The Ultimate 3-Week Bali and Lombok Itinerary for Families with Kids

Clifftop views, golden beaches, and sunset dinners — Uluwatu is a dramatic and stylish start to your family adventure. While it’s best known for its surf and luxury stays, it also has plenty to offer for families traveling with babies and young kids.

Uluwatu is an ideal place to start your Bali–Lombok family adventure. After a long-haul flight, it’s the perfect spot to slow down and settle in. The area feels spacious and calm, with beautiful villas and quiet corners that work well for naps, early dinners, and relaxed playtime.

Our kids always enjoy playing in the sand here — there’s something about the wide beaches and gentle pace that helps everyone ease into vacation mode.

For families, Uluwatu strikes a great balance between nature and comfort. You’ll find Western-style restaurants, delivery options via Grab, and plenty of kid-friendly places to stay, giving you the space to unwind and enjoy quality time together.

Want more family-friendly highlights? 👉See our Top 10 Things to Do in Bali with Kids.

• 🏖️ Dreamland Beach – A wide, golden beach with soft sand and plenty of space to run around. Waves are strong, but it’s a beautiful spot to hang out and unwind at golden hour.
• 🏖️ Padang Padang Beach – Small but gorgeous. It does require a short walk down stairs, so bring a baby carrier if you have a little one.
• 🏖️ Mengiat Beach (Nusa Dua) – Not in Uluwatu, but a great calm-water beach for a day trip. Ideal if you’re traveling with babies or want to avoid big waves.
• 🏖️ Thomas Beach – Lovely views but we found it less ideal with small kids due to the tricky access and limited shade.
• 🛕 Uluwatu Temple – Stunning views and dramatic clifftop location. You can sometimes catch a cultural Kecak show at sunset. But: be extra careful with young kids and your belongings — the monkeys here are cheeky and fast.

• 🛝 Ohana – A family favorite. It has a huge outdoor playground, good food, and a chill atmosphere. Some nights they host family-friendly movie evenings — perfect after a beach day.
• 🌿 The Cashew Tree – Relaxed and spacious, with healthy food and a community feel. Great for breakfast or lunch with kids.
• 🍕 From wood-fired pizza to Indonesian classics, you’ll find lots of easy, kid-friendly options around. And when you don’t feel like going out: GrabFood has everything you need.

Booking a private villa with a pool is a great choice in Uluwatu. It gives families the space to relax, stick to nap-friendly routines, and enjoy early dinners or playtime at home. Having your own kitchen and pool makes day-to-day life with little ones a lot easier — and more fun.

Family-friendly options we recommend:

• 🤩 Balangan Beach Villa – Large villa, great for bigger families or groups; we got lucky with a last-minute booking. Fully equipped with all baby essentials.
• Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Resort – Not really our vibe, but if you want a true all-inclusive experience, this is a highly rated option.

👉 Looking for more tips? Check our full guide to where to stay in Bali with kids

If you’d rather begin your adventure in a more peaceful way, Nusa Dua is a great alternative to Uluwatu. This area is quiet, clean, and made for families — with soft-sand beaches, resorts with kids’ pools, and even all-inclusive options. It’s stroller-friendly and perfect for overcoming jetlag after a long flight.

Uluwatu is quite spread out, and most places aren’t walkable — especially with kids. Grab cars are a reliable option for short trips to the beach, shops, or restaurants.

While scooters are common in Bali, they might not be the best fit for families with babies or toddlers. We personally didn’t feel comfortable using scooters yet with our young kids. It’s something every family has to decide for themselves, but do keep in mind that traffic can be quite busy in the main areas.

A private driver is also a great option for a half-day trip to Nusa Dua, the temple, or other beaches nearby.

They say Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali — but honestly, it might also be the island’s traffic jam capital (tied with Canggu). Still, once you settle in and step away from the busy streets, Ubud reveals a magical world of rice fields, jungle paths, and family-friendly adventures.

We stayed in a villa just outside the center — surrounded by palm trees, rice fields, and the sounds of frogs at night. It felt like a great place to recharge while still having easy access to the sights.

Ubud is full of nature and discovery. Whether you’re climbing to a waterfall or taking a slow walk along the rice terraces, it’s easy to turn a simple outing into a fun little adventure. Just keep in mind: Ubud looks peaceful, but it can get pretty busy in the center — so staying slightly outside the hustle is usually a good call.

• 💧 Tegenungan Waterfall – One of the easiest waterfalls to visit with kids. It’s powerful and fun to see up close — go early to beat the crowds.
• 🌾 Tegallalang Rice Terraces – A short drive from Ubud. Great for a walk and a family photo. There are stairs, narrow paths, and swings — but hold those little hands tight.
• 🌿 Campuhan Ridge Walk – A beautiful ridge trail just outside the center. It’s not stroller-friendly, but doable with a toddler on foot or in a carrier.
• ⛰️ Sidemen Region – If you’re craving a more peaceful experience, head east to Sidemen. This lush area is perfect for short nature walks, scenic drives, and discovering quiet gems like Gembleng Waterfall or Bukit Cinta Viewpoint near Rendang.

Ubud has plenty of relaxed places to eat with kids. Here are a few of our favorites:

• 🍛 Good Day Resto & Pool Bar – Casual restaurant with a small pool for kids to splash around
• 🥥 Kelapa Muda – Laid-back, open-air spot with tasty local dishes and space to move
• 🎨 Bali Funtastic – A colorful café/play combo with decent food and plenty to keep toddlers busy

We recommend staying a little outside the center of Ubud to avoid the traffic and enjoy more space. Look for spots with jungle or rice field views — perfect for morning coffee and naptime downtime.

Family-friendly options in and around Ubud:

• De Klumpu Bali Eco Tradi Stay – Eco-friendly stay with traditional Balinese charm.
• 🤩 Madani Antique Villas – Cozy villas with authentic antique Bali style.

If you’re looking for even more peace and nature, consider basing yourself in Sidemen, a scenic area about 1.5 hours from Ubud. It’s a beautiful place to slow down, surrounded by rice terraces, jungle, and traditional villages. Great if you want to experience a different side of Bali — with fewer crowds and more space to explore with kids.

For a more laid-back island vibe, Nusa Lembongan is a fantastic family destination just a short boat ride from Bali. If you want the full scoop on the Nusa Islands with kids, check out our detailed 👉Nusa Islands with Kids blog — packed with tips and experiences to help you plan your trip.
Planning your boat transfer? We recommend booking through 12Go Asia — we usually take the Ekajaya fast boat. Keep in mind, the boat ride can get quite bumpy with high waves, so prepare accordingly, especially with little ones.

Nusa Lembongan offers a relaxed pace that’s a nice break from Bali’s busy mainland. The island is small and manageable, with lots of safe spaces for kids to explore and unwind. Our kids loved the freedom of riding around in golf carts and playing outside without the usual Bali hustle.

The boat trip can be an adventure itself, with waves that sometimes get a little wild — but once you’re on the island, it’s pure family-friendly island life.

• 🏝️ Manta Rays Snorkeling — An unforgettable experience for more confident swimmers only. For detailed info on snorkeling with mantas with kids, see our 👉Nusa Islands with Kids blog.
• 🚤 Nusa Penida Day Trip — Explore iconic spots like Kelingking Beach and Angel’s Billabong. It’s a longer trip and better suited for older kids and parents ready for some adventure. Expect traffic jams!
• 🏖️ Dream Beach Beachclub — A great place to relax, swim, and enjoy good food with family-friendly vibes.
• 🚙 Golf Cart Rental — The fun and practical way to get around the island with kids in tow.

• 🛝 Ohana’s – A family favorite thanks to its outdoor playground and tasty food. Ideal for a laid-back lunch or dinner while the kids enjoy playing.
• 🌿 Lemongrass – A cozy spot serving fresh Indonesian and international dishes. Perfect for families looking for flavorful meals in a relaxed setting.

Family-friendly options we recommend:

• Ohana’s Beachfront Resort & Beach Club – Trendy beach resort with a pool, playground, and sunset vibes — great for families.
• 🤩 Kakiang Guesthouse – Affordable stay with super friendly hosts — one of our favorite hidden gems!

👉 Looking for more tips? Check out our full guide to where to stay in Bali with kids

Scooters are available to rent but can be a bit risky with young kids and unfamiliar roads. The island is much less crowded than Bali’s mainland, making golf carts a safer and more enjoyable choice for families.

For Nusa Penida day trips, the boat ride is short but sometimes rough. Some restaurants or accommodations offer pickup services, so it’s worth asking. Strollers work fine in most areas but can be tricky in more rugged spots.

Gili Trawangan might be known for its beach parties — but let’s be honest, our wildest nights these days involve bedtime stories and a quiet Bintang on the porch🍻.

And guess what? That’s exactly what makes it such a great stop for families.

Despite its lively reputation, Gili T has a relaxed, car-free charm that works surprisingly well for a few laid-back days with kids. You’ll find wide beaches, good food, a breezy vibe, and just enough to do without feeling rushed.

You can reach the Gili Islands directly from Bali or from Nusa Lembongan. We used 👉12Go Asia to book our tickets and recommend Ekajaya for a relatively smooth and reliable ride. Just keep in mind that the sea can get a bit bumpy — pack seasickness medication if you’re traveling with little ones. Wondering how to travel from Bali to Lombok with kids? Check out our 👉detailed guide with tips on boats, transfers, and what to expect along the way.

Gili T felt like a mini-adventure within our island-hopping route. Our kids absolutely loved cycling around the island — the lack of cars makes it easy and safe to explore as a family. Most of the island is stroller-friendly too, especially the main paths.

We stayed near the quieter northern coast, away from the buzz near the harbor. It was peaceful, with plenty of space for the kids to play and run around.

Curious about the Gilis with kids? Dive into our full blog 👉🏻 Gili with Kids.

• 🐢 Snorkeling Trip – Older kids (or confident swimmers) will love spotting sea turtles during a boat trip. For younger kids, just being on the boat and seeing fish or stopping at the beach on Gili Meno is a great experience.
• 🌊 Turtle Sanctuary at Gili Meno – A short stop during most snorkel trips. You can see baby turtles and support local conservation efforts.
• 🚲 Cycling the Island – One of our kids’ favorite things! Rent bikes (some with child seats) and take a slow loop around the island.
• 🌅 Sunset on the West Side – Chill out on a beanbag with drinks and snacks while the sun goes down.
• 🏖️ Beach Playtime – Many beaches here are calm and shallow. Perfect for a relaxed splash and play.

• 🍹 Jambuluwuk Oceano – This beachside resort has a great playground and family-friendly menu — worth visiting even if you’re not staying there.
• 🥗 Pituq Waroeng – A small gem with tasty food and a relaxed vibe.
• 🍕 Casa Vintage – Creative meals with sunset views and space to stretch out.

We liked being away from the busy harbor area. The north and northeast sides are quieter, with beachfront bungalows and relaxed resorts that still offer good access to restaurants and bike rentals.

Prefer something even quieter? Consider Gili Meno for a peaceful escape, or Gili Air as a relaxed middle ground between lively and laid-back.

Family-friendly options we recommend:

• 🤩Villa La Vida – Stylish, family-friendly boutique villa with a pool, spacious rooms, and a relaxed vibe. Just far enough from the busy center to enjoy peace, but still close to the beach and restaurants.
• Cinta Cottages – Lush gardens, beachfront hammocks, and stylish comfort.

There are no motorized vehicles on Gili Trawangan — which is one of the reasons it’s so charming. Everything is done by foot, bike, or (if needed) by horse cart.

We chose to bike everywhere, and our kids loved the freedom. Strollers work well on the main roads, though sandier stretches can be tricky.

💡 Crew Tip: Want to explore the island by bike? Make sure to request a bicycle with a child seat in advance — they’re limited and can be hard to find during busy seasons.

East Lombok is wild, quiet, and beautifully untouched — a real contrast to the touristy parts of Bali. We reached this area via a full-day adventure from the Gili Islands, stopping at waterfalls and viewpoints before spending two nights in a peaceful village near the coast.

It was one of the most adventurous stretches of our trip, and although intense with little kids, it left us with some of our favorite memories.

This part of the route felt like a real adventure. We started the day early on Gili, took a boat to mainland Lombok, and explored some incredible spots en route to our stay in East Lombok.

You could consider spending a night in North Lombok near the waterfalls, but we found it hard to find family-friendly places during the high season — which is why we chose to push through and stay two nights near the coast.

It was a long day, but totally worth it — and we wouldn’t call it “slow travel” 😉.

🏞️ North Lombok Waterfalls (on the way)

• Sendang Gile is the first stop — about 20 minutes of forest path and stairs.
• Tiu Kelep is deeper into the jungle, around 60-90 minutes one way, but the path is fairly easy (though a bit slippery). We did both with a 2- and 3-year-old in carriers. Definitely a workout, but so worth it.
  

💡 Crew Tip: Hire a local guide — it makes the experience safer and a lot easier.

🌄 Bukit Selong Viewpoint (on the way)

After the waterfalls, we stopped here for the stunning rice field views. The short climb is steep and grassy — our kids were too tired, so we went up solo while they rested in the car.

🏝️ Remote Islands Tour from East Lombok

From our guesthouse we did a day trip to islands like Gili Kondo, Gili Bidara, and Gili Kapal — postcard-perfect, with white sand, clear water, and hardly any other visitors. It’s still a mystery why this area isn’t more famous! We wrote a full blog about our trip to these islands: 👉 How to visit the secret Gilis.

🍛 This is a remote area, so your best bet is to eat at your accommodation.
🥥 At Bidara Cottages, they prepared simple kid-friendly meals on request — a lifesaver after a long day.

🤩 Bidara Cottages – A quiet guesthouse with a pool, baby cot, high chair, and warm local hosts. Great place to reset after an active travel day.

Accommodation is limited in this region — especially for families — so we recommend booking ahead.

We arranged a private driver on Lombok through our hotel on Gili. Most guesthouses can help organize transport, and that’s really your best option here. Distances are long, and this region is best explored by car with a local who knows the area.

Kuta Lombok is all about stunning beaches, chilled-out cafés, and a laid-back vibe that’s ideal for families. It’s the perfect final stop on your Bali–Lombok adventure — especially if your kids love sand, waves, and wide-open spaces to explore.

People often say Kuta Lombok feels like Bali 20 years ago… though we’re not quite old enough to remember what that was like 😉. What we can say: it’s calm, relaxed, and full of natural beauty.

Kuta Lombok has just the right mix of comfort and adventure. It’s a bit more rugged than Bali, but less chaotic — making it easy to explore as a family. The beaches are clean and stunning, and there’s always a quiet spot to stretch out a sarong and settle in for a relaxed afternoon.

Our kids loved running barefoot along the shore, watching surfers, and collecting shells. And we loved the slower pace — with no pressure to tick off a big list, just beach time and good food.

• 🏖️ Selong Belanak Beach – Soft white sand, shallow water, and small waves make this one of the best beaches in Lombok for families. Perfect for splashing, sandcastles, and even beginner surf lessons.
• 🏖️ Tanjung Aan Beach – Another beautiful beach just a short drive away. Great for a casual beach lunch with your feet in the sand. Calm water and postcard-worthy views.
• 🏞️ Benang Stokel Waterfall – Still up for an inland adventure? This lush waterfall is a couple of hours from Kuta. It’s cooler, green, and a great contrast to beach life.

There are plenty of relaxed cafés and restaurants in and around Kuta Lombok, many with outdoor seating and a kid-friendly vibe. A few of our family favorites:

• Laut Biru – Selong Belanak – Beachfront restaurant with relaxed vibes, cold drinks, and tasty local dishes. Great spot for lunch with your feet in the sand after a beach morning.
• Kenza – Kuta Lombok – Trendy, healthy café in the heart of Kuta. Known for smoothie bowls, great coffee, and kid-friendly meals.

We recommend staying in a family-friendly villa or small resort, ideally one with a pool and space to play. The area around Kuta has a good mix of comfort and character, without feeling overdeveloped.

Family-friendly options we recommend:

• Yuli’s Homestay – Budget-friendly and welcoming, with clean rooms and a local feel. A simple but solid choice for families looking for a central base in Kuta.
• Sikara Lombok Hotel – Kuta Lombok – A boutique hotel with family rooms.

Kuta Lombok is fairly spread out, but much quieter than mainland Bali. We used a private driver to explore beaches and reach inland spots — you can arrange one through your accommodation. Scooter rentals are also available, but with young kids we didn’t feel comfortable riding them here.

Bali and Lombok make a great duo for families: vibrant, diverse, and full of natural beauty. From the clifftops of Uluwatu to the rice fields of Ubud, the relaxed island vibe of Nusa Lembongan to the beaches and hidden gems of Lombok — this 👉 3-week route offers the perfect balance of play, rest, and adventure.

Whether you’re traveling with a baby, toddler, or older kids, this itinerary helps you ease into Bali time and slowly build up to the more off-the-beaten-path experiences.

👉 Curious about what else Bali has to offer with kids? Don’t miss our guides:

• Top 10 Things To Do in Bali With Kids
• Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Bali
• Is Bali a Good Destination With Kids?
• Lovina with Kids: Dolphins, Waterfalls and Quiet Beaches
• Where to stay in Bali with kids?

And of course, download our free 👉 Bali Bingo printable to keep little ones entertained along the way — and check out our 👉 Family Travel Shop for more fun and helpful printables!

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Happy travels! 🏝️
— The Little Passport Crew