Bali: A Family-Friendly Tropical Playground
The extraordinary tropical island of Bali is bustling with beautiful beaches and ancient temples, looming volcanoes, lush rice paddy fields, wildlife sanctuaries, and water parks - jam-packed with fun adventures and activities for parents and kids alike.
So, if you were wondering what the best things to do in Bali with the whole family are, don't worry; we've got you covered!
Explore the Island of Bali
Slip and Slide at Waterbom Bali
Waterbom is Bali's most popular waterpark, located in the heart of central Kuta.
With water slides, thrilling rides and bustling wet play areas, a trip to Waterbom keeps the kids entertained for hours.
Parents can choose to get a massage or sip on a drink at the pool's swim-up bar while the kids are busy getting wet and wild.
Address: Jl. Kartika Plaza, Tuban, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia (map)Timings: Open daily, 9am to 6pm
Ride the Waves with Family-Friendly Surf Lessons
Surf's up! The UP2U Surf School Bali offers surf lessons for both kids and families.
The surf shop is located on Kuta Beach, the best beach on the island to learn how to surf thanks to its small manageable waves and expansive white sandy shores.
This is the perfect way for the whole family to spend the day together.
Address: Jalan Pantai Kuta no. 2 Kuta Bali 80361 (map)
Catch a Dolphin Sunrise Tour
On this boat tour through the Northern Bali islands, you'll also soak in a spectacular Balinese sunrise at Lovina Beach and experience the pristine natural beauty of Gitgit Waterfalls.
For grown-ups, you'll get your daily dose of culture with a pit stop at a sacred temple at Ulun Danu Beratan.
But really, nothing beats jumping on a boat to watch wild dolphins play in their natural habitat!
Visit the Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Ever thought you'd see long-tail macaques roaming free in the jungle?
This dream becomes a reality at the Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a lush rainforest reserve where Mother Nature reigns supreme and wild animals roam free - one of the best places to visit in Bali with family.
Fly like a bird through the forest on a 20-metre Jungle Swing in Kumulilir, all while taking in some truly magnificent jungle views.
Address: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571 (map)Timings: Open daily, 9am to 5pm
Chill at Flamingo Beach Club Bali
Lay back on a cabana with a cocktail in hand, or take a dip in the infinity pool - without worrying about the kids, who will be having the time of their lives at the activity-filled kids centre.
Soak up the sun and indulge in the beach club's extensive range of cuisine, complete with juices and non-alcoholic beverages for the little ones.
Address: Flamingo Beach Club, Jl. Pantai Saba, Saba, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80581 (map)
Timings: Open daily, 11am to 7pm
Check Out the Bali Bird Park
Come face to face with some of Indonesia's rarest birds at the Bali Bird Park, spread out over two hectares of stunning botanical landscape home to 1000 birds of 250 different species.
Meet macaws and birds of prey, Bali starlings and birds of paradise, witness a bird feeding session or check out the park's 4D theatre.
Kids will also have the opportunity for some truly memorable photo ops with the parrots and cockatoos!
Address: Jl. Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir Singapadu, Batubulan, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582 (map)
Timings: Open daily, 9am to 5:30pm
Experience Being On a Hot Air Balloon
This once-in-a-lifetime experience gives you some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Ubud's lush rainforests, vibrant rice paddy fields and stunning glimpses of holy Mount Agung on the eastern horizon.
Get, quite literally, a bird's eye view of the sunrise, or book an evening hot air balloon adventure served with dinner and magnificent twilight landscapes.
Address: Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana. Tengkulak Kaja, Jl. Raya Goa Gajah, Kemenuh, Ubud, Gianyar Regency (map)
Enjoy Breakfast with Orangutans
Let the 'Kings of the Jungle' be your breakfast buddies with this fantastic opportunity to dine with the orangutans at the Bali Zoo.
Sit down to an exotic spread of seasonal fruits in a stunning natural atmosphere, sipping on your morning coffee while chatting with these cheeky animals.
Choose between a full Indonesian or Continental breakfast, paired with fruity drinks (and a side of orangutan).
Address: Jl. Raya Singapadu, Singapadu, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582 (map)
Timings: Open daily, 9am to 5 pm
Make A Splash at Splash Water Park Bali
Splash Water Park is the ultimate kid-friendly destination, with five water slides, a water playground, and loads of exhilarating experiences to explore all across the park.
Located at Finns Recreation Club in Canggu, the park also features complimentary wifi and sun cabana day beds that parents can relax on while keeping an eye on the kids playing in the park.
Address: Jl. Pantai Berawa No.15, Canggu, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia (map)
Timings: Fri - Wed, 6am to 9pm and Thurs, 6am to 10pm
Best Transport Option for Family Trips in Bali
When you hire a Bali driver, it’s a total game changer for families.
No more navigating unknown roads or worrying about getting lost and you get to have a stress-free, guided experience.
Your kids can relax in the car between stops, ensuring no more tired and grumpy moods from long days out.
Also, you can go at your own pace, which means no rushing of the kids and no stress.
Enjoy peace of mind knowing a local expert is behind the wheel getting your family safely to popular attractions such as the Balinese fire dance show at Uluwatu Temple, which may not be so easily accessible.
While renting a scooter or using ride-hailing apps like Grab and GoJek are options, nothing beats the convenience and comfort of a private car when travelling with kids.
Top Areas to Stay in Bali with Your Family
Sanur
With the kids in tow, the seaside town of Sanur in southeast Bali makes for the best area to stay in Bali with family, thanks to its slower pace, sheltered beach for swimming and quiet rustic atmosphere.
You can book a whole villa, complete with a private pool for the kids to splash around in, or opt for a more pampered experience at Hyatt Regency Sanur, which comes equipped with 3 pools and a kids club to keep the children entertained.
Legian Beach
Located on the popular tourist destination Legian Beach, the FuramaXclusive Ocean Beach is a stunning beachfront property with rooms designed to offer extra comfort and space for travelling families and a kids club that features a water play facility, water slides and an outdoor sandy playground.
For the ultimate kids club experience, the Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa features a professionally trained team offering activities like arts and crafts, origami making, and movie hour for the little ones so mum and dad can rest and relax.
It even offers babysitting services around the clock and a stroller rental service so parents can pack light!
Kuta Beach
With its kid-friendly activities and resorts, and a never-ending list of family-friendly things to do, the popular Kuta Beach also makes for one of the best areas to stay in Bali with family.
Just so you know, Kuta Beach is not just about daytime fun – it's got a happening nightlife too. So, it's kind of a two-in-one deal, great for families looking for both daytime adventures and some evening excitement.
Go Local: A Taste of Culture
With its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and a plethora of activities, Bali offers an unforgettable experience for both parents and children alike.
Your kids will undoubtedly enjoy the variety of activities and experiences Bali offers, making it a trip they will treasure forever.
Commonly Asked Questions
Is travelling through Bali safe for families and kids?
Yes, travelling through Bali is safe for families and kids. However, we recommend always being vigilant of your valuables and passport, and don't let your children explore without adult supervision.
Is it easy to get around Bali with my family?
Public transportation in Bali is erratic. You can rent a scooter or motorcycle, but with kids, private taxis, private cars with a driver, ride-hailing apps like Grab and GoJek are the more family-friendly transport options.
Are there good pharmacies in Bali?
There are recommended pharmacies around Bali's main tourist areas, including Guardian pharmacies inside most prominent shopping malls, and the state-owned Kimia Farma, with locations across Bali.
Are the food and water safe to consume in Bali?
When in Bali, do not drink water directly from the tap or you might get a nasty case of Bali belly. Water and ice served at restaurants is safe to consume, though try choosing busier restaurants with higher turnover rates as their ingredients are typically fresher.
What's the best way to get to Bali?
Bali's airport, the Denpasar-Ngurah Rai International Airport allows travellers to fly in from all across the globe.