15 best things to do in Bali with kids

Planning a family trip to Bali can feel exciting — and a bit overwhelming. When we first arrived on the island, our kids were enrolled at a local international school in Ubud, and what was supposed to be a short stay turned into months of exploring rice terraces, waterfalls, beach paths, surf spots, wildlife experiences, and all the family-friendly attractions Bali is famous for.

We fell hard for the island. The Balinese adore children. Café staff would crouch down to greet our kids before taking our order. Taxi drivers would ask about their favourite foods. Strangers would high-five them in the street. Bali has a way of making kids feel welcomed — and parents feel relaxed.

But with so much to do, the hardest part for families is simply choosing.
What’s actually fun for kids?
Which activities are too scary/too tiring/too hot?
What’s worth the time and money — and what’s not?

This guide solves that for you.

We’ve included the best things to do in Bali with kids based on firsthand experience. Nearly everything on this list we’ve done at least once — often more — and for the few activities we didn’t personally try, we researched them extensively or spoke with other families who did.

For every activity, you’ll find:
✔️ realistic age guidance
✔️ true parent tips
✔️ cost expectations
✔️ safety notes
 

Let’s make your Bali family holiday easy, exciting, and unforgettable.

Table of Contents

• 1. Swim With Wild Dolphins
• 2. Book a day out to the world’s No.1 waterpark
• 3. Get some adrenaline on a family-friendly ATV Tour
• 4. Explore the Monkey Forest in Ubud
• 5. Visit Bali’s Famous Rice Terraces
• 6. Sunday Funday at Titi Batu
• 7. Swim in a Waterfall
• 8. Hang out at one of the family-friendly beaches
• 9. Watch a Kecak Fire Dance
• 10. Take a family class at Pondok Pekak Library
• 11. Book a day pass and get access to some fab kids’ facilities
• 12. Visit Bali Bird Park
• 13. Learn to Surf in Sanur
• 14. Cycle or Scooter Along the Sanur Beachfront Path
• 15. Learn to cook Balinese food
• Is Bali Good for Families?
• Is Bali Worth Visiting With Kids? Absolutely — and These Experiences Prove It
• Want More Family Travel Tips for Bali and Beyond?
• FAQs – Visiting Bali with Kids
• Looking for more in-depth Bali info?

1. Swim With Wild Dolphins

We did this while living in Bali, and it was one of the most magical mornings of our entire trip. Watching dolphins glide alongside your boat at sunrise feels like a real-life nature documentary moment. Seeing the boys’ faces as they got glimpses of the dolphins for the first time was something I’ll never forget!

As well as gliding on the traditional Indonesian boats, you also have the chance to get in the water and see the dolphins from another angle. Each boat has long arm-like structures along the front – taking turns, you get your snorkelling mask on and are pulled through the water alongside the boat.

Both boys were lucky enough to see dolphins underwater as they swam around them and under the boat. Which they were just completely blown away by.

What to expect:

• Early pick-up (around 4–5am)
• Life jackets included
• 1–2 hours on the water (back for breakfast!)
• Calm seas in the early morning
• Dolphins swimming freely (not trained)
• A bonus hour or so at the end snorkelling nearer to shore
• There are a LOT of boats on the water dolphin watching – this is a popular tour on the island

🐬 Read our in-depth review of swimming with the dolphins in Bali here

2. Book a day out to the world’s No.1 waterpark

Waterbom Bali was definitely one of our kids’ favourite places on the island. Whilst we loved immersing them in the Balinese culture, sometimes you just want a day out that’s non-stop fun.  And Waterbom Bali is absolutely that. 

It’s incredibly clean, well-staffed, and has areas specifically designed for younger children as well as thrill rides for teens. It’s easy to spend a full day here without even realising where the time has gone.

The water slides here were some of the best we’ve come across on our travels. There’s fast rides, windy snake-like rides, racers, extreme vertical drops and a super chilled lazy river. What more could you ask for in a waterpark?

What to expect:

• Lots of fast slides
• Lazy river
• Toddler splash zones
• Shaded cabanas (book these in advance)
• Great food options
• Lockers and showers

Our full, in-depth review of Waterbom Bali (including all the rides, height restrictions and top tips for parents) is here.

💦 Book your day out at the world’s top-rated waterpark here

3. Get some adrenaline on a family-friendly ATV Tour

If your kids love adventure, an ATV tour is a must. Our children absolutely loved bouncing through jungle trails and riding tandem with us. By the end we were all coated in mud and exhausted but the boys were still begging to stay on a bit longer!

The highlight of the tour for all of us was definitely driving right under a waterfall. We were all screaming with laughter as we got soaked. 

The trails can be a bit challenging to navigate at times – but we were all complete novices and all managed it fine in the end. There’s fun narrow bits, little tunnels to get through and mud everywhere. 

What to expect:

• Safety briefing
• Tandem bike options for younger kids
• VERY muddy tracks
• Scenic rice terraces and jungle views

⚡ Book the exact ATV tour we took with the kids here

4. Explore the Monkey Forest in Ubud

Since we lived close by, we walked through the Sacred Monkey Forest regularly. Our kids always loved seeing the babies clinging to their mums, and the forest paths are beautiful and shaded.

There are HUNDREDS of macaques in here. And I really do mean hundreds. It can be a bit overwhelming at times, especially for younger or more nervous kids. Plus at times the macaques can be aggressive. 

They’re super confident and some of them will jump on you, sit on your head and they absolutely will steal ANY food you have on you (and any other loose belongings too).

That said, they are fascinating to see up-close and to watch them playing, squabbling and generally being amusing.

What to expect:

• Hundreds of macaques
• Shady jungle walks
• Ancient temples
• Photo opportunities

🐒 Check out the exact location of the Sacred Monkey Forest on Google Maps here

5. Visit Bali’s Famous Rice Terraces

For more detailed info on visiting the rice fields in Bali with kids, check out our full post here.

We visited Tegalalang and Jatiluwih multiple times and loved both for different reasons. Tegalalang is iconic; Jatiluwih is peaceful and spacious.

As well as these famous rice terraces, there are a ton of other rice fields around Bali (especially in the Ubud area) that are less visited. We really loved Mupu Rice Terrace just North of Ubud – a tiny family-run terrace with stunning views.

You can also wander through Kajeng Rice Fields right outside Ubud centre. It’s another world to the hectic heart of Ubud and makes for a wonderful morning or evening stroll. The paved pathways also make it easy to access with kids.

What to expect:

• Path fees or “donations”
• Narrow trails
• Photo swings (optional)
• Local cafés and warungs

🏨 Check out the full list of Tegalalang Rice Terraces tours here

6. Sunday Funday at Titi Batu

Titi Batu became a weekly tradition for us. It’s a community club with pools, a skate park, and a great café. Our kids LOVED it. When we talk about returning to Bali (that’s the dream) this is what the boys want to go back for.

And every Sunday is geared specifically towards families. Kids take over – there are arts and crafts classes, mascots, bouncy castles, ice cream stalls, a foam party in the pool and giant inflatable balls that the kids can roll around in.

There’s plenty of kid-friendly options in the indoor-outdoor cafe, plus some amazing smoothie bowls, mocktails and fresh juices.

And to top it all off, adults have access to the adult-only pool, the sauna and the cold plunge (and the gym for a further fee). 

What to expect:

• Pools for kids and for grown ups
• Skate park
• Kids’ playroom
• Restaurant

🏊‍♀️ Read our full review of Titi Batu Wellness Club here

7. Swim in a Waterfall

Bali is blessed with a whole host of gorgeous waterfalls. We visited several waterfalls, but Tegenungan was the most family-friendly — relatively easy access, shaded areas, and shallow edges for younger swimmers.

Kanto Lampo – about 20mins from the centre of Ubud – is another easy option with kids. In both cases there are quite a few steps down but these are man-made and relatively easy to navigate.

If you want to get off-the-beaten track a bit more then try Krisik Waterfall instead. It’s a bit more difficult to access (the climb down is steep, and you’ll be wading in the water to get there) but worth it to have a waterfall to yourself!

What to expect:

• Many steps
• Small entrance fees
• Local vendors nearby

🌴 If you want to maximise your waterfalls in Bali, try this No.1 rated tour

8. Hang out at one of the family-friendly beaches

Not all Bali beaches are safe for swimming, but Sanur, Nusa Dua, and parts of Jimbaran are wonderful for kids. Sanur was our personal favourite. 

Only about an hour from Ubud in a Grab taxi, the stretch of white sand along Sanur is a great family spot. The waves are calm and the water is shallow for a long way out. There’s surf classes, vendors renting sun-loungers and plenty of cafes, bars and stalls nearby.

The beach at Kuta is brilliant for watching the sunset but the riptides and waves (and at times, the volume of rubbish) don’t make it a great option for a family day at the beach.

What to expect:

• Shallow, calm water
• Family-friendly cafés
• Rental sunbeds
  

⛱️ For more info on visiting Sanur, check out our blog post here

9. Watch a Kecak Fire Dance

Our kids were fascinated by the chanting, costumes, and the fire finale. And the sheer volume of noise that was created, even without any instruments! I was a bit sceptical that the fire dances would be a bit of a tourist spectacle. And they are to an extent, but we all still really enjoyed the experience. It’s like no other show I’ve ever seen.

Uluwatu Temple is the most famous place to watch the Kecak show, especially at sunset. Shows are on every evening here. But there are options across Bali, and whatever your schedule looks like and wherever you base yourselves, there’s likely to be a show on during your stay.

We loved the show at ARMA Museum in Ubud. The little jungle courtyard setting is magical and the show itself is just spectacular (even in the heaving rain, as we experienced!).

What to expect:

• Storytelling dance
• Fire performance
• Sunset views
• Big crowds at some shows
  

🔥 Check out the full range of Balinese dances on offer at ARMA here and book your tickets now!

10. Take a family class at Pondok Pekak Library

This was one of our favourite “quiet” activities. Pondok Pekak Library offers craft workshops, storytelling, and community programs. It’s also the only library in Ubud. After a while on the road we were all starved of actual books, so this was very exciting.

There are private and group classes on offer, covering things like wood-carving, dance, fruit carving and painting. Or you can have a go at creating your own Balinese daily offering, like the ones you’ll see everywhere on the streets of Bali.

What to expect:

• Hands-on activities
• Friendly teachers
• Small class sizes
  

🎨 The full timetable for classes on offer at Pondok Pekak is here

11. Book a day pass and get access to some fab kids’ facilities

If you’re staying somewhere simple or need a break, a hotel day pass is a great option. Your kids get waterslides, huge pools, and sometimes access to kids’ clubs. All without the price tag of actually having to stay at a big, expensive resort.

And some of the facilities are pretty amazing. We loved Padma Resort Ubud with it’s huge infinity pool and kids pool. Most of the big hotels and resorts in Bali offer some sort of day pass, so depending on where you’re staying on the island there will be options nearby.

What to expect:

• Pool access
• Towels + loungers
• Food credit (sometimes)
• Kids’ clubs or babysitting (varies)

🏨 Our favourite – Padma Resort Ubud – is available to book here

12. Visit Bali Bird Park

Families rave about this as a calm, educational half-day activity. Kids can feed lorikeets, watch bird shows, and explore lush aviaries.

Located between Ubud and Densapar, it has over 250 different species of birds from around the world. Some flocks of birds roam freely around the park and the surroundings themselves are lovely.

What to expect:

• Bird shows
• Feeding sessions
• Indoor + outdoor areas
• Tropical gardens

🦜 Beat the queues and book your tickets for Bali Bird Park in advance here

13. Learn to Surf in Sanur

We didn’t take lessons personally (we saved this for elsewhere on our travels!), but many families at our kids’ school raved about them. Bali is one of the best places in the world for beginner surfing.

Sanur is a firm family favourite for kid-friendly surf lessons. The waves are gentle, there’s plenty of space and there’s a number of highly recommended surf schools here for families.

What to expect:

• Safety briefing
• Practice on sand
• Shallow-water training
• Soft surfboards

🏨 Book these highly rated kid-friendly surf lessons in Sanur now

14. Cycle or Scooter Along the Sanur Beachfront Path

This became one of our favourite simple family activities. The path is flat, safe, and lined with cafés and playgrounds. It’s also pretty shady so even in the heat of the day this was an activity we could all manage.

The purpose-built coastal path here stretches for around 5km (so a 10km round trip). There’s plenty of cafes and warungs along the way so you can stop frequently for a bit of refreshment. Plus it’s flat the entire way, a real bonus when cycling around with kids in tow.

There are bike rental places throughout Sanur. If you’re staying nearby, ask at your hotel as they often also rent bikes to guests.

What to expect:

• Smooth path
• Sea views
• Rental bikes
• Cafés along the way

🚲 You can hire both adult and child sized bikes here in Sanur

15. Learn to cook Balinese food

We didn’t take a class ourselves but this was something I looked in to a LOT. I love learning a new cuisine, especially with the kids – it’s such a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and take a taste of it home with you at the end of your trip.

We were lucky that learning to cook Balinese food was an integral part of the boys’ education at their international school. They learnt how to cook loads of dishes during school-time, which was the main reason we opted against taking another cooking class during our stay here.

Many schools across Bali do offer child-friendly cooking classes with hands-on tasks. If you’re staying at a big resort you may also find that this is an activity on offer within the hotel too.

What to expect:

• Market visit (optional)
• Stirring, chopping, rolling
• Balinese dishes like satay or nasi goreng

🥘 Click here to view the range of cooking classes on offer in Bali, and book one for yourself!

Is Bali Good for Families?

Yes — absolutely.

Bali is one of the most family-friendly places we’ve ever lived. Here’s why:

• Kids are genuinely welcomed everywhere.
  
• Food is easy, even for picky eaters.
  
• There’s endless variety: beaches, animals, temples, adventure.
  
• It’s affordable. We loved the fact that the boys could try lots of food and have a go at plenty of activities and tours without breaking the bank. Plus I don’t think we ever said no to an ice cream!
  
• Transport is easy with private drivers or cheap Grab taxis
  
• Healthcare is accessible – there are plenty of good doctor’s surgeries and private hospitals across the island
  
• Rainy days don’t have to ruin plans – activities either carry on regardless or you can opt for one of the many indoor things to do
  

Whether you’re visiting for a week or planning a family gap year, Bali just works for kids.

Is Bali Worth Visiting With Kids? Absolutely — and These Experiences Prove It

Bali is one of those rare destinations that makes travelling with kids feel easier, not harder. The island has a way of slowing you down and pulling you into its rhythm, and even when there’s adventure involved it’s still very much at a Bali pace.

Our months living here with the boys were some of the happiest travel months we’ve ever had. Not because we did anything extraordinary or expensive (if anything, our pretty tight budget kept our time here chilled!). But because everyday life in Bali is built around family, community, nature, and connection. From muddy ATV trails to quiet library afternoons, from sunrise dolphins to lazy beach days in Sanur, the island gave our kids space to explore and gave us all some really quality family time together.

Whether you’re visiting for a week, a month, or planning your own family gap year, these experiences offer the perfect balance of fun, culture, adventure, and rest. I hope this guide helps you plan a trip that feels exciting rather than overwhelming — and gives you the confidence to say “yes” to the parts of Bali that your kids will love most.

And who knows? You may just find yourself falling in love with the island the same way we did.

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FAQs – Visiting Bali with Kids

Is Bali safe for kids?
Yes. Use common sense with road safety, sun exposure, and waves. The traffic around the main tourist hotspots in Bali is insane and you’ll need to be really careful with crossing roads and navigating pavements. The sun throughout the year is strong so take precautions when you’re out and about (and always pack plenty of water).

What’s the best area to stay in Bali with kids?
Sanur for relaxed beaches, Nusa Dua for resorts, Ubud for culture. Ideally if you have time a mix of these is perfect to see the different sides of Bali.

Is Bali stroller-friendly?
Not very. The pavements here are generally in a pretty terrible state – plus at times you’ll find that scooters use them as well as pedestrians! Bring a baby carrier or lightweight travel stroller.

When is the best time to visit Bali with kids?
Dry season (May–September), though Bali is a year-round destination. Even in rainy season there is still plenty of sun and plenty of things to do.

Looking for more in-depth Bali info?

Then check out our other posts on Bali here:

• Visiting the rice terraces in Bali with kids
• Where to eat in Ubud
• How to get around in Bali with kids
• Waterbom Bali: Full Review