Is there anyone on Earth who doesn’t have a trip to Iceland on their bucket list? We think not. Whether it’s your first time visiting alone or with your family, you’re going to have nothing short of a wonderful time in Iceland. To properly manage your time, money, and energy, we’ve put together 10 exciting things you can do in Iceland for your next holiday trip!
Fascinating and beautiful are the best words to describe Iceland in every season. There has to be a reason why some of the biggest movies like Games of Thrones, Star Wars, and Interstellar (to name a few) were shot here; it has an ethereal allure. This country has captured the hearts of people all over the world thanks to its majestic waterfalls, intriguing volcanos, nature-kissed parks, and wildlife. The unparalleled scenery of Iceland has caused a lot of people to keep coming back for more.
With so many epic areas worthy of exploring in Iceland, you might get a bit overwhelmed about where to get started especially if it’s your first time. This is why we have put together a great list and guide to make your holiday in Iceland an amazing one.
Before we proceed, we should fill you in on a few reasons why Iceland should be the next destination for your next family trip.
- Never A Dull Moment: Iceland has so much to see and do and it’s certain that both adults and kids would enjoy every moment. A family trip that keeps everyone engaged and happy is possible in Iceland.
- Family-Friendly: It can never be overemphasized how family-friendly Iceland is for tourists. Icelanders are so friendly and welcoming. They’re very big on culture so you’re sure to see a few displays on your visit there.
- Private Tours Available: Going on a trip with your family comes with a lot of planning because you want them to be safe, comfortable, and have a good time. That being said, your family’s comfort can be guaranteed when you explore with our private tour guide (full disclosure – we have got the best at Reykjavik Outventure *winks*)
In fact, traveling with a private tour company is the best way to travel for families.
With no further delay, let’s now have a look at the fun things you and your family can do in Iceland!
10 Fun Things To Do In Iceland For Your Next Holiday
Enjoy Bathing In The Blue Lagoon
Okay, so you just landed at the Keflavik airport with your family excited about your first stop. The Blue Lagoon is close to the airport, so if you book with Reykjavik Outventure, you’ll most likely go there first. This well-known tourist attraction is actually a man-made geothermal heated pool just 10 minutes from the airport. The pool has a high silica content and minerals giving it the milky blue color that adds to its allure.
It’s said to have some amazing benefits to the skin and is very relaxing so be careful not to sleep off. Your private tour guide will not only tell you about some fun facts about the lagoon but also inform you about some rules and regulations (for example that it’s not for kids under two and you need to shower first before getting in) to make the experience smooth. If you’re going alone, make sure to research a time when there will be fewer people around to really enjoy the experience.
We have also covered Everything on What To do. Don’t forget to read.
What To Do In Iceland In Winter
What To Do In Iceland In February
Things to do in Iceland in July
What To Do In Iceland In December
You Should Go Whale Watching
Did you know that Iceland is a popular destination for whale watching because they have over 20 whale species there? Some whale-watching fans love to visit every whale season to see not just whales but some sea birds and dolphins.
A fun fact to mention is that most of the whale species are out during summer like the humpback, orca, blue whales, and many more. This is an amazing experience and we’re sure it’ll be a highlight of your entire trip.
Go Snorkeling In Iceland
Being able to snorkel between tectonic plates sounds absurd and cool so you definitely need to try it out. The snorkeling happens in the Silfra fissure located in the Thingvellir National Park. It’s near the Golden Circle and less than an hour’s drive from Reykjavik.
The channel leading to the Thingvellir Lake has crystal clear waters and it’s honestly not for the faint-hearted. However, if you love a bit of adventure, you need to try it out.
The only condition for this is that you know how to swim. Just imagine being under the sea; so much peace and quiet from all the ruckus above. Most times, a lot of tourists don’t feel too comfortable doing this which means that the crowd would be very limited.
Seeing The Northern Lights Is A Must!
You can imagine the awe on your family’s face when they come across the same Northern Lights they saw in The Polar Express animation. This is something you need to experience in person because no amount of description can do them justice. Green and purple night sky? Yes, please! Catching the Aurora is not easy because they can show up when you might not expect them. Local tourism companies like Reykjavik Outventure are very familiar with when and where they show up or you can do your research and drive to the rural areas and catch them.
Though it’s not a physical activity, you can use the time to sit around and listen to tales about the Aurora from your tour guide and marvel at nature. Enjoy a nice and quiet time with your family whilst enjoying the display of colors. It’ll be worth it.
Tour The Golden Circle
You’ve probably heard of the Golden Circle which is a very popular 186-mile route to drive through and see the Pingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir Geothermal area. Your private tour guide brings you closer to seeing the Geysir geothermal area and watching firsthand the active geysers and bubbling pools. If you’ve always been curious about where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, you’ll find that at the Pingvellir National Park.
You’re definitely going to create memories for your family that will last a lifetime. The drive around the Golden Circle takes about four hours and longer during winter. The best way to enjoy the trip is to dedicate a day to exploring the area because there’s just so much to see.
Hike Popular Glacier Ice Caves
The most popular ice caves for hiking are Vatnajokull, Katla, and Skaftafell glaciers. It’s really an incomplete Iceland trip if you fail to hike through these magical and whimsical caves with unreal shades of blue and green. Just make sure you’ve got enough phone storage because you won’t be able to get enough pictures.
Want To Experience Glacier Ice Caves? Choose our Glacier tours in Iceland and experience them!
Moving through the glaciers with our tour guide from Reykjavik Outventure ensures the safety of you and your family by providing the right gear and instructions. To get the full experience, visit during winter or early spring because they melt. Even kids can enjoy this activity so you can all look forward to this.
Experience Horseback Riding On Icelandic Horses
Horseback riding in Iceland is one of the exciting activities to do with your family, especially with the friendly nature of the horses. They are so easy to ride, vary in sizes, and we should mention that they’re too cute so petting is a must.
You can pick your preferred trekking area and like the famous Black Sand Beach and enjoy a horseback ride with the rare Icelandic horses. You don’t even need to be an expert because the horses don’t move too fast and are very comfortable to ride. This is even more enjoyable because of the picturesque landscape the country has to offer. Note that a lot of people also want to have this experience so try to book on time.
Visiting Active Volcanoes? Definitely!
One of Iceland’s most popular attractions is the active volcanoes which can be a bit scary and intriguing at the same time. After experiencing some ice in Iceland, you need to experience the fire too from where it’s safe.
The most popular ones to visit are Katla, Fagradalsfjall, Eyjafjallajokull, and Hekla volcanoes. This is also a fun activity for lovers of hiking; your heart won’t just pump from climbing but also from being quite close to an active volcano!
Experience Icelandic Festivals
When visiting Iceland, your experience cannot be complete without experiencing the special festivals and cultures of the people. The first festival that’s family-friendly has to be the Food and Fun Festival which occurs between late February and early March. It takes place in the capital city and you get to see famous chefs cook with Icelandic ingredients only. You get to enjoy yummy food with the fam!
The second festival to enjoy with family is Culture Night (Menningarnott) which takes place between August 18th-22nd. There’s a lot of music, games, art, and fun activities for every member of the family. Few locals are even willing to invite tourists into their homes to serve them authentic Icelandic waffles.
The biggest holiday on Earth cannot be left out; Christmas in Iceland is just a magical experience that your family needs to witness. You get to experience some of their cultures and traditions as well as check out the lovely decorations and Christmas market. Spending Christmas and New Year’s in Iceland also creates the opportunity to watch fireworks and eat delicious food.
Akureyri Botanic Gardens
If you’re a lover of plants and gardens, then you should visit this one-of-a-kind Botanic garden. The Akureyri botanic garden has over 7,000 plant species and it makes the list of botanical gardens in the northernmost parts of the world. What? Yes, it’s so fascinating! Your kids will definitely enjoy telling their friends at school about the different species of plants they came across. This garden is beautiful with colors attracting your eyes, especially during spring and summer.
This spot is perfect for taking short strolls with family and appreciating the different species of plants and learning about some of them.
Final Thoughts
A visit to Iceland, a country that seems to be nature’s bragging card can be perfect for you and your family even on the first go if you research and plan properly. We really could go on and on because Iceland has so many awe-worthy attractions. Visiting once isn’t even possible; you’ll just need to go back for more. On your next escape from the monotonous city life, try out these spots we’ve shared with you and you’ll be glad you did!
Whatever season you want to plan your trip, you’re definitely going to have a swell time with your family in this beautiful country, and returning for more adventures is inevitable!
Our tour guides and itineraries at Reykjavik Outventure make the trip more organized and memorable. Another upside to them is that they move in smaller crowds only so you don’t need to worry about having too many people around. You also get to find out the best spots for enjoying the best meals with your family so if this sounds like something you want to experience, go ahead and check them out!