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Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Bali (With Tips, for Babies, Toddlers & Kids)

Bali’s beaches often look like a dream β€” turquoise waters, soft sand, and a tropical vibe. And yes, many are stunning. But when you’re traveling with a baby or toddler, not every beach is as family-friendly as it seems on Instagram. After multiple trips to Bali with our two young kids, we explored beaches all over the island β€” from popular resort spots to quiet hidden gems. We quickly learned what really matters for a great family beach day: calm waves, shade, nearby food, easy access, and space to play.

In this guide, we’ll share our favorite family-friendly beaches in Bali, all based on real experiences β€” plus practical tips, a quick comparison table, and honest β€œCrew Tips” from the beach.

πŸ–οΈ Top 3 Beaches for Families in Bali

Short on time? These are our top 3 favorite Bali beaches for babies, toddlers, and young kids.
They each offer calm water, easy access, a safe, laid-back vibe β€” and they’re simply beautiful, too.
Scroll down for the full reviews, practical tips, and honest pros and cons.

1. Mengiat Beach (Nusa Dua)

βœ… Calm water, soft sand, easy access and plenty of sunbeds. Perfect for babies, toddlers and older kids alike.

2. Padang Padang Beach

βœ… A beautiful, smaller beach with relatively calm water and lovely views. Not stroller-friendly, but great for toddlers who like to explore.

3. Sanur Beach

βœ… Protected by an offshore reef, Sanur has gentle waves and shallow water β€” perfect for toddlers. The long beach path is great for walks with a stroller, and there are plenty of family-friendly cafΓ©s right by the sand.

1. Mengiat Beach β€” Calm, Clean and Perfect for Kids in Nusa Dua, Bali

Mengiat is an ideal spot for families seeking a calm and safe beach experience. With gentle, shallow waters and soft sandy shores, it’s perfect for babies and toddlers to play and relax, while parents can enjoy nearby facilities and a laid-back atmosphere. Traveling to Bali with a baby or toddler? Check out our complete guide to Bali with a Baby or Toddler β€” full of practical tips, packing advice, and our favorite kid-friendly spots.

πŸ“Location

Mengiat Beach is located on Bali’s southeastern coast, in the heart of Nusa Dua. While much of this area is known for private resorts, Mengiat is a fully public beach β€” easy to access, stroller-friendly, and open to everyone.

🌊 Why it’s great for kids

With its soft sand and a wide, gentle shoreline, this beach is a hit with families. Depending on the tide, the water stays very shallow for quite a distance, giving toddlers and younger kids plenty of space to splash safely. The sea here is usually calm, making it great even for beginner swimmers or cautious parents. For older kids, there are plenty of watersport options available nearby β€” from banana boats to paddleboarding.

🍴 Facilities & food options

Right on the beach, you’ll find a handful of casual cafΓ©s that offer food, drinks, and lounge chairs with umbrellas. The beach is equipped with restrooms and outdoor showers, and access is flat and smooth β€” even with a stroller.

πŸ’¬ Our experience

Mengiat is one of our favorite family-friendly beaches in Bali for a relaxing, no-stress beach day. It rarely feels busy, and we love how easy it is to settle in while the kids play safely. We’ve spent entire days here β€” reading, napping, building sandcastles, and grabbing snacks between dips in the sea.

2. Canggu Beach β€” A Trendy Spot for Families with Older Kids

Canggu Beach is a popular destination on Bali’s southwest coast, especially known for its surf culture and vibrant beach clubs. While it may not be one of the most family-friendly beaches in Bali, it can still be a great option for families with older kids who love the waves and energy. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Canggu with kids.

πŸ“Location

Canggu is located on Bali’s southwest coast, just north of Seminyak. It’s a trendy beach town known for its surf culture, beach clubs, and bustling cafΓ©s. The sand here is darker, and the area can get quite busy β€” especially in high season.

🌊 Why it’s great for kids

The waves at Canggu can be powerful, but for confident swimmers, playing in the surf can be a lot of fun. While it’s not the best beach for toddlers to go into the sea, many beach clubs like Atlas Beach Club offer kid-friendly zones and swimming pools, making it a more versatile option for families.

🍴 Facilities & food options

There are plenty of beach cafΓ©s and restaurants around, some even with playgrounds or play areas for kids. Facilities like bathrooms and showers are widely available, and most spots are stroller-accessible with a bit of care.

πŸ’¬ Our experience

To be honest, Canggu isn’t our favorite beach for a family day out. It’s very popular and has a lively vibe, which might be a bit overwhelming with young children. That said, it’s still a decent option β€” we just tend to prefer some of the calmer options on this list for a more relaxed time.

3. Padang Padang β€” Adventurous but Manageable!

Padang Padang is a hidden gem tucked between cliffs on the Bukit Peninsula. With its stunning scenery and cozy bay, it offers a mix of adventure and relaxation β€” perfect for families looking for a more unique beach day in Bali. Padang Padang is also featured in our 2-week Bali itinerary for families, making it a convenient stop if you’re following our suggested route.

πŸ“Location

Padang Padang is a small beach accessed via steep stairs carved into the cliffs. It’s located on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula and is known for its clear water, soft sand, and lively atmosphere. Note: monkeys roam the area, so keep a close eye on your belongings!

🌊 Why it’s great for kids

This beach is ideal for toddlers and young children who enjoy shallow water and gentle waves. Because of the stairs, it’s best to carry little ones in a baby carrier or sling when going down. Beach umbrellas are available for shade, but it can get crowded, so arriving early is recommended.

🍴 Facilities & food options

There are a few small cafes and warungs nearby where you can get simple meals and drinks. The area around the beach is quiet, so it’s a nice spot for a peaceful lunch or snack after playing.

πŸ’¬ Our experience

We enjoyed Padang Padang for its charm and calm atmosphere. It’s not too big, so it never feels overwhelming, and the natural surroundings make it a lovely place to spend a few hours with kids.

4. Kuta Beach β€” Busy, But Still Baby-Friendly?

Kuta Beach is Bali’s most iconic β€” and most hectic β€” stretch of sand. While it may not be everyone’s idea of a tropical paradise, it does offer a lot for families: easy access, tons of facilities, and endless energy. If you’re traveling with older kids who love to be where the action is, Kuta might surprise you. Want more fun things to do with your kids in Bali? Don’t miss our Top 10 Things to Do in Bali with Kids guide!

πŸ“Location

Kuta is located on Bali’s west coast and is one of the island’s most famous and busiest beaches. The beach stretches along a long coastline and is often crowded but full of life and activity. Nearby is Beachwalk Mall, a popular spot for shopping and dining.

🌊 Why it’s great for kids

The waves at Kuta are usually stronger, making it fun for older kids who are confident swimmers and enjoy playing in the surf. It’s also an ideal place for surf lessons, not only for kids but also for parents who want to give it a try. For younger children, it’s less suitable due to the stronger waves, but there are still spots near the shore to play safely.

🍴 Facilities & food options

Along the beach and around Beachwalk Mall, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafΓ©s β€” some with playgrounds for kids. There’s a wide variety of food options, from local Balinese to international cuisine.

πŸ’¬ Our experience

Certainly not the most beautiful beach in Bali, but Kuta is a lively place with lots going on. It’s not our top pick for younger children but can be great for families with older kids who like the surf and the busy vibe.

5. Dream Beach (Nusa Lembongan) β€” Beautiful, But Rough For Toddlers

Dream Beach on Nusa Lembongan is one of the most scenic beaches in this guide. It’s better suited for families with older kids due to the strong waves, but the views β€” and the beach club β€” make it worth the trip.

πŸ“Location

Dream Beach is a stunning beach on the southern coast of Nusa Lembongan. Known for its high waves and beautiful scenery, it’s a must-visit spot if you’re on the island.

🌊 Why it’s great for kids

While the waves here are quite strong, older kids who love to play in the surf will really enjoy this beach. It’s also great just to watch the waves crash from the shore or from the nearby beach club.

🍴 Facilities & food options

Right on Dream Beach you’ll find Dream Beach Huts, a popular beach club where you can relax by the pool, enjoy good food and drinks, and take in spectacular views of the beach below. It’s the perfect place to chill and keep an eye on the kids playing in the waves. Dream Beach Huts is also a lovely place to stay if you want to spend a few days on Nusa Lembongan β€” check availability here.

πŸ’¬ Our experience

Dream Beach is one of the most beautiful spots on Nusa Lembongan, with a great vibe and stunning views. It’s a perfect mix of relaxation and fun for families with older kids who like the ocean waves.

6. Dreamland Beach β€” Spacious, But Mind the Waves

Spacious, scenic, and perfect for wave-loving kids β€” but not ideal for toddlers.

πŸ“Location

Dreamland Beach is located on the Bukit Peninsula, not far from Uluwatu. It’s easily accessible by car or scooter, with a short walk down from the parking area. Despite its popularity, it still feels somewhat hidden compared to the busier tourist beaches.

🌊 Why it’s great for kids

Dreamland is one of our favorite beaches in Bali β€” it’s beautiful, spacious, and has a relaxed vibe. However, the waves here can get pretty strong, so it’s not ideal for toddlers or very young kids to swim. That said, older kids who are strong swimmers will love playing in the surf or boogie boarding in the waves.

🍴 Facilities & food options

There’s a restaurant right on the beach where you can grab lunch or a drink, and they offer beach loungers and umbrellas for rent. Toilets and showers are available as well, and the beach is relatively easy to reach compared to some other Bukit beaches with long staircases.

πŸ’¬ Our experience

This beach really has it all for us: stunning views, space to relax, and a perfect place to spend the afternoon while the kids play in the sand or waves (if they’re confident swimmers). It’s also less chaotic than places like Kuta or Canggu.

7. More Family-Friendly Beaches in Bali to Explore

While the beaches we listed above are our top recommendations for families, Bali offers many more sandy spots worth considering β€” depending on your preferences and your kids’ ages.

  • Jimbaran Bay – A long, calm beach with lots of seafood restaurants right on the sand. Great for sunset dinners with your feet in the sand. The beach is pleasant for strolling and playing, though swimming conditions can vary depending on the day.
  • Sanur – Often favored by families with babies or toddlers, this beach has calm, shallow waters and a long beachfront path perfect for strollers and bikes. It’s less about the β€œwow” factor and more about ease and comfort.
  • Seminyak – Trendy and lively, Seminyak is fun for families with older kids who enjoy boogie boarding or beach clubs. The waves are stronger, so it’s not ideal for little ones, but it does offer lots of dining and shopping options nearby.
  • Blue Lagoon (Padangbai) – A small, picturesque bay with turquoise water and a reef just offshore. This spot is great for families with older kids who enjoy snorkeling. It’s not ideal for toddlers due to rocks and waves, but the underwater world is beautiful and accessible from the shore.

These might not be in every guide to family-friendly beaches in Bali, but they’re great additions depending on your kids’ ages and your travel style. Each of these has its pros and cons, and they might suit your family’s needs depending on your travel style. We’ve included them here so you can explore your options and create the beach day (or week!) that suits you best.

Below is an overview table of family-friendly beaches in Bali, based on our real experiences. Feel free to scroll horizontally to see all the details

Compare Our Favorite Beaches

BeachBabyToddlerAccessFacilitiesFoodShadeWavesBeautySummary
Mengiat (Nusa Dua)🟒 Great🟒 Great🟒 Easy🟒 Good🟑 Beach Café🟒 Plenty of Sunbeds🌊 Calm⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Great for kids off all ages, gentle waves but enough to do
Canggu
πŸ”΄ Not Ideal🟑 Okay🟑 Okay🟑 Moderate🟒 Many options🟒 Plenty of Sunbeds🌊🌊🌊 Strong⭐️⭐️Fun for parents, beach clubs offer some kid-friendly corners, but waves can be strong
Padang Padang🟒 Good🟒 GoodπŸ”΄ Steep WalkπŸ”΄ MinimalπŸ”΄ Small vendors 🟑 Limited Sunbeds🌊 Calm⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Beautiful and peaceful (in the morning), but access involves stairs – might be tricky
Dream Beach (Lembongan)πŸ”΄ Not IdealπŸ”΄ Not Ideal🟑 Some stairs🟒 Good (Beach club)🟒 Beach ClubπŸ”΄ No shade 🌊🌊🌊🌊 Rough⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stunning but not baby-friendly. Waves can be strong – better to enjoy from a beach club
Kuta🟑 Okay🟑 Okay🟒 Easy🟒 Good🟒 Many Options🟒 Plenty of Sunbeds🌊🌊🌊 Strong⭐️⭐️Busy and touristy, but perfect for older kids who want to try surfing lessons
Dreamland🟑 Okay🟑 Okay🟑 Short Walk🟒 Good🟒 Restaurant🟒 Plenty of Sunbeds🌊🌊🌊 Strong⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Gorgeos wide beach, but be cautious – waves can get powerful
Permuteran🟒 Good🟒 Good🟒 Easy🟑 Moderate🟑 Mainly Local🟑 Limited Sunbeds🌊 Calm⭐️Not the prettiest beach, but calm waters and good snorkeling options. Very quiet
Seminyak🟑 Okay🟑 Okay🟒 Easy🟒 Good🟒 Many Options🟒 Plenty of Sunbeds🌊🌊🌊 Strong⭐️⭐️Similar to Kuta, but a bit trendier. Great for beach cafés and sunsets
Blue Lagoon🟒 Good🟒 Good🟑 Short walkπŸ”΄ LimitedπŸ”΄ LimitedπŸ”΄ No shade 🌊 Calm⭐️⭐️⭐️Tiny and peaceful cove with calm water. Good for snorkeling with older kids.
Enjoying sunset with kids in Seminyak, Bali while on family vacation

Final Thoughts + More Bali with Kids Guides

Whether you’re after calm toddler-safe shores or fun waves for older kids, these kid-friendly beaches in Bali are perfect for a relaxed day in the sun.We hope this guide helps you plan some amazing beach days with your kids in Bali β€” whether you’re looking for calm toddler-friendly waters or fun waves for adventurous older kids.

β˜€οΈ Want more inspiration? Don’t miss these related blogs:

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πŸ“Έ And join our adventures on Instagram β€” where we share daily travel moments, honest tips, and behind-the-scenes fun!

Happy beach days! 🐚
– The Little Passport Crew

FAQ – Family-Friendly Beaches in Bali

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