22 Best Tours + Experiences In Iceland with Kids

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This article on the best tours and experiences in Iceland with kids was done in partnership with + sponsored by Tripadvisor.

A man holds his young child atop his shoulders while exploring a waterfall in Iceland. — Photo Courtesy: John Thomas

Booking the best Iceland tours for kids is an absolute must for an unforgettable adventure! With its awe-inspiring natural wonders and diverse landscapes, this Nordic island offers numerous captivating experiences for young travelers. Whether it’s marveling at majestic waterfalls like Gulfoss or taking a thrilling whale-watching excursion off the coast, these tours provide an excellent opportunity for children to immerse themselves in the striking beauty of nature. Beyond natural attractions, kid-friendly tours also introduce cultural aspects by visiting iconic landmarks such as Thingvellir National Park, where they can learn about Viking history and experience walking between two tectonic plates.

Using Tripadvisor, we put together this list of the Best Tours and Experiences in Iceland for Families with our favorite selections. Stay tuned to plan your next Iceland adventure! To top it off, save 10% on any Tripadvisor tour with our code: FLT10.

Fun Tours in Iceland with Kids

Families searching for the best tours in Iceland with kids have plenty of options with these fun tours through the country! Whether you’re an animal lover or want to see the Northern Lights, there’s sure to be an excursion your whole family will enjoy. Keep reading to discover some of the Best Tours + Experiences in Iceland for Families Using Tripadvisor.

Click here to read our Exciting Two-Week Iceland Itinerary For Families!

Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik

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Families who want to see the Northern Lights in Iceland will love this Northern Lights Tour From Reykjavik! Available seasonally from September through mid-April, this tour lets families with kids ages 6 and up see one of Iceland’s most beautiful natural phenomena.

It’s ideal for families visiting Reykjavik because, although you can see the Northern Lights on your own, it’s much easier to do so with a guide. Lasting around three hours, this evening tour takes you from central Reykjavik to beautiful natural landscapes outside the city center, where you can see the lights. In the meantime, your guide will explain a little more about the science behind the aurora. Plus, if you don’t see the lights on this tour, you can join a later tour for free!

Big Whales & Puffins RIB Boat Tour

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Animal lovers visiting Iceland can’t miss this Big Whales & Puffins RIB Boat Tour From Húsavík! Recommended for kids ages 8 and up, this 2-hour tour happens aboard a small boat with only 12 passengers, so you’re sure to get a great view.

From the Húsavík Adventures’s ticket office, the tour will take you to Skjálfandi Bay, which is home to a variety of whale species. And, if you take the tour from April through August, you’ll also get the chance to visit Lundey, aka Puffin Island. Kids will love learning about this unique bird while getting the chance to see them up close!

Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise

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What better way to experience Iceland’s wildlife than with a Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise? Setting sail from the old harbor in downtown Reykjavík, this two-and-a-half-hour tour takes you out to Faxafloi Bay to look for whales, dolphins, and other wildlife.

In fact, you may even get to see puffins if it’s between April and August! It’s perfect for kids of all ages who love animals and want to learn more about the ecosystem in Iceland. You’ll even get to travel in style on a yacht, and see stunning scenery in the process, from mountains to the small islands surrounding Reykjavík. No wonder it’s one of the best Iceland tours for kids!

Express Whale Watching by RIB boat from Akureyri

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Get up close and personal with whales in their natural habitat thanks to this Express Whale Watching by RIB Boat from Akureyri! Iceland’s north coast is one of the best places in the country to see whales. With this 2-hour tour, kids ages 10 and up can embark on a small-group whale-watching tour from Akureyri.

Along the way, your guide will tell you some fun facts about local wildlife, including sea birds. You’ll get the chance to spot humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, mink whales, and various other species. Plus, since there are only twelve passengers on board, it’ll be an intimate and fun experience for everyone!

Whales and Puffins Tour from Husavik

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One of the best family tours in Iceland is, without a doubt, this Whales and Puffins Tour From Husavik! Ideal for kids of all ages, this 3-and-a-half-hour tour lets families hop aboard a vintage fishing boat to spot some of Iceland’s most adorable creatures: puffins and whales!

If you book your tour for between April and August, it’ll start with a visit to Lundey, aka Puffin Island, where hundreds of thousands of puffins flock during mating season. Kids will love learning more about the puffins from your guide! Then, you’ll travel to Skjálfandi Bay. Here, you can spot humpback whales, Minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and other species. It’s undoubtedly one of the best tours to take in Iceland for families!

Family Rafting Day Trip from Hafgrímsstaðir: Grade 2 White Water Rafting on the West Glacial River

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Adventurous families can’t get enough of this Family Rafting Day Trip from Hafgrímsstaðir! For kids ages 6 and up, this three-and-a-half-hour tour takes families through the stunning Icelandic wilderness for a fun river rafting trip. From Hafgrímsstaðir, you’ll put on your drysuit and head toward the West Glacial River by bus.

Then, with your paddle in hand, your guide will take you on an epic journey downstream! Since the rapids are only level 2, this adventure should be fine for younger kids, but use your judgment as to whether your kids can handle it. At the end of your adventure, you’ll get to cliff jump into the glacial waters for a refreshing dip – truly an unforgettable experience!

Fun Iceland Walking Tours with Kids

Walking tours are a fantastic way to see Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik. Not only will you get your daily exercise and keep kids attentive the whole time, but you’ll also learn more about the city, its customs, and where to find the best spots (both on and off the tourist path). If you’re looking for the best things to do in Iceland with kids, check out these fun Iceland walking tours for kids!

Here are the Best Things To Do In Iceland With Kids!

Reykjavik Walking Tour – Walk with a Viking

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See the charming city on a Reykjavik Walking Tour! As one of the best small group day tours in Iceland, this two-hour excursion is ideal for kids of all ages who want to explore Reykjavik.

Learn more about the city’s history and culture from your guide as you pass spots like Reykjavik Harbour, Reykjavik Lake, and Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street. You’ll also stop at landmarks like the Reykjavik City Hall, Parliament House, and Austurvollur Square. Your guide will do a fantastic job at keeping your kids entertained, and since it’s a small-group tour, they’ll get personal attention, too. This is undoubtedly one of the best Iceland tours for kids!

Reykjavík VIP CityWalk Tour

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One of the best Iceland tours for kids is this Reykjavik VIP CityWalk Tour! For kids ages 6 and up, this 2-hour tour lets you explore the streets of Reykjavík and learn more about its colorful history, including spots many tourists miss.

Start at the famous church Hallgrímskirkja before heading to the iconic Rainbow Street, then the Old Harbour. You’ll also get to see the Parliament House, Reykjavik City Hall, and more landmarks while your guide tells you more about each place. It’s usually a very funny, informative, and informal tour, perfect for keeping kids entertained. And, since it’s only a group of 10, it’s surely one of the best small group day tours in Iceland!

Funky History Walking Tour With Local Storyteller – With Hot Dog

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Families who want to hear a different side of Reykjavik’s history will love this Funky History Walking Tour With Local Storyteller – With Hot Dog! During this two-and-a-half-hour tour, kids of all ages can learn more about Iceland’s history from an English-speaking guide with a gift for storytelling.

You’ll get the straightforward history of the city, as well as some lesser-known stories that some locals don’t even know about! First, you’ll meet at the city’s most famous landmark, Hallgrímskirkja Church, before visiting hidden gems like Einar Jónson’s sculpture garden. Families can also stroll through Freyjugata, a residential area, to learn about how Icelanders converted to Christianity. Plus, when kids get hungry, the tour even includes a hot dog to snack on!

Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland

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Learn more about Reykjavik’s mystical side on a Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland! Lasting around an hour and a half, Tripadvisor recommends this kid-friendly tour for all ages, though you should exercise caution if you think your little one will be too scared.

You’ll start your tour at the oldest graveyard in Iceland, where you’ll get to learn about the Deacon of Dark River. Some say this ghost still haunts the graveyard today! Kids will also love venturing to a playground, where they’ll get to learn more about elves. Not to mention the guardian spirits outside Althingi Parliament House and the trolls near the Cathedral of Christ the King! Kids will be encouraged to ask questions during the tour, which makes the experience all the more fun. This is undoubtedly one of the best Iceland walking tours for families!

Fun Iceland Half-Day + Day Tours for Families

One of the best ways to see Iceland and its various attractions is by taking a half-day or full-day tour. This is mostly because the country is so vast and requires a lot of driving to explore. So, you could make the experience smoother for you and your kids by booking a tour, which takes care of the driving for you and offers other perks like admission to each place. Here are our favorite options!

Vatnajökull Glacier Walk from Hali

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Experience the beauty of Iceland’s glaciers on this Vatnajökull Glacier Walk from Hali! This 3 or 4-hour tour departs from a pick-up point in Hali, where you’ll embark on an unforgettable trip to Breiðamerkurjökull, one of Vatnajökull’s biggest outlet glaciers.

During the tour, you’ll get to learn more about the glacier from your guide, including the region’s history from settlement times until now. Not to mention the chance to ride in a 4×4 to appreciate Iceland’s stunning landscape! Then, with your gear in tow, you’ll get to take a leisurely hike through glacial ice sculptures, ridges, and the deep crevasses of the glacier. It’s a moderate trip/hike, but Tripadvisor still recommends the excursion for kids ages 10 and up.

Inside the Volcano: Small Group Thrihnukagigur Hike and Tour from Reykjavik

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One of the best things to do in Iceland with kids is to venture Inside The Volcano: Small Group Thrihnukagigur Hike and Tour from Reykjavik! With this 5 or 6-hour tour, kids ages 8 and up have the chance to venture into Iceland’s dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano.

From your hotel in Reykjavik, your guide will pick you up and take you for a drive to Iceland’s Blue Mountains (Bláfjöll). Along the way, you’ll learn about how this unique volcanic site was first formed 4,000 years ago. At Thrihnukagigur, you’ll hike through craggy formations in the volcano’s surrounding lava field. Since the hike is moderate, be sure your kids are up for the exercise and wearing good shoes. Plus, since it’s a small-group tour (less than 20 people), you won’t feel lost in the crowd.

Half-Day Vatnajokull Glacier Small Group Tour from Skaftafell

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Adventurous tweens and tweens will have a blast on this Half-Day Vatnajokull Glacier Small Group Tour from Skaftafell! As one of the best tours to take in Iceland with kids, this small-group tour lasts around 4 and a half hours and is recommended for kids ages 12 and up.

From Skaftafell, you’ll venture to the outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. This is where you’ll get to see the ice fall of Falljökull, as well as learn more about how glaciers are formed, their history, and the area of Skaftafell and Örævi. You’ll get closer to the glacier than you normally would on other tours. Plus, even if you’ve never been hiking near a glacier, they provide you with a harness, crampons, and an ice ax. And you’ll get to hike at your own pace according to what your kids need!

Golden Circle & Glacier Snowmobiling Day Trip from Reykjavik

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Explore one of Iceland’s most popular tourist routes on this Golden Circle & Glacier Snowmobiling Day Trip from Reykjavik! Lasting around 10 hours, this tour takes families with kids ages 6 and up on a magical adventure through the 190-mile loop that comprises the Golden Circle, featuring surreal scenery straight from a postcard!

This tour includes stops at famous destinations like Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Hot Springs, and the Gullfoss Waterfall, where kids can watch and learn more about the geothermal activity in the area. Then, you’ll head to the Langjokull glacier for a snowmobile adventure! Your guide will give you a quick safety introduction before you take off, ascending to the glacier’s summit on a snowmobile for amazing views from the top!

Ice Exploration Tour from the Glacier Lagoon

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Trek across one of Iceland’s national treasures on this Ice Exploration Tour From The Glacier Lagoon! As one of the best Iceland tours for kids, this 4-and-a-half-hour adventure starts at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where you’ll meet your guide and learn how to walk on glaciers.

From there, a super jeep will transport you to the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, where you’ll spend two hours hiking with your experienced guide. Expect to learn all about how glaciers are formed, as well as how the area’s changing landscapes affect them. Since the hike is rated moderate at around 3.5-6 miles, we recommend this excursion for ages 10 and up.

Golden Circle Full Day Tour from Reykjavik by Minibus

A couple takes a selfie, while on the Golden , one of the best Iceland tours with kids.Circle Full Day Tour from Reykjavik by Minibus

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Next on our list of Iceland family tours is this Golden Circle Full Day Tour from Reykjavik by Minibus! Lasting around 8 hours, this tour, ideal for ages 5 and up, lets families see the Golden Circle highlights in an efficient way from Reykjavik.

It includes hotel pick-up and drop-off on a sleek minibus equipped with Wi-Fi, so kids can even use their devices if needed. First, you’ll stop at Thingvellir National Park before seeing the Gulfloss Waterfall and the Geysir Geyser. Your guide will give commentary at and between each stop, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own. There’s also a lunch break (at your own expense) before you conclude with a visit to the Faxi waterfall.

Small-Group Day Tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula Natural Park

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Appreciate the otherworldly landscapes of Iceland’s Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this Small-Group Day Tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula Natural Park! Recommended for kids over the age of 2, this small-group full-day tour is the perfect opportunity for families to learn more about Iceland’s geography. (Hotel pick-up is included from certain locations in Reykjavik.)

Your first stop will be the Berserkjahraun lava field, created around 4,000 years ago. You’ll also get to see Kirkjufell Mountain, Saxholl Crater, and beautiful black-sand beaches such as Djupalonssandur Beach. As you pass through quaint fishing villages, your guide will recount Icelandic folklore and other interesting stories to enthrall kids.

Golden Circle, Fridheimar Farm & Horses Small Group Tour from Reykjavik

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Families looking for the best small-group day tours in Iceland should consider this Golden Circle, Fridheimar Farm & Horses Small Group Tour from Reykjavik! From your hotel in Reykjavik, a guide will pick you up for this full-day tour (around 8 hours) through the 190-mile loop of the Golden Circle.

You’ll start at Kerid, a crater lake, as well as Efstidalur Farm, to sample Icelandic delicacies. Then, you’ll head to other famous attractions, such as Gullfoss Falls, the Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park. Admission is included for each, and you’ll have ample time to explore while hearing more about each location from your guide. As one of the best Iceland tours for kids, Tripadvisor recommends this for ages 8 and up.

Fun Iceland Private Tours for Families

Searching for the best private tours in Iceland for families? For a personalized experience that gives your kids special attention and lets you travel at a leisurely pace, these private tours for families check all the boxes. Stay tuned to find out our favorite Iceland private tours!

Looking for more thrilling, family-friendly travel destinations? Read this Fantastic Finland Winter Itinerary For Families!

Fagradalsfjall Volcano Eruption – Custom Private Tour, No Group

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Searching for one of the best Iceland tours for kids? Check out this Fagradalsfjall Volcano Eruption – Custom Private Tour, No Group! Ideal for all ages, this custom private tour lasts around 4 hours and takes families to the famous Fagradalsfjall Volcano.

This unique adventure is tailored to your family’s interests, starting with a drive through the heart of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Then, you’ll take the Fagradalsfjall Volcano Hike to see the remnants of the 2021 eruption. Since the hike takes around 45 minutes each way, we only recommend this tour to kids who are more experienced hikers, though your guide is happy to go at a slower pace. Depending on the weather, you may even enjoy a detour through the lava fields!

South Coast of Iceland Private Day Trip by SUV or Van

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One of the best Iceland private tours for families is definitely this South Coast Of Iceland Private Day Trip by SUV or Van. Recommended for kids ages 1 and up, this full-day tour (between 8 and 10 hours) takes families to see Iceland’s south coast beaches, waterfalls, and glacier-crowned volcanoes.

It’s the perfect excursion for families who have already seen sights like The Golden Circle and want to experience something a little different. Begin with a pick-up at your hotel in Reyjavik, then travel comfortably to the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, passing other destinations like the Hengill Volcano along the way. You’ll also get to see Skógafoss, another one of Iceland’s beautiful waterfalls. Since it’s a private tour, you can tell your guide what you want to hear more or less of. Plus, they’ll even give you lunch recommendations!

Walk with a Viking: Private Tour of Reykjavik’s Top Sights and Local Spots

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Get to know Iceland like a local on this Walk with a Viking: Private Tour of Reykjavik’s Top Sights and Local Spots! With this 2-hour private tour, families who are new to the city can get acquainted with its history, landmarks, and deep-rooted myths. It’s ideal for kids of all ages and a great way to start your trip because your guide can give you pointers on how to see the city in an efficient way.

You’ll meet by Ingólfur Square in Old Town Reykjavik, where your guide will introduce you to the history of the Settlement and the Icelandic Sagas. They’ll also take you to some spots off-the-tourist-path, and provide recommendations for restaurants, bars, and anything else you may need. It’s surely one of the best private tours with a guide in Iceland for kids!

The Valley Ride Private HORSE RIDING Tour

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Teens visiting Iceland have the chance to take a Valley Ride Private Horse Riding Tour! For ages 13 and up, this 2-3 private tour lets families enjoy the unique experience of riding an Icelandic horse. Plus, it’s a great option for those who are beginners to horseback riding, since it’s part-tour, part-lesson.

During the first half, you’ll learn all the basics of Icelandic horsemanship inside their arena. Then, you’ll embark on a picturesque Valley Ride, where you can take in the beauty of Engidalur. Since it’s a private tour, the guide will give your kids personalized attention, and you’ll get to ride at your own pace. Plus, the guide will even document your tour on a Go-Pro!

Happy Travels!

A mom and her two kids explore an ice cave in Iceland.

We hope you liked this list of the Best Tours + Experiences In Iceland For Families Using Tripadvisor! From the bustling streets of Reykjavik to the stunning sights of the Golden Circle, there are so many things to do in Iceland with kids. Enjoy your family vacation in Iceland!

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