Travelling to Iceland with my 6-year-old son, Gideon was an extra memorable experience.
If you’re planning to visit Iceland with your kids but worried about the long journey, I’d say, make this vacation a core memory for you and your loved ones!
Read on to check out where are the must-see places and our mum-and-son adventures in stunning Iceland!
Visiting Iceland with a child – my initial concerns as a mum
Iceland has been on my bucket list of countries to visit, and thanks to the Iceland Convention with one of the insurers in February 2023, this dream came true!
Iceland’s unique attraction lies in its stark contrasts, where fiery volcanoes and icy glaciers coexist, creating a dramatic yet captivating draw for tourists. We only had 5 days to explore, so our itinerary mainly covered the famous Golden Circle tour and the South Coast tour.
I decided to bring Gideon as he was at a good age to explore as he’s more independent now. Furthermore, he’s going to P1 next year, so this was an opportunity for a mum and son holiday.
My concern was more on his adaptability and behaviour, as we know there are bound to be challenges during travels and if he would be up for the unexpected surprises. Inside me, I knew I was being very ambitious to go on our first mum and son trip by travelling to such a far destination.’
5-day Iceland travel itinerary with child-friendly places to visit
Day 1 – Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
We had limited free time in between the tour schedule but catching the aurora is not something you can quite plan for. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is during the winter months, from late September to early April, when the nights are longest, and the skies are darkest. That said, the visibility of the Northern Lights is subjected to weather and solar activity, so having some flexibility in your travel plans is key.
In excitement, we booked for a Northern Lights tour on our first night, after a long-haul flight. We were too ambitious – Gideon was not in the best state at all. He was sleepy; the wind was so strong and painfully cold, so he was in the bus for most of the time while we waited out for the Northern Lights. It was so dark, so he constantly called out for me. We didn’t manage to catch the “best” light – the lights captured with camera was a lot better than seeing with our naked eyes.
My tips for seeing the Aurora Borealis with kids: Be prepared for late nights, and ensure your kids are well-rested before the tour. I’d suggest booking it on your second night after everyone is well rested. Try the Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour option and check out the age restrictions for children.
Day 2 – Visiting Reykjavik
Hallgrímskirkja Church
Our first stop was the Hallgrímskirkja Church, the tallest church in the country, it offers breathtaking views of the capital and is a must-see for visitors.
Pingholt
One of the city’s must-visit neighbourhoods is the charming and historic area of Pingholt. Known for its Rainbow Street, Pingholt offers a picturesque glimpse into Icelandic life. Does this iconic area remind you of the Rainbow Starting Line in Taipei? This area is within walking distance to many of Reykjavik’s main attractions, including the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church.
When you’re here, try their Plokkfiskur, a traditional Icelandic fish stew, known for its rich and comforting flavours. We loved how it was perfect to enjoy in that the cold weather!
Sun Voyager
Sun Voyager is often interpreted as a dreamboat and an ode to the sun, symbolising light and hope. We were wow-ed by this structure as it resembles a Viking ship.Bottom of Form
FlyOver Iceland Ride
The FlyOver Iceland experience in Reykjavík was a unique and family-friendly adventure indoors. This immersive flight simulation combines state-of-the-art technology, motion seats, wind, mist, and scents to create a lifelike experience of flying over Iceland’s landscapes. It’s suitable for various ages although there are height restrictions for children.
Perlan Wonders of Iceland
We visited Perlan Wonders of Iceland which is housed in a distinctive glass dome structure. It features an indoor ice cave, a Northern Lights planetarium, exhibits on Iceland’s natural wonders like glaciers and volcanoes, and an observation deck with panoramic views of the city. Personally, I’d say, skip this if you do not have many days in Iceland. It is always best to experience Iceland’s natural wonders in person, rather than at another man-made structure.
Gideon was enjoying his ice cream at the observation deck in the icy cold wind. He could handle the cold way better than me!
Day 3 – Golden Circle Tour
I think the beauty of visiting Iceland is that we get to see a different side of nature that we don’t get to when in Singapore. On this tour, we witnessed some of the natural wonders of Iceland’s geothermal Geyser area and saw active geysers and waterfalls. We also spotted spouting hot springs, including the most active geyser in Iceland Strokkur. There’s also the opportunity to ride in a 4×4 monster ice truck, learn how to drive the snowmobile, and follow your guide while speeding through ice and snowfields.
Langjökull Glacier Snowmobile Experience
We embarked on an exhilarating journey atop the second largest glacier in Iceland, Langjökull! This snowmobile tour is not just about the excitement of navigating a snowmobile; it’s a unique opportunity for my son and I to experience Iceland’s icy wilderness.
We were blessed with very good weather that includes sunshine; hence it was not as cold as we thought. But it’s always better to be prepared. Would be good to wear sunglasses if your eyes are sensitive to glare and wind. Most operators require children to be of a minimum age, often around 6 years old, to participate in a snowmobile tour.
I took this photo at the summit, presenting a mesmerising scene by its expansive blanket of snow and ice that seems to stretch indefinitely into the horizon!
Gullfoss
Next, we visited the Gullfoss, or “Golden Falls”, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls and located on the Hvítá River. It looks really spectacular as we witnessed this two-stage drop totalling 32 meters into a rugged canyon. It feels unbelievable to be here!
Strokkur Geyser
After a 10-15 minutes’ drive away from the Gullfoss waterfall, we arrived at the Geyser geothermal area, where the active Strokkur Geyser is at. We managed to catch the eruption of the Strokkur geyser (above video), which erupts every few minutes, shooting hot water and steam up to 30 meters high.
The landscape is dotted with bubbling pools, fumaroles, and other smaller geysers, set against a backdrop of mineral-rich earth in vibrant hues. I was telling my son that mummy used to see this only from photos in my Geography textbooks, but now this was a lesson right in front of our eyes!
Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park
As we walked through the park, we went along the rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly drifting apart. It felt a little scary yet amazing to witness nature this way!
The site is the oldest known parliament in the world!
The park’s tranquil environment, combined with the cooling Icelandic weather, was very inviting for us to continue wandering. Due to time constraint, our walk was brief, but we will definitely be back here to explore further into the park in future!
Day 4 – South Coast Tour
The visual feast along the coastline from Reykjavík into the volcanic and glaciated wonderland that is Iceland’s south coast was spellbinding! Visiting Raufarhólshellir was a unique experience and a great opportunity to witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption as we walked in the path of lava that flowed during the Leitahraun eruption. These are physical memories left behind that are also reminders for the locals and tourists alike.
Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel
Located near Reykjavik, Iceland, this is one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in the country. We spotted solidified lava flows, stalactites, and the varying colours caused by mineral deposits (above photos with colourful backgrounds). The tunnel’s accessibility makes it a popular spot for guided tours, offering a fascinating glimpse into Iceland’s volcanic sites with a dollop of history lessons!
Gideon was also trudging through the tunnel independently! My brave child!
Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls
They are two of Iceland’s most famous and picturesque waterfalls, both located along the country’s southern coast, and are popular tourist attractions. If you’re game, try out the hiking trails but do check about having kids on this adventure.
The water falls from the volcanic cliffs that once formed Iceland’s coastline, providing a really mesmerising and calming backdrop.
Skogafoss is just a short drive east from Seljalandsfoss. It’s wider and has a classic rectangular shape with a powerful gush of water energy!
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara is a world-famous black sand beach on the South Coast of Iceland, with its enormous basalt stacks, roaring Atlantic waves, and stunning panoramas. We observed that the beach’s sand was composed of volcanic particles, in a dark colour unlike the sand at Singapore’s beaches. Gideon was really surprised that sand comes in other colours too!
If you’re travelling to Iceland with kids, do be mindful that these sneaker waves can be unpredictable and dangerous. Keep a safe distance from the water, as there are strong currents and no significant landmass between the beach and Antarctica. (video of the sneaker waves in first image)
Parents with children, never let your kids out of your sight!
Blue Lagoon Experience
To me, this is a must-visit attraction in Iceland!
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a geothermal spa renowned for its milky-blue waters rich in minerals like silica and sulphur. The weather may be cold, but the warm waters made it extra relaxing. In fact, my son enjoyed a mud mask – definitely a child-friendly activity! Many tourists flock here to enjoy nature’s skin-healing treats in an outdoor spa!
From my experience, I’d recommend that this should either be your first or last stop when you visit Iceland with kids, as it’s near Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport.
I will definitely go back to Iceland on my own again as a family, and explore the rest of the places such as, Whale Watching Cruise and Helicopter Tour.
Is Iceland a kid-friendly holiday destination?
Here are some key elements I feel which makes it suitable for families:
Natural wonders: If you’re planning a parent-and-child bonding trip, do explore glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, and black sand beaches. This natural environment is great for igniting children’s curiosity and love for nature; something we don’t get in cosmopolitan Singapore.
Outdoor activities: There are plenty of outdoor activities suitable for families, such as hiking, horseback riding, whale watching, and viewing the Northern Lights. Great for letting kids experience the fun while growing their knowledge of the world too!
Safety: Iceland boasts a low crime rate, which makes it a popular vacation spot for families. However, do practise discernment on safety especially since you’re in a foreign country.
Educational experiences: Experiential learning beats learning within a classroom! Visiting geothermal areas, volcanic landscapes, and museums offers valuable learning experiences for children.
Warm local culture: Icelandic people are generally very welcoming and accommodating, which can make family travels more pleasant and less stressful.
Family-friendly accommodations: There are numerous options for family-friendly accommodations, including hotels, guesthouses, and rental homes that cater to the needs of those traveling with children. Look for the ones that fit your needs and budget.
Things to prepare when travelling to Iceland with children
1. Preparation and clothing: Dress everyone warmly in layers, as nights can get very cold. This is especially important for children, who may be more sensitive to the cold. Shop for affordable yet effective winter wear for adults and kids.
2. Alternative activities: If you have very young children or if the conditions for viewing the Northern Lights are not favourable, consider alternative activities like visiting the Aurora Museum in Reykjavik, which can be an educational and fun experience.
However, it’s important to note that Iceland can be an expensive destination, and the weather can be unpredictable, so do plan and budget accordingly. If you’re saving for the expenses, there are smart saving hacks to help you stretch your dollar too.
How I felt about our first mum and son vacation
After this experience, I would strongly encourage every parent to plan for a parent-and-child trip. You will see the potential of your child; the side of him you may not have discovered yet. Gideon became more independent, brave and confident. It somehow instilled responsibility in him when we tasked him with duties during and after the trip too.
Taking your little one on a mother-child trip can be a wonderful experience for both, and there are several reasons why I think it’s a great idea:
- Building independence and confidence: Being in a new environment encourages children to adapt, make decisions, and try new things. These experiences evidently boosted his confidence and independence.
- Quality time together: One-on-one time is rare since we’re often busy. The focused attention on each other was like a bonding trip for us.
- Learning experiences: Travel teaches fantastically by exposing kids to different cultures, landscapes, and ways of life, broadening their perspective and understanding of the world. That said, kids also get to pick up life skills e.g., map reading, budgeting, or learning phrases in a new language.
- Encouraging curiosity and adventure: Experiencing new places and activities can spark curiosity and a sense of adventure in kids. Having an inquisitive mind lets active kids embrace the unexpected too.
- Developing social skills: Traveling often involves meeting new people. This offers kids the opportunity to enhance social skills during interaction with people from all walks of life.
- Resilience and adaptability: Travel plans may change unexpectedly e.g. flight delays or baggage loss. Protect against such disruptions by buying travel insurance once your trip tickets are booked. Overcoming these challenges teaches kids about resilience and adaptability.
- Special memories: All the experiences are making its way into our core memories!
- Personal growth for both: While your child learns and grows from his holiday experience, you will also see him in a new light and appreciate his developing personality and abilities.
Remember, the key to a successful trip is planning activities that are enjoyable and age-appropriate for your child, ensuring a positive and enriching experience for both of you.
