Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of planning a trip to Bali with little ones. If you’re searching for the best things to do in Bali with kids, I’ve been there. Like, literally—three times with toddlers, school-age kids, and once with a cranky teenager who thought WiFi was more important than waterfalls. Bali’s not just some Instagram destination with infinity pools and honeymoon vibes. It’s actually packed with family-friendly activities—stuff that’ll tire the kids out in the best way and leave you sipping your coconut in peace.
Water Play That Actually Works for Families (Not Just Fancy Resorts)
If your kids are anything like mine—meaning part monkey, part fish—then water parks and safe beaches are gonna be your best friend.
Read also: Best Car Rental in Bali
Splash Water Park in Canggu (Yeah, It’s Worth It)
First time we went, I thought Splash would be overrated and full of tourists. But guess what? It was super clean, not crazy crowded like some water parks back home, and the slides were just the right level of exciting for younger kids. There’s this one slide called the “Super Bowl” that my 8-year-old made me ride four times. Didn’t love the wedgie, but the laughter made it worth it.
Plus, they’ve got a toddler zone with little fountains and shallow pools, so you’re not hovering over your 3-year-old the whole time. Bonus? They let you rent a cabana for the day. Kinda pricey (around 400k IDR), but worth every rupiah when your kid crashes for a nap after lunch and you can finally sit.
Sanur Beach – Chill Vibes Only
If you're not into paying for a full water park day, Sanur Beach is perfect. Calm waves, shallow entry, and plenty of warungs (small restaurants) for snacks. My daughter legit spent 3 hours collecting shells while I read a book. You won’t get big waves or wild surf, but that's kinda the point. Sanur’s like that cousin who’s super reliable—not flashy, but always shows up.
Grab a paddleboard rental for 100k IDR and take turns with the kids. There’s a path along the beach too, so you can rent bikes with kiddie seats and just cruise for an hour while the sun sets. That’s a memory-maker right there.
Real Animal Encounters (Without Feeling Like You're at a Zoo)
Bali Safari & Marine Park – Surprisingly Not Cheesy
I was super skeptical about this one. Thought it’d be overpriced and kind of sad (you know the kind of zoo I’m talking about). But Bali Safari is actually pretty solid. The animals have space, it’s well-maintained, and the safari ride where you’re in a caged vehicle driving through open habitats? Total hit with the kids.
They got up close with zebras, rhinos, and even a lion. Not something you get back home. We booked tickets online to avoid standing in line, and honestly, I’d recommend the Jungle Hopper package. Comes with the safari ride, animal show, and access to the water play area—again, more slides, more kid exhaustion.
Try to go early in the day when it’s not blazing hot. Wear breathable clothes and pack extra water. Oh, and watch out for the souvenir shop at the exit—it’s a trap. You’ve been warned.
Ubud Monkey Forest – Only If Your Kids Aren’t Scaredy-Cats
Okay, this one’s kinda controversial in our family. I thought it was awesome. You’re walking through this misty, old forest filled with Balinese temples and hundreds of monkeys. My 10-year-old? Loved it. My 6-year-old? Not so much. One monkey jumped on a guy’s backpack and she was convinced it was gonna attack us next.
Here’s the deal: Don’t bring food. Like, seriously. Not even a banana. The monkeys will sniff it out like trained dogs and go straight for your bag. Keep your phone zipped up too—yes, they can and will swipe it.
But if your kids are cool with animals and you’re down for a bit of excitement, it’s worth the stop. You’ll probably spend just an hour here, but it’s memorable, no doubt.
Cultural Stuff That Won’t Bore Your Kids to Death
Bali Trick Art 3D Gallery – Weirdly Fun and Educational?
This one was a random find on our second trip. It’s basically a big building filled with giant 3D murals you interact with. Think optical illusions where you look like you're dangling from a cliff or fighting a dinosaur. It’s indoors (hallelujah for air-con), and my kids were cracking up the whole time.
The best part? They got really into taking their own photos. I swear my oldest turned into a mini Instagrammer. Plus, it's not just silly fun—some of the artwork sparks good convos about perspective, painting techniques, and local stories.
Honestly, it’s a lifesaver when you need something fun but also low-energy. Costs around 120k IDR for adults, a bit less for kids. Worth it for a break from temples and sun.
Balinese Dance at Pura Taman Saraswati – A Hit or Miss But Worth a Try
I won’t lie—traditional Balinese dance isn’t for every kid. But we caught a show at the water temple in Ubud (Pura Taman Saraswati) and were surprised. The setting alone is wild—lotus ponds, statues, and the kind of backdrop that makes your vacation photos pop.
We prepped the kids a bit, explained the stories behind the dances (like the Barong vs Rangda battle), and let them have snacks during the slower bits. They sat through the whole thing. It helped that it was only about an hour long.
If you’re in Ubud, try it. If nothing else, they’ll remember the crazy masks and loud gamelan music.
Nature Experiences That Don’t Feel Like a Chore
Rice Terrace Walks – Yes, Even for Small Kids
Tegalalang Rice Terrace near Ubud is the famous one, and yeah, it gets touristy. But you can still have a chill time if you go early—like before 9 a.m. We brought snacks, took it slow, and made a game of spotting butterflies and frogs.
Wear good shoes; the paths are steep and slippery in places. But the views? Unreal. There are little swings set up along the way too (like the Bali swing, though that one’s more for Insta than actual fun).
If your kids aren’t into long walks, try Subak Juwuk Manis trail—way less crowded and still gets you the rice field views without the climb.
Campuhan Ridge Walk – Bring Snacks and Bribes
This one’s a bit more of a walk—2km in and out—but the path is wide and easy. We started early morning, packed some banana pancakes, and promised the kids a smoothie at the end.
It’s peaceful, you get this view of rolling hills and palm trees, and honestly, it's kinda meditative (until someone complains their legs hurt). Just bring water and hats. There’s zero shade and Bali sun doesn’t mess around.
Cooking Classes (Yeah, Kids Can Actually Do This)
A friend recommended this and I was skeptical. Like, how do you expect a 7-year-old to handle a wok? Turns out, a lot of these Balinese cooking classes are designed with families in mind. We booked through a small place in Ubud called Paon Bali, and they were amazing with the kids.
They let the kids grind spices, stir things, and even shape satay skewers. We made nasi goreng (fried rice), Balinese chicken curry, and this killer banana fritter thing. My picky eater even tried everything—which, let’s be real, felt like a parenting win.
It's also cool that they explain local ingredients and let you visit the market first (super eye-opening when your kid sees where real food comes from). Try and book a morning class to beat the heat.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants That Don’t Feel Like Chains
Okay, let’s talk food. Bali’s got all kinds of food—from warungs (local eateries) to fancy vegan cafes—but not all are great with kids.
Milk & Madu (Canggu and Ubud)
Hands-down a family favorite. Big shaded garden, healthy kids’ menu (but not so healthy they’ll whine), and a play area. We went three times during one trip. My youngest loved the pancake stack, and I was happy with my turmeric latte and avo toast (yep, I’m that parent sometimes).
They even have coloring sheets and crayons. It’s those small touches that make you wanna come back.
Pizza Bagus in Ubud
Not exactly traditional Balinese, but when your kid’s over nasi goreng and just wants something familiar—this place hits the spot. Simple pizza, spaghetti, garlic bread, and cheap beer for the grownups. Sometimes you need a break from “cultural dining,” ya know?
It’s casual, fast, and the kind of place where no one glares if your toddler melts down over the wrong pasta shape.
Rainy Day Rescue – Indoor Activities That Won’t Bore Everyone
Peekaboo Play Cafe (Sanur)
If you’re in Sanur and the weather turns or everyone needs a break from the sun, Peekaboo’s solid. It’s basically a soft play gym with air conditioning (bless). There’s a toddler zone, climbing areas, ball pits, and a cafe with actual lattes.
You can chill on a beanbag with a drink while the kids go wild. Feels like a miracle after a long day. Just check their opening hours—they sometimes close early.
Bali Equestrian Centre – Unexpected Win
Okay, hear me out. Horseback riding in Bali? Kinda random. But my daughter saw a pony and that was that. They offer riding lessons for kids, pony rides, and there’s even a pool and café on-site.
It's a bit pricier (think 300k+ per session), but it’s clean, the staff are sweet, and they really make sure the kids feel confident. Good one for older kids who want something a bit different.
Where to Stay Without Losing Your Mind
Staying somewhere with kids in Bali can be a dream—or a nightmare if you pick wrong.
Look for places with:
- Enclosed private pools (so you’re not stressed every second)
- Family suites or connecting rooms
- On-site restaurants or at least breakfast
- Staff who are actually helpful with kids (this one matters more than you think)
We loved staying at Padma Resort Legian—on the higher end but super family-oriented. Massive pools, daily kid activities, and the breakfast buffet is next-level. If you're on a tighter budget, Green Field Hotel in Ubud is peaceful, surrounded by rice fields, and they’ll help with babysitters if you want a night out.
That’s pretty much the full scoop from someone who's actually dragged kids around Bali more than once. The truth? It’s not always easy. Sometimes there are meltdowns, sweaty naps in carriers, and food that ends up on the floor. But there are also moments where your kid watches a monkey up close, eats something new without gagging, or laughs so hard at a splash park you forget how tired you are.