Water parks and pools
Waterbom Bali in Kuta is the island's big water park and one of the best in Asia: a mix of serious slides for teens, gentle rides for primary-age kids, and shallow pools and a play area for toddlers, set in tropical gardens with gazebos to hire for shade. Height restrictions apply on the big slides, so check them before you promise anything. Allow a full day.
Finns Recreation Club in Canggu has Splash Waterpark with slides and a kids' pool, plus trampolines, bowling and a kids' club, and works well for a half day. Many resorts in Nusa Dua, Jimbaran and Sanur have excellent children's pools, and a good villa pool keeps most kids happy for hours.
Animals
Bali Safari and Marine Park in Gianyar, about 45 minutes from Sanur, is a drive-through safari with elephants, zebras, lions and Sumatran tigers seen from a tram, plus animal shows and a water play area. Bali Zoo in Singapadu near Ubud is smaller and more hands-on, with animal encounters and breakfast-with-orangutans style experiences. Bali Bird Park, also in Gianyar, has walk-through aviaries and flying shows that young children enjoy.
The Ubud Monkey Forest is a sanctuary temple forest full of long-tailed macaques. It is a highlight for school-age children, with two rules: no food, and bags zipped. The Turtle Conservation and Education Centre on Serangan island near Sanur lets children see rescued turtles and hatchlings.
Rice terraces, swings and temples
The Tegallalang rice terraces north of Ubud are the classic photo, with cafes overlooking the valley and the giant "Bali swings" that older children and teenagers love (operators strap riders in; younger children can ride tandem with a parent on some swings). Jatiluwih in Tabanan is a bigger, quieter, UNESCO-listed terrace landscape with easy walks.
For temples, Tanah Lot at sunset and Uluwatu with its evening Kecak fire dance are the most dramatic; the dance is late and crowded, so it suits children of about six and up. Tirta Gangga water palace in the east has stepping stones over fish-filled pools that small children adore. Dress respectfully with a sarong and sash, which are usually available at the entrance.
Beach days
Sanur, Nusa Dua and Geger Beach are the calm-water beaches for paddling and swimming. Jimbaran for an early sunset dinner on the sand. Padang Padang and Melasti on the Bukit for a scenic half day. See our guide to kid-friendly beaches for the detail.
Making things: cooking, silver and batik
Kids' cooking classes in Ubud, Seminyak and Sanur start with a market visit and end with lunch the children have made; satay, spring rolls and sweet black-rice pudding are reliable favourites. Silver-jewellery workshops in Celuk and Ubud let children from about eight make a simple ring or pendant to take home. Batik painting classes suit younger children.
Gentle adventure for older kids
Beginner surf lessons at Kuta or Batu Bolong (around eight and up, strong swimmers), river tubing or gentle rafting on the Ayung River near Ubud (minimum ages apply), cycling tours downhill through villages from Kintamani, and snorkelling off the beach at Amed or on a day trip to Nusa Lembongan. Bali Treetop Adventure Park in the Bedugul botanic gardens has rope courses graded by age.
Rainy afternoons
In the wet season (roughly November to March) showers are usually short but heavy. Indoor options include the play areas at Beachwalk and Seminyak Village malls, trampoline parks in Canggu and Denpasar, cinemas at the malls, and the aquarium-style attractions in the south. A sitter with craft supplies and a villa pool between showers is honestly the easiest answer.
Tips that make days out easier
- Start early: attractions are quieter and cooler before 11am, and the traffic is lighter.
- Book a car and driver for the day rather than relying on taxis for the return trip from rural attractions.
- Bring more water, snacks and sunscreen than you think you need; most places sell them, but at a price.
- Ticket prices for foreigners are higher than for locals at most attractions; booking online often saves money and queueing.
- A nanny who takes the children for the day while you rest is an option many families only discover on their second trip.
Entry rules, prices and opening hours change. We check these guides regularly, but confirm the details that matter for your trip with the official source before you travel.
