The Perfect 3-day Ubud Itinerary with kids
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If you’re dreaming of a family adventure in the spiritual and cultural heart of Bali, then you’re in the right place. Our 3-day Ubud itinerary, curated especially for families, will show you exactly how to make the most of your time in Ubud with kids.
We fell in love with this amazing place during our time living here. Ubud has so much to offer families – fun, adventure, culture and more. Family life is at the heart of everything in Ubud and no visit to Bali would be complete without spending some time here.
Our 3-day Ubud itinerary will walk you through the best things to do in Ubud with kids, how to get around, where to stay and where to eat in Ubud. We’ll also talk about what a realistic budget is for a stay in Ubud with kids and top tips to maximise your time here.
Read on to discover the perfect 3-day Ubud itinerary for a family stay and the very best things to do in Ubud with kids.
Table of Contents
- Is Ubud good for families?
- Day 1: Culture and Nature Exploration
- Day 2: A full day of wellness and fun
- Day 3: Markets, Rice Fields and Creativity
- Where to stay in Ubud with kids
- Getting around in Ubud with kids
- Budget for a 3-day Ubud itinerary with kids
- Final Thoughts and Top Tips for a 3-day Ubud itinerary with kids
- Download our free 3-day Ubud itinerary with kids here!
- Planning a family trip to Bali?
Is Ubud good for families?
So why should you include a stop in Ubud on your Bali family itinerary? Is it actually any good for families?
I wondered about both these questions when we were looking at somewhere to settle for a while during our family gap year. And the answer is a resounding YES – Ubud is a fantastic destination for families.
This is the cultural heart of the Island of the Gods and offers the perfect blend of relaxation, fun and cultural immersion. Whilst the traffic here may be chaotic, life moves at a much slower pace in general than in the big hitting tourist hotspots of Kuta and Seminyak on the coast. Ubud has a real family-friendly charm that will captivate visitors young and old.
We also loved Ubud as a worldschooling destination. If you’re looking to immerse your children in a different culture then Ubud is a fantastic place to do it. The Balinese people are incredibly welcoming and open and you can give the whole family a real insight into the beliefs and daily way of life on Bali.
A 3-day Ubud itinerary is the perfect amount of time to allow for some time exploring Ubud’s highlights without overwhelming the kids. Ubud has a lot to offer but in three days you will be able to balance several activities with some well-needed relaxation time too.
👉 Short on time? You can download a completely free pdf version of this family-friendly 3-day Ubud itinerary below
Day 1: Culture and Nature Exploration
Morning: Visit Monkey Forest
Kick off your time in Ubud with a visit to Ubud Monkey Forest. You can easily spend an hour or two wandering through the trees, watching the very mischievous monkeys and exploring the ancient shrines and temples. The monkeys here are very entertaining but also very crafty. Keep a close eye on your belongings and make sure you don’t bring any snacks or food with you. They are very gifted at snatching this from you!
Entry to Monkey Forest Ubud is 100,000IDR/US$6/£4.50 adults, 80,000IDR/US$5/£3.75 kids. Monkey Forest Ubud is open from 10am to 6pm every day, with last entry at 5pm.
Lunch: The best smoothie bowls in Ubud
Just South of Monkey Forest Ubud you’ll find Blend Cafe, famous for it’s smoothie bowls that are like works of art! These are huge (one can probably feed two kids under 10years) and packed full of goodness. Blend is located on a quiet little street away from the hustle and bustle of central Ubud. It’s a great spot to chill out and recharge before the afternoon’s activities.
Afternoon: Visit the iconic Tegalalang Rice Terraces
One of the most photographed places in Bali, Tegalalang Rice Terraces are an iconic Bali scene. The lush rice paddies are simply breathtaking and should be on every visitor’s itinerary. The rice terraces make for a short, easy family walk. There are a whole host of ‘extras’ on offer here too.
You can indulge in a classic Bali photo op by having a go on one of the Bali swings that soar out over the terraces (c. IDR150,000/US$10/£7.50 a go). If you’re feeling particularly adventurous you can even ride a bike on a zipline across them!
We stuck to visiting one of the smaller, quieter rice terraces which I would highly recommend. Mupu Rice Terrace is a little family run part of the rice paddies and is an easy 10-15minutes walk (on maintained little paths) up to the top for the views. The family that run this terrace were absolutely lovely and happy to chat to the kids about how the rice was grown and processed.
They also have a tiny little stand at the top selling fresh coconuts and cold drinks (perfect in the heat!). There’s a couple of hammocks for chilling out in and even a free swing for those pics. Entrance to Mupu Rice Terrace is via Tis Cafe on the main road (staff can direct you).
Evening: Check out a traditional Balinese fire dance
Once you’ve had a chance to chill out back at your hotel or villa, head back in to Ubud for a chance to see some more Balinese culture. Immerse yourselves for an hour or two in a traditional Balinese Kecak Fire Dance – there are options throughout Ubud.
We opted to catch a show at ARMA Museum, set in a beautiful courtyard in central Ubud. The chanting and fire elements involved in the Kecak Fire Dance captivate kids.
Get here early to grab a seat near the front as the whole viewing area is flat so smaller kids might struggle to get a decent view from further back. Our kids were mesmerised by the amount of fire on stage, even in the pouring rain on our visit.
Performances at ARMA Museum are on a Monday and Wednesday at 7pm, and cost IDR150,000/US$9/£6.75 per person.
🔥 Click here to book tickets to the magical Kecak Fire Dance
Day 2: A full day of wellness and fun
Morning & Afternoon: Fun for all the family at Titi Batu Club
The second day of your 3-day Ubud itinerary is pure fun. Of all the things to do in Ubud with kids, this was one of our family’s absolute favourites. Titi Batu Ubud is a members wellness club located around 10-15minutes from central Ubud via Grab or Gojek taxi.
It has facilities galore for the whole family – a 25m pool for the adults and a separate family pool, skatepark, basketball courts, play area, kids room, gym, sauna, cold plunge pool and restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating.
Best of all, if you can time your visit for a Sunday then this is perfect. Every Sunday is ‘Funday Sunday’ where kids take over. There’s a big foam party in the family pool, giant inflatable balls for the kids to roll around in, a bouncy castle and special activities like magic shows, arts and crafts and dance lessons.
Day passes for Titi Batu are IDR190,000/US$11.50/£8.50 for adults and IDR136,000/US$8.20/£6 for kids (4-15years).
The day passes include a credit towards food, so stick around at Titi Batu for lunch. They serve a mix of Western and Indonesian dishes, including some very tasty burgers for the kids.
Evening: Even more fun in a private karaoke or cinema room
If you want to add even more fun to your day, book a karaoke or a private cinema room at MediaFun Ubud. The air-conditioned rooms offer respite from the Bali heat and the perfect spot to unwind after a hard day of play at Titi Batu!
Rooms start at IDR150,000/US$9/£6.75 an hour.
Day 3: Markets, Rice Fields and Creativity
Morning: Take a relaxed stroll through the local rice fields
Start the day with an easy, family friendly stroll through the Kajeng Rice Fields, accessed right from the centre of Ubud. The paved walkways will take you on a loop through the peaceful fields, where locals are busy growing and harvesting the rice.
There are several tiny warungs (little Indonesian eateries) dotted around the paths so you can stop for a fresh fruit smoothie on the way.
Follow this up with a quick visit to Ubud Art Market (free) back in the heart of Ubud to browse the crafts and souvenirs. There are plenty of little wooden toys and fun, unique gifts for the kids to spend their pocket money on.
Lunch: The best Nasi Campur in Ubud
Right in the centre of Ubud, Sun Sun Warung is a fab spot for a traditional Balinese meal. The Nasi Campur is AMAZING and a great way for kids to try lots of little different bits of the local cuisine.
We ate here several times during our stay as it was such a firm family favourite. There’s a more formal restaurant area upstairs, but if you ask to be seated in the garden you’ll find low tables and cushions tucked away inbetween the foliage.
Afternoon: Learn a traditional Balinese craft
Head to Pondok Pekak Library and Learning Centre to learn a traditional Balinese craft. The only library in Ubud offers a range of classes that are aimed at the whole family. You can have a go at wood carving, making your own Balinese offering or carving fruit.
This is the perfect balance between creativity and fun, and balances out all the walking you might have done in the morning!
Private classes run every day and start from IDR125,000/US$8/£6 per person. There are also cheaper group activities on the weekends.
Evening: Movie night in a hidden gem
Wind down in front of a family movie at Sari Hati Warung, a cafe that is well off the beaten track but definitely worth a visit. They offer regular family film nights where you can settle in on the giant beanbags and cushions and watch a movie together.
The cafe serves a range of Indonesian and Western dishes. But it was the cakes and the milkshakes that our boys always wanted more of!
Alternatively relax at your accommodation – you’ve definitely earned it after three days of fun and exploring in Ubud.
If you want more recommendations on where to eat in Ubud with kids, then check out our tried and tested options in this post. Including some real hidden gems and great budget options for the whole family!
Where to stay in Ubud with kids
Normally we would always opt for a central place to stay with kids so that we could easily wander around. However, the centre of Ubud is incredibly hectic and can be very loud. And definitely a bit overwhelming for younger children!
For these reasons I would highly recommend staying just outside the central area of Ubud. You’re much more likely to find a relaxing stay, overlooking green rice fields and listening to the noise of birdsong and insects chirping. Instead of the noise of scooters and honking car horns!
Best for a budget stay
We loved the family apartment at the Athaya Ubud, on a quiet little paved street about 10-15minutes outside Ubud. This is a small, boutique feel hotel with just a few rooms and the big family apartment we stayed in.
The family apartment is HUGE with two double rooms with en-suite bathrooms and a full length balcony to the back. There’s also a small kitchen and a decent sized living area, which means you can self-cater when you want to. Which is great if you’re on a budget.
The pool is also gorgeous, the staff are super friendly and helpful and there’s a small restaurant on site. The boys LOVED the pancakes here! Plus it’s just up the road from Titi Batu club.
The family apartment here (sleeps four) costs around US$65 per night.
🏨 For a really great value stay, book Athaya Ubud here
Best mid-range option
There are a huge number of private villas available around Ubud and they can be exceptionally good value. For a tiny bit more you can have your own private pool and plenty of space to relax.
Naja Private Villa is a fab option – it’s near enough to the main sights but tucked away in a secluded spot that means that you feel miles away from the hustle of Ubud. It’s got a gorgeous little pool, an indoor-outdoor kitchen and an amazing set of hosts. They really go out of their way to make you feel at home (and the breakfasts they include are equally amazing!
Rates start at around US$100/£75 per night for the two-bed villas that comfortably sleep four.
🏨 Check rates Naja Private Villa and find your own secluded bit of paradise in Bali
Best luxury Ubud hotel with kids
If you’re happy to really splash out and want the full-blown resort experience, then I would highly recommend Padma Resort Ubud.
Padma Resort is to the North of Ubud, not far from the iconic Tegalalang rice terraces. The views from almost every angle are stunning – you can enjoy a swim or an evening cocktail while looking out on the lush valley below.
As well as the beautiful swimming pools, there’s a kids club, playground and daily activities. The service here is unbelievable too.
Even if you’re not planning a stay here, if you’ve got the time then a day pass is an excellent option (and a great treat for a little bit of bonus luxury!).
The Family Premier Rooms here (sleeping four) start at around US$525/£390 per night.
Getting around in Ubud with kids
By far the best options for getting around in Bali with kids are either Grab or Gojek taxis or with a private driver.
Grab and Gojek are the local ride-sharing apps (the Asian versions of Uber). The cars and bikes are EVERYWHERE in Ubud and getting a ride is incredibly easy. I don’t think we ever waited more than 15-minutes for a Grab or Gojek ride during our whole time in Ubud.
Grab and Gojek cars are also very affordable. Journeys of 15minutes or so cost around £1.50-3/US$2-4. The cost and ease of using both of these makes them the best option for getting around in Ubud as a family.
You can also hire a private driver, something that is common for visitors to Bali. This can also be very affordable and I would definitely recommend this for longer journeys around the island. However, for this 3-day Ubud itinerary you won’t be venturing too far and will be able to easily get between the sights and activities in a Grab or Gojek.
You can also order in food via both Grab and Gojek. So if you fancy a chilled out evening at home then you can order in and eat in your PJs!
Budget for a 3-day Ubud itinerary with kids
We had a tight budget for our entire family gap year, so were always looking for ways to keep costs down during our travels. Bali is very affordable by Western standards but you can easily spend more money if you want to splash out on some luxury.
For the 3-day Ubud itinerary that we’ve outlined above, the costs for a family of four are likely to look something like this. Remember though that costs will vary depending on your own personal budget and what you want your trip to look like.
Budget 3-day Ubud itinerary
|
Accommodation |
$65 per night = $195 total (based on a stay at Athaya Ubud) |
|
Food |
$120 (including lunch options outlined above, plus breakfast, dinner and all snacks) |
|
Activities |
$160 total, including:
|
|
Transport |
Private car with driver for three days: $105 OR Grab/Gojek for all journeys in this itinerary: $70 |
|
Souvenirs, tips, misc |
$25 |
So your total spend for this budget itinerary would be US$570/£445/IDR9,717,500 (using Grab or Gojek for your transport). If you wanted a private driver this would be an extra US$35/£27/IDR592,000.
Bear in mind that this is a PACKED itinerary – you can reduce costs by chilling out at your accommodation one evening. This budget would also cover eating out for most meals. This is NOT what we did in Ubud! We saved plenty of cash by having simple breakfasts at our villa and cooking for ourselves/ordering in via Grab in the evenings.
Obviously if you want to upgrade to a mid-range or luxury hotel then these costs will be higher. But this gives you an idea of how you can do 3-days in Ubud on a budget.
Budget Tips
If you want to keep a close eye on your costs, these are just a few ways to make your money go further.
- Book accommodation early for the best deals
- Eat at local warungs (small Indonesian eateries) and top up on snacks from local shops
- Self-cater for breakfast – buying eggs and fruit from the local market stalls is a cheap and healthy way to start the day.
- Pack snacks for your day at Titi Batu – the food isn’t too expensive but lots of extra drinks and snacks will quickly add up.
Final Thoughts and Top Tips for a 3-day Ubud itinerary with kids
Ubud really is a great family-friendly destination and you can pack a lot of both fun and cultural activities into a three day visit. It offers a different side to Bali than the coastal resorts so should be on every Bali traveller’s list.
A few final family travel tips to make your stay in Ubud go smoothly:
- Plan in plenty of time for journeys between sights/activities. Traffic in and around Ubud can be terrible and journey times can easily double!
- Try and fit in outdoor activities in the early morning or evening to avoid the heat of the day, and always wear sun protection.
- Download the Grab and Gojek apps before you arrive – they will make getting around so much easier.
Download our free 3-day Ubud itinerary with kids here!
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