Family activities in Iceland

A trip to Iceland is an adventure the whole family will enjoy. For those traveling to Iceland with children, we’ve put together a list of activities fit for visitors of all ages.

Horseback riding
Even if your kids (or you!) have never been on a horse before, there are plenty of places that offer horseback riding tours that cater to beginners. The Icelandic horse is a gentle breed, and a guided tour provides a safe, easy way to get acquainted with these wonderful animals. The countryside is full of horse farms, but if you’re not planning on leaving Reykjavik, there are many places right on the edge of town that offer riding tours. Most of them will even pick you up at your hotel!

Whale watching
If you want to show your kids something they’ll never forget, spend an afternoon on a whale watching boat. There’s nothing quite like seeing a giant Minke whale come up for breath, or watching a playful pod of dolphins zip around the hull of the boat.

Family-friendly museums
We Icelanders are proud of our cultural heritage, and we’ve got the museums to prove it. As you might expect from a capital city, Reykjavik is filled with excellent museums and educational sites. Iceland’s smaller towns have many cultural centers to share as well. No matter what your interests are, there’s a little something for everyone here (Viking history, wildlife, boats, mythology, volcanoes…).

Swimming
Icelanders love to swim! So much so that it’s rare to find an Icelandic town without a public swimming pool. Public pools are heated, so there’s no time of year in which you can’t go for a dip. If your family’s in the mood for a nice warm soak, seek out a hot spring! It’s an experience that can’t be missed.

The great outdoors
Our natural surroundings are the best playground a young explorer could hope for. Who wouldn’t want to run around a place filled with geological marvels, wild birds’ nests, and streams clean enough to drink? Iceland’s many national parks, campgrounds, and sightseeing spots offer safe places for little ones to experience nature first hand.