Sri Lanka is one of Asia’s most popular holiday destinations for families, attracting thousands to its sandy shores year after year. The variety of activities on offer throughout this tropical paradise mean that finding things to do with the kids is both fun and easy!
The incredible beaches offer all sorts of opportunities for water sports, from snorkelling with sea turtles to surfing classes. Further inland, Sri Lanka is full of fantastic beasts which can be found at any of the country’s national parks. Explore a whole new landscape with your family, and be on the lookout for elephants, giant lizards and leopards.
If a cultural experience is what you’re after, Sri Lanka has plenty on this front, too! This island nation is home to hundreds of sites of cultural and historical interest, many of which are World Heritage Sites. Sri Lanka’s rich history has been chronicled all the way back to ancient times, so you can step back through the ages as you visit temples, museums and statues.
A family vacation to Sri Lanka can be both fun and educational, but where are the best towns, cities and national parks?
Here are the top destinations for your family holiday in Sri Lanka
Unawatuna with family
The coastal resort town of Unawatuna is renowned for having some of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. It’s no surprise, therefore, that so many people choose this small and peaceful town for their family holiday!
The powder-soft, golden sands are infinitely inviting, and make up a perfect place to play and sunbathe. Calm, clear waters mean Unawatuna is also the perfect spot for swimming, even if you have young children in tow. In case you’re looking for a new activity to try as a family, however, the beginner waves around Unawatuna are perfect for taking a surf class. Conditions are ideal even for young learners, so why not sign the family up for a few lessons while you’re in town?
Off the beach, there are several other opportunities for family fun around town.
Things to see and do in Unawatuna WITH KIDS
Visit the turtle hatchery
A trip to the Habaraduwa hatchery is one the whole family can enjoy. Here you can get up close with some baby sea turtles and learn more about their lifecycle and biology. Despite being one of the world’s most important breeding grounds for these graceful creatures, sea turtle numbers around Sri Lanka are dwindling rapidly. The conservation efforts of the hatcheries are, therefore, vital – and kids will love seeing and holding the baby turtles! The Habaraduwa hatchery is just 8km from Unawatuna and is easily reachable from the town by car or taxi.
Take a surf or stand-up paddleboard class
The swell around Unawatuna is gentle, with small waves that are just perfect for beginner surfers. Unawatuna is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to learn the basics, as the shallow waters and sandy bottom create the safest of conditions to practice. This is a great place to take a family surf of stand-up paddleboard class, and there are plenty of surf schools in the area to choose from!
Japanese Peace Pagoda
For a cultural experience in Unawatuna, make sure you check out the Japanese Peace Pagoda. This enormous, snowy-white stupa was constructed as a monument to peace and harmony and has a unique design that’s best enjoyed at sunset! Head over here during the last light of day to take in the beauty of the sunset and the tranquillity of the pagoda.
Play on the Dalawella Beach swing
This home-made backyard attraction on Dalawella Beach started life as a fun and simple project to amuse the guys at Dream Cabana. Despite its humble beginnings, however, the swing has since become one of the most Insta-famous spots in Sri Lanka! The long rope suspended from a coconut palm soars far out over the water, and makes for an awesome holiday snap. Head to Dream Cabana for lunch one day – kids will love playing on the swing and you’ll get some epic shots for the family photo album!
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Where to eat in Unawatuna WITH KIDS
Bedspace Kitchen
The largely Western menu at Bedspace is a lifesaver if you’re traveling with fussy eaters! Their range of international dishes includes all the usual favorites, such as pizza, sandwiches and smoothies. However, Bedspace also serves seafood and some traditional Sri Lankan dishes, so you’re sure to find something to suit everyone.
Riddim Restaurant & Bar
This relaxed restaurant by the sea has a chilled out atmosphere that welcomes families. Take your seat out on the incredible Unawatuna beach and feel the sand between your toes, for an unforgettable al-fresco dining experience. The menu at Riddim is abbreviated but contains some real goodies – make sure you try the prawn burger!
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Marco Ristorante Italiano
For top Italian food in Unawatuna, head to Marco Ristorante Italiano! This laid-back restaurant has a great, family-friendly atmosphere and is the best place in town for pizza and pasta. Their Italian chef prepares every dish with expertise, for an authentically delicious meal every time.
Mirissa with family
Just down the coast from Unawatuna is Mirissa, there is another beachside town well-known among families visiting Sri Lanka. Although Mirissa has a laid-back vibe, it’s a busier option than Unawatuna with much more to see and do. For active families who want to do more than just chill on their vacation, it’s a very attractive choice!
If beaches are your priority, you won’t be disappointed; Mirissa has some of the most sensational in Sri Lanka. Golden sands and calm, clear waters make Mirissa’s beaches safe for even small children, and they’re the perfect places to sunbathe and relax.
Mirissa is also the best place in the country to spot some of Sri Lanka’s most awe-inspiring animals. This part of Sri Lanka’s coast is directly in the migratory path of several whale species, including the magnificent Blue whale.
Things to see and do in Mirissa WITH KIDS
Go whale watching
Mirissa is one of the best places in the world to spot Blue whales, which past close by the Sri Lankan coast as they migrate to their breeding grounds further North. Between October and March is your best chance to spot them, along with several other cetacean species. Overall, the whale watching season in Sri Lanka runs from November to April.
Bride whales, Sperm whales and Killer whales are all frequent in these waters, and they all can be seen during a whale-watching trip from Mirissa. This is an unforgettable experience, and a must-do if you’re visiting with family!
Take a safari around the Mirissa Eco Lagoon
If you want to see some non-marine animals, a boat safari around the Eco Lagoon is the way to go. This beautiful lagoon in Mirissa is situated in vibrantly green surroundings and is home to all sorts of cool critters. With eagles, water monitors, monkeys and enormous fruit bats, this is an awesome place to discover more of Sri Lanka’s wildlife!
Check out the Coconut Tree Hill viewpoint
Take a few steps off the beaten path with an excursion to Coconut Tree Hill, where you’ll find the best viewpoint in Mirissa. This sandy hill topped with its grove of coconut palms boasts a 270-degree view of the surrounding ocean and is usually very quiet. Despite its beauty, not many travelers make the 20-minute walk along the beach to the hill. If you arrive at sunset, though, you’re guaranteed some of the best scenery in town!
Where to eat in Mirissa WITH KIDS
Ambrosia Roti Shop
For a quick and delicious bite at lunchtime, don’t miss out on Ambrosia Roti Shop in Mirissa. Their simple yet tasty dishes are authentically Sri Lankan and universally popular. Stop in for a roti while you’re in Mirissa!
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Shady Lane Mirissa
Make sure you head to Shady Lane for a fresh and healthy family breakfast in Mirissa. With a wide variety of tasty options on offer, this chilled-out restaurant is a popular dining spot among travelers. Try one of their fruit-filled smoothies or refreshing juices to start your day off the right way!
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Little Red House
Little Red House makes excellent use of the fresh, local fish to create authentic Chinese cuisine. You can choose from a wide variety of traditional dishes, all of which are professionally and skillfully prepared. Their delicious food has earned them a reputation as one of the best places to grab dinner in Mirissa, so make sure you take the family during your stay!
Yala with family
Yala is home to the Yala National Park, one of the most popular places to go on safari in Sri Lanka. If you came with the intention of spotting as many incredible creatures as possible, it’s an obvious choice! Introduce your family to some of the most awe-inspiring animals on the planet, from majestic elephants to the elusive leopard.
Outside of the National Park, Yala has plenty more to see and do. For adventurous families, it’s a top choice with tonnes of opportunities to explore!
Things to see and do in Yala with kids
Spot a leopard on safari
Yala National Park is famed for having the densest leopard population in all of Asia, so its’ one of the best places in the world to spot one! These elusive creatures are incredibly rare, even here – only 700-950 remain in the wild. Taking a jeep safari through the Yala National Park puts you within spitting distance of not only leopards but also elephants, buffalo and sloth bears. Check it out for your family’s chance to see some of the most incredible creatures on the planet!
Go camping in the jungle
For an unforgettable family experience in Yala, consider camping out in the jungle for a few nights. Camping within the park is prohibited, but there are several campsites in the buffer zone where you can sleep beneath the jungle canopy. Book a tent for your family while you’re in Yala, for a truly unique experience out in nature!
Visit the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple
For a dose of culture in Yala, make sure you check out the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple while you’re in town. This ancient Buddhist monastery dates back over 2000 years and was originally built as a place of Buddhist education and worship. Wander through the historic ruins and admire the remaining paintings and sculptures to learn more about Sri Lanka’s fascinating past!
Check out the traditional dairy farms
To learn more about the traditional culture of Sri Lanka’s farmers, take a family trip out to the dairy farms while you’re in Yala. These farms can be found all around the National Park and are a great place to find out about the day-to-day lives of the locals. As an added bonus, the surrounding scenery is incredible and well worth venturing out into!
Where to eat in Yala with kids
Coconut Garden Restaurant
If you’re looking for somewhere special to enjoy dinner as a family, give Coconut Garden a try. This simple but beautifully situated restaurant serves perfectly prepared food with an incredible view. All their food is perfectly fresh and expertly prepared, making this the perfect place to round off a day at the Yala National Park.
The Flavors Restaurant
The Flavors Restaurant is one of the best places in Yala to try traditional Sri Lankan food as a family. Their curry and rice is the tastiest in town, but they also serve a selection of Western dishes. Even picky eaters will be able to find something they enjoy!
Green Hut Restaurant
Green Hut is an awesome place to try Kottu, one of Sri Lanka’s favorite street food snacks. This universally popular dish is just one of the tasty delights on offer here, from fried rice to fresh fish. If you can’t decide what to choose, head over for their all-you-can-eat-buffet!