Bali is a popular and safe destination for families: friendly people, affordable, and plenty to do for young and old. These are the best places and tips for a family holiday in Bali.
Best places for families
- Sanur — calm sea, a wide promenade to cycle along, relaxed. Add to your route →
- Nusa Dua — polished resorts with a wide, safe beach.
- Ubud — nature, the Monkey Forest, rice fields and easy day trips.
Fun activities with kids
There's far more for children than the beach. A mix of water parks, animals, gentle adventure and indoor fun keeps every age happy — handy for a rainy afternoon or when it's simply too hot to be outside.
Water & animals
- Waterbom Bali (Kuta) — the island's big water park, with slides for daredevils and a shallow play area for little ones. Regularly rated one of the best water parks in Asia.
- Bali Safari & Marine Park (Gianyar) — a drive-through safari with lions, elephants and zebras, plus a water-play area, rides and animal shows; you can even stay overnight in the safari lodge.
- Bali Zoo (Gianyar) and the Bali Bird Park — smaller and easy to walk around, with feeding sessions and animal encounters younger kids love.
Sea & snorkelling
- Snorkelling at Amed — calm, clear water and a gentle house reef right off the black-sand beach, ideal for a child's first snorkel. Sanur and the Gili Islands are just as easy and shallow.
- Dolphin boat trip in Lovina — an early-morning outrigger trip on the calm north coast to spot wild dolphins leaping around the boat; magical for kids (choose a responsible operator that keeps its distance).
Adventure & indoor fun
- Aero Space (Canggu) — a big indoor trampoline and adventure park with foam pits, dodgeball and ninja courses; brilliant for burning off energy out of the sun.
- Indoor climbing (Clip 'n Climb-style walls) — colourful auto-belay climbing walls at several family centres, suitable from around age four.
- Trans Studio Bali (Denpasar) — a big indoor theme park with rollercoasters, rides, arcades and live shows; great for a cooler evening or a rainy day.
- The Monkey Forest in Ubud and the famous jungle swings above the rice fields (harnessed tandem swings for younger children).
- A hands-on cooking class, a chocolate or coffee-farm visit, or simply a lazy day building sandcastles.
Practical tips
- Hire a private driver — comfortable with kids and flexible on stops. Ask in advance for a child car seat, as they aren't standard.
- Don't plan too much in one day; short drives and a mid-day break back at the pool work best in the heat.
- Bring mosquito spray and strong sun protection, a sun hat and rash vests; drink bottled water and take regular breaks.
- Most mid-range and family resorts have pools, cots and extra beds — check when you book. Nappies, formula and baby food are widely sold in supermarkets and pharmacies in the tourist areas.
- See a doctor or clinic early for anything worrying; pack a small kit with ORS/electrolytes, plasters and any regular medicines.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bali suitable for kids?
Yes, Bali is welcoming and safe for families. Choose calm beaches (Sanur, Nusa Dua) and plan short travel distances.
What is the best place in Bali with kids?
Sanur and Nusa Dua are favourites thanks to the calm sea and polished resorts. Ubud is lovely for nature and culture.
How do you get around Bali with kids?
The easiest option is a private driver with a car. That way you travel comfortably, with air conditioning and the option to stop along the way. Ask ahead for a child car seat, as they aren't standard.
What can you do in Bali with kids when it rains?
Plenty of indoor options: the Trans Studio Bali indoor theme park in Denpasar, an indoor trampoline and adventure park such as Aero Space in Canggu, Clip 'n Climb-style indoor climbing, a kids' cooking or chocolate-making class, or an aquarium or zoo with covered areas. A rainy afternoon is also perfect for a pool day at the hotel.
Plan your trip
