13-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Iceland
Iceland is a playground for the imagination, offering families a chance to explore dramatic landscapes that look like they belong in a fantasy novel. This 13-day journey follows the classic Ring Road but at a much more relaxed pace, ensuring that little travelers stay happy and parents stay rested.
We focus on stroller-accessible paths, interactive museums, and the country's famous 'hot pots' that are perfect for a family soak. From the colorful streets of Reykjavik to the whale-watching hubs of the North, this route prioritizes comfort, safety, and unforgettable memories.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland - Arrival & Coastal Calm
Arrival at Keflavik Airport
Collect your family-sized SUV and head toward the capital. The drive is a smooth 45 minutes through mossy lava fields.
Lunch at Grandi Mathöll
A trendy food hall by the harbor with plenty of options for picky eaters and high chairs available.
Sun Voyager & Harpa Concert Hall
Walk the stroller-friendly harbor path to see the iconic steel sculpture and the glittering glass architecture of Harpa.
Check-in & Early Dinner
Settle into your downtown apartment and enjoy a quiet meal at a local bistro.
Day 2: Reykjavik, Iceland - Interactive Wonders
Perlan Museum
Explore the Wonders of Iceland exhibition, featuring a real indoor ice cave and an interactive planetarium.
Laugardalslaug Thermal Pool
Visit the city's largest pool complex, which includes a dedicated children's area, slides, and shallow warm pools.
Reykjavik Family Park and Zoo
A small, manageable zoo focusing on Icelandic farm animals and a large playground area.
Stroll through Tjörnin Lake
Feed the ducks and swans at the city's central pond, surrounded by colorful houses.
Day 3: The Golden Circle, Iceland - The Classic Loop
Þingvellir National Park
Walk between tectonic plates on well-maintained, stroller-friendly paths through the Almannagjá gorge.
Friðheimar Tomato Farm
Enjoy lunch inside a greenhouse where tomatoes grow year-round. Kids love the tomato soup and the resident horses.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Watch Strokkur erupt every few minutes. The paths are flat and easy for toddlers to navigate safely.
Gullfoss Waterfall
View the 'Golden Falls' from the upper deck, which is fully accessible for strollers and offers incredible views.
Day 4: South Coast, Iceland - Waterfalls and Wonders
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
The main path is easy to walk. While the trail behind the falls is slippery, the front view is spectacular and accessible.
Skógar Museum
A family-friendly open-air museum with turf houses that feel like a hobbit village to children.
Skógafoss Waterfall
Marvel at the massive falls from the flat base. It is a perfect spot for a family photo without a strenuous hike.
Dyrhólaey Viewpoint
Drive to the upper lighthouse for panoramic views of the black sand coast and puffin sightings in summer.
Day 5: Vík í Mýrdal, Iceland - Black Sands & Puffins
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Explore the basalt columns. Stay well back from the water, as the 'sneaker waves' are famous here.
Lunch in Vík
Try the local soup in a bread bowl at Smiðjan Brugghús, which has a very casual, family-friendly vibe.
Icelandic Lava Show
A safe, indoor experience where real molten lava is poured in front of the audience—thrilling for older kids.
Vík i Myrdal Church
Walk up the hill to the iconic white church for the best view of the village and the sea stacks.
Day 6: Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland - Glaciers & Ice
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Watch blue icebergs float toward the sea. The shore is easily accessible for a short, scenic walk.
Amphibian Boat Tour
Board a boat that drives into the water—the safest and most comfortable way for families to see icebergs up close.
Diamond Beach
Just across the road, see the ice chunks washed up on the black sand like giant crystals.
Skaftafell Nature Reserve
Take the paved, easy walk toward the glacier tongue of Skaftafellsjökull.
Day 7: East Fjords, Iceland - Scenic Serenity
Drive to Egilsstaðir
Enjoy one of the most scenic drives in the world along the winding fjords. Plan for several photo stops.
Lunch in Djúpivogur
Visit this quiet fishing village and see the 'Eggin í Gleðivík' (The Eggs of Merry Bay) sculptures.
Petra’s Stone Collection
A fascinating private garden filled with thousands of colorful Icelandic minerals and crystals.
Vök Baths
Floating geothermal pools on Lake Urriðavatn. They offer a calm atmosphere and great facilities for families.
Day 8: Lake Mývatn, Iceland - Geothermal Playground
Dimmuborgir Lava Formations
Known as the 'Dark Castles,' these lava pillars have easy walking loops that kids love to explore like a maze.
Hverir Mud Pools
A Martian landscape of bubbling mud and steaming vents. Stay on the paths as the ground is very hot.
Mývatn Nature Baths
The North's answer to the Blue Lagoon. It’s typically less crowded and very welcoming to children.
Skútustaðagígar Pseudo-craters
Easy walking paths around these unique geological formations at the edge of the lake.
Day 9: Akureyri, Iceland - The Capital of the North
Goðafoss Waterfall
The 'Waterfall of the Gods' is located right off the Ring Road and is very easy to access from the parking lot.
Akureyri Botanical Garden
One of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world. It’s quiet, stroller-friendly, and has a great cafe.
Whale Watching from Akureyri
Take a tour in the calm waters of the fjord, which is often easier for those prone to seasickness.
Ice Cream at Brynja
Joining the local tradition—Icelanders eat ice cream regardless of the temperature!
Day 10: Tröllaskagi Peninsula, Iceland - Heritage & Harbors
The Herring Era Museum
Located in Siglufjörður, this award-winning museum is surprisingly engaging for kids with its old boats and recreated shops.
Lunch in Siglufjörður
Eat at the harbor-front and enjoy the brightly painted buildings of this historic fishing town.
Hofsós Infinity Pool
A stunning pool overlooking the ocean. It’s small and quiet, perfect for a relaxed family afternoon.
Drive to Skagafjörður
Enter the heart of Icelandic horse culture. Many guesthouses here offer short 'meet the horse' sessions.
Day 11: West Iceland, Iceland - Waterfalls & History
Glaumbær Turf Farm
A beautifully preserved turf house farm that shows how Icelanders lived centuries ago. Very visual for children.
Hraunfossar & Barnafoss
A series of waterfalls trickling out of a lava field. The wooden walkways are excellent for strollers.
Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
See Europe's most powerful hot spring and visit the nearby Krauma spa if you need another soak.
Dinner in Reykholt
A small historic village with a peaceful atmosphere for a final evening in the countryside.
Day 12: Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland - Iceland in Miniature
Kirkjufell Mountain
The most photographed mountain in Iceland. The walk to the waterfall is short and manageable for all ages.
Djúpalónssandur Beach
Let the kids see the 'lifting stones' and the remains of an old shipwreck on the black pebbles.
Arnarstapi Coastal Walk
A stunning cliffside path. While stroller-accessible for much of the way, keep a firm hold on little hands near the edges.
Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum
A quirky stop to learn about fermented shark. Most kids prefer the museum's old boats to the taste of the shark!
Day 13: Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland - Farewell Blue
Blue Lagoon Comfort
End your trip with a splash. Children age 2 and up are welcome, and the shallow water is very safe.
Gunnuhver Hot Springs
A final look at Iceland's raw power with massive steam vents and colorful mineral deposits.
Bridge Between Continents
A small footbridge where kids can literally walk from Europe to North America in seconds.
Departure from Keflavik
Drop off the rental car and head to the terminal, which has a great kids' play area near the gates.
Best Time to Visit Iceland
For a family trip, the summer months (June to August) are ideal. You will enjoy 24 hours of daylight, which means you never have to rush to beat the sunset, and the weather is at its mildest. If you want to see the Northern Lights, late September or October offers a good balance of manageable weather and dark skies, though some highland roads may begin to close.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). However, Iceland is one of the most card-friendly countries in the world. You can pay for everything—from a stick of gum to a remote campsite—with a contactless card or phone. Tipping is not expected and is already included in the service charge of most bills.
Getting Around Iceland
For a 13-day Ring Road trip with a family, renting a car is the only practical option. It provides the flexibility needed for frequent snack breaks and diaper changes. There are no passenger trains in Iceland. While there is a public bus system (Strætó), it does not reach many of the top natural attractions, making a private rental car or a guided van tour essential for this itinerary.
