The Best 10-Day Itinerary for Iceland - Family Iceland Itinerary
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Iceland is so incredible.
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If you’re looking for the perfect 10 day Iceland itinerary with kids, you’re in the right place! This family Iceland road trip takes you to black sand beaches, geothermal lagoons, waterfalls, volcanoes, national parks, Reykjavík, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, an area often referred to as “Mini Iceland.”
If you’re wondering how many days in Iceland is enough, I recommend spending at least 10 days in Iceland. You won’t see the entire country in 10 days, but this itinerary gives you enough time to experience many of Iceland’s highlights without spending your entire trip rushing from one place to the next.
Iceland is unlike anything i have ever experienced
We traveled to Iceland with our three kids over Spring Break, which meant experiencing Iceland in late March and early April. We had everything from beautiful sunny days to heavy snow, frozen waterfalls, Northern Lights, and a winter storm that canceled every flight on the island. If you’re planning a Spring Break trip to Iceland, a winter trip to Iceland with kids, or simply looking for an Iceland family itinerary based on firsthand experience, this guide will walk you through exactly how I recommend spending 10 days in Iceland.
Iceland is unlike anything I have ever experienced. The landscapes are incredible, the culture is fascinating, and traveling by car gave our family the flexibility to explore at our own pace.
Let’s dig into the perfect 10 day Iceland itinerary with kids!
Explore Iceland with kids on this unforgettable family road trip! From waterfalls and black sand beaches to glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs, and incredible scenic drives, this Iceland itinerary covers the best things to do with kids. Save this Iceland family travel guide for planning your own Iceland road trip! #IcelandWithKids #IcelandItinerary #IcelandRoadTrip #FamilyTravel #VisitIceland
Table of Contents
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Obligatory family photo at Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík
Iceland puts on a show no matter where you end up. The landscape is always stunning
Renting a Car in Iceland
For this 10-day Iceland itinerary, you’ll definitely want a rental car. Having your own car gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace, make spontaneous stops, and reach places outside Reykjavík without relying on organized tours.
I recommend comparing rental car prices before your trip since rates and vehicle options can vary quite a bit between companies. I used Discover Cars to compare rental cars from multiple providers in Iceland and find the best option for my trip.
Every day we had our car packed down with swim wear, layers, towels, and snacks!
Map of Iceland Itinerary
Here is a full map of all the places you’re going to explore in Iceland. You can select or deselect the layers to only see certain areas. I broke it down by day so you can select each day and then see only the activities for that particular day.
Day 1-5: Selfoss, Golden Circle, Þingvellir National Park & South Coast
Where to Stay
For the first 4 nights we stayed in an Airbnb in Selfoss that had a washer/dryer, hot tub, 3 bedrooms, and easily accommodated our family of 5. This was the perfect base for exploring the Golden Circle, Þingvellir National Park, and Iceland's South Coast! Use the map below to find the best place to stay in Selfoss that fits your group size and budget.
Day 1
You have made it to your hotel or Airbnb and settled in. Since you’ve spent a lot of time planning a trip to Iceland, it’s time to enjoy every second of this magnificent country.
our airbnb was about 5 minutes from selfoss and had so much space and incredible mountain views
Your first stop in Iceland is going to be the Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel—it’s one of the easiest and most unique ways to experience the island’s volcanic landscapes. Located about 30 minutes from Reykjavík and only 40 minutes from the Airbnb in Selfoss, this guided tour takes you inside a massive lava tube formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago.
I highly recommend booking the Lava Tunel tour in advance as you do require a guide to visit. The path is well maintained, helmets and lights are provided, and it’s an easy walk that works well for families.
As you move through the tunnel, you’ll see colorful rock formations, lava textures, and even ice in the winter months. It’s a great introduction to Iceland’s geology and a perfect first stop as you adjust to the new time zone.
selfoss is absolutely stunning
After your Lava Tunnel Tour, take some time to wind down. Head back into Selfoss to grab some food at the Food Hall or another local spot. Then, head over to Bonus or Krona to grab some groceries and snacks. You’ve got a lot of exploring ahead of you and it’s easier and cheaper to make your own breakfasts and snacks!
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the food hall has several food choices so everyone will get something they like
Day 2 - The Golden Circle
Urriðafoss
It’s your day to explore the Golden Circle! This was one of our favorite days in Iceland because it combined some of the country’s most famous sights with a few experiences and unexpected stops that made the day especially memorable for our family.
Kerið Crater
We started from Selfoss at Urriðafoss before heading to Kerið Crater. From there, one of the highlights of our entire day was the Laugarvatn Fontana Rye Bread Tour, where we got to see how traditional Icelandic rye bread is baked underground using geothermal heat. The kids got to participate in digging up the bread that had been cooking for 24 hours and placing a new pot into the hot ground for the next tour. Then we ate the warm bread with butter and smoked fish. I absolutely loved this experience.
Laugarvatn Fontana Rye Bread Tour
Brúarhlöð
After lunch, we continued to Brúarfoss, followed by the Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss. We also stumbled across Brúarhlöð, an unplanned stop with the most unreal turquoise glacial water running through dark volcanic rock. Being able to pull over for places like this was one of the reasons I was so glad we rented a car and drove the Golden Circle ourselves.
Finally, we ended our very full day soaking at Secret Lagoon, one of Iceland’s oldest geothermal pools. After spending the day driving, walking through snow, chasing waterfalls, and exploring geothermal areas, getting into that warm water was the perfect ending. There’s even a walking path around the lagoon with bubbling hot springs and a small geyser that we watched erupt while we soaked.
Secret Lagoon
The entire day took us roughly 8–10 hours, and I would absolutely recommend giving the Golden Circle a full day rather than trying to rush through it.
I have our complete route, exact timing, parking information, costs, optional stops, and everything I would change or keep the same in my full guide:
CHECK OUT MY IN-DEPTH GUIDE: The Perfect One Day Itinerary on the Golden Circle with Kids
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the bread tour was a highlight of our day
Day 3: Explore Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir National Park
Today is all about exploring Þingvellir National Park, one of Iceland’s three National Parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visited on March 31, and the weather was absolutely wild. One minute we were walking through near-blizzard conditions and the next the clouds would disappear and everything would be bright, sunny, and unbelievably beautiful. If you're visiting Iceland in early spring, come prepared for basically every kind of weather in the same day.
We started at the Þingvellir Visitor Center at Hakið, where there is a paid parking lot and clean, free restrooms. We grabbed hot chocolates before heading out to explore the park on foot. The Visitor Center is also home to an interactive exhibit about the history and geology of Þingvellir if you want to spend more time inside.
From there, we walked down through Almannagjá Gorge, where you can walk through the rift valley created by the movement of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This is one of those places where Iceland's geology becomes very real because you're literally walking through the landscape created as the plates slowly pull apart.
We continued all the way down to Þingvallakirkja, the small church within the historic assembly area. The current church dates to 1859, although churches have stood at Þingvellir since shortly after Christianity was adopted in Iceland.
Our original plan was to continue walking to Öxarárfoss, but the snow had really bogged down the walkway. Rather than force everyone through it, we walked back to the car and drove over to the parking area near the waterfall instead. One nice thing about Þingvellir is that your parking payment covers the designated lots throughout the park for the entire day, so you can move your car between areas instead of doing every part on foot.
I walked up to Öxarárfoss on my own, and at the end of March the waterfall was completely frozen. Seeing this huge wall of ice surrounded by snow was absolutely worth the extra stop.
Öxarárfoss frozen solid
By that point, everyone was ready to warm up, so we drove to the Þingvellir National Park Service Centre at Leirar for a hot meal. This is separate from the Visitor Center where we started our day. The Service Centre has a café, souvenir shop, park information, and restrooms, and it made a great place to warm up before leaving the park.
Before heading out, we made one last stop at the Hrafnagjá Observation Deck for a few snowy photos. By then another snowstorm was moving in, so we were essentially racing the weather out of Þingvellir.
TIP: If you're visiting Þingvellir in late winter or early spring, don't get too attached to a specific walking route. Snow and rapidly changing weather can completely change what is practical. Having our rental car gave us the flexibility to walk when conditions were good, drive between different areas when the trails became difficult, warm up when we needed to, and ultimately leave when we saw the next storm rolling in.
TIP: Icelandic weather can change incredibly quickly. Bring waterproof layers and good walking shoes even if the weather looks clear when you leave your accommodation.
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this is our rental car on our drive back to selfoss from Þingvellir National Park
What About Snorkeling Silfra?
One experience we wanted to do SO BADLY was snorkeling in Silfra, the fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Ultimately, we skipped it because our kids were too young, which would have meant Jimmy and I taking turns snorkeling while the other stayed with them.
Currently, DIVE.IS requires snorkelers to be at least 12 years old, at least 150 cm tall and 45 kg, and comfortable swimming. Their self-drive Silfra snorkeling experience starts around 14,990 ISK per person, while other Silfra tours are around 19,990 ISK and up. Plan on roughly 2.5 to 3 hours for the experience, depending on the tour you choose.
If we return to Iceland when the kids are old enough, this is absolutely on my list.
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Day 4: Explore Iceland’s South Coast
Day 4 is a full day exploring Iceland’s South Coast, and this was easily one of our biggest sightseeing days of the trip. We were still based in Selfoss, which made it easy to get an early start and spend the entire day chasing waterfalls, walking along black sand beaches, and stopping at some of the incredible scenery along Iceland’s Ring Road.
We left Selfoss around 8:00 AM and made our first stop at Ægissíðufoss before continuing east. We also stopped for coffee and pastries at the American School Bus Café, which was such a fun and unexpected stop with the kids.
DC-3 plane wreck at Eyvindarholt
From there, our day included the DC-3 plane wreck at Eyvindarholt, Gljúfrabúi, Seljalandsfoss, Kvernufoss, and Skógafoss. One of the things I loved about this drive is how much you can see without spending hours hiking between every stop. There are waterfalls seemingly everywhere, and several of the best stops are located right off the main route.
Kvernufoss
After lunch near Skógar, we continued toward the coast. Seljavallalaug was on our original list, but we ultimately skipped it. With kids, I think it’s important to build some flexibility into this day rather than trying to force every possible South Coast stop into the itinerary.
Later in the afternoon, we visited Dyrhólaey before continuing to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. We ended our sightseeing there, grabbed dinner at a café, and then made the drive back to Selfoss.
crazy views from Dyrhólaey
This is a long day, but it was absolutely worth it. If you want the exact route we followed, including drive times, parking information, timing for each stop, and what I would recommend when doing this drive with kids, read my complete One Day Iceland South Coast Itinerary With Kids.
TIP: Start early and don't underestimate how much Iceland's weather can affect your day. Conditions can change incredibly fast, so keep your itinerary flexible and check road and weather conditions before leaving Selfoss.
everyone was quite tired by the time we made it to the black sand beach
Days 5–6: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Where to Stay on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
our airbnb is the grey house directly on the harbor. it was such a magical spot.
For the next 2 nights we stayed in an Airbnb in Arnarstapi that had a washer/dryer, playground, 3 bedrooms, and easily accommodated our family of 5. This was the most perfect base for exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula! We LOVED this house so much!! Use the map below to find the best place to stay on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula that fits your group size and budget.
Day 5: Drive to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Today you're leaving Selfoss and making your way to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Instead of treating this as simply a travel day, there are a few beautiful stops you can make along the way.
Start with Helgufoss, a smaller waterfall outside Reykjavík that makes an easy first stop. From there, continue to Þórufoss before making your way north toward Borgarnes. These are two gorgeous waterfalls and are along your drive.
the snow was accumulating so fast on our drive to the peninsula - this was our stop at The Settlement Center
Borgarnes is a great place to stop for lunch before continuing onto the peninsula. We ate the buffet lunch at The Settlement Center, which was exactly what we needed on a cold, snowy day.
From Borgarnes, continue to Arnarstapi, which makes a great base for exploring Snæfellsnes. If you arrive with daylight left, walk down toward the coast to see the Monument to the Bard of Snæfellsás, Gatklettur, and Arnarstapi Harbour.
Monument to the Bard of Snæfellsás and Gatklettur are an easy walk from teh airbnb
There are a couple of places to eat right in Arnarstapi, including Stapinn and Arnarstapi Center and Snjófell Restaurant. Icewear Arnarstapi was directly next to our Airbnb and is also worth stopping into. It's a really nice shop with Icelandic clothing and souvenirs, plus drinks and an espresso machine. The staff was incredibly friendly.
we got some good coffee and souveniers next door at Icewear Arnarstapi
TIP: Be flexible with this day, especially outside of summer. Our original plan included Helgufoss and Þórufoss, but heavy snow completely changed our plans. By the time we reached Borgarnes, around 4-6 inches of snow had accumulated, so we ate lunch and headed straight to our Airbnb. Use this route as your plan, but always be willing to adjust based on Iceland's weather and road conditions.
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this is what we saw for most of the drive from selfoss to arnarstapi
Day 6: Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Today you'll spend a full day exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Snæfellsjökull National Park. This ended up being one of our favorite regions in Iceland with kids because you get an incredible variety of scenery without needing to do long or difficult hikes.
Starting from Arnarstapi, head toward Lóndrangar before continuing to Malarrif Lighthouse and the Snæfellsjökull National Park Visitor Center. Don't skip the visitor center! It has hands-on exhibits, a children's area, bathrooms, picnic tables, and even a small playground, making it a great stop with kids.
Next, continue around the peninsula to Djúpalónssandur, a gorgeous black pebble beach surrounded by huge lava formations. From there, climb the stairs to the top of Saxhóll Crater for incredible views over the surrounding lava fields and coastline.
Djúpalónssandur
Continue toward Svörtuloft Lighthouse and Skarðsvík Beach. Unfortunately, the road to Svörtuloft was closed during our April visit, but add it to your itinerary if conditions allow. Skarðsvík was a beautiful stop where our kids loved climbing around the rocks and burning off some energy.
From there, stop at Ingjaldshólskirkja before continuing to Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss, one of the most recognizable views in Iceland. Finish your loop at Búðir Black Church before heading back to Arnarstapi for the evening.
Kirkjufell
We spent an entire day driving this loop, and I definitely recommend staying on the peninsula for at least two nights so you aren't adding the long drive to and from Reykjavík to an already full sightseeing day.
For exact drive times, parking information, how long to spend at each stop, and lots more photos, read my full One-Day Snæfellsnes Peninsula Itinerary with Kids.
If you're visiting between September and April, keep an eye on the sky after dark. We were able to see the Northern Lights right from the porch of our Airbnb in Arnarstapi, which was an incredible way to end our time on the peninsula.
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the drive around the peninsula is stunning
Days 7-10: Reykjavík
Where to Stay in Reykjavík
For our first 2 nights in Reykjavík, we stayed in an awesome Airbnb in Reykjavik that had a washer/dryer, free parking, 2 bedrooms, and easily accommodated our family of 5. This was the perfect base for exploring Reykjavík! We loved the location and how convenient it was to walk around the city.
When our flight home was canceled, we tried to extend our stay, but the first Airbnb was already booked. We ended up finding this Airbnb for our unexpected extra night. It was also very nice, and the host was incredibly generous and allowed us to check in early, which was a huge help after our travel plans fell apart. It had 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, garage parking, and another convenient, walkable location.
Use the map below to find the best place to stay in Reykjavík that fits your group size and budget.
Day 7: Drive to Reykjavík
Today you're leaving the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and making your way to Reykjavík, but there are still a few really cool stops to make along the way.
Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge
Start at Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge, where you can walk right inside a narrow gorge cut into the cliffs. This was such a cool stop! The snow made it difficult for us to walk very far back into the gorge, but even being able to walk inside was worth the stop. If you're visiting when conditions are better, you'll be able to explore farther than we did.
Ytri Tunga Beach
Next, head to Ytri Tunga Beach. After seeing so many black sand beaches around Iceland, Ytri Tunga immediately looks different because it has golden-tan sand. But the real reason to stop here is the seals! Ytri Tunga is one of the best-known places in Iceland to see harbor seals and grey seals resting on the rocks just offshore. Be sure to give them plenty of space and enjoy watching them from a distance.
From Ytri Tunga, continue to the Gerðuberg Cliffs, a long wall of geometric basalt columns that looks almost man-made. It's another relatively easy stop before officially saying goodbye to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and continuing toward Reykjavík.
Gerðuberg Cliffs: the perspective is hard to see here, but these columns are 23 to 46 feet high
As you make your way toward Reykjavík, be sure to stop at an N1 petrol station for lunch or a snack. Icelandic petrol stations are surprisingly great road trip stops and have way more than just packaged snacks. You can find everything from kids meals and sandwiches to the famous Icelandic hot dog. We stopped at N1 several times during our Iceland road trip because they made it easy to grab food without losing a ton of sightseeing time.
along your drive, be sure to stop at the N1 petrol station for some food. They have all kinds from kids meals to the famous icelandic hotdog!
Once we arrived in Reykjavík, we checked into our awesome Airbnb and everyone was ready for a little downtime. Jimmy and the boys took a nap while C and I headed back out to explore. We went to the top of Hallgrímskirkja for incredible views over Reykjavík and then stopped at Bónus to pick up some groceries.
going to the top of Hallgrímskirkja is a must-do when in reykjavik
After everyone was rested, we headed to FlyOver Iceland, which hosted our family for the experience. The ride uses a huge wraparound screen, motion, wind, mist, and other effects to make you feel like you're flying over Iceland. After spending the previous week driving around the country, it was really fun to see Iceland from an entirely different perspective.
no photos or videos are allowed in the main flyover iceland part - but it was SO FUN! My kids say this was their favorite thing we did in the city
We finished the evening walking along Rainbow Street and grabbed dinner at Fish and Chips before heading back to our Airbnb.
TIP: Don't rush the drive from Snæfellsnes to Reykjavík. This is another sightseeing day rather than simply a travel day, and these stops break up the drive while letting you experience a few more completely different Iceland landscapes.
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the views as we left the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
did you know there is a playground right at the church?
CHECK OUT: Must Haves for a Trip to Iceland!
Day 8: Explore Reykjavík
Spend your first full day in Reykjavík experiencing some of the best things to do in Reykjavík with kids. This is a packed day with several paid attractions, so you can follow the entire itinerary or choose the experiences that sound best for your family.
We happened to spend this day in Reykjavík on Easter Sunday, so we started our morning by letting the kids open local Icelandic chocolate Easter eggs filled with candy. It was such a fun way to celebrate Easter while traveling!
Start your sightseeing at Perlan, an interactive nature museum where you can learn about Iceland's glaciers, volcanoes, geology, wildlife, and other natural wonders through hands-on exhibits and immersive experiences.
do not miss a visit to perLAN!
Don't miss the indoor ice cave and Volcano Show while you're there. The ice cave was especially awesome for our family because our toddler was too young for the actual ice cave tours we found in Iceland. Perlan gave all three of our kids the chance to experience walking through an ice cave without having to do a glacier excursion. We also lucked out with absolutely perfect weather and grabbed coffee in the atrium while we were there.
the wool making class was an absolute highlight - if you’re in iceland with kids, you must do this workshop
From Perlan, head to a Wool Monster Making class where the kids can create their own Icelandic wool monsters to bring home. Follow the class with lunch at Old Iceland. This ended up being the best meal of our entire Iceland trip!
Check out my Instagram Reel showcasing the Wool Monster Class!
a meal at Old Iceland is a must must must
After lunch, spend some time exploring Reykjavík on foot. Look for the colorful murals and street art around the city, walk along the waterfront to see the Sun Voyager, and stop for ice cream at Ísbúðin litla Valdís.
If you're traveling Iceland with a toddler like we were, this is also a good time to divide and conquer. Jimmy took the boys back to our Airbnb for a nap while C and I explored the city on foot.
Later in the afternoon, head toward Hallgrímskirkja and take some family photos around one of Reykjavík's most recognizable landmarks before going to the famous Lava Show. This show is fantastic and you really get to experience the HEAT of real lava. We loved the Lava Show!
there is a lava show in reykjavik and the same lava show in vik. We saw it in reykjavik
Finish your day with dinner at Íslenski Barinn. We had a fantastic experience here, and the staff was incredibly kind to us and our kids.
dinner at Íslenski Barinn - so delicious and the staff is very kind
TIP: This was FAR AND AWAY our most expensive day in Iceland! Between Perlan, the Wool Monster Making class, eating lunch and dinner at restaurants, ice cream, and the Lava Show, the costs added up quickly. If you're traveling Iceland on a budget, don't feel like you need to do everything on this itinerary. Choose one or two paid experiences and spend the rest of your day exploring Reykjavík's free sights.
COMING SOON: My complete Reykjavík with Kids itinerary with everything we did, where we ate, what each experience was like, and my tips for planning your time in the city.
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puffins were not in season when we were in iceland, so we didn’t see any. it’s one of the main reasons I want to go back to iceland.
Day 9: Blue Lagoon + An Unexpected Extra Day in Reykjavík
you get a free drink with your entry to the blue lagoon! So, it was blue slushies in a winter storm
For your final full day in Iceland, check out of your Reykjavík accommodation and head toward the Reykjanes Peninsula. Plan a morning reservation at the Blue Lagoon, followed by a stop at the Bridge Between Continents before returning your rental car and heading to Keflavík International Airport.
At least, that was our plan.
i want to go back and get the full blue lagoon experience
We arrived at the Blue Lagoon for our morning reservation, but not long after we got there, the weather started getting significantly worse. We soon received notification that ALL flights to and from Iceland had been canceled because of the extreme weather.
we didn’t even make it around the entire pool before it closed - luckily they did refund us since we didn’t get the full experience
Then, about an hour after we arrived, the Blue Lagoon announced it was closing due to the weather. The road leaving the area was also closed.
We were officially stuck.
We changed out of our swimsuits and grabbed lunch while we waited for the road to reopen. As soon as it did, we left the Blue Lagoon and headed back toward Reykjavík. While Jimmy drove, I extended our rental car for another day and found another Airbnb in Reykjavík.
once they opened the road, it was a mad dash to the cars to get out of there
Thankfully, our new Airbnb host allowed us to check in early, so we got settled and put the baby down for a much-needed nap.
If everything goes according to plan on your trip, continue from the Blue Lagoon to the Bridge Between Continents before heading to the airport. We obviously never made it there!
Bonus Reykjavík Itinerary
If weather delays your flight and you unexpectedly find yourself with another day in Reykjavík like we did, there is plenty to do without needing to plan another expensive day of attractions.
playgrounds and statues and feeding geese in reykjavik
We used our bonus afternoon to explore more of Reykjavík on foot. We grabbed some of the famous Icelandic hot dogs from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, visited Harpa Concert Hall to see its incredible architecture, found a playground at Bakarabrekka, and walked to Tjörnin to see the ducks and geese.
Harpa Concert Hall
For dinner, we walked to Old Harbour House, where Jimmy decided Iceland couldn't let him leave without trying fermented shark. ABSOLUTELY SICK. I gagged watching him eat it.
We recovered with ice cream from Gaeta Gelato before heading back to our Airbnb for our unexpected final night in Iceland.
TIP: If you're planning a winter trip to Iceland or visiting Iceland during Spring Break like we did, leave some flexibility in your itinerary. Iceland's weather can change quickly and can completely disrupt your plans. Keep your airline, rental car company, and accommodation information easily accessible so you can start rearranging plans quickly if necessary.
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i never got sick of the icelandic hot dogs - this is Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur which was right at our airbnb
Day 10: One Last Morning in Reykjavík
If you have a later flight out of Iceland, use your final morning for breakfast and a little last-minute shopping in Reykjavík before heading to Keflavík Airport.
breakfast at the Laundromat cafe
Start with breakfast at The Laundromat Cafe. The portions are huge, the food is delicious, and it's a great spot for a substantial breakfast before a travel day. You can also grab drinks and snacks for the plane nearby at 10-11 Austurstræti.
After breakfast, head to Verzlanahöllin to do some secondhand shopping. This consignment shop is a great place to look for Icelandic wool sweaters, clothing, and other items for less than you might pay at traditional shops. I tried on SO many Icelandic sweaters here, although I didn't find one I wanted to bring home.
Verzlanahöllin was my favorite secondhand shop in Reykjavík
TIP: Don't overlook secondhand shops during your Iceland road trip! Our suitcase was damaged on the flight to Iceland, and we found a replacement suitcase at a secondhand shop in Selfoss for about $25 USD instead of spending hundreds on a new one. Secondhand stores are also worth checking if you want an Icelandic wool sweater without paying full retail prices.
From here, head back to your car and begin the drive toward Keflavík International Airport. Give yourself plenty of time to return your rental car, check in, and get through the airport before your flight.
the airport can be quite busy, so give yourself time
Save a little room in your luggage for the airport too! There are plenty of opportunities to pick up last-minute Icelandic souvenirs, candy, and snacks before you leave.
TRAVELING WITH LITTLE KIDS? Keflavík Airport has free strollers available for passengers to use inside the airport. We used one while waiting for our flight, and it was incredibly helpful after 10 days of traveling around Iceland with a toddler.
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the free strollers in the airport are so helpful
What About Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland?
If you're visiting Iceland during Northern Lights season, definitely build some flexibility into your evenings because seeing them depends heavily on both aurora activity and cloud cover. We used apps throughout our trip to watch the forecast and see when our chances would be best.
We tried several nights while staying in Selfoss, but the clouds completely blocked our view every single time. Our luck finally changed on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. I saw the Northern Lights both nights we stayed in Arnarstapi, and the first night was by far the clearest and most incredible. Being somewhere with very little light pollution made a huge difference.
Arnarstapi - this is from the porch of our airbnb
I also managed to see them during our first night in Reykjavík, but I had to get away from the brighter city lights. I walked down toward the Sun Voyager and looked away from the city, where I was able to see them much better. I could even faintly capture them near Hallgrímskirkja, although the city lights made them much harder to see.
TIP: Your phone camera may actually capture the Northern Lights better than your eyes can see them. On an iPhone, set the camera to Night mode and, if conditions allow, increase the exposure time to 10 seconds. Hold your phone completely still while the photo is being taken. I highly recommend bringing a small tripod because even tiny movements during a long exposure can blur the photo.
I travel with a small tripod specifically for photos like these. You can find the tripod I use, along with the rest of my Iceland gear, in my Iceland packing list.
the norhtern lights were strong in reykjavik
Iceland with kids was one of our favorite family trips, and I would absolutely do it again. This 10 day Iceland itinerary gave us enough time to experience the Golden Circle, South Coast, Þingvellir National Park, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Reykjavík, Blue Lagoon, waterfalls, black sand beaches, volcanoes, hot springs, and so many of the incredible landscapes that make an Iceland road trip unforgettable. Visiting Iceland for Spring Break also gave us a really unique mix of seasons.
We experienced snow-covered landscapes and frozen waterfalls while still having enough daylight for full days of exploring. If you're considering a winter trip to Iceland with kids but are nervous about traveling during the darkest or coldest months, late March and early April can be a great time to visit. The weather absolutely impacted some of our plans, but being flexible was part of the adventure. I hope our firsthand experience helps you plan your own Iceland family vacation and shows that an Iceland road trip with kids, even with a toddler, is absolutely doable and SO worth it.
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Plan the ultimate Iceland itinerary with kids! This family-friendly Iceland road trip covers the Golden Circle, South Coast, Þingvellir National Park, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Reykjavík, Blue Lagoon, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and more. Find things to do in Iceland with kids, where to stay, driving tips, day-by-day stops, and firsthand advice for planning an Iceland family vacation.
Our expertly designed itinerary ensures a seamless travel experience, with carefully selected accommodations and efficient transportation options. Delight in the joy of sharing new flavors during culinary adventures featuring local cuisine. Capture picture-perfect moments against the backdrop of serene lakes, lush jungles, and towering volcanoes.