Iceland is a magical place where you can take your whole family. The country has many things to offer not just for solo backpackers but also for families and their kids. The country’s landscape is so untouched that experiencing this with your kids for the first time can be a unique and memorable experience. The natural geysers, glaciers, and waterfalls are in abundance that it can catch the attention of kids and kids at heart. Planning a trip in this Nordic country shouldn’t make you feel overwhelmed.
Here are the 10 things to do in Iceland with your kids.
- Go back to the time of the Vikings – Aside from its natural landscape, Iceland is also rich in its history. When going on a trip to Iceland, you can visit the many museums located within the country. Some of these establishments are Viking’s World which carries a life-like display that would capture your kids’ imagination. Your kids can also see a giant Viking that is located in Snaefellsnes peninsula. When arriving in the area, you and your family would be greeted with the big rock formation for Bardur Snaeellsas, a mythical figure in Nordic lore that has been descendants from a troll. In Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, where you can enkindle your kids’ interest in Viking history.
- Chase after Waterfalls – The country is abundant with waterfalls. There are more of these natural water formations that you can count in Iceland. No matter, how many waterfalls are in the country, some may not be kid-friendly but most of them are. When visiting these places, make sure to have your camera ready and have snapshots taken with your kids against a wonder of nature. Some of the notable waterfalls worth visiting with your family and friends are the Majestic Gullfoss located in the Golden Circle.
- Ride the local horses – Animals have a way of connecting to kids, and that doesn’t exclude horses in Iceland. With their unique but very adorable looks, you can be sure that these Icelandic horses would have an instant connection with your kids. Unlike other horses located in the different parts of the world, these horses have a smoother ride due because they have specific gait. You can check the different stables that are found in the Golden Circle to Hella. The ride varies from 1 hour to a day.
- Get cuddly with the Puffins – During the summer, Iceland transforms into a bird watchers heaven as the country becomes the host to Puffins who nest during this time. The months of May to August are the best months to see Puffins. You and your kids can go to places that are near the capital to be able to bird watch. You can go puffin watching during the summer and ride on a boat. But if your kids are below 10 years old, you can schedule a self-drive tour of the South Coast of the country.
- Have Whale watching adventure – Young and old would have a phenomenal time while watching these giant sea creatures. The country has different whale species its shores from minke whales to humpbacks. You can also interact with white-beaked dolphins and orcas. At the end of the trip, your child would have probably chosen his favorite sea mammal. Some of the whale watching tours make use of traditional boats and are available throughout the year. The tours are available in Reykjavik as well as the Húsavík in the North.
- Visit the Slakki Petting Zoo – If you and your family would like to reconnect with nature and animals, this is the place you should go next during your trip. There are different animals from kittens to puppies, rabbits, and parrots. There is no age limit set for visitors so you can bring everyone along. Aside from the animals, the zoo also has a playground, an arcade, a mini-golf course, and also a café and ice cream shop. They are open every weekend during April and daily from May to August.
- Have a dip in the Geothermal Pools – As the country is blessed with many volcanoes, the geothermal waters and pools located in Iceland are its most prized tourist attractions. What better way to bond with the family during this trip by dipping one of the country’s geothermal springs or pools. You can hire a self-drive tour. Some of the most common spots are the Blue Lagoon or also trip along the Golden Circle route. Another geothermal bath is the Mývatn Nature Baths which offers a free entrance from children that are thirteen and below.
- Taste the local cuisine – A trip to Iceland is not complete without experiencing its local cuisine. In the Golden Circle, you need to head on to the Laugarvatn Fontana where they bake bread under the hot lava sands. Kids might find it cool and at the same time allow them to learn more about the Nordic culture. Though booking is not a requirement, it might be wise to make a booking as there are high orders during peak season.
- Experience a Geyser – You and your kids need to experience a geyser up close. One of the spots visited by tourists is the Strokkur Geyser. It expels water every 3 to 7 minutes due to the pressure built underground. Everyone who goes to the geyser just waits in anticipation as a stream of steamy water blows up into the sky.
- Follow the Northern Lights – Probably another attraction that lures tourists to Iceland is the Northern lights. You either have to trek to a place where all you can see in the night sky and little pollution. It would also be a challenge as it is difficult to predict when and where they would appear. The best way to guarantee is to book a tour that can drive you to the place and view the night time sky with your kids.
Now, who says that only the adults get all the fun when going to Iceland. Bringing your kids exposes them to a different culture other than what they have grown up with. There are many activities to do in Iceland from seeing the local animals to exploring the country’s Nordic history and grabbing a bite in between.
