Bali is known for its rich culture and amazing beaches, making it a popular destination among honeymooners. But you can also find plenty of fun things to do with the kids while in Bali!
Bali is one of the best holiday destinations for an action-packed yet idyllic family vacation. It is chock-full of family-friendly activities and attractions.
Fun Things To Do In Bali With The Kids
1. Waterbom Bali
Asia’s number one waterpark, Waterbom, features some thrilling water slides, splashing pools, water games and rides that the whole family can enjoy.
While it’s best to reserve one full day for Waterbom, parents can take some time off and relax at the fish spa located within the park itself.
Location: South Kuta
Suitable for: Kids of all ages (Some of the rides and slides are more suitable for older kids. However, there are plenty of games and pools suited for tiny tots too)
2. Elephant Safari
Set in more than two hectares of landscaped botanical gardens and surrounded by a national forest, the Elephant Safari Park meets international standards for animal care. It is also an official member of the World Zoo Association.
At the Elephant Safari Park in Bali, kids will no doubt love seeing elephants up-close in their natural environment.
They will also get the opportunity to feed, touch and take pictures with these majestic animals!
Location: Taro, Ubud
Suitable for: Kids of all ages (You will need at least three hours to enjoy the whole attraction)
3. Hit the beach!
What should be on the top of your list of things-to-do in Bali is spending ample time at the beach. Bali is framed by beaches, and each of these beaches has its own highlights.
The most kid-friendly beach in the island has to be Sanur, which is protected from big waves by a reef. There are also lots of shady spots where parents can set up a picnic and sip a drink while kids frolic in the pristine water.
Kuta beach has the most amount of beach activities by far. Older kids who want to learn how to surf can take lessons there.
4. Horseback riding
Horseback riding is something most kids will love to try out. There are a few riding schools in Bali that offer lessons on the beach or through the countryside.
The Bali Equestrian Center has some great activities for kids, and has well-maintained stables in a village in Umalas.
The "Tiny Tots" club is run by qualified instructors who teach kids to ride and groom ponies and even how to manage a stable.
Location: Canggu
Suitable for: Kids aged 3 and up.
5. Craft workshops
Apart from shopping for native arts and crafts, kids can also try their hand at making some of these crafts themselves.
Many of the larger craft shops conduct short courses in silver-, pottery- and ceramics-making, among many others.
The "Balinese Cultural Creation", which is an art and culture training centre, also conducts courses for adults and kids.
Location: Denpasar
Suitable for: Kids aged 3 and up.
6. Bali Zoo
The Bali Zoo is home to more than 350 exotic animals, majority of which are indigenous to Indonesia. These include some rare and endangered species such as the Sumatran Tiger, Sumatran Elephant, Orang utan, Sun Bear and Binturong.
Kids will especially love the animal encounter sessions where visitors are allowed to pet, feed, and take pictures with many of the animals. There are also many family activities such as the Elephant Back Safari.
The Bali Zoo is close to popular areas such as Kuta, Sanur, Seminyak and Nusa Dua and is only a 15-minute drive from Ubud.
Location: Gianyar
Suitable for: Kids of all ages.
7. Monkey Forest
Visit the little, sometimes inquisitive, and always hungry inhabitants of the lush forests of Monkey Forest.
The monkeys are quite accustomed to human visitors feeding them bananas in their natural habitat. So, go buy bananas outside the sanctuary!
Location: Ubud
Suitable for: Kids of all ages (It might be a good idea to ask your kids not to pet the monkeys, as although they are quite used to people, they are still wild animals and therefore could be temperamental)
8. Bali Safari & Marine Park
The Bali Safari & Marine Park has a great many things that are sure to keep kids and adults occupied for at least a day.
The attractions at this park include roller-coasters, elephant back safaris, an aquarium, dolphin shows and a cultural show.
Kids will particularly love the water park and dining at Tsavo Lion restaurant where they will get to dine in a fine-dining atmosphere surrounded by wild animals!
Location: Gianyar
Suitable for: Kids of all ages.
9. Cooking classes
Your kids can discover the secrets behind the unique and exotic Balinese flavours by learning how to cook Balinese food.
Most of the classes include an excursion to a nearby market to source and learn about traditional herbs and spices.
Two reputed cooking schools that offer classes are Bumbu Bali and Anika. The details and prices can be found on their websites.
Suitable for: Little cooking enthusiasts aged 5 years and older.
10. Traditional dance
The traditional Balinese dance is a popular tourist attraction, with good reason. This graceful and enchanting dance depicts a story told through movement and music.
Although there are numerous places where you can catch these performances, the most popular has to be the "Kecak Dance" that takes place during sunset, around a fire at Uluwatu Temple in south Kuta.
For another option, kids will also love the "Bali Agung Show" at the Bali Safari and Marine Park in Gianyar. This show features the inhabitants of the park, such as lion cubs and macaws as co-stars of the show.
Suitable for: Kids of all ages. Parents, please take note that although the entire show lasts for only an hour or so, some smaller kids may get restless while others may find it enthralling.
11. Dream Museum Zone
Dream Museum Zone (DMZ) is quite similar to Trick Art 3D Gallery, though the artwork is quite different. Among the many illusions, kids will be excited to pretend to play underwater amongst fish and stand next to pharaohs of a bygone era.
Location: Kuta
Suitable for: Kids of all ages.
12. Cultural parks
Bali has a rich cultural heritage, and most of the places that are of cultural significance have been very well preserved.
Two places you should visit are Puri Saren Royal Palace, which is the palace of the Ubud royal family and was built in the 1800s, and Goa Gajah "Elephant Cave".
Goa Gajah, one of Bali’s most celebrated archaeological sites, is located south of the Bedulu village, which is a region famous for its collection of historical sites.
Location: Mainly Ubud
Suitable for: Older kids and teens.
13. Family dining
When it comes to dining options, Bali has an amazing selection of restaurants on offer with most of them being very family-friendly.
Some stand-out options for dining with kids are Pirates Bay, Jimbaran and Hard Rock Cafe.
Not only does Pirates Bay Restaurant (which is situated in Kuta) have a special kids menu, they have some exciting and adventurous activities for kids.
Hard Rock Café is another place where you are sure to find a comprehensive kids menu and some fun activities.
Jimbaran is an area along the beach where you can enjoy delicious seafood barbecue as your kids run about and play in the sand.
14. Temples
Bali is home to dozens of temples and you should visit at least two. All temples have religious and cultural significance, therefore out of respect you will have to wear a white sarong at the entrance, for which a small fee will be charged.
You can also join the traditional practice of offering flowers at these temples.
One particular temple that is unique is the Uluwatu Temple, which is situated in South Kuta. It sits atop a cliff and is home to hundreds of monkeys.
Suitable for: Older kids. However, younger kids will enjoy seeing the monkeys.
15. Early morning fish market
A fish market can be a chaotic but interesting place!
If you head over to the market early enough, you might see boats bringing in their first catch for the day. You will also be able to buy some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever see!
Kendonganan Fish Market is one of the more popular markets along the Jimbaran stretch.
This activity might be only suitable for kids aged 5 years and older.
16. Peek-a-boo kids play café
This is a play area tiny tots are sure to enjoy. The colourful place has a trampoline, a ball pit, swings and loads of other activities and toys that are guaranteed to keep kids busy for hours.
A plus for parents is that Peek-a-boo has a café where parents can sit back and watch their kids play while they sip on a drink and have a bite to eat.
Suitable for: Kids aged 10 and below.
17. Kiddie spa
Going to the kiddie spa is a fun and relaxing activity mums and daughters are sure to enjoy! Not only are the services very reasonably priced, the quality of service is high too.
There are many spas in Bali that offer spa treatments specially designed for kids, but one that stands out is Body Temple Spa with branches in Canggu and Uluwatu.
Body Temple Spa uses natural, chemical-free products that will not damage your little one’s delicate skin.
Locations: Canggu and Uluwatu
Suitable for: Kids aged 3 to 12.
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