Best Things to Do in Bali with Kids: An Insider Guide to Family Fun

Key Takeaways

• Bali is highly family-friendly, offering a wide range of activities for all ages: swimming, kid-friendly surf lessons, visiting Bali Safari, playing at the beach, joining a cooking class, going to family-friendly beach clubs, and enjoying nature.
• Some tips to prepare for your visit to Bali with kids: hire a private driver, choose a private family-friendly Bali villa, follow basic safety precautions, and take advantage of babysitting services.

Planning your first family trip to Bali and wondering what to do? Bali offers countless kid-friendly experiences, making it one of the top destinations for families from around the world.

It’s especially convenient for Australians, with just a 4–6 hour flight from most cities. June and July are ideal months to visit, offering dry, sunny weather—perfect for beach days, outdoor adventures, and longer stays of two weeks or more.

In this guide, you’ll find the best things to do in Bali with your family, including recommended areas to stay and practical tips for a smooth, stress-free holiday.

1. Swimming at Waterbom Bali, Kuta

Waterbom Bali in Kuta is one of the easiest and most reliable choices for families looking for a full day of fun.

Often ranked among the best water parks in Asia, it offers something for every age group, from gentle splash areas and shallow pools for toddlers to exciting slides for older kids and adventurous parents.

The park is clean, well-organized, and easy to enjoy even if it is your family’s first time in Bali. However, since it is such a popular attraction, it can get crowded during busy seasons. Arriving early will help you enjoy shorter lines and a more relaxed start to the day.

Read More: 6 Best Places to Visit in Kuta Bali that You Won’t Regret

2. Taking a Kid-Friendly Surf Lesson in Canggu or Kuta

Bali is one of the world’s most famous surf destinations, and it is also a wonderful place for kids to try surfing for the first time. Both Canggu and Kuta have beginner-friendly surf schools with instructors who are patient, supportive, and experienced in teaching children.

For many families, this can become one of the most memorable parts of the trip because kids often learn quickly and enjoy the excitement of being in the ocean.

Before booking, it is important to check the school’s minimum age, safety rules, and lesson requirements so your child can join a class that matches their ability and comfort level.

3. Walking Through Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Ubud

A visit to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces gives families a chance to enjoy one of Bali’s most iconic landscapes while also introducing children to the island’s farming traditions.

The layered green paddies are beautiful to see in person, and the area has several gentle walking paths that make it possible to explore without doing a demanding hike.

For first-time visitors, this is a lovely way to mix sightseeing with a bit of fresh air and quiet scenery. It is best to come early in the morning, when the weather is cooler and the area feels less crowded, especially if you are visiting with younger children.

Read More: Best Areas to Stay in Bali for a Week

4. Visiting Bali Safari and Bali Zoo, Gianyar and Singapadu

For families with children who love animals, both Bali Safari and Bali Zoo are strong options, each offering a slightly different experience.

Bali Safari, located in Gianyar, is larger and more immersive. One of the highlights is the tram ride, which adds a sense of adventure and makes the visit feel exciting from start to finish. It also includes extra attractions such as animal presentations and a water play area.

Meanwhile Bali Zoo is a smaller and more relaxed alternative located in Singapadu. This place can be a better fit for younger children or families who prefer a shorter outing. It feels more manageable, with feeding experiences and a dedicated children’s play area.

The Bali Zoo is good for kids around ages two to ten, as it is less overwhelming and can comfortably be done in half a day.

5. Relaxing at Sanur Beach

Seeking free activity to do in Bali? You can go to Sanur Beach.

If your family prefers calm water over strong waves, Sanur Beach is one of the best places in Bali to slow down and enjoy a gentle beach day.

The sea here is much calmer than in many other parts of the island, which makes it especially suitable for young children who want to paddle, play in shallow water, or build sandcastles close to shore.

The atmosphere of Sanur is peaceful, with a long beachside path that is perfect for morning walks, bike rides, or simply strolling with the family. There’s also Icon Bali Mall next to the beach, so you and family can enjoy shopping or dining with ease.

Read More: Ubud or Sanur: Which One is Better for You?

6. Playing at Indoor Play Centres in Bali

When the Bali heat becomes too intense, or your family needs a break from outdoor sightseeing, indoor play centres can be a real lifesaver.

Try visiting Jungle Play in Kerobokan, AeroXSpace in Bypass Ngurah Rai, or Kidzooona in Beachwalk Kuta. These indoor playground centres offer soft-play zones, climbing areas, and simple role-play activities that keep children entertained while parents rest for a while.

7. Joining a Family Cooking Class in Ubud

A family cooking class may sound like an activity designed mainly for adults, but many children end up loving it just as much.

In Bali, especially around Ubud, family-friendly cooking classes often include fun steps such as visiting a local market, walking through rice fields, and helping prepare simple dishes together.

Kids usually enjoy the hands-on nature of the experience, like washing ingredients, cutting vegetables, or watching food cook over a traditional fire. It is a great way to introduce children to Balinese culture in a fun and interactive setting.

This activity is usually best for children aged six and up, and it is wise to book early during peak travel periods because family classes can fill quickly.

8. Spending the Afternoon at Family-Friendly Beach Clubs in Seminyak or Sanur

Bali’s top beach clubs are not only for adults, as several also work well for families with children, like Locca Sea House, Flamingo Beach Club, Atlas Beach Club, Mrs Sippy, and Cocoon Day Club. For kids, entry is usually free.

They also offer kids’ pools or shallow splash areas and child-friendly menus, making them much more comfortable for parents traveling with little ones.

It is always helpful to check in advance whether the venue has a minimum spend, and arriving earlier in the day usually gives you a better chance of finding a comfortable seat or daybed.

Practical Tips for Visiting Bali with Kids

1. Plan Your Transportation

Getting around Bali takes a bit of planning. For families, hiring a private driver is the easiest and most stress-free option.

For shorter trips in tourism areas like Canggu, Seminyak, or Ubud, apps like Grab or GoJek are reliable and convenient.

2. Be Smart About Food Choices

Bali is very family-friendly when it comes to food. Many restaurants offer kids’ menus, and dishes like fried rice, noodles, satay, and simple chicken meals are usually popular choices.

Still, be mindful of hygiene to avoid “Bali belly.” Stick to clean, well-reviewed restaurants or trusted local warungs. Supermarkets such as Pepito, Bintang, and Coco are great for snacks, including international/imported options.

3. Prepare for Health and Safety Essentials

A little preparation goes a long way. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen daily and reapply often, and don’t forget mosquito repellent, especially in the evening. Always drink bottled or filtered water to reduce the risk of stomach issues.

It’s also a good idea to stay near reliable medical facilities such as BIMC Hospital (Kuta/Nusa Dua), Siloam Hospital (Denpasar), or international-grade clinics, which are widely available in expat-friendly areas like Canggu, Sanur, and Ubud.

4. Hire a Nanny for Extra Support

Hiring a nanny in Bali is affordable and very common for traveling families. It can be a huge help if you want some time to relax, go out for dinner, or simply have an extra pair of hands during the day.

5. Choose a Family-Friendly Villa for Comfort and Space

Where you stay can really shape your entire trip. For families, a private Bali villa with 3–4 bedrooms and a swimming pool is often much more comfortable than a hotel.

You’ll have more space, separate bedrooms, a living area, and a private pool where kids can play freely. Some villas even come with a dedicated game room, which makes it even more fun for children.

You can easily find great family-friendly villas on Bali Villa Realty, with options to suit different budgets and needs.

Browse our Bali family villa private pool listings or contact our agent to get recommendations tailored to your preferences, budget, and travel style.

Read More: 7 Reasons a Private Villa Is the Best Choice for Your Bali Family Trip

Conclusion

Bali is one of those rare destinations that truly works for every kind of family trip—it just depends on how you plan it.

If you’re traveling with younger kids, calmer activities like beach days in Sanur, indoor play centres, or a relaxed zoo visit are ideal, while more active families can enjoy surf lessons, water parks, and exploring Ubud’s rice terraces.

With the right mix of activities, location, and preparation, your Bali family holiday can be both exciting for the kids and genuinely relaxing for parents.

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