The best things to do in Bali with kids are calm-water beach days in Sanur and Nusa Dua, a day at Waterbom water park, animal parks such as Bali Zoo and Bali Safari, and gentle nature activities around Ubud like rice terrace walks and guided river tubing. Bali suits families because distances are short, most activities take one to three hours, and many days out cost far less than they would at home. Pick one main activity a day, do it in the morning, and you will have a relaxed trip rather than a tiring one.
This guide lists 15 family-friendly ideas grouped by area, shows which ones suit which ages, and shares the planning tips we give parents as a local tubing operator in Ubud.
Why Bali Works for Families with Kids
Balinese culture is warm towards children. Restaurant staff will often chat and play with little ones, most hotels and villas have pools, and private drivers are affordable, which removes the stress of public transport. The island is also compact: beaches, animal parks, rice terraces and jungle rivers all sit within one to two hours of each other. If you are still building your itinerary, Indonesia’s official tourism site gives a useful overview of each region.
Things to Do in Bali with Kids in the South: Beaches and Water Fun
1. Sanur Beach
Sanur is the easiest beach in Bali for small children. An offshore reef keeps the water shallow and calm, and a paved path runs along the beachfront, which is handy for prams and hired bikes. Go in the morning before the heat builds, and check the tide: at low tide the water retreats a long way.
2. Nusa Dua Beaches
Nusa Dua is a resort area with clean sand, gentle water and plenty of shade. Many resorts here run kids’ clubs, so it suits families who want pool time and short beach sessions rather than long drives.
3. Waterbom Bali
Waterbom in Kuta is the island’s best-known water park and an easy full-day win. Older children head for the big slides, while younger ones have a dedicated play area and a lazy river to float around with a parent. Height rules apply on some slides, so check the park’s website before you promise anything.
4. A Beginner Surf Lesson
The sandy beach breaks around Kuta and Legian are where many visitors stand up on a board for the first time. Reputable surf schools teach children in the whitewater close to shore on soft boards. Ask about minimum ages and group sizes when you book.
5. Turtle Conservation and Education Center, Serangan
This small, donation-based centre on Serangan, near Sanur, cares for rescued and injured sea turtles. A visit takes under an hour, which is about right for young attention spans. Hatchling releases are seasonal, so ask ahead rather than assuming one will happen on the day.
Animal Parks and Nature Days Out
6. Bali Safari and Marine Park
In Gianyar, between the south coast and Ubud, this is a large safari-style park. The safari ride takes you past the animals without much walking, so it works even with tired legs.
7. Bali Zoo
Bali Zoo in Singapadu is smaller and leafier, which many parents of toddlers prefer. You can see everything in a morning and still be back at the pool after lunch.
8. Bali Bird Park
A few minutes from Bali Zoo, the Bird Park has walk-through aviaries filled with Indonesian birds. It is calm, colourful and compact, and it pairs well with the zoo or with Ayung River tubing in Singapadu, which starts in the same area.
9. Bali Treetop Adventure Park
Set inside the botanical garden in Bedugul, in the cool central highlands, this ropes course has circuits graded by age and height, with the easiest designed for children from around four. Bring a light jumper, because it is noticeably cooler up here than on the coast.
Ubud and Central Bali with Kids
Ubud sits about an hour’s drive inland from the southern resorts and is the green, cultural heart of the island. Our separate guide to things to do in Ubud with kids goes deeper; these are the highlights.
10. Tegalalang Rice Terraces
The terraces north of Ubud are the classic Bali photo. Children enjoy the narrow paths and the swings, but the steps are steep and uneven, so use a carrier rather than a pram and arrive before 9 am to beat the heat and the crowds.
11. Gentle River or Cave Tubing
Tubing means floating down a jungle river on an inflatable tube with a guide, a life jacket and a helmet. There is no paddling and no technique to learn, which is why it suits families better than white-water rafting. Our cave tubing route in Tegalalang lasts about 45 minutes and accepts children from age 3, while river tubing in Tampak Siring is a longer 90-minute float for older kids. See our Bali river tubing guide for prices and what to bring.
12. Tirta Empul Water Temple
Tirta Empul in Tampak Siring is one of Bali’s most important temples. Children are usually fascinated by the spring-fed pools and the large koi pond. Sarongs are required and are available at the entrance. It is in the same area as our river tubing route, so the two fit neatly into one morning.
13. A Cooking, Batik or Offering-Making Class
Hands-on classes let children meet Balinese culture instead of just looking at it. Many studios around Ubud welcome families; check the minimum age and class length before booking.
14. A Balinese Dance Performance
Evening shows at Ubud Palace and other venues combine gamelan music, bright costumes and dramatic masks. Most last an hour or more, so sit near the aisle in case a little one runs out of patience.
15. Sunset Seafood on Jimbaran Beach
Back in the south, Jimbaran’s seafood restaurants set their tables directly on the sand. Children can dig and run while you eat, and the sunset does the rest. It is an easy last-night dinner close to the airport.
Best Things to Do in Bali with Kids by Age
Every child is different, but this table is a sensible starting point when you are choosing between activities:
| Age | Best fits | Go easy on |
|---|---|---|
| Toddlers (1–3) | Sanur and Nusa Dua beaches, Bali Zoo, Bird Park, turtle centre, cave tubing from age 3 | Long drives, steep rice-terrace steps |
| Young kids (4–7) | Waterbom, Bali Safari, cave tubing, easy Treetop circuits, cooking class | Late-night shows |
| Older kids (8–12) | River tubing, surf lessons, Treetop, Tirta Empul | Too many temples in one day |
| Teens | Surfing, longer river tubing, rafting, Waterbom’s big slides | Over-planning; leave free time |
Travelling with very young children? Our guide to Bali with toddlers covers naps, car seats, health basics and packing in more detail.
How to Plan Family Days in Bali
A little structure makes a big difference when you are travelling with children:
- Hire a car with a driver. It is the simplest way to move a family around. Child seats are not standard, so request one in advance.
- One main activity a day. Do it in the morning, then leave the afternoon for the pool and a nap.
- Split your stay. A beach base plus two or three nights in Ubud cuts hours of driving.
- Allow for traffic. The south to Ubud takes about an hour, and longer at busy times.
- Pack a day bag. Water, hats, sunscreen, insect repellent and a full change of clothes for each child.
- Book direct where you can. Online travel agencies add a commission. When you book with the local operator, you can ask about your child’s age, swimming ability or nap times and get an answer from the people who will actually look after you.
FAQ: Things to Do in Bali with Kids
1. Is Bali a good destination for families with young children?
Yes. Bali has calm beaches, plenty of pools, short activities and a culture that welcomes children. The main things to manage are heat, traffic and unfenced villa pools, all of which are easy to plan around.
2. What is the best area to stay in Bali with kids?
Sanur and Nusa Dua are the calmest beach bases for young children. Ubud is the best base for nature, culture and river activities. Many families combine one beach area with a few nights in Ubud.
3. What can kids do in Bali when it rains?
Wet-season showers often arrive in the afternoon, so plan outdoor activities for the morning. A cooking or batik class is a good rainy-day backup. Tubing runs year-round, although sessions may be adjusted after heavy rain for safety.
4. From what age can children go river tubing in Bali?
Our cave tubing route in Tegalalang accepts children from age 3 with an adult. The Ayung River and Tampak Siring routes are for children aged 5 and up.
5. How many days do you need in Bali with kids?
Seven to ten days is a comfortable length. It gives you time for a beach base, two or three nights in Ubud and a few rest days in between.
Conclusion: Planning Things to Do in Bali with Kids
Bali rewards families who keep it simple: a calm beach, one good activity each morning and plenty of pool time. Mix a few coastal days with a few in Ubud and your children will see beaches, animals, temples and jungle without spending the holiday in a car. When you reach Ubud, a gentle float is one of the easiest adventures to share. Compare our routes in the river vs cave tubing guide, or start from the Tubing Ubud Bali homepage.
Travelling with children? Message us on WhatsApp with their ages and we will recommend the right route and confirm the price before you book.
