we had a casual lunch at Reykjavik Fish Restaurant which was super fresh and tasty!
In the afternoon, we did FlyOver Iceland, a thrilling immersive ride that simulates flying over Iceland’s landscapes with a giant wraparound screen and motion seating. Highly recommend! It’s fun and mesmerizing for all ages!
We had dinner at ROK, one of our favorite spots from our first trip, and then strolled down Skólavörðustígur, a colorful and lively street with shops, cafés, and a view of Hallgrímskirkja in the distance.
Day 3: The Settlement Center + Hotel Husafell
We drove out of the city to The Settlement Center in Borgarnes, a small museum that brings Iceland’s Viking history to life with creative exhibits and audio guides.
That afternoon, we checked into Hotel Husafell. We planned to stay here for 1 night to enjoy their hot springs, take a few hours to read, rest, enjoy a delectable meal and prep for the next day. They have an incredible geothermal swimming pool and sauna plus a trampoline built into the ground, which the kids loved.
Everything about our stay was spot on. We ended the day with a quiet dinner at the hotel with an incredible view of glaciers from the restaurant.
Day 4: Into the Glacier + Mega Zipline Iceland
Breakfast was included in our stay at Hotel Husafell, and then we were on our way to one of our favorite parts of both trips of my trips to Iceland – the Into the Glacier tour! You actually walk inside a man-made tunnel through the Langjökull glacier. It’s a surreal experience and surprisingly accessible for kids.
Afterward, we went to Mega Zipline Iceland, a brand-new addition to our itinerary that brought a big dose of excitement. The ride was fast, beautiful, and exhilarating with views of waterfalls and canyons. SO much fun!
The next 4 nights we stayed at Airbnb #2. It was heavenly! It has a sauna (I basically lived in there), Jacuzzi and cold plunge. There’s two bedrooms downstairs and a big loft for sleeping (and for the kids to play). We cooked three out of four dinners here because the kids loved playing ping-pong and board games and didn’t want to leave!
Day 5: Geothermal Spa + Rye Bread Baking Class + Skyrland
We headed southeast of Reykjavik for some classic Iceland sights, but not before some new stops!
First up: Laugarvatn Fontana, a smaller and less crowded geothermal spa with steam rooms, hot pools, and even a lake plunge if you’re feeling brave. The big reason we went to Fontana was for their 30 minute rye bread baking class. We paired it with two hours swimming in the geothermal pools and the sauna and cold plunging in the lake.
Then we checked out Skyrland, a museum dedicated to skyr, Iceland’s yogurt-like dairy staple. It’s quick, interactive, and ends with samples!
We grabbed some snacks at Krónan in Selfoss, a local grocery store with great prices on Icelandic treats.
Day 6: The Golden Circle
Then it was on to the Golden Circle:
- Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk between tectonic plates.
- Friðheimar, a charming greenhouse restaurant where everything is tomato-based…even the desserts!
- Efstidalur II, a farm with horses, cows, and delicious homemade ice cream.
- Gullfoss Waterfall, one of the most powerful falls in Iceland.
- Geysir, the famous geothermal area with bubbling hot springs and erupting geysers.
Day 7: South Coast Adventure
We hit the road again for a big South Coast adventure.
We booked a tour with Katlatrack, a fantastic company offering small-group sightseeing tours. We revisited some favorite stops from my trip with Kenya:
- Black Sand Beach (Reynisfjara)
- Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall you can walk behind.
- Skógafoss, a mighty waterfall with an optional hike to the top.
We ended the day at The Old Dairy Food Hall (Mjólkurbúið Mathöll), a casual and cozy spot with a variety of food stalls. Perfect for families who all want something different.
Day 8: Horseback Riding + One More Blue Lagoon Dip
On our final day, we went horseback riding with Íshestar, just outside Reykjavik. Their Icelandic horses are sweet and steady, and the ride through the lava fields was a peaceful way to wrap up the trip. A big hit with Gemma!
For our last night, we stayed here: Northern Light Inn. It’s right next to the Blue Lagoon and just a short drive to the airport. Super convenient for early flights and a relaxing final soak if you want one more dip before heading home like we did!
Where We Stayed
We stayed in four different places over the course of our Iceland adventures, and each one worked perfectly for our trip:
- Reykjavik Airbnb #1 – A cozy, well-located spot that was great for exploring the city on foot. Highly recommend for families!
- Hotel Husafell – A modern, upscale hotel set in nature with access to geothermal baths, hiking trails, and the perfect home base for the Into the Glacier tour. It felt remote and peaceful, but still full of amenities.
- Golden Circle Airbnb #2 – Ideal for accessing all the sights around the Golden Circle and a quiet place to recharge after long adventure days.
- Northern Light Inn – Located next to the Blue Lagoon and close to the airport. Perfect for a first or last night stay with a bonus geothermal soak and on-site restaurant.
Where We Ate
Food in Iceland can be a little pricey, but it’s absolutely worth exploring the local cuisine. Here are all the restaurants and food spots we visited and loved across both trips:
Reykjavik:
- Lava Restaurant (Blue Lagoon) – Beautiful setting and refined Icelandic cuisine.
- Sumac Grill – A warm, stylish restaurant with bold Mediterranean flavors.
- Reykjavik Fish Restaurant – Quick, fresh, and family-friendly.
- ROK – Great food and cozy vibes right by Hallgrímskirkja.
- The Old Dairy Food Hall – Mjólkurbúið Mathöll – Perfect for groups or families who want different options in one place.
- Rost – great for lunch! Try the homemade carrot lemongrass soup and sandwiches.
- Fuego Taqueria – affordable tacos and stunning city views.
Golden Circle Area:
- Friðheimar – A unique greenhouse restaurant serving tomato-based dishes and freshly baked bread.
- Efstidalur II – A charming farm stay with homemade ice cream, burgers, and beautiful countryside views.
Other Notables:
- Northern Light Inn Restaurant – Ideal for your first or last night, with solid food and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Krónan (Selfoss) – Technically a grocery store, but great for stocking up on snacks and picnic items. Don’t miss the local skyr!
Traveler Tips for Visiting Iceland with Kids
- Clothing: Pack layers, including thermal base layers, waterproof jackets, hiking boots, swimwear, towels, hats, gloves, and sunglasses. Weather can change quickly.
- Water: Iceland’s tap water is some of the purest in the world. Bring a refillable bottle.
- Book ahead: Popular tours, restaurants, and accommodations fill quickly in summer.
- Prepare for daylight: In summer, expect nearly 24 hours of daylight! Pack eye masks for kids if they’re sensitive.
- Pace yourselves: Balance sightseeing with downtime, especially with kids who need rest after busy days.
- Car rental: Renting a car gives you freedom but choose a vehicle suitable for Iceland’s gravel roads if you plan to explore off the beaten path.
More Weelicious Travel Guides
Whether it’s your first or fifth time, Iceland is a magical place to explore with kids. The second time around, I loved revisiting our favorite stops and adding new adventures that made the trip feel fresh and exciting.
If you’re planning a family trip to Iceland and have questions, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to share more tips!
