A Family itinerary with 5 nights in Iceland

What you'll do

Day 1  (Arrival, Reykjavik)

• Evening arrival at Keflavik Airport 
• Collect hire car or take shuttle to Reykjavik accommodation (about 45 mins–1 hr).
• Settle in, light snacks, rest.

Tip: Book a family-friendly apartment or hotel in central Reykjavik (walkable to restaurants, easier with kids).



Day 2 –  (Golden Circle Adventure)

• Morning–Afternoon: Golden Circle Tour (can self-drive or join a guided family tour). Highlights:
• Thingvellir National Park (rift valley & Viking history).
• Geysir Geothermal Area – kids will love Strokkur erupting every few minutes.
• Gullfoss Waterfall – spectacular winter view.
• Optional stop: Secret Lagoon (smaller, quieter geothermal pool than Blue Lagoon, kids love it).
• Evening: Northern Lights small-group tour (book in advance; many tours will reschedule if no lights visible).



Day 3 –  (South Coast Adventure)

• Day trip along the South Coast (one of Iceland’s best family days out):
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall – can walk behind in summer, still beautiful in winter.
• Skógafoss Waterfall – massive & iconic.
• Black Sand Beach (Reynisfjara) near Vik – dramatic basalt columns (be careful with strong waves, keep kids back).
• Lunch in Vik.
• Return to Reykjavik in evening (2.5 hrs).

Day 4 –  (Whales, Reykjavik & Sky Lagoon)

• Morning: Whale Watching or Puffin spotting boat tour (from Reykjavik harbour – kids usually enjoy the boat ride even if sightings vary).
• Afternoon: Explore Reykjavik:
• Hallgrímskirkja Church (tower view).
• Harpa Concert Hall (great architecture, family-friendly).
• Laugavegur street for shops/cafés.
• Evening: Sky Lagoon (family sessions available earlier in the evening). Warmer, calmer than Blue Lagoon, with stunning sunset views.



Day 5 –  (Relax & Local Fun)

• Slow morning – family brunch in Reykjavik.
• Visit Perlan Museum (indoor ice cave & Northern Lights planetarium show – great for kids).
• Afternoon free time:
• Swimming in Reykjavik’s Laugardalslaug geothermal pool (locals’ favourite, cheaper & more fun for kids than touristy lagoons, with slides).
• Evening: If you haven’t caught Northern Lights yet, this is another backup night to try.



Day 6 –  (Blue Lagoon & Departure)

• Check out of accommodation.
• Drive towards airport.
• Afternoon: Stop at Blue Lagoon (about 15 mins from airport). Perfect way to relax before evening flight.
• Late flight home.