Planning a family getaway with the kids? Bali has been pegged as the world’s no.1 tourist destination and has plenty of family-friendly activities, sights and restaurants. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder so many people choose the island for spending quality time together!
From stunning beaches to spectacular wildlife, Bali has it all. But what are the best places on the island for your family vacation and what are the highlights and must-sees in each area?
To help you plan an unforgettable family trip, we’ve put together a list of the best places in Bali for exploring, eating and relaxing together.
Here are the top destinations & things to do for your family holiday in Bali:
Kuta with Kids
Kuta is a top destination for families with children
You’ve probably heard of Kuta’s reputation as the party capital of Bali. This coastal town is home to some of the island’s most popular bars and clubs and is, therefore, a top destination for partygoers.
You may not consider it a suitable place to take kids, but the town actually has lots to offer families. Kuta has become one of the most popular spots in Bali for a family holiday, despite its bustling nightlife scene.
It’s convenient proximity to the airport, sweeping beaches, and numerous attractions make Kuta the perfect choice for many families. Read on to find out the best places to eat, visit and relax during your stay!
Things to see and do in Kuta
Learn to surf on Kuta beach
Kuta’s wide, sandy beaches are a great place to hang out as a family and enjoy Bali’s tropical sunshine. For the active family, this is also the best spot on the island to learn to surf. With small, manageable waves and a wealth of surf shops offering lessons, Kuta beach is the perfect place for kids and adults to pick up some new skills!
Take a trip to Waterbom Bali
What better way to escape the tropical island heat of Bali than with a trip to the island’s largest waterpark? Waterbom is a great place for family fun and the park’s 22 rides will keep you entertained all day!
Trick Art 3D Gallery
The Trick 3D Art Gallery is one of the newer attractions in this area and is reachable from Kuta by taxi. This interactive art gallery features around 80 pieces of lifesize art, all carefully crafted to create mind-boggling optical illusions. Kids and adults alike will have great fun posing among the pieces and exploring this unusual and memorable exhibit.
Visit the Kuta Theatre
For evening entertainment the whole family can enjoy, head to Kuta Theatre after dinner. There are a variety of shows every night and puppetry, magic and dance performances are held on a series of stages.
Hang out at Dreamland Beach
Located on the Bukit Peninsula, Dreamland beach is one of Kuta’s most popular places to relax in the daytime. With soft white sand and warm, clear waters, this is a great spot to sunbathe, play and swim.
Dreamland Beach, South Kuta
Where to eat in Kuta
Warung Chef Bagus
To sample delicious Indonesian food in a relaxed, family-friendly environment, check out Warung Chef Bagus. Their barbequed pork ribs are billed as this restaurant’s top dish, but with so many delicious items on the menu, you’re sure to find something to satisfy all tastes.
Warung Chef Bagus serves delicious Indonesian food
Colosseum Restaurant
Italian cuisine is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, so check out Colosseum for some of the best pizzas and pasta dishes in town. With exceptional service and a wide selection of dishes to choose from, this is one of the best places in Kuta for family dining.
Crumb and Coaster
Crumb and coaster is a cozy cafe with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. They welcome kids with open arms and serve a wide range of delicious drinks and dishes. With both Indonesian and Western fare, the whole family is sure to find something they enjoy.
Pros of staying in Kuta with your family
- Stunning beaches
- Lots of family-friendly activities, restaurants and accommodations
- Convenient proximity to Denpasar Airport
Cons of staying in Kuta with your family
- Noisy nightlife
- Busy streets and large crowds
Ubud with Kids
The peaceful town of Ubud is located in the Bali’s Central Region and is the cultural heart of the island. Surrounded by lush rice fields and with a chilled-out atmosphere, Ubud is a restful haven from Bali’s bustling coastline. It is also the perfect place for a family holiday, with many comfortable places to stay and interesting things to see and do!
Ubud is a favourite location among families in Bali
From monkeys to jungle pools, here are the top attractions for families in Ubud:
Things to see and do in Ubud
Visit the Pondok Pekak Library
For an educational and fun day out, a trip to the Pondok Pekak Library is a must. This small library and learning centre celebrates traditional Balinese cuisine, dance and art, and is a great opportunity to learn more about Indonesia. From painting to vegetable carving, the library offers a wide range of classes for both kids and adults. This is the perfect spot to learn a new craft or skill, whilst learning about the unique culture of Bali.
Learn to make canang sari at the Pondok Pekak Library
Go to Jungle Fish
The beach may be miles away, but that doesn’t mean you can’t swim! A trip to Jungle fish is a must-do for anyone in Ubud, especially families with kids. This restaurant/bar features a stunning infinity pool nestled among lush jungle, with incredible views of the valley below.
Visit the Bali Bird Park
The Bali Bird Park is home to over 1000 birds across 250 species and is well worth a visit if you’re in town. The park is divided into regions that mimic the natural habitat of their avian inhabitants, complete with indigenous plant species. With species from all around the world, this attraction is a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
The Bali Bird Park is home to 250 bird species
Take a trip to Ubud Monkey forest
No trip to Ubud is complete without a trip to the town’s famous Monkey Forest. Children especially will be delighted by the tame monkeys and the shady forest is perfect for escaping the midday heat. Spend an afternoon wandering around the temple, but watch your possessions, as the monkeys are known for being mischievous!
Campuhan Ridge Walk
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is the perfect way to explore some of Ubud’s rice fields. This easy, 2 km walk follows a paved trail and is easy for kids of all ages. Families can head to the ridge in the morning to enjoy the views of the surrounding jungle scenery before grabbing breakfast.
Where to Eat in Ubud
Warung D’atas
The Warung D’ata Grill and BBQ is a budget and family-friendly spot in Ubud serving outstanding barbeque and Indonesia food. Mouthwatering ribs, a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and an inexpensive menu make this spot a favourite among visitors to Ubud.
Elephant Bar and Restaurant
The Elephant Bar and Restaurant is all about healthy, tasty food. Their menu is overflowing with refreshing smoothies and delicious vegetarian dishes, including several kid-friendly options.
Batubara
Batubara is one of the most popular restaurants in Ubud and is perfect for family dining. This steakhouse serves sizzling Argentinian and South American cuisine in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Head over here to satisfy your hunger after a long day out at the beach together and enjoy the laid-back surroundings.
Pros of staying in Ubud with your family
- A wide variety of fun and family-friendly activities, sights and restaurants
- Safe, peaceful atmosphere
- Rich cultural & historical heritage (e.g. Ubud Water Palace, Tegalalang Rice Terraces)
There are several jungle infinity pools around Ubud
Cons of staying in Ubud with your family
Seminyak with Kids
Seminyak is another hot spot amongst families in Bali. This town has plenty to do, with a variety of purpose-built attractions for both adults and kids. Idyllic beaches and fun days out guarantee that every day is memorable, for an unforgettable family trip.
Seminyak is a relaxing place to spend time as a family
Things to see and do in Seminyak
Rent a family villa
Seminyak has more luxury villas than anywhere else in Bali, many of which feature private gardens and pools. These are ideal for families because they create the opportunity to relax in a more private and intimate setting.
Take a surf class
The gentle waves round Seminyak are ideal for beginner learners, especially children. Take advantage of the many surf schools in the area and book a class during your stay, for a fun family activity. Kids and adults alike will enjoy playing in the surf and learning new skills!
Seminyak is the perfect place to learn to surf
Take on the Totem Room Escape Challenge
For a fun family day out, you should check out the Totem Room Escape Challenge. This interactive attraction features four intricately designed game rooms and each has different puzzles and challenges. The rooms all have different difficulty levels, with the easiest inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
Bali Sea Turtle Society (BSTS)
The Bali Sea Turtle Society is a fantastic place to take children, who will be delighted to see these beautiful creatures up close. Releasing baby sea turtles into the ocean is a truly magical experience and a highlight of your trip.
Sunsets at the Double Six Beach are the best!
Double Six Beach
For a relaxing day out at the beach, make your way to Double Six. Here you can lounge on bean bags and enjoy a Bintang while the kids play in the sand and sea. This beach is usually less crowded and more peaceful than Seminyak Beach and is popular among families.
Where to eat in Seminyak
Fire at W Bali
For a unique and thrilling dining experience in Seminyak, don’t miss Fire at W Bali. This contemporary grill serves cocktails and a range of meat dishes prepared with fire, charcoal and smoke, as well as a selection of kid-friendly meals.
La Lucciola at night. Image source: https://www.thebalibible.com/details/la-lucciola-11977
La Lucciola
This trendy beachside restaurant is situated in a prime spot overlooking Seminyak Beach. This spot is a hit among travelers and holidaymakers, thanks to its delicious Mediterranean food and gorgeous surroundings.
Wacko Burger Cafe
Everyone loves burgers and Wacko serves the best in Seminyak. Head here for lunch or dinner, for affordable family dining that everyone can enjoy. This cozy venue also happens to serve excellent cocktails and so is a treat for kids and adults alike!
Pros of staying in Seminyak with your family
Cons of staying in Seminyak with your family
- Crowded beaches during high season
