62 things to do in Bali with kids

There are so many fun things to do in Bali with kids with its volcanoes, beaches, activities and culture.

In Bali you will love just how well families are catered for. From full-service kids’ clubs and babysitters to restaurants with pools, the Balinese just seem to get what travelling families need. Day clubs and restaurants with pools are everywhere, making dining with kids a breeze. And the countless family attractions are sure to make your holiday one you will never forget.

Bali can be all things to all families: an adventure playground, a nature escape, a cultural immersion or a beachside getaway. Or any combination of the above. The good news is Bali does caters to all budgets, whichever style of holiday you choose.

1. Waterbom Bali, Kuta

Waterbom is a 5.1-hectare park with 26 water slides, one of which is Asia’s steepest slide, perfect for thrill-seekers, while little ones can splash around in the kids’ area. The rides cater for all ages, ranging from mellow to extreme. Try out attractions like the Wave Rider and out-of-the-water fun on the Euro Bungy. Or grab a tube and float along the Lazy River. The Python is a relaxed life-raft ride while the Climax is a thrilling trapdoor slide.

Oasis Gardens, opened in September 2023, has four slides with views across to iconic Kuta beach; a large lagoon pool with a swim-up bar; sun-beds and gazebos; and an outdoor spa and massage area. Slides include The Drop, a suspenseful tube ride through the dark and ends in a heart-stopping 8-metre free drop (with 2 slide options); The Tailspin sends riders in a downward spiral slide into an open bowl; The gravity-defying Boomerang slide shoots riders into a 9.2-meter vertical drop before launching them directly upward into a giant wall ride. The slides can be ridden solo or tandem for double fun.

Open from 9am to 6pm, a family ticket is reasonably priced, and you’ll be unlucky to find a queue more than 20-minutes long all day. Do yourself a favour and rent a cabana. This gives you a base to retreat to when the kids are not wizzing down water slides. You can also get pass-outs, so you can step out for lunch to feast at one of the local bars

2. Partake in a blessing ceremony

No family should touch down here without partaking in the Hindu water purification ceremony known as melukat, or ‘letting go’. For Balinese, it’s one of the many spiritual and cultural practices carried out in everyday life; for visitors, it’s one of most culturally immersive things to do in Bali.

Worshippers leave a trail of offerings and prayers for health and happiness, with plenty of water play – the ceremonies are conducted amid idyllic waterfalls or in swimming holes or temples.

At Pura Tirta Empul, near the town of Tampaksiring, guests don sarongs and walk into a magical pond-like pool to douse heads under a row of spouting water fountains. At Taman Beji Griya, visitors are given sarongs (wear your swimsuits underneath) and are led on a sacred route past shrines, into hidden caves, under jungle waterfalls and along rock-carved creek beds. Both venues have guest desks to assist foreigners.

3. Trans Studio Bali Theme Park

Trans Studio Bali is an indoor theme park in Bali with 16 world-class rides, viral Instagrammable photo spots, and four spectacular shows. The park is divided into five zones. The Adventure Zone is home to rides such as The Walking Dead, Road Rage and Werewolf World. Learn about Balinese culture in the Culture Zone with a flight motion simulator to paraglide over Indonesia and a theatre with Balinese dance shows.

The Hollywood-themed Camera Zone has roller coasters, go-karts, a Ferris Wheel and epic photo opportunities. You can tire the kids out with the Ninja Warrior Course in the Action Zone. Then, explore the interactive digital waterfall and giant swing in the Bali Senses Zone. The indoor park is a great option for rainy days in Bali.

Trans Studio Bali is located on the top floor of Trans Studio Mall, Denpasar – approximately 20 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from Kuta.

4. Drop into a resort kids’ club

Gone are the days when a hotel kids’ club was just a room with a few toys and a television; many of Bali’s hotels and resorts now offer valuable, educational and cultural experiences for kids. Parents can relax by a stunning pool or get a massage, knowing their little ones are learning, growing and staying fit as they play.

At the Hilton Bali Resort you can purchase a day pass to the resort which includes the day club for parents and Jungle Camp Kids’ Club for your young people. For playtime there is a treetop playground, trampoline treehouses, tunnels and a climbing wall for active kids. At the resort you can also use the four interconnected swimming pools, kid’s lagoon and pool, 30-metre water slide, playground and see nightly entertainment.

Read: The best kids’ clubs in Bali for your little monkeys

5. Spend a day at a beach club

Bali’s beach clubs are so much fun for families. These are the best Bali beach clubs that are also kid-friendly.

Sundays Beach Club, Uluwatu is at one of Bali’s most spectacular beachfront locations. Consider this the perfect spot to sip a cocktail, sink into your bean bag and watch the little ones splash in the ocean or use complimentary SUP’s and snorkelling gear.

Finns sits facing Berawa surf break just 10 minutes from Seminyak, this bamboo beach club offers 180-degree sunset views over the ocean complemented by live DJ tunes. Parents will love unwinding on the daybeds while the kids splash about in the pool or ocean. Finns can even arrange a shuttle for little guests to enjoy Cubby House Kids’ Club, five minutes from the beach club, while you have enjoy cocktails by the pool.

Ultra-cool Karma Beach Club is located in Ungasan with white sand and turquoise waters. There’s a great restaurant with kid-friendly staples and a beach bar serving cocktails for mum and dad. Relax with a massage or stand-up paddle yoga, while the kids enjoy pool time or Monday Movie Nights on the beach.

From face-painting to jumping castles, balloons to magicians, and an ever-changing array of art and craft activities, it’s safe to say the little guests are well looked after at KU DE TA on Sundays. There’s pizza, sushi and nibbles for the family to share, or a healthy kids’ lunch menu. And don’t forget your bathers for a splash in the pool.

Read: Bali’s best family -friendly beach clubs

6. Bali Safari and Marine Park, Gianyar

Once you enter the front gate you might as well be in Africa. This is not your typical zoo experience and has a conservation focus and plenty of animal experiences, including up-close encounters with lions, tigers, giraffes and zebras. Meet over 1,000 animals, including rare and endangered species such as the Komodo dragon and orangutan.

Bali Safari Park is at the front line of wildlife conservation in Indonesia and is actively involved in ensuring the future survival and wellbeing of many Indonesian animals. It has officially been recognised for high standards of animal welfare with a Certificate of Accreditation in Animal Welfare by the South East Asian Zoo Association (SEAZA).

The most unique experience on offer is lunching with the lions at Tsavo Lion Restaurant. Which shares a glass wall with the lion enclosure. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for kids with lions walking right by your table while you eat lunch.

You can also interact freely with rabbits, elephants, giraffes and meerkats, attend an educational presentation, stay onsite in the African-themed Bali Safari Hotel – Mara River Safari Lodge, play in the water play zone, ride rollercoasters, go on safari and watch a cultural show. Bali Safari and Marine Park is located in Gianyar, just outside of Ubud.

7. Rice farming

If the kids insist on eating nasi goreng, then they should know where the rice comes from. Social enterprise Astungkara Way’s rice farm staycations are bang-on for getting deep into Balinese life while learning about the island’s precious rice-farming community.

Parents might get knee-deep in mud planting rice, learn about regenerative farming principles or enjoy a yoga nidri mindfulness session; meanwhile, kids can visit the permaculture garden and use banana leaf stems to craft boats to float down subak canals.

A traditional Indonesian nasi campur dinner is cooked by your hosts and shared while you sit crossed-legged in the family compound. Accommodation is glamping-style on mattresses in a two-storey bamboo pavilion overlooking the rice paddies. Happy days.

8. Go Surfing

Bali has a variety of surf spots catering to everyone from beginners to seasoned surfers. These surf destinations have outstanding accommodation, sublime surf and world-class surf schools. All these facilities make Bali a divine surf destination for little frothers.

Canggu

Silver Surf Bali, Canggu offers a personalised 2.5-hour learn-to-surf class. Classes take place at a location best suited to your ability, ensuring you learn in the best environment. Private lessons are advised, however, group lessons are available so you and the kids can catch waves together. The surfboard, drinking water and hotel pick-up and drop-off are taken care of, so you can relax and focus on catching waves.

Uluwatu

If you kids are keen on chasing Bali’s waves, book them in for a class with the Impossible Surf School in Uluwatu. Uluwatu swell’s range from small and scary. The super “chill” instructors will have the kids hanging ten in no time, although peppered with lots of gasps and face plants.

Kedungu

Down south near Bali’s famous surf beaches, one-on-one surf lessons provide the opportunity to hang with Balinese locals. You can get a little off the beaten track in the sleepy village of Kedungu. Here, the ’70s Bali vibe lives on, with little stalls selling fresh coconuts, waterfalls trickling into tropical gardens and black volcanic sand. This town is the domain of lazy dogs and a handful of people. Experienced surfers will catch easy waves, but first-timers can look for the surf shack (with boards lined up outside and surf nostalgia inside) to sign up for a two-hour lesson for around $25. The guys who work here are long-time local surfers and well-practiced in the art of getting kids on a wave first try.

Read: The 12 best places to surf in Bali

9. Pura Luhur, Uluwatu Temple

Perched 70 metres above the Indian Ocean, this impressive Hindu temple is one of Bali’s six key temples. The steep headlands on either side have caves at their base, making for a great family adventure, as you can walk through the caves and access some prime surfing spots. Although small, the temple is famed for its location. It is also known as a home of cheeky monkeys, which the kids will love. Head here for a stunning sunset looking out over the endless ocean.

10. Watch the Kecak Fire Dance at Pura Luhur, Uluwatu Temple

Bali’s iconic sunset dance show, the Kecak Fire Dance at cliff-top Uluwatu Temple, is a culturally enriching experience. The mesmerising chants reverberate in the amphitheatre south of the temple, and watching at sunset means you will be in for the ultimate sensory treat. The Fire Dance show is often included in tours to the temple and is a memorable way to close the day. This is a great cultural experience in Bali for kids.

11. Sunset at Jimbaran Bay Seafood, Jimbaran

Take a seat on the sand and enjoy a seafood meal with sunset views at Jimbaran Beach. Jimbaran Bay Seafood is the only restaurant on the sand with its own private beach, making it a safe and intimate option for family dining. Live quartet singers, Balinese traditional dance and hotel pick-up and drop-off are all included in the evening. This is a sight that is uniquely Balinese so consider this the ultimate taste of Balinese culture.

12. Markets

Bali has plenty of markets to choose from and the atmosphere is always exotic, awash with mouth-watering smells, bright colours and melodious Indonesian chatter. They are a great place to encourage the kids to try a variety of street foods. Try giving the kids a budget and help them haggle over a bracelet or a Kobe Bryant singlet. They’ll love it.

Traditional Art Market, Ubud

Unleash your inner haggler strolling through the Traditional Art Market’s stalls, as featured in the 2010 film Eat Pray Love. Stacked with locally made handicrafts, the colourful markets make for great gift shopping. They’re located opposite the Ubud Royal Palace and open daily between 6am and 6pm. Bargaining is part of the fun and is expected, you may end up with many a friendship bracelet, sarong or rattan basket all for a “special price”.

13. Banana boat rides, Tanjung Benoa

Go bananas exploring the warm, calm waters of Tanjung Benoa on this fun-filled water ride. Thrill-seeking families will have a blast on the inflated rubber banana boat as its whizzes behind a speed boat. Bali Green Tour has 15-minute banana boat rides for US$14 per person. The cost also includes a locker and shower facilities.

14. Temple of Enthusiasm, Canggu

Deus Ex Machina’s Temple of Enthusiasm has motorcycles, coffee, petrol, clothing, surfboards, tattoos, fusion cuisine and music. There’s paint spilled on the floors, art on the walls and plenty of comfy places to sit and relax.

15. Pirates Bay, Nusa Dua

Get lost in the fantasy land of this open-air dining venue, housing a pirate ship and an abundance of treehouses for the kids to play in and explore. You have the option to dine in the treehouses, on a beachfront table on the sand, or request a seat inside the beautiful pirate ship. The menu hosts a range of local and Western foods, so even the fussiest eaters are satisfied, while bonfires and live music enrich the ambience making it a special evening for you and the kids.

Getting around: In Bali, Uber is replaced by Grab. If you want to do a multi-stop trip or have a Grab on call for later in the day, drivers are often keen to swap WhatsApp numbers and negotiate

16. Bathe in holy water at Pura Tirta Empul, Gianyar

Pura Tirta Empul is a stunning temple complex and mountain spring in the village of Manukaya in central Bali.

People from all over Bali have been coming to Tirta Empul for over 1,000 years to bathe in or collect the sacred water, which is later used in local ceremonies. The temple is divided into three courtyards and visitors are invited to partake in the bathing experience in the first courtyard’s public pool. You can hire a guide to learn a little more about the sacred tradition. The holy spring water is said to have been created by the Hindu god Indra and will purify your soul. This natural heritage site is an unmissable cultural experience in Bali and an absolute visual treat.

After cleansing your soul, you can also pay homage to coffee with a quick trip up the mountains to visit one of the area’s coffee and cocoa plantations to taste locally grown coffee and chocolate and learn how they are grown, harvested and prepared.

17. Bali Swing, Ubud

Let your little birds fly in the treetops at Bali Swing. There are 21 sky-high activities in this fabulous playground: 12 single swings (ranging from 10 to 78 metres above the ground, including one that swings out over the cliff), a tandem swing and six super-cute ‘nests’ with views over the canyon and waterfall.

18. Ubud Royal Palace, Ubud

Located on the main road, Jalan Raya Ubud, the beautifully preserved Royal Palace is the home of the local royal family. Built during the lordship of the late Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel, his heirs have kept the compound in exceptional condition for families to explore and admire. In the evening, the palace’s stage becomes a prime spot to view one of the dramatic evening dance performances.

19. Tegalalang Rice Terrace swing

Suspended high above Bali’s iconic Tegalalang Rice Terraces, this activity is both an Insta op and an adrenaline rush. Kids (and brave parents) will feel like they’re flying over a sea of green as they soar back and forth. There are smaller, less intimidating swings for younger kids, so everyone can join in on the fun. While you’re there, take a stroll through the rice terraces and learn about Bali’s unique subak irrigation system – a cultural experience rolled into your adventure.

The Ceking Rice Terraces deserve a visit, too. As well as offering a spectacular walk, there are thrills to be had. You can zipline over the gorge and swing out over a cliff edge.

20. White water rafting, Ubud

Bali’s longest waterway, the mighty Ayung River, provides another option for families to immerse on an exhilarating whitewater rafting tour.

Near Ubud, these rapids send rafters over rocky shallows, past green jungle, mossy shrines, temples then passing bamboo clad villas. The class II and III rapids can be sufficiently challenging. But mostly it’s fun, especially a scenic sandy stretch where kids can float alongside the raft while parents paddle.

Children aged over five are invited to take on the 12-kilometre cruise. You’ll pass rice paddies, waterfalls and lush rainforest, before a buffet lunch finale.

21. Island hopping, Gili Islands, Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Penida

For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy resort regions, Bali is surrounded by thousands of smaller islands. The most accessible by boat from the mainland are Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida and the three Gili Islands. While these islands are a little more untouched than mainland Bali (you may need bicycles to get around), you’ll still find a choice of full-service resorts guaranteed to keep both parents and kids happy

Just jump on one of the many express ferries that run from the mainland and enjoy the slower island life with a side of some of the best snorkelling and diving in Indonesia. Coral reefs and sandy beaches fringed with palm trees characterise the three tiny islands that make up the Gili Islands. Kids will love watching sea turtles swim at Turtle Point and seeing the sunken ship at Wreck Point. Northwest of the Gili Islands is Nusa Lembongan, a serene location that’s perfect for putting your feet up, surfing, diving and snorkelling.

Read: Bali’s best day trips: Alternative islands and west Bali

22. Lombok break

Known as a perfect getaway destination, this surfers’ paradise is full of blissful beaches and lush rainforests. Just east of Bali, the island has plenty of amazing snorkelling hotspots and waterfalls that kids will love. Be sure to visit Senggigi and Kuta Beach for lots of family-friendly restaurants, activities, accommodation options and an unmissable sunset over the beach as children build sandcastles and you sip on a cocktail at a beach bar.

23. Frankensteins Laboratory, Seminyak

If your little ones love all things creepy, then this themed dining venue is the place for them. Every night, the laboratory hosts live cabaret shows where monsters, mummies and zombies take the stage and boogy to live music. No need to worry about scaring the children; there is a family-friendly session between 4.10pm and 8.15pm every day, with a show specifically for kids. After the show they will love taking on the role of the undead with zombie face-painting by the in-house make-up artists.

24. Bali Bike Baik Tours, Ubud

Explore the tranquil villages and scenic rice paddies on this family-friendly mountain bike tour. Get a glimpse of true Balinese culture by riding through the countryside to witness the everyday lives of craftsmen and farmers. Meals, historical and scenic tours and hotel pick-up and drop-off are all included. Children over seven can ride alone, while baby seats are available for the little ones. Tandem bikes are also optional. Tours are tailored to the needs of the group, catering to families of all ages and abilities.

25. The Sea Temple of Tanah Lot, Tabanan

Bali’s most scenic (and most photographed) sea temple is famous for its stunning sunsets. Clinging to a rock islet above the crashing waves, the ancient shrine is a fitting place to honour the Balinese sea gods. Visitors can walk from the mainland to the base of the temple’s island at low tide. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops to keep the family entertained.

26. Jiwa Spa at Conrad Bali, Tanung Benoa

Bali is known as a top resort location, so why not take your little one on a spa date with you? Conrad Bali’s Jiwa Spa is all about providing the most relaxing experience and offers pampering packages geared towards kids and teens, as well as a mum-and-me package that provides a perfect excuse to get a little bit of ‘me time’ together.

27. Café Del Mar Bali

Café Del Mar Bali set up shop in Canguu in September 2019 opening long anticipated. Reminiscent of its Ibiza roots, the venue’s 700-square-metre infinity pool sits pride of place with VIP suites, poolside cabanas and daybeds from which mum and dad can languidly watch the kids splash about, plus in-pool sunken lounges for the ultimate in beachside bliss.

28. Legian Beach

In Balinese, Legian means “sweet and pleasant”. This beach is popular with sun-worshippers and watersport lovers who come for its excellent surfing, water-skiing, windsurfing and kayaking.

29. Ubud Monkey Forest

Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary where the cheeky critters scampered over jungle-clad temple walls.

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is home to 300 of Ubud’s infamous mischief-making macaques. It also has 115 species of trees, three holy temples, stone pathways and a collection of moss-covered statues. The man-made structures are all intertwined between the wild native jungle and the sanctuary feels like the leftover set from Tomb Raider.

There are several monkey forests in Bali, but this is the most popular and the monkeys are well cared for. Just remember to keep an eye on little ones as wild monkeys can bite

30. Bali Bird Park

Hundreds of beautiful and exotic birds fly through the tropical gardens at Bali Bird Park in Taman Burung. You’ll get the rare opportunity to get close to colourful Indonesian parrots, handsome Birds of Paradise, magnificent Hornbills, the imposing giant cassowary and many other tropical bird species.

31. Bali Reptile Park

Adjacent to the bird park is the fascinating Bali Reptile Park, home to the most complete collection of reptiles in Southeast Asia. The park boasts the largest reticulated python in captivity, and an amazing komodo dragon exhibit. There’s an open-air reptilarium where guests get the chance to handle iguanas, monitor lizards, tortoises and pythons.

 32. Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

Yes, waking up at 2am is rough, but the payoff? Completely worth it. The hike up Mount Batur is a moderate climb, manageable for older kids and teens who love a bit of a challenge. Along the way, guides share fascinating tales about the region’s volcanic history. Once at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views as the sun rises over Bali. Plus, there’s an added bonus – eggs cooked in the geothermal steam vents at the top, because honestly, who doesn’t love breakfast with a side of lava?

33. Check out the Devdan Show at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre

With its Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatics, traditional dance and puppetry, the Devdan Show at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre is a mind-blowing showcase of the history and culture of Bali and Indonesia that will appeal to all ages.

34. Green School

Visitors to Bali can also unplug and reconnect with nature at Green School. It has both three to five-day family camps and one-day to two-week kids and youth camps.

Green School is a famed school on a huge jungle campus near Ubud. Its curriculum is focused on nature and sustainability. During Australia’s 2020 lockdown in a fog of home-schooling, the Bali outlet’s bamboo buildings and wall-free classrooms had come into clearer focus.

35. Mason Adventure Tours, Denpasar

Mason Adventures has plenty of experiences for the whole family. You can embark on a journey along Bali’s only ATV track on the Jungle Buggies (kids 12 and over can be passengers), or take a scenic trek through hidden trails to see some of the country’s best-kept temples and natural treasures.

36. Eat, play and shop at Tamora Gallery

At Tamora Gallery, Canggu’s newest destination for families complete with a state-of-the-art playground, you can browse the stylish boutiques for homewares, fashion and books, then grab a bite at one of the eateries. Shmurger Burger is a hit with families, and kids eat for free every evening at Japanese sushi bar Ink. And be sure to cool down with an ice-cream created in fluffy clouds of liquid nitrogen at the sweet and colourful Creamery.

Insider tip Sunday is kids’ day at Tamora Gallery with art and craft activities, face-painting and live music. Also keep an eye out for outdoor movie nights and other events.

37. Vist an eco kids’ club

There’s an eco-friendly club for kids, with tropical garden, playground and resident animals, located within The Garden Early Learning Centre. It’s open every day for two- to 12-year-olds to pop in for a play, no reservations needed. So handy if you want (or need!) a couple of hours for a spot of shopping or a massage, but don’t feel comfortable leaving your little ones with a nanny.

38. High tea at Biku

In a beautiful 150-year-old Javanese teak joglo on the busy Petitenget strip, Biku is a haven where you can escape and indulge. High Tea at this restaurant-slash-boutique is an absolute treat, with a special menu of pretty iced cupcakes, mini gingerbread men and finger sandwiches just for the tiny diners, served alongside their own pots of fruity tea.

Parents can upgrade to the Sparkling High Tea and indulge in a cheeky afternoon glass of bubbles.

39. Pura Gunung Kawi temple, Ubud

The 1,000-year-old shrines of Gunung Kawi have been carved into the rock. The template is one of Bali’s oldest and most important monuments. The complex is in a river-valley with 10 huge candi (shrines) cut out of rock faces. Each is believed to be a memorial to a member of 11th-century Balinese royalty.

40. Sunrise fishing on a jukung boat

An alternative Bali activity is a sunrise fishing experience on a traditional jukung boat. Book it the night before and you’ll be picked up in front of your resort pre-dawn, then taken by a local to a distant reef. Watching the sun creep over the horizon while you haul in fish is a breathtaking, spiritual bonding activity not to be missed.

41. Explore by quad bike

Bali Quad Discovery Tours offers combined buggy tours and canyon-tubing experiences for those kids over the age of five who just can’t get enough thrills in one day. The Bali Buggy Discovery Tour takes you to some incredible hidden locations, giving yet another perspective of the culture of this country and the gentle nature of its people.

42. Become a mermaid

Dreams do come true thanks to a Bali-based mother-daughter duo who created Putri Siren mermaid tails. Book a mermaid play date package and hire the tails for a couple of hours to frolic about in the pool, or attend one of the hosted pool parties at Panama Kitchen & Pool in Canggu and learn how to safely swim like a real mermaid.

You can purchase your own tail online with worldwide shipping or free delivery while you are in Bali. Once you have outgrown your tail, return it to Putri Siren and in true ocean-loving style, they will recycle it.

43. Tanjung Benoa Watersport Centre

Got a budding adrenaline lover? Take your adventure loving kids to Tanjung Benoa Watersport Centre for a variety of ocean activities.

The watersport centre offers banana boat rides, fly boarding, jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving, wakeboarding, seawalking and turtle island tours.

44. Bali National Golf Club

Love the green? Tee of at Bali National Golf Club on your next family Bali holiday. Compete on three distinct playing environments throughout an 18-hole course.

Holes 1 through 9 feature creeks, canyons and native vegetation filled with tropical birds, whilst holes 10 through 16 offer the golfer lush gently sculptured fairways through a mature grove. Finally the island green hole 17 and lakeside hole 18 are the challenging finishing holes to test every golfer. The club is located in Nusa Dua.

45. Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

GWK Cultural Park Bali is centred around the 120-metre tall Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue. Tt depicts Hindu God Wisnu, atop his mount, the mythical eagle, Garuda. Wandering around the park you can find even more sculptures and watch cultural performances, folklore tales and cinematic presentations. The best way to 60-hectare cultural park is by segway. It is located in Ungasan.

46. Shop in Seminyak

Bursting with fashion boutiques and lifestyle brand outlets, Seminyak is the place to go for shopaholics and foodies alike. A walk down Jalan Raya Seminyak – the main shopping street – has rows of designer, homeware, handicraft and contemporary art stores, all between Bali’s top restaurants and cafes. Be sure to stop at Indigo Kids on your stroll to pick up some stylish resort attire for your little travellers.

47. Tirta Gangga

Another favourite cultural hotspot in Bali is the former royal palace of Tirta Gangga. It’s known for its royal water palace, bathing pools and Patirthan temple. While you are there you can also feed its fat and friendly koi fish.

48. Eat a floating breakfast

Many Balinese resorts offer a floating breakfast as an add-on, and what kid wouldn’t love eating in the pool?

You’ll more likely find a floating breakfast in a private villa with a plunge pool rather than a resort. There are plenty of villas offering this and some are Bli Bli Villas & Spa, Shore Amora Canggu, Hanging Gardens of Bali and Puri Sebali Resort Ubud.

You can also book a private breakfast without the villa.

Read: The best luxury floating breakfasts in the world

49. Pamper sessions

When you are in Bali, you can’t go past a pamper session at one of the many spas. Bali’s resorts will wow guests with elaborate therapies and activities, including hammams, ice baths and yoga classes. You can also get a cheap Balinese massage at a beachside joint – for a 10th of what you’d pay at home. There’s nothing like enjoying a massage under the dappled shade of a tree with the sound of waves quietly lapping the shore, or bathing your feet in a flower-filled tub while someone massages your hands.

50. Go chasing waterfalls

If yours is a family that could go stir crazy sitting around a pool all day… relax. Bali has enough adventurous activity to keep high-octane families entertained. In Sidemen, families can follow a jungle trail to Gembleng Waterfall. The area is geared to tourists with a ticket desk, cafe and viewpoint at the top.

At Blangsinga Waterfall a long set of stairs takes you down by falling water lit up by a stunning sunset. At the bottom there are boulders and bridges for the kids to scramble over, as the water crashes into a swimming hole.

51. Climb mountains and volcanoes

Repeat visitors to Bali are often surprised by the bountiful natural world beyond the southern beachside surf enclaves. With Mount Agung at its lofty centre, the island is a landscape of rushing rivers, rolling hills, and steep volcanoes, providing an opportunity for holidays that dig deep into nature and the outdoors.

Mountains including Gungung Tapak and Gunung Lesung both have accessible trail heads and well-trampled paths to viewpoints and summits. All Trails Bali is a good source of information. With more time on your hands, Bali Sunrise Trekking offers good-value morning sunrise hikes up Mt Batur and overnight camps with glorious sunsets.

52. Bali Wake Park

Bali Wake Park, in Denpasar, is geared for excitement with a five-hectare cable park lake used for wakeboarding, knee-boarding and water skiing. A hour hour cable park pass is IDR 400K, approximately AU$40.

It is also home to Aqualand, an inflatable land with slides, ladders and tunnels.

53. Kuta Beach Skate Park

The  beachfront Kuta Beach Skate Park is a free all-age hangout with smooth bowls, and edgy ramps and rails.

54. Fun Day Nusa Dua

Fun Day Nusa Dua is a tour company offering jet ski itineraries around coastal Nusa Dua. Tours start from USD80 for one rider. Children under the age of 16 need to be accompanied by an adult on the jet ski.

55. Blessings

People often talk about the ‘real Bali’, the one that harnesses the intense spirituality and intact Hindu culture of the Balinese people. In all its forms, this aspect of the island adds a special dimension to a holiday. The Balinese carry out their daily blessings and spirituality in plain sight, and it’s likely you’ll come across incredible ceremonies, such as one where the women dress in full colourful ‘kabaya’ and carry fruit and flowers on their heads as they walk to a temple.

For families, getting involved is free and can be as simple as donning a traditional sarong and visiting one of the island’s many thousands of temples. Participating in a ceremony offers another great way to connect. One of the best is a reasonably priced Melukat purification ceremony or waterfall blessing at Taman Beji Griya.

56. Togetherness Project

The Togetherness Project hosts non-profit village tours that connect tourists with local life. You can experience a traditional Balinese village, connect with local people and try delicious Balinese food. It is a grass-roots initiative designed to bring people together from different cultures, countries, and backgrounds in a spirit of respect for each other’s ways of life and an opportunity to learn from each other.

57. Multi-day island hikes

Kids ten and over can join epic multi-day walks across Bali with overnight stays. Astungkara Way’s tours range from one to nine nights, focusing on the route’s regenerative rice farms. The walks invite you to slow down, to take notice, to connect with nature and local Balinese communities that live in simple, sustainable ways.

58. Touring

Perhaps the single best thing that Bali still has going for it is the amazing scenery – stunning terraced rice fields, dramatic river gorges, tropical waterfalls and ancient Balinese temples. You can take a pre-arranged tour by bus or hire a private driver to enjoy the countryside at your own pace. Sepeda Bali Tours is a well-priced local outfitter, specialising in fully equipped camping trips with itineraries that include downhill mountain biking.

59. Dirt biking through lava fields

For a truly unique experience, take your kids on a dirt bike ride through the sprawling expanse of black sand dunes on the Volcano Kintamani trail. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet as the mystical volcanic landscape of Mount Batur stretches out before you. With routes designed to cater to various skill levels, this thrilling dirt bike experience is perfect for older kids. Experienced guides and all necessary safety gear ensure a safe and exciting journey through this otherworldly terrain.

60. Swim with manta rays at Nusa Penida

Swimming with manta rays at Nusa Penida is a bucket-list experience that older kids will never forget. Mantas can be spotted year round in the crystal-clear coastal waters here, and visitors can join a tour to snorkel or dive with them. Kids (and adults) will be mesmerised as they swim alongside the gentle giants, feeling the immense power and grace of the ocean’s most elegant inhabitants. It’s a rare, adrenaline-pumping opportunity to connect with nature at its most surreal.

61. Campuhan Ridge Walk

One of the most popular treks in Ubud, this scenic walk is perfect for younger kids and families who want to explore Bali’s stunning natural beauty. The Campuhan Ridge Walk offers breathtaking views of lush valleys and terraced hills, all while being a relatively easy and peaceful stroll. Start early to avoid the midday heat and enjoy a leisurely walk, perhaps stopping for fresh coconut water from a friendly local vendor. It’s a serene way to immerse yourselves in Bali’s natural beauty without having to break a sweat.

62. Mountain biking in Ubud

Swap four wheels for two and explore Bali’s countryside on a mountain bike. Several tour operators offer family friendly biking experiences through the rural landscapes of Ubud, passing scenic rice paddies, hidden villages and winding backroads. Guides ensure safety and throw in plenty of cultural tidbits, pointing out traditional homes, local temples and farmers tending their crops – making it an exciting way to get some exercise while experiencing Bali’s natural beauty

Family-friendly hotels and resorts in Bali

The Apurva Kempinski Bali, Nusa Dua

The Apurva Kempinski Bali was crafted to capture the art and heritage of Bali. The five-star, cliff top resort offers a Montessori-inspired kids’ club, and VIP activities for kids and teens. There’s a choice of villa or suite accommodation and days of fun to be found by the 60-metre main pool, kids’ pool and beach club.

Holiday Inn Resort Bali Nusa Dua

Holiday Inn Resort Bali Nusa Dua is a contemporary resort with sleek, spacious suites, and rooms with ocean views and playfully themed decor for kids. Guests can enjoy various dining options, four pools, including a kids’ pool with a slide, a kids’ club, and the Tea Tree Spa for parents.

Ayodya Resort Bali, Nusa Dua

Ayodya Resort Bali is a luxe Balinese-style retreat with spacious accommodation, world class dining, plus a superb spa and service. There’s a lagoon-style pool, wading pool, watersports water slides, splash pad and Camp Ananda kids’ club. Cultural activities include a traditional purification ceremony at Bale Banjar Ayodya and Balinese dance in an open-air Balinese theatre.

Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali

Crystalline waters, soft sand and endless sun are on your doorstep at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali, a five-star property that prioritises its smallest guests. Alongside the usual Westin Kids’ Club, the resort has partnered with health professionals to create the Westin Eat Well Menu for Kids, dedicated to nourishing little tummies, and the Westin Kids’ Spa with mini-treatments.

Intercontinental Bali Resort, Jimbaran

Lush tropical gardens, sprawling pools and the white sand Jimbaran beach beckon families at InterContinental Bali. Parents can laze by the pool or relax at Spa Uluwatu while the kids learn to speak Bahasa Indonesia and prepare offerings at the immersive Planet Trekkers kids’ club.

Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali

Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali, nestled on South Kuta Beach, has a range of family-friendly facilities, including the Rascals Kids’ Club and the Tea Tree Spa, offering rejuvenating spa treatments amidst serene surroundings. The resort’s dining options cater to all tastes, from Indonesian specialties to international cuisine, ensuring a delightful culinary experience. With direct beach access and spacious accommodations, Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali provides a perfect retreat for families looking to create lasting memories in Bali.

Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu

Just a short walk from Batu Bolong Beach, the Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu offers easy access to beaches and a vibrant culinary scene. Facilities include an infinity pool, kids’ club, on-site activities, a spa, and dining options for all tastes. Plus, kids aged 12 and under stay and eat for free when sharing their parents’ room. Book The Kids Suite for a whimsical kids’ bedroom with bunk beds and a lavish master bedroom for the parents.

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali, Jimbaran

Just steps from the beach, Mövenpick Jimbaran boasts a pool with swim-up hammocks, a splash waterpark with slides and water squirters and the pirate-themed Meera Kids’ Club for kids. And parents can unwind at the Arkipela Spa or over cocktails.

Bali Dynasty Resort, Kuta

Bali Dynasty Resort is paradise for kids with daily activities, including art, Balinese dance classes and pizza making for kids, everything is at your fingers here. A Kids Water Fun Zone, playground and pool with a 56-metre waterslide, three swimming pools and kids’ and teens clubs are all part of the appeal.

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort, Kuta

Escape to paradise at Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort. Located alongside Beachwalk Mall, this five-star haven invites guests to enjoy spacious accommodation, a choice of dining, an outdoor infinity pool and a kids’ pool. The resort’s Side by Side program offers special experiences for families, while the Play@Sheraton kids’ club is just for kids.

Jetstar, Qantas, Garuda Airlines and Virgin Australia operate multiple daily flights between Australia’s capital cities and Denpasar, Bali.

This article is a Holidays with Kids digital exclusive. Be the first to see more exclusive online content by subscribing to the enewsletter here.

Keep reading:

• Bali family-friendly travel guide
• Feeling lucky? Check out our latest competitions