10 Days in Iceland - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Active Iceland Ring Road Adventure for Families

This active 10-day adventure for families takes you all around Iceland's famous Ring Road, so it's ideal for first-time visitors looking to explore the whole country. Tour the Golden Circle, see waterfalls, geysers, and hot springs, and experience thrilling activities such as white water rafting and horse trekking.

Pick up your car as soon as you arrive at Keflavík airport and head straight for the Golden Circle route. Travel through Þingvellir National Park and enjoy sights such as the Silfra fissure, Strokkur geyser, and Gullfoss waterfall. Kids over eight years old can enjoy an exhilarating ride on one of four zip lines on Day 2 before continuing to Skaftafell Nature Reserve to see Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull. Spend some time in the Eastfjords region, then take an exciting 4WD ATV tour through Hallormdsstaður Forest. Adults can soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths after a busy first few days.

Ramp up the adventure again on Day 6 as you travel around the Diamond Circle route. Spot the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss, explore Ásbyrgi Canyon, then take a 1.5-hour guided horseback trek along the beaches of Húsavik. Help the kids into their wetsuits for a thrilling white water rafting experience in the glacial river gorge of Austari-Jökulsá, or head back to your hotel in Laugarbakki for a quiet evening. Continue toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and keep your eyes peeled for sightings of orca whales as you drive. Explore the Víðgelmir lava cave before driving to Reykjavík for your final evening. Learn more

Itinerary #2: The Best of Iceland's Wild West & Arctic North

With two fewer stops on the itinerary, this family-friendly tour is ideal for families who want to experience Iceland at a slower pace. Covering the best of Iceland's west and north, you'll begin in Keflavík and end in Reykjavík and tour the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Southern Westfjords, Jökulsárgljúfur, Húsavík, and Lake Mývatn.

Head straight to the Blue Lagoon Spa with the kids upon landing in Keflavík. Once the family has fully relaxed in the thermal waters, it's time to head to the Ring Road, where you'll travel across the Snӕfellsnes Peninsula and see sights such as Hraunfossar ("Lava Falls") and Barnafoss ("Children's Falls") along the way. Fans of "Game of Thrones" will enjoy a detour to see Mount Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. In contrast, families interested in nature and wildlife can enjoy spotting millions of seabirds on Látrabjarg Peninsula. Stop at Súðavík on your way to Laugarbakki to see the adorable orphaned foxes at the Arctic Fox Center.

Hop in a boat for a guided tour to Grimsey Island to see 60,000 Atlantic puffins and humpback whales around Steingrímsfjörður. Choose from a range of hiking opportunities that take you from the road on Route 1 to Goðafoss ("Waterfall of the Gods"), then circumnavigate the Diamond Circle on your way to Lake Mývatn and the relaxing geothermal baths. Loop around the Leirhnjúkur lava fields before embarking on a whale watching tour to Puffin Island. Conclude your trip with a day in Reykjavík to see the Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral, the Sun Voyager Sculpture, and Laugavegur before departing. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Relaxed West Iceland Family Self-Drive

A 10-day Iceland tour that allows visitors to explore the country at a leisurely pace, focusing solely on the west coast of the island. You'll spend two nights each in Snæfellsnes, Patreksfjörður, Ísafjörður, and Hólmavík, then a final night in Reykjavík before you depart. Enjoy black-sand beaches, a seal-watching tour, and attractions like Hólmavík's Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft for insight into Iceland's heritage as you loop around the western coast.

Kick off your Iceland adventure by driving along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Stop at Hraunfossar, Barnafoss, and Glanni waterfalls along the way. Explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Búðahraun lava fields and the Búðaklettur Crater, and visit the fishing village of Grundarfjörður. A whale watching tour from Ólafsvík awaits you and the gang on Day 3. Let the kids burn some energy in the Berserkjahraun lava field, then continue to your accommodation in Patreksfjörður. Journey to Rauðasandur Beach to take a tractor tour to a nearby seal colony where kids and adults alike can marvel at these playful creatures.

Pass by Dynjandi Waterfall and learn about the legendary sea monsters of Arnarfjörður. Indulge in delicious homemade soup and waffles at Simbahöllin Café, then make your way through the Vestfjarðagöng Tunnel to Ísafjörður. On Vigur Island, you'll see thousands of puffins, eider ducks, and arctic terns. Inquisitive kids will enjoy a visit to the Sheep Farming Museum, and fiction and fantasy fans will appreciate the Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft in Hólmavík. Families who love the superhero film "Justice League" can explore the town of Djúpavík (where the movie was filmed) before departing Iceland. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Iceland Family Adventure: East to West Highlights & Westman Islands

Another classic route that takes you on a highlights tour from east to west—this time following the southern coast—this 10-day Iceland family adventure also includes a visit to the Westman Islands in the south. Soak in geothermal baths in Egilsstaðir, embark on a reindeer safari in the Eastfjords, visit the sea caves of Fjósið and Klettshellir on Heimaey island, ride on horseback in the Golden Circle, and head on a whale watching tour from Iceland's capital. 

Transfer from Keflavík to Reykjavík to catch a quick flight to Egilsstaðir and officially commence your Icelandic family adventure with a relaxing soak in the Vök Baths. Eat lunch in Seyðisfjörður, then entice the kids with a visit to Álfaborg, known as the City of Elves. A 4WD ATV tour will take you through the Hallormdsstaður Forest before you begin a fun four hours in the company of wild reindeer. See the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, the Vatnajökull ice caves, and journey through Skaftafall National Park. Watch the kids' faces light up at the sparkling sand on Diamond Beach before retreating to your hotel in Vík.

Board a ferry to the Westman Islands to see Eldfell Crater and Stórhöfði peninsula, which is known to be one of the windiest places in Europe, as well as housing the world's largest puffin colony. Back on the mainland, explore parts of the Golden Circle, such as the Gullfoss and Öxarárfoss waterfalls, then take a horseback tour with a local guide. From Reykjavík, venture on a whale watching excursion to Faxaflói bay and spot humpbacks, dolphins, and puffins. Conclude your trip with a visit to the Whales of Iceland Exhibition and the Northern Lights Center. Learn more

Itinerary #5: South Iceland Family Road Trip: Snæfellsnes, Golden Circle & Westman Islands

This 10-day south Iceland family road trip follows a classic route along the south coast, ideal for families looking to dedicate their time to one area of Iceland. Begin in Snæfellsnes Peninsula, tour the Golden Circle route, and take a ferry to the Westman Islands for one night before spending a final few days in Kirkjubæjarklaustur—jumping off point to Skaftafall National Park and Diamond Beach—and Reykjavík.

Upon arriving in Keflavík, you'll pile into your rental car and head straight toward Reykjavík along Iceland's famous Ring Road. Spark the kids' imaginations with Icelandic folklore at Glanni Waterfall, which is said to be the home of trolls and elves. See the remains of a British fishing trawler on Djúpalónssandur beach, explore the rock walls of Dritvík Cove, and enjoy a seafood lunch in Grundarfjörður village. Meander through Þingvellir National Park, marveling at sights such as Almannagjá Gorge, Öxarárfoss, and the Strokkur geyser. Then spend an afternoon soaking (and splashing) in the thermal waters of the Secret Lagoon.

Sail to Vestmannaeyjar ("Westman Islands") to tour the Eldheimar Museum and explore the sea caves of Fjósið and Klettshellir. Back on mainland Iceland, visit waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, then drive along the Dyrhólaey Peninsula. From there, daredevil kids can ride numerous zip lines that boast views of Dog's Waterfall and Grave Canyon. In Skaftafall National Park, embark on the 3-mile (5 km) trail to Svartifoss waterfall. Take a boat ride to Akurey island from Reykjavík to see puffins. Spend your final day in Reykjanes National Park and soak in the family-friendly Blue Lagoon Spa. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Iceland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Iceland? Check out these other 10-day Iceland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.