Iceland is a land of jaw-dropping landscapes, unpredictable weather, and unforgettable experiences. If you’re planning your own family iceland adventure to this incredible country, there are some key things to keep in mind to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Based on our own Iceland adventure, here are nine tips to help you get the most out of your trip.
1. Dress for Every Season, Every Day
When we went to Iceland, we got very lucky with a lot of sun and moderate temperatures. But friends of ours went just weeks before and dealt with rain every day of their three-week trip. Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, so you’ll want to prepare for every possibility.
For our trip, we had lightweight, waterproof gear for everyone. This was especially important for the kids, as wet and cold kids can end your day fast. We bought these packable waterproof coveralls from Amazon before the trip and they were perfect. Remi had waterproof boots, but Arlo wasn’t walking yet. Layering was key—thermal base layers, lightweight puffer jackets, and hats were essentials we used daily. Even with good weather, the wind can surprise you, especially near waterfalls or along the coast. It’s better to overpack warm and waterproof options than to risk being unprepared.
2. Rent a Car for Freedom and Adventure
We rented two SUVs from Blue Car Rental, an Iceland-based car rental company, and it was one of the best decisions we made. Having two cars for our big group was key to staying flexible. It allowed us to split up when needed, whether for coffee runs, shopping trips, or just exploring at our own pace.
While we didn’t venture off the paved roads very much, the SUVs were perfect for comfortably carting around kids and all our gear. In Iceland, having a roomy and reliable vehicle can make all the difference, even if you’re sticking to well-maintained main roads.
3. Budget Smartly: Iceland is Pricey
It’s true that Iceland can be expensive, especially when it comes to dining out or drinking (see #4 for my tips on food). But we did find there were plenty of affordable options—local hot dog stands, burger joints, and pizza places sometimes offered meals in the $10–$20 range, which felt comparable to our hometown prices.
Car and Gas Costs
Gas is considerably pricier than in the U.S., so be sure to factor that in if you’re driving a lot. For our group, it averaged around $130 for 2 hours of daily driving.
Sample Budget Snapshot (September 2024, USD)
- SUV Rental: $600 per car, per week
- Accommodation:
- $2,857 total for a 6-night cabin near Selfoss
- $522 for a single-night hotel stay in Reykjavik
- Meals:
- $10–$20 per person for casual counter service/fast food
- $30 for a medium pizza
- $75–$100 per person for upscale restaurants
- Activities
- Most waterfalls, national parks, and hot springs areas – $8-10 per car parking fee
- Lava Show – $43 per person
- Public geo-thermal swimming pool – $12 per adult, free for kids under 10
Hopefully seeing these costs laid out in advance helps you plan where you want to splurge—and where you don’t. Read our full post for family itinerary ideas in Iceland for more about our activities and meals.
4. Pack Snacks: Groceries Are Your Friend
Restaurant meal costs for a family can add up quickly, so we often opted for cooking our own meals. Grocery stores like Bonus and Kronan became our go-to stops for stocking up on essentials. They offered a good variety of affordable options, which helped us stay within budget while still enjoying local foods like Skyr yogurt and Icelandic bread.
A little planning ahead made a huge difference. We packed snacks for long drives and planned simple, quick meals at our accommodations. Not only did this save money, but it also saved us time that we could spend exploring Iceland’s stunning landscapes.
5. Plan Around the Midnight Sun or Northern Lights
Deciding when to visit Iceland largely comes down to what you want to experience: the endless daylight of the midnight sun in summer, or the magic of the northern lights in winter. If you’re planning long hikes or want to pack in a lot of sightseeing, summer’s near-constant daylight is perfect for maximizing every day. However, if you have little kids or just prefer a more relaxed pace, those nearly 24 hours of daylight might feel overwhelming.
Winter is prime time for the aurora borealis—though you’ll contend with long nights, unpredictable weather, and potentially tricky road conditions. If you have a short trip scheduled, closures or canceled activities can be especially frustrating.
For a happy medium, consider the shoulder season (roughly late September through November or March through April). You’ll still get a decent amount of daylight for exploring, plus a real chance to spot the northern lights on clear nights. During our own trip, we got lucky enough to see them on two separate evenings, but we knew before we went that Mother Nature might not cooperate. Keeping an eye on aurora forecasts and allowing a few flexible nights in your schedule can significantly boost your odds of witnessing this breathtaking phenomenon. Ultimately, choosing your travel dates wisely will help ensure you get exactly the Iceland experience you’re after.
6. Take it Slow: Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
Iceland’s endless beautiful landscapes might tempt you to check off every possible sight, but rushing around can leave you feeling burned out—and you’ll miss the joy of a true family iceland adventure in each location.
We found it far more rewarding to pick a few must-see places and devote enough time to savor them, rather than tearing through a checklist. If you’re traveling with the whole family, like us, pacing yourself is even more crucial. By selecting one primary activity per day, it left us flexible enough to stop when we saw something worth exploring or when a kid (or grandparent) wanted to have an afternoon nap.
Whether it’s spending an entire day exploring one waterfall region or lingering in a coastal village, slowing down makes for richer memories. Focusing on quality over quantity ensures you’ll leave Iceland feeling fulfilled—and maybe even eager for a return trip to discover the rest!
7. Capture the Magic, But Be Present
With such jaw-dropping views around every corner, it’s natural to want a photo of everything. But sometimes, the best memories happen when you put the camera down and simply absorb the moment.
We were lucky to have my dad along—he’s a professional photographer with an eye for capturing the perfect shot. Whether we were at a waterfall or a volcanic crater, we’d snap a few quick pictures, then put our phones away to be fully present—especially for the kids.
Photography is incredible, but don’t let it steal the spotlight from the actual show happening before your eyes. Whenever I see tour buses full of people whose faces are hidden behind their phones the entire time, it reminds me to pause, look up, and really take in the view.
And of course, there’s nothing better than traveling with a curious kindergartener to remind you to take in all the unique surroundings!
Iceland offers a world of diverse experiences, but a little preparation goes a long way. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls under the midnight sun or catching the northern lights dancing across a winter sky, these tips will help you make the most of your Iceland adventure.
Pingback: About Us - Live Bold, Travel More with Kids