Bali with kids is one of those family holidays that manages to feel both adventurous and wonderfully relaxing at the same time. From colourful temples and monkey-filled forests to calm beaches, incredible food and warm Balinese hospitality, there are so many fantastic things to do in Bali with children. We visited Bali on our family holiday to Indonesia and quickly understood why it has become such a popular destination for family travel in Southeast Asia. The island has an easy-going atmosphere that works brilliantly with kids. Days can be as busy or as slow-paced as you like, there are so many things to do in Bali with kids whether that means watching monkeys on jungle pathways, relaxing on Sanur Beach, or trying tropical ice cream flavours.
One of the best things about visiting Bali with kids is the variety. You can spend one day exploring rice terraces and temples and the next building sandcastles on the beach or eating noodles at a tiny local café. There are activities for toddlers, older children and teenagers alike, making it an ideal destination for multi-generational family holidays too.
Here are some of the very best things to do in Bali with kids, mixing our own experiences with a few extra ideas you may want to add to your itinerary.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
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Table of Contents
Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud – things to do in Bali with kids
One of the most famous family attractions in Bali is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud. And children (and adults) absolutely love it.
Walking through the forest feels like stepping into another world. Ancient temple ruins are wrapped in jungle vines while long-tailed macaques swing through the trees and wander along the pathways.
Our children were fascinated watching the monkeys interacting with one another. Tiny babies clung to their mothers while older monkeys leapt dramatically across statues and temple walls.
It’s important to follow the rules here carefully. Don’t carry loose food, sunglasses or anything shiny that monkeys may try to grab. But if you stay sensible, it’s a brilliant family experience and one of the most memorable things to do in Bali with kids.
The forest itself is beautifully shaded too, making it a good activity during the hotter parts of the day.
Read our full review of visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest in Bali here.
Relax on the beaches around Sanur
Sanur was one of our favourite areas in Bali for families. For part of our time in Bali we stayed at the Kayumanis Sanur , which was situated in this area.
Unlike some of Bali’s busier surf beaches, Sanur has calmer waters which are much more suitable for children. The long promenade along the seafront makes it easy to walk, cycle or stop for snacks while little ones paddle in the shallows.
The atmosphere here feels much gentler and more relaxed than some other parts of the island. Families gather along the beach in the evenings while traditional fishing boats bob offshore.
We loved spending slow afternoons here, simply enjoying the sunshine and watching local life unfold around us.
There are plenty of cafés and restaurants dotted along the beachfront too, meaning you’re never far from fresh fruit juice, noodles or ice cream.
Things to do in Bali with kids – explore Bali Safari and Marine Park
If your children love animals, Bali Safari and Marine Park is one of the most popular family attractions on the island.
The park is home to elephants, zebras, lions and tigers, alongside Indonesian wildlife.
Families can take safari-style tours through larger animal enclosures, watch shows and enjoy interactive exhibits.
It’s a very different experience from Bali’s beaches and temples and can work well as a full family day out.
Find out more here.
Visit the Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The rice terraces around Ubud are one of Bali’s most iconic sights.
The bright green layered fields almost look unreal and are a lovely place to wander slowly as a family.
Older children often enjoy seeing how rice is grown, while younger children simply love the pathways and dramatic scenery.
There are cafés overlooking the terraces too, so you can stop for smoothies or lunch while soaking up the views.
Find. a tour which incorporates the rice terraces here.
Take a Balinese cooking class – things to do in Bali with kids
Cooking classes can be brilliant in Bali with children, especially because Balinese cuisine uses so many fresh ingredients and fragrant spices.
Many family-friendly classes begin with a market visit before teaching you how to make dishes like satay, fried rice or spring rolls.
Children often enjoy the hands-on side of cooking and it can be a wonderful cultural experience too.
Visit Waterbom Bali – things to do in Bali with kids
If your family enjoys waterparks then Waterbom Bali in Kuta is often considered one of the best waterparks in Asia.
There are slides for all ages, from gentle splash areas for toddlers to high-speed rides for thrill seekers.
The tropical landscaping makes it feel more relaxing than many large waterparks and it can be a great break from sightseeing-heavy days.
Get your skip-the-line tickets here.
Try incredible Balinese ice cream flavours
One of our children’s absolute highlights of Bali was the ice cream.
We discovered an amazing ice cream shop in Sanur where we tried some wonderfully tropical flavours. Bang bang flavour became an instant family favourite, while the dragon fruit ice cream was unlike anything we had tasted before.
Bali is packed with fantastic fresh fruit, so ice cream and gelato shops often make the most of ingredients like mango, coconut, passionfruit and lychee.
Trying different flavours became a bit of a family challenge throughout the holiday and was such a fun way to experience local produce.
Shop for souvenirs at Bali’s markets and street sellers
The markets in Bali are an experience in themselves and children often love the colours, sounds and bustle.
We spent ages wandering through stalls filled with woven bags, wooden toys, handmade jewellery, paintings and little carved animals.
Shopping in Bali can feel wonderfully interactive compared to large shopping centres back home. Stallholders chat happily, children can choose little souvenirs and there’s always something interesting to look at.
Ubud Market is probably the most famous, but there are smaller local markets all across the island that can feel less overwhelming with kids.
If you’re travelling with older children, it’s also a good opportunity to introduce them gently to bargaining and local culture.
Find our guide to the best things to buy in Bali here.
Watch the giant kites in Denpasar – things to do in Bali with kids
One of the most unexpectedly magical experiences we had in Bali was watching the enormous traditional kites soaring above Denpasar.
Balinese kite flying is taken very seriously and some of the kites are absolutely huge. You’ll often spot them during the windy season, rising high above fields and beaches.
Children are mesmerised by them. Some are shaped like fish or birds and move dramatically through the air.
If you visit during the Bali Kite Festival season, you may even see teams competing with giant handcrafted kites accompanied by music and cheering crowds.
It’s one of those simple experiences that really sticks in your memory.
Visit the turtle rehabilitation centre near Sanur
Near Sanur Beach we found a small turtle rehabilitation and conservation area which the children found fascinating.
It’s a lovely opportunity for children to learn more about marine conservation and the work being done to protect endangered sea turtles in Indonesia.
Depending on the season, you may see rescued turtles being cared for or young hatchlings before they are released into the ocean.
It’s small and simple, but often these quieter experiences can become some of the most meaningful parts of a family trip.
Enjoy traditional Balinese dancing in Sanur
One evening we visited the ICON Bali Mall where traditional Balinese dancing performances were taking place.
The colourful costumes, dramatic eye movements and live music completely captivated the children.
Balinese dance is deeply connected to the island’s culture and spirituality, and performances often tell stories from Hindu mythology.
You’ll find traditional dance shows across Bali, especially in Ubud and Sanur, and they’re well worth including in your itinerary.
Even younger children who may not fully follow the stories often become mesmerised by the costumes and music.
Try traditional Balinese food with kids
Food is such a huge part of travelling in Bali.
Even if you have slightly cautious eaters, there are lots of dishes children can enjoy.
And because Bali has such a strong café culture too, it’s easy to mix local meals with more familiar options when needed.
Balinese food is often flavourful without being overwhelmingly spicy, making it very family friendly.
We ate plenty of delicious vegetarian meals including:
- Nasi goreng (fried rice)
- Mie goreng (fried noodles)
- Vegetable satay with peanut sauce
- Fresh spring rolls
- Coconut curries
- Tropical fruit platters
See our recipes for spicy Indonesian tempeh and Indonesian vegan satay for a taste of Bali before you travel.
Take a day trip to Nusa Lembongan – things to do in Bali with kids
If you have time, a boat trip to Nusa Lembongan makes an excellent family adventure.
The island has beautiful beaches, clear turquoise water and a much quieter pace than mainland Bali.
Families can go snorkelling, explore mangroves or simply spend the day relaxing by the sea.
See a Balinese temple
Bali’s temples are one of the things that make the island feel so magical.
Tanah Lot is especially dramatic, sitting on a rocky outcrop surrounded by the ocean, while Uluwatu Temple offers spectacular cliff-top views.
Children often enjoy the sense of adventure around the temples and the chance to spot monkeys, traditional ceremonies and offerings left by local people.
Just remember to dress respectfully and bring plenty of water if visiting during the hottest part of the day.
Why Bali works so well for families
Bali is one of the easiest places in Southeast Asia to travel with kids.
There’s a strong tourism infrastructure, family-friendly accommodation, excellent food choices and lots of activities suitable for different ages.
But what really makes Bali special is the warmth of the people. Balinese culture is incredibly welcoming towards children and families often find staff, restaurant owners and locals wonderfully kind and patient.
It’s the sort of place where children are included rather than simply tolerated. We absolutely loved our time in Bali, it was. areal highlight of our Indonesian family holiday.
FAQ – visiting Bali with kids
Yes, Bali is excellent for families. There are calm beaches, family resorts, cultural attractions, wildlife experiences and lots of child-friendly restaurants.
Sanur is often considered one of the best areas for families thanks to its calm beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Ubud is also wonderful for culture and nature.
Bali is generally very safe for family travel. As with anywhere, it’s important to take normal precautions around traffic, sun exposure and water safety.
A minimum of 7–10 days works well, although two weeks allows a more relaxed pace and time to explore different areas of the island.
Many children enjoy nasi goreng, noodles, satay, tropical fruits and smoothies. There are also plenty of western-style cafés and restaurants if needed.
The dry season from April to October is usually considered the best time to visit Bali, although the island is warm year-round.
A lightweight stroller can be useful in resorts and towns like Sanur, although pavements can sometimes be uneven. Many families also use baby carriers.
Bali can suit a wide range of budgets. Luxury resorts are available, but food, transport and activities can still be relatively affordable compared to many western destinations.
Bali really is one of those places that manages to stay with you long after you leave. Between the beaches, jungle scenery, delicious food and warm hospitality, it’s easy to understand why so many families fall in love with the island. We certainly did. Whether you’re visiting for adventure, relaxation or a mix of both, there are so many unforgettable things to do in Bali with kids. We love it and can’t wait to return.
