Thinking of visiting Iceland with kids in October? That’s exactly what we did – two adults and two kids (aged 9 and 11) – on an unforgettable October half-term adventure. We road-tripped along Iceland’s breathtaking South Coast, exploring waterfalls, glaciers, geothermal pools and even caught a glimpse of the Northern Lights! Here’s our family-friendly 7 night Iceland itinerary, plus my personal tips for travelling Iceland with kids.
Route Overview
Duration: 7 nights
Route: South Coast loop from Keflavík International Airport (Reykjavik)
Travel Style: Self-drive, family-friendly road trip
Activity Level: Moderate – mix of family friendly walks, geothermal pools, sightseeing, and downtime
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Langoustine Heaven
- Afternoon: Arrive at Keflavík International Airport in the afternoon & pick up hire car.
- Evening: Head straight to Fjöruborðið in Stokkseyri for dinner – a must-visit restaurant in Iceland known for traditional langoustine dishes. Be sure to book ahead – it fills up fast for good reason! (Approx. 1 hr 30 min from the airport).
- Stay: Overnight in Hveragerði (approx. 30 min from the restaurant). We stayed at Hótel Eldhestar, which was ideal with kids – we especially loved the games in the lobby after a long travel day.
Day 2: Waterfalls, Hidden Gems & Thermal Pool Fun
- Morning: Drive one hour to Seljalandsfoss and walk behind the waterfall – always a hit with kids. Then take the short trail to Gljúfrabúi, a hidden gem of waterfall accessed by walking through a small stream. Grab a quick takeaway lunch from the carpark.
- Afternoon: Continue the road trip to Skógafoss (approx. 30 mins). Here you can walk up close to the base which is an experience just make sure you have waterproofs, I’d also recommend you climb the 500+ steps for a short walk with great views. After that, head to Vik Swimming Pool (approx. 30 mins) for a break from sightseeing – the thermal waters and small slide are perfect for kids after a long day.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in Vik – I recommend the Suður-Vík particularly for the desserts.
- Stay: Overnight in Vik
Day 3: Diamond Beach Magic & Glacier Lagoon Adventure
- Morning: Drive to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (approx. 50 min) and enjoy a short senic hike along the rim. Afterwards head for lunch nearby at Systrakaffi in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, (approx. 10 min)
- Afternoon: Continue to Diamond Beach to explore the scattered icebergs (approx. 1 hr 30 min) then head over to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where you can take a boat tour.
- Evening: Grab dinner at Hof 1 Restaurant (book ahead as options are limited in the area), or consider picking up provisions earlier in the day at Kirkjubæjarklaustur for a light meal.
- Stay: Overnight in Hof (approx. 30 min).
Day 4: Glacier Hike & Skaftafell National Park
- Morning: Get an early start and drive to Skaftafell National Park to go on a glacier hike on Vatnajökull. This is an unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend booking in advance. Click here to view an easy, family-friendly glacier tour suitable for children aged 8 and up.
- Afternoon: For lunch visit Freysnes, a surprisingly good roadside spot just a few minutes drive from the park. After lunch head back to Skaftafell National Park and take a short easy hike on the Skaftafellsjökull Glacier Viewpoint Trail – perfect for families with stunning glacier views.
- Evening: Head back to Kirkjubæjarklaustur for dinner (approx. 50 min) – Kjarr Restaurant comes highly recommended.
- Stay: Overnight in Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Day 5: Lava Show & Secret Lagoon Soak
- Morning: Head back to Vik and visit Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach (approx. 50 min) to see the dramatic waves and basalt columns. Aferwards get up close and personal with real lava at the Lava Show – well worth a visit for all ages.
- Afternoon: Grab lunch at the The Soup Company – delicious and conviently next to the Lava Show. Jump back in the car and drive to the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir (approx. 1hr 30 min) and unwind in the thermal waters.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Mika – don’t skip the chocolate bar! (approx. 10 min).
- Stay: Overnight in Flúðir
Day 6: Golden Circle Highlights
- Morning: Start the morning at the spectacular Gullfoss Waterfall (approx 30 min), then head to Geysir (approx. 10 min). Watching the geyser explode is the main attraction, but take a short walk around the geothermal area to explore the bubbling hot springs and steam vents.
- Afternoon: Head to lunch at the highly recommended Efstidalur Restaurant (approx. 15 min), for incredible beef burgers and ice cream made on their farm. After lunch head to Thingvellir National Park (approx. 25 min)and take a walk between the tectonic plates.
- Evening: Head to Reykjavik (approx. 40 min) and enjoy one of the many dining options.
- Stay: Overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 7: Reykjavik Exploration & Pool Fun
- Morning: Explore Reykjavik on foot and visit the impressive Hallgrímskirkja (Church of Iceland).
- Afternoon: Enjoy an afternoon at Laugardalslaug Public Pool – thermal waters, slides and hot tub fun!
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in Reykjavik and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Click here for my full guide on seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland.
- Stay: Overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 8: Blue Lagoon & Departure
- Morning: Squeeze in a trip to the world famous Blue Lagoon before your flight.
- Afternoon: Return your hire car and fly home.
Tips for a Family Trip to Iceland
1. Be Ready for Rapid Weather Changes
Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable – we had road-closing storms one day and full sunshine the next! Always check the forecast and stay flexible with your plans. It’s all part of the adventure.
2. Invest in Proper Gear
Good quality waterproofs are a must, especially for kids. Don’t forget waterproof gloves – cold, wet hands can ruin an outing quickly.
3. Northern Lights: Worth the Hype
Seeing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) is a true bucket-list moment. Check the daily aurora forecast at weather.is and head out when conditions are right.
4. The Blue Lagoon: Not for Everyone
The Blue Lagoon is often top of every Iceland itinerary – but we found it a bit stressful with kids. The local geothermal pools were far more fun, relaxed, and affordable. Don’t be afraid to skip the Blue Lagoon if you’re short on time or budget.
5. Add Extra Days in Nature
If you have more time, we highly recommend spending an extra day in Skaftafell and Þingvellir National Parks. Both offer incredible family-friendly hiking trails.
6. Driving in Iceland: Easier Than You Think
Despite a storm closing the road during our trip, driving in Iceland was surprisingly straightforward. A self-drive tour gives you the flexibility to stop, detour, or reroute as needed, especially useful when travelling with kids.