* If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for that perfect family vacation that combines adventure, education, and those precious moments that make you go “awww!” Well, grab your matching sweaters (because obviously!) because I’ve found it: Iceland!
Why Iceland? (Besides the Obvious Cool Factor!)
Iceland isn’t just another spot on your Instagram feed. First off, it’s like Mother Nature went all out and created the world’s biggest natural playground. And the best part? Once you get there, it’s actually super budget-friendly! Sure, the flights might make your wallet cry a little, but trust me on this – the value you get is AMAZING.
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula (My Family’s Absolute Favorite!)
This impossible-to-pronounce peninsula is one of the most beautiful places in the world. We called it “Snaffles” the whole time (because we really couldn’t pronounce it correctly.), and it became our favorite spot in Iceland! It is called Iceland in miniature because you can see landscapes that you find all over Iceland in a much more compact area. Imagine a place where every turn looks like it belongs on a postcard – that’s Snæfellsnes for you!
Here’s what made us fall head over heels for “Snaffles”:
– Kirkjufell Mountain (aka that mountain from Game of Thrones!) – My teens couldn’t stop taking selfies here.
– The black pebble beach at Djúpalónssandur – The kids treated it like a treasure hunt, collecting the smoothest stones.
– Seal spotting at Ytri Tunga – We spent an hour watching these enormous creatures lounging on the beach
– The Vatnshellir Cave tour – My little ones felt like real explorers!
Geothermal Pools (Because Who Doesn’t Love a Natural Spa?)
Now, let’s talk about my personal obsession: the geothermal pools! Forget expensive spa days – Iceland’s got natural hot springs everywhere! The Blue Lagoon might be famous (and yes, it’s gorgeous), but let me let you in on a local secret: there are so many other amazing spots that won’t break the bank!
Some of our favorites:
– The Sky Lagoon (way cheaper than Blue Lagoon and it is conveniently in Reykjavik so you don’t need to make a special trip.)
-Hvammsvik Hot Springs- This is right on the route to Snæfellsnes so it is a great stop.
– Local swimming pools in Reykjavik (super affordable and where the locals go!)
Budget-Friendly Tips
Here’s the thing about Iceland – everyone talks about how expensive it is, but once you’re there, it can actually be super affordable if you know the tricks:
– Book apartments with kitchens (grocery stores are reasonably priced!) We booked the little cottage above for $150 per night and made most of our own food.
– Use local swimming pools instead of tourist spots (usually under $10 per person!)
– Pack lunches for road trips (the scenery makes every sandwich taste better!)
– Visit in shoulder season (we went in April – decent weather and lower prices!)
Family Activities That Won’t Break The Bank
If you only want to do free activities, there are tons of things you can do in Iceland, Most spots don’t charge admission and if you go in the shoulder season you will be there by yourself.
Waterfall Chasing
– Skógafoss (you can climb to the top!)
– Seljalandsfoss (walk behind it – bring raincoats!)
– Gullfoss (part of the Golden Circle and absolutely free!)
Wildlife Adventures
– Puffin watching (my kids named every single one they saw!)
– Whale watching tours (tip: book in Húsavík for the best deals)
– Horse farms (Icelandic horses are like ponies – perfect for kids!)
Glacier Fun
– Glacier hikes (many tours are family-friendly)
– Ice cave tours (seasonal but SO worth it!)
– Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (the diamond beach nearby is free!)
Making It Educational (But Don’t Tell The Kids!)
You know what’s amazing? While your kids think they’re just having the time of their lives, they’re actually learning SO much:
– Volcanic science at the Lava Centre
– Renewable energy at the Hellisheiði Power Plant
– Viking history at the Settlement Centre
– Geology literally everywhere you look!
Where To Stay (Because Location Matters!)
We split our trip into chunks:
– Few days in Reykjavik (the perfect base for the Golden Circle)
– Couple nights in Snæfellsnes (our beloved “Snaffles”!)
– Three nights road-tripping the South Coast
– Final night back in Reykjavik (close to the airport)
Best Time To Visit With Family
We found April perfect because:
– Still enough daylight to pack in activities
– Fewer tourists than summer
– Chance to see the Northern Lights (we didn’t see them despite staying up late every night)
– Not too cold for little ones
– Better prices on everything!
However, if you want to see the green in Iceland you will need to go in mid to late May. April is still cool and wet, but the landscapes were just as beautiful and even more interesting. For reference, here is a picture I took of Iceland in August.
What About Food? (Because Hungry Kids = Cranky Kids!)
Let me tell you – Icelandic hot dogs are a GIFT for parents of picky eaters! But there’s so much more:
– Fresh fish everywhere (try the fish stew and that is all you will want to eat.)
– Amazing bakeries (cinnamon rolls bigger than your face!)
– Pylsur (those famous hot dogs) at every gas station
– Ice cream shops (Icelanders are obsessed, even in winter!)
The Perfect Family Photo Spots (Not that my kids would let me take pics of them)
Some of our favorite spots:
– Diamond Beach (black sand + ice = magical!)
– Any waterfall (but Skógafoss is especially epic)
– Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
– The rainbow street in Reykjavik
– Your local geothermal pool (steam makes everything look mystical!)
Trust me, Iceland will give you those precious family moments that you want when you go on vacation with the whole family. Where else can your kids see their first glacier, walk through a lava tube, and soak in a natural hot spring all in one day? Plus, the photos of your family in matching Icelandic sweaters will basically win social media forever!
So pack those warm layers (and don’t forget the matching outfits!), grab your camera, and get ready for the family adventure of a lifetime. Because in Iceland, every day feels like a new episode of your favorite nature documentary – except you’re actually IN it!
***P.S. Don’t blame me when your kids start asking to move to Iceland. It happens to the best of us! 😉***
Leave a Reply