Bali with Kids: 10 Fun Things to Do for the Perfect Family Vacation

Planning a family trip to Bali? You’re going to have a great time! From beautiful beaches to exciting wildlife experiences, Bali offers many activities suitable for kids of all ages. Whether you’re visiting cultural sites, enjoying waterparks, or simply relaxing and enjoying the island atmosphere, this guide highlights 10 of the best things to do in Bali with kids that will make your family vacation truly special. Ready to explore the best ways to enjoy Bali with your little ones?

We’ve been to Waterbom Bali multiple times – first as a couple, and now with kids – and it never disappoints. This lush, tropical waterpark in the heart of Kuta is one of the best in Asia, and it’s surprisingly fun for all ages. Our kids absolutely love it, and to be honest… so do we!

There’s a great mix of thrill rides for older children (and adventurous parents), as well as a safe and shaded kids’ area with smaller slides and splash zones. Since 2024, there’s even a brand new toddler-friendly section, perfect for younger kids to play safely.

The park is well maintained, food options are solid (yes, even for picky eaters), and it’s easy to spend the whole day there. While it’s not the cheapest activity in Bali, we always feel it’s worth the price for a full day of fun.

Snorkeling with manta rays in Nusa Penida is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Bali – but it’s not ideal for toddlers or very young kids. The sea can get extremely rough, and even just waiting on the boat can be uncomfortable for little ones. This activity is best suited for families with older children who are confident swimmers and ready for an open-water adventure.

While many tours offer manta ray snorkeling as a day trip from Bali, we recommend staying a few nights on Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan. Not only does this make the experience less rushed, but both islands have so much more to offer than just manta spotting – think beaches, nature, and a slower pace.

Before you go, always check the ocean conditions. Dive schools on the islands usually have the most up-to-date info on wave height and visibility, which can help you pick the safest day to go out.

Snorkeling at Manta Point can be incredible, but it also comes with challenges. The sea is often rough, the water can be very cold, and jellyfish (wear a rashguard for protection) are sometimes present. On busy days, the number of boats in the area can be overwhelming, which may affect visibility and safety. Most importantly: only go if you or your kids are strong swimmers.

But once you’re in the water and a manta glides past you… it’s truly magical. These majestic creatures move so smoothly and silently, it feels like you’re floating alongside something ancient and otherworldly. A moment your kids (and you!) won’t forget.

Bali Safari and Marine Park is one of those places that always delivers a fun family day out. Set in a spacious, green area near Gianyar, it’s the perfect mix of adventure and animal encounters – especially for younger kids.

The safari bus ride is definitely a highlight. You drive through different habitats and spot zebras, rhinos, and lions just outside your window – a big hit with our little ones! After the tour, there’s plenty more to explore: a petting zoo, animal shows, and several areas where kids can feed and interact with animals up close.

There’s also a large water play zone that’s ideal for kids to cool off and burn some energy. The park is stroller-friendly, easy to navigate, and has lots of shaded areas to take breaks (a must with toddlers!).

Mengiat Beach, located in the calm and luxurious area of Nusa Dua, is an ideal spot for families with kids. This beach features soft white sand, gentle waves, and crystal-clear blue water—perfect for little ones to splash and play safely.

One of the best things about Mengiat Beach is its flat and shallow sea, which can extend quite far depending on the tide. This makes it especially great for toddlers and young children to enjoy the water without worry—though of course, parents should always keep an eye out!

Comfort is key here, with plenty of comfortable sun loungers available. And after the kids have had their fun, parents can kick back with a cold Bintang—because even superheroes deserve a break.

Mengiat Beach is about a 30-minute drive from Sanur and roughly 45 minutes from Kuta, making it a convenient day trip destination for families staying in those popular areas.

If you’re looking for a relaxed beach day with your kids, Mengiat Beach is definitely worth a visit!

Looking for a spot where you can relax while the kids have fun? We loved Ohana in Uluwatu — it’s the kind of place where everyone in the family is happy. There’s a big fenced outdoor play area with swings, a trampoline, toys and even a little sandpit. Perfect to keep your little adventurers busy!

The vibe is casual and the food is delicious, with plenty of local and international dishes and fresh drinks. We went there for dinner, but you can easily drop by for breakfast or lunch too. And keep an eye out — sometimes they even host kids’ movie nights, just for the little ones.

Most dolphin watching tours in Lovina start very early, often before sunrise, which means it can get crowded with many boats chasing the same dolphins. For a more peaceful experience, we recommend going a bit later in the morning. The dolphins are still around, but there are far fewer boats. During our trip, we enjoyed several moments where we were “alone” with the dolphins—making it truly special.

For families with older kids and confident swimmers, some tours offer the chance to snorkel with dolphins. You can hold onto the boat and watch these graceful animals swim just below you—a magical experience. Of course, this is only recommended for strong swimmers.

Even if you don’t get in the water, the calm sea in Lovina makes dolphin watching accessible and enjoyable for little kids who can spot dolphins from the boat.

Many families book a quick day trip to Nusa Lembongan, but honestly? We don’t recommend it. This small island just 30 minutes off the coast of Bali deserves more than a rushed visit. It’s peaceful, easy to get around, and full of island charm — the perfect place to slow down and unwind with kids.

You’ll find calm, shallow beaches, no chaotic traffic, and plenty of family-friendly activities. From snorkeling at Mangrove Point, to exploring the island in a golf cart, to sipping fresh coconut drinks with your feet in the sand — this is island life made easy.

Our kids loved the space and freedom here. And for parents, it’s a great spot to take a breather from the hustle and heat of the Bali mainland.

If you’re exploring northern Bali, Gitgit Waterfall is a great stop for families who want a bit of jungle adventure — without too much hassle. Located near Lovina, it’s one of the most well-known waterfalls on the island, and it’s relatively easy to reach compared to some of the more hidden ones — like Sekumpul, which is absolutely stunning but a bit more challenging with young kids. Sekumpul is actually our personal favorite, but better saved for when the kids are a bit older (or you’re up for a workout).

The walk down takes about 15–20 minutes through a scenic path with rice fields, tropical plants, and souvenir stalls. The path has steps and is doable with older kids or babies in a carrier. Once you arrive, the sight is truly worth it: a tall, thundering waterfall in a lush green canyon. The air is cooler here, which makes it a refreshing break from the coastal heat.

While the pool beneath the waterfall is deep and powerful (not ideal for small children), there are shallow areas to splash around near the edge, and the jungle setting is a great place to let imaginations run wild.

While our kids are still a bit too young to surf, Bali is a great place to learn — for both adults and older kids. If you’re looking to try something new as a family, riding your first wave in the warm ocean is hard to beat!

The entire west coast of Bali has good spots for beginners, especially around Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Canggu. You’ll find plenty of surf schools offering lessons with friendly instructors and soft-top boards — ideal for first-timers. The waves here are usually manageable, and the sandy bottoms make it a safer place to start.

We’re looking forward to booking surf lessons for our kids when they’re a bit older. In the meantime, one of us can always sneak in a quick session while the other watches the little ones! And at some beaches with huge, famous waves, it’s impressive to see the professional surfers in action — especially during sunset.

Looking for a peaceful break from Bali’s busy vibe? The Gili Islands are a perfect optional getaway for families wanting to unwind and explore. These small islands offer pristine beaches, calm turquoise waters, and a laid-back atmosphere that kids love. There’s no motorized traffic here, so you can stroll or bike safely with little ones.

Snorkeling is a must — you might spot turtles, colorful fish, and even baby sharks near the reefs. Just a heads-up: there can be some coral pieces on the beach, so water shoes are a good idea for little feet.

You’ll also find several restaurants and hotels with playgrounds, like Jambuluwuk and The Play Cafe, making it even more family-friendly.

There are a few more family-friendly activities in Bali that are still on our list to check out:

• The Turtle Conservation and Education Center on Serangan Island
• A family bike tour through Bali’s beautiful rice fields and local villages
• The Bali Treetop Adventure Park with fun climbing courses and ziplines

One place we don’t recommend for young kids is the Monkey Forest in Ubud. While it’s a popular attraction, the monkeys can be unpredictable and sometimes aggressive — not ideal for little ones.

We hope this guide inspires your trip with kids to Bali! For more detailed planning, check out our 2-week Bali itinerary and explore our comprehensive Indonesia destination page for more family travel ideas. Want to stay inspired? Follow us on Instagram and Pinterest for daily family travel ideas and tips!

Happy travels from the Little Passport Crew!