Explore
Iceland
Exploring Iceland with kids feels like stepping into another world. One day you’re walking between tectonic plates, the next you’re watching a geyser erupt, standing beside a glacier lagoon, or exploring a black sand beach.
Despite its wild landscapes, Iceland is surprisingly easy to explore. The country’s famous Ring Road connects many of the major attractions, making it possible to see waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, and coastal cliffs all in a single trip.
Whether you’re road-tripping in a campervan, relaxing in a geothermal pool, hiking to a waterfall, or spotting puffins along the coast, Iceland is packed with unforgettable experiences for families who love nature and adventure.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Gljúfrabúi Waterfall
EXPLORE ICELAND
Iceland Planning | Reykjavík | Reykjanes Peninsula | Golden Circle | South Coast
Iceland Planning
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Reykjavik
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Make Exploring Fun for Kids
Grab the free Reykjavik Scavenger Hunt or get the Iceland activity book to help your kids
learn about the Netherlands while having fun on the go.
Check out the printables here.
Reykjanes Peninsula
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Golden Circle
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South Coast
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Language
English is widely spoken throughout the country, but learning a few Icelandic words is always appreciated.
Some common phrases are:
Hello – Halló (HAH-loh)
Thank you – Takk fyrir (TAHK FEH-rir)
Yes – Já (YOW)
No – Nei (NAY))
Good day – Góðan daginn (GO-than DIE-yin)
And if an Icelander is reading this, please forgive our tourist pronunciations. 😄
currency
The currency used throughout Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, even for small purchases, so many visitors rarely need cash.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June to August) is the most popular time to visit Iceland. You’ll have long daylight hours, milder weather, and the best conditions for road trips and hiking.
If you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights, visit between September and March. Winter also brings snow-covered landscapes and fewer crowds, although weather and road conditions can be more unpredictable.
We visited Iceland in June and loved having nearly endless daylight for sightseeing. It made it easy to fit in hikes, scenic stops, and long drives without feeling rushed.
At a glance
Our experience in Iceland
Exploring Iceland with kids was one of the most incredible trips we’ve taken as a family. Before visiting, I worried about the weather, the cost, and whether there would be enough to keep the boys interested for a full week. In reality, it ended up being one of those trips where every day felt completely different from the last.
We spent a week exploring Iceland by campervan, driving through lava fields, hiking to waterfalls, walking on black sand beaches, spotting glaciers, and relaxing in geothermal pools. It felt like a giant outdoor classroom, with opportunities to learn about volcanoes, tectonic plates, glaciers, and geothermal activity everywhere we went.
What surprised me most was how much variety there is in such a relatively small country. One day we were standing beside a powerful waterfall, the next we were exploring a glacier lagoon or watching a geyser erupt. Even the drives between destinations felt like part of the adventure.
Iceland isn’t the cheapest destination, but for us, it was absolutely worth it. The landscapes are unlike anywhere else we’ve travelled, and it’s a place we’d happily return to.