Best Things to Do in Bali with Kids (Our Family’s Favorites for 2026)

Bali is one of the easiest destinations in Southeast Asia for families. From waterparks and wildlife encounters to rice terraces, waterfalls, beaches and cultural experiences, these are our favorite things to do in Bali with kids after multiple family trips to the island.

Bali offers plenty of family-friendly activities, from calm beaches and waterfalls to monkey forests, snorkeling trips and waterparks. We visited Bali multiple times with our own children and selected our favorite activities based on what worked best for different ages and travel styles. The list includes a mix of outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, cultural experiences and relaxing family days, so there is something for toddlers, older kids and everyone in between.

For a full overview of the island, see our Bali with Kids travel guide with itineraries, hotel ideas and practical tips.

Also check out our 👉 Family Travel Journal for Kids to plan your days, track activities, and make the trip extra memorable.

Bali is one of our favorite destinations in Southeast Asia for families. While parts of the island can feel busy and touristy, it’s surprisingly easy to explore with kids. One day you can be splashing around at a waterpark, the next you can be walking through rice terraces, spotting dolphins, visiting a waterfall, or relaxing on a calm beach.

We’ve visited Bali multiple times with our children and have tried everything from family-friendly beaches and wildlife experiences to island adventures and beginner surf lessons. In this guide, we’re sharing the activities that worked best for our family and that we’d happily recommend to other parents visiting Bali with kids.

If Bali is part of a bigger trip, be sure to check out our Indonesia with Kids guide, where we share family travel tips and destination ideas across the country.

Many activities in Bali require a bit of driving, so our guide to getting around Bali with kids can help you plan realistic day trips and transport between areas.

If you’re planning a longer stay, check out our 2-week Bali itinerary for families or download our free Bali family itinerary printable with daily suggestions and highlights for each day!

Still preparing for the flight to Bali? These tips for flying with kids can help make long-haul travel a little easier.

Affiliate disclosure: We only recommend places and services we’d use ourselves. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

If we could only recommend one paid activity in Bali with kids, Waterbom would probably be it.

If you asked our kids what they remember most from Bali, there’s a good chance they’d say Waterbom. We’ve visited several times over the years, first as a couple and now with our children, and it always ends up being one of the highlights of our trip.

If you’re planning your first trip, our Bali with Kids guide covers where to stay, transport, itineraries, and family travel tips.

Waterbom Bali is consistently rated as one of Asia’s best waterparks, and after visiting multiple times, we can see why. Toddlers have their own safe play areas, older kids can spend hours on the bigger slides, and there are plenty of shaded spots where parents can take a break, especially on hot Bali afternoons. The park is clean, well organised, and easy to navigate with children, making it one of the most family-friendly attractions in Bali for kids.

• Arrive early to grab a good spot near the new toddler area
• Don’t forget sunscreen for the whole family
• Water shoes can be handy on some slippery spots
• Keep an eye on your spending: the cashless wristband makes it very easy to grab one more snack or drink 😉

🎟️ Book Your Tickets in Advance:
Waterbom Bali can get very busy, especially during school holidays, so we recommend booking tickets in advance to avoid long queues and make the most of your day.

Few things are as impressive as seeing a manta ray swim right underneath you. We’ve snorkeled with manta rays several times over the years and it remains one of the most memorable activities we’ve done around Bali. While this isn’t an activity we’d recommend for toddlers or inexperienced swimmers, older kids and teens who are comfortable in the water will likely love it.

One of the things we love most about snorkeling with manta rays is that, despite their size, they are completely harmless to humans. Watching them move through the water is an incredible experience and one of the most unique wildlife encounters you can have near Bali.

For adventurous families, this is one of the most unique day trips from Bali. Many tours combine manta ray snorkeling with additional snorkeling stops where kids can spot tropical fish, coral gardens, and sometimes even sea turtles. If you’re already staying on Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, or Nusa Ceningan, it’s an easy activity to add to your itinerary.

Check out our full guide to the Nusa Islands with Kids: 👉 Nusa Islands with Kids: Family Guide to Penida, Lembongan & Ceningan

‼️ Important: Even if you’ve already booked your tour, it’s worth checking the ocean conditions beforehand. Local operators usually have the latest information about waves, currents, and visibility, which can make a huge difference to your experience.

Snorkeling at Manta Point can be incredible, but it isn’t suitable for everyone. The water is often cold, sea conditions can be rough, and jellyfish are sometimes present. On busy days, the number of boats around the manta cleaning station can also be overwhelming. For that reason, we would only recommend this trip for confident swimmers and families with older children.

• Choose a reputable tour operator with strong safety reviews
• Early morning trips are often calmer and less crowded
• Motion sickness tablets can be helpful for sensitive kids
• Bring a rash guard for extra warmth and jellyfish protection
• Bring waterproof cameras for lasting memories
• Bring a kids’ snorkel set

🎟️ Book Your Tickets in Advance:

Bali Safari turned out to be even better than we expected. The safari itself was great, with plenty of opportunities to see animals up close, and the ride moved quickly enough to keep our young kids interested the whole time.

We visited Bali Safari & Marine Park as a family and ended up spending the entire day there. While we originally came for the animals, one of the biggest surprises was the water play area. It’s much larger than we expected, and our kids probably spent even more time there than at the safari itself.

Bali Safari works especially well as part of a South Bali itinerary. If you’re still deciding where to stay, check out our Where to Stay in Bali with Kids guide.

Bali Safari combines several activities into one easy family day out. You can take a safari ride past zebras, rhinos, and lions, watch animal shows, visit the petting zoo, and cool off in the water play area. Because there are so many different things to do, it works well for a wide range of ages, from toddlers to older kids.

For us, the combination of wildlife, entertainment, and water play is what makes Bali Safari one of the best family attractions in Bali.

• Arrive early to catch the first safari ride and avoid the busiest crowds
• Bring swimwear and towels for the water play area
• Pack sunscreen and hats for the whole family
• Plan enough time for both the safari and the water park

🎟️ Book Your Tickets in Advance:

Buying tickets beforehand is recommended, especially during weekends and school holidays.

If you’re looking for an easy beach day in Bali with kids, Mengiat Beach is one of our favorite choices. We’ve visited several times with our children and keep coming back because it’s one of the few beaches where we can genuinely relax while the kids play.

The soft sand, gentle waves, and shallow water make it a great option for younger children. Instead of constantly worrying about strong currents or rough surf, we can usually let the girls play near the water while keeping an eye on them from nearby.

Not every beach in Bali is ideal for young kids, but Mengiat Beach is one of the exceptions. The beach is clean, spacious, and generally much calmer than popular surfing beaches such as Kuta or Canggu. That makes it a great place to build sandcastles, splash in the water, and enjoy a relaxed family beach day.

Another advantage is that Nusa Dua is well set up for families, with restaurants, resorts, and facilities nearby, making it easy to spend a few hours or even a full day here.

Nusa Dua is also one of the areas we recommend most for families with young children. Our Where to Stay in Bali with Kids guide explains why many parents choose to stay here.

• Arrive early for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds
• Bring plenty of sun protection for young children
• Pack snacks and drinks if you’re staying for several hours
• Consider water shoes for hot sand or rocky sections

🏝️ Related: Check out our full guide on Family-Friendly Beaches in Bali for more great options.

After a busy day exploring Bali, sometimes the best activity is simply sitting down for a good meal while the kids entertain themselves. That’s exactly why we loved Ohana in Uluwatu.

We first visited Ohana because it looked like the perfect combination of a family-friendly playground and good food. Luckily, it delivered on both. While our girls enjoyed the playground, we could actually sit back and enjoy dinner, and the food was good enough that we’ve returned more than once since.

We visited for dinner, but it’s also a great option for breakfast or lunch. Depending on the season, they sometimes even organise family-friendly events and kids’ movie nights.

Planning to spend more time in the area? Check out our Uluwatu with Kids guide for beaches, family-friendly restaurants, and the best things to do in southern Bali.

Uluwatu is one of our favorite areas for families looking for beaches, restaurants, and a more relaxed atmosphere. You can find more family-friendly areas in our Where to Stay in Bali with Kids guide.

We weren’t sure how our kids would handle such an early start, but dolphin watching in Lovina ended up being one of the highlights of our time in North Bali. Seeing dolphins swimming around the boat was exciting for all of us, and even our youngest enjoyed watching them appear next to the boat.

We’ve done dolphin watching in Lovina with our own young children, and it’s absolutely doable as a family activity. The dolphins often come surprisingly close to the boats, making it exciting even for toddlers. Older kids can also join dolphin snorkeling tours, although we’d only recommend that for confident swimmers.

If you’re planning a stop in the north of Bali, our Lovina with Kids guide shares where to stay, what to expect from dolphin tours, and how to plan the area with children.

• Calm waters in the morning make it safe for kids
• Dolphins are often very close to the boats
• The tour is short enough to keep younger children interested
• It combines well with other family-friendly activities in North Bali

One thing we learned is that you don’t necessarily need to be on the very first boat. Going slightly later in the morning (around 8 a.m.) often means fewer boats on the water, while you still have a good chance of seeing dolphins.

• Bring snacks and drinks for younger kids
• A rash guard is useful, especially if you plan to snorkel
• Consider a private tour for more flexibility with children
• Bring a well-fitting kids’ snorkel set. Rental gear doesn’t always fit younger children properly.

Wondering whether North Bali is worth adding to your itinerary? Our Where to Stay in Bali with Kids guide explains which families will enjoy Lovina and which areas may be a better fit.

🎟️ Book Your Dolphin Tour in Advance:

Booking ahead is recommended to secure the best experience.

When people picture Bali, there’s a good chance they’re imagining the rice terraces around Tegalalang. While it might not sound like the most exciting activity for kids at first, we were surprised by how much our children enjoyed exploring the paths between the rice fields.

Located just outside Ubud, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces are one of Bali’s most iconic landscapes. The narrow paths, jungle views, and layered green rice fields make it a fun place to wander as a family while experiencing a different side of Bali beyond the beaches.

• One of Bali’s most famous and photogenic locations
• Easy to combine with a day in Ubud
• Plenty of short walking trails suitable for families
• A great introduction to Bali’s traditional rice farming culture
• Beautiful views without a long hike

We found that our kids enjoyed the freedom to explore the paths and bridges, while we appreciated the incredible scenery. It’s one of those places that feels uniquely Bali and deserves a spot on almost any family itinerary.

Not sure whether Ubud is the right area for your trip? Our Where to Stay in Bali with Kids guide compares Ubud, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Uluwatu, and other family-friendly regions across the island.

• Bring plenty of water, especially on hot days
• A baby carrier is useful for younger children
• Wear comfortable shoes with decent grip
• Plan a stop before or after exploring Ubud
• Don’t rush: the best part is simply wandering around and enjoying the views

If you’re staying nearby, our Ubud with Kids guide covers more family-friendly activities, restaurants, and places to stay in the area.

🎟️ Book Your Tour in Advance:

Visiting a waterfall is one of the classic Bali experiences and a fun way to introduce kids to Bali’s jungle landscapes. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk, a waterfall near Ubud, or a bigger family adventure, there are great options for every age.

We’ve visited several waterfalls in Bali with our children and found that each one offers a very different experience. Some are easy family stops, while others feel more like a real adventure.

We visited Gitgit Waterfall with our kids when they were 1 and 3 years old, and it was surprisingly manageable. The walk takes around 15 minutes through lush jungle and is suitable for most families, especially if you’re using a baby carrier.

The waterfall itself is impressive, and younger kids often enjoy exploring the shallow areas near the edge while older children can climb around the rocks and enjoy the scenery.

If you’re staying in Ubud, Tegenungan is one of the easiest waterfalls to visit. It’s one of Bali’s most popular waterfalls and requires much less driving than many of the waterfalls in the north.

There are quite a few stairs on the way down and back up again, but we found it very manageable with children as long as you take your time. For families based in Ubud, it’s an easy way to experience one of Bali’s famous waterfalls without spending hours in the car.

For families with older kids who enjoy hiking, Sekumpul is probably the most spectacular waterfall we’ve visited in Bali.

The walk is longer and more challenging than Gitgit, with plenty of stairs and river crossings along the way. The reward is one of the most impressive waterfall settings on the island.

We visited with our kids in a carrier and definitely felt it afterwards. In fact, we were still dealing with sore legs for a couple of days after the hike. It’s not the easiest waterfall visit in Bali, but for adventurous families, the effort is absolutely worth it.

If you’re considering visiting, check out our full Sekumpul Waterfall with Kids guide for tips and what to expect.

• Wear sturdy water shoes, as paths can be slippery
• We always use a baby carrier for waterfall visits in Bali. Many trails include stairs, uneven paths, and river crossings, making a stroller impractical.
• Bring water, snacks, and a change of clothes
• Pack a small dry bag to protect phones and valuables
• Keep a close eye on children around fast-moving water

🎟️ Book Waterfall Tours in Advance:

Learning to surf is one of the classic Bali experiences, and it’s easy to see why so many families want to try it. While our own kids are still a bit young for surf lessons, we’ve taken beginner lessons ourselves and can definitely see why older kids and teens enjoy it so much.

We’ve tried beginner surf lessons ourselves, and it was a lot of fun. Most surf schools provide all the equipment and start with basic instructions on the beach before heading into the water. For older kids, it can be a fun challenge and a great introduction to surfing.

Bali is one of the most popular places in the world to learn how to surf. Many surf schools offer lessons specifically for beginners and children, making it accessible even if you’ve never stood on a board before.

That said, surfing isn’t suitable for every child. Conditions can change quickly, and beaches like Kuta, Canggu, and Dreamland don’t always have small, gentle waves. For that reason, we’d only recommend surf lessons for kids who are comfortable in the water and excited to give it a try.

For older kids and teens, however, learning to stand up on a surfboard for the first time can easily become one of the most memorable moments of a Bali trip.

• Morning lessons often have better conditions and fewer crowds
• Choose a surf school with instructors experienced in teaching children
• Only book lessons for kids who are comfortable in the water
• Don’t be afraid to postpone if the waves look too challenging
• Rash guards and waterproof sunscreen are highly recommended

🎟️ Book Your Lessons:

This one might be cheating a little, because the Gili Islands officially belong to Lombok rather than Bali. However, since many families combine Bali and Lombok in the same trip, we couldn’t leave it off this list.

One of our daughter’s favorite travel memories is spotting her first sea turtle while snorkeling around the Gili Islands. She was only four years old at the time, and despite being a little nervous at first, she was completely fascinated once the turtle appeared. It’s something she still talks about years later.

We’ve snorkeled with turtles several times around the Gilis, and one of the things we love most is how accessible it is. Unlike many wildlife experiences, you don’t necessarily need a boat trip. In some places, you can simply walk into the water from the beach and have a good chance of spotting turtles.

Planning a visit? Our Gili Islands with Kids guide covers where to stay, how to get around, and the best snorkeling spots for families.

• One of the easiest places in Southeast Asia to spot sea turtles
• Calm, shallow water in many snorkeling areas
• A memorable wildlife experience for children
• No diving experience required
• Often possible directly from the beach

If you’re considering adding Lombok to your Bali itinerary, check out our Lombok with Kids guide or our Things to Do in Lombok with Kids guide for more family-friendly ideas.

• Take an early morning fast boat from Bali, as it is quieter.
• Bring snorkel gear for small kids; rentals may be limited.
• Wear a rash guard for sun protection
• Respect the turtles and always give them plenty of space

🎟️ Book Island Activities in Advance:

A Balinese cooking class is a fun way to experience a different side of Bali beyond the beaches, waterfalls, and resorts. Many classes start with a visit to a local market, followed by a hands-on cooking session where you’ll learn how traditional Balinese dishes are prepared.

For families looking to add a cultural experience to their Bali with kids itinerary, a cooking class can be a great option. Kids often enjoy helping with simple tasks such as mixing ingredients, grinding spices, or preparing snacks, while parents get a better understanding of Balinese food and traditions.

It’s also one of the few Bali activities with kids that works just as well on a rainy day, making it a great option when the weather isn’t cooperating.

• One of the most authentic cultural experiences in Bali
• A fun way to learn about Balinese food and ingredients
• Many classes include a visit to a local market
• Suitable for both kids and adults
• A great rainy day activity in Bali
• You get to enjoy the meal together afterwards

Unlike many sightseeing activities, a cooking class is interactive from start to finish, making it a great break from beach days and sightseeing.

Cooking classes run year-round and are one of the easiest family activities to enjoy during Bali’s rainy season. If you’re planning your trip, check out our Best Time to Visit Bali with Kids guide to learn more about Bali’s weather and seasons.

• Check the minimum age requirements before booking
• Morning classes often include a traditional market visit
• Look for small-group classes for a more personal experience
• Let the instructor know if your child has food allergies
• Wear comfortable clothing, as kitchens can get warm

🎟️ Book a Cooking Class

Bali is one of our favorite family destinations. From calm beaches to gentle waterfalls, fun waterparks, and wildlife encounters, the island offers a variety of activities with kids that are both safe and exciting. Whether you’re visiting cultural sites, exploring Nusa Islands, or enjoying a day at Waterbom Bali, there’s something for every age.

These are the activities we would recommend first to any family visiting Bali with kids for the first time.

Our family has loved discovering Bali together. Our kids still talk about snorkeling with turtles, seeing dolphins in Lovina, and splashing around at Waterbom. These experiences are not only fun for children but also memorable for parents.

If you want to combine Bali with other family adventures in Southeast Asia, check out our guides:

• Thailand with Kids
• Ao Nang & Krabi with Kids
• Khao Lak with Kids

• Kuala Lumpur with Kids
• Sepilok with Kids
• Semporna with Kids
• Kinabatangan River with Kids
• Borneo with Kids
• Malaysia Itinerary with Kids

• Lombok with Kids
• Bali Lombok Itinerary with Kids

📥 Want more tips? Visit our Family Travel Shop for printables, travel journals, and guides to make your trip smoother.

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Enjoy your Bali adventure with your family! 🏖️
The Little Passport Crew