12 kid-friendly activities to try in Bali

Bali is beloved by Australians for its beautiful scenery, friendly locals, and the fact that you can live like royalty in a five-star villa for the price of an Australian camping trip. There are beautiful pools to lounge by, delicious restaurants to eat at, and stylish beach clubs to relax in.

The Balinese are also incredibly accommodating when it comes to children, with excellent kids clubs and abundant babysitting services. Definitely make full use of them to reconnect as a couple, but also plan some family time to visit a few of the island’s stunning attractions.

Ubud Monkey Forest
This sanctuary and research centre for Bali’s native monkeys is also an important place for Balinese Hinduism, which pursues harmonious relationships between humans and the natural environment. It’s also a significant tourist attraction for the village that owns and operates the forest. You can purchase food to feed the monkeys, but make sure kids respect the animals’ space.

Hike Mount Agung
Bali’s highest and holiest mountain, Agung, offers a spectacular view from the summit.

Feed the fish at Tirta Gangga Royal Water Garden
Built in the 1800s by a royal Balinese family who own and maintain the garden to this day, Tirta Gangga is a beautiful mountain oasis with clear, shallow pools full of golden carp. You can purchase food to feed the carp, which is a great activity for kids (and a fantastic photo opportunity).

Rice paddy walk
Ubud in particular has some great hikes you can do with kids through rice fields, with stops at local cafes that are off the beaten track.

Try a spectacular swing
What child doesn’t love a swing? Bali has become Instafamous in recent years for its over-water and over-forest swings – though some are more child-friendly than others.

Take a Balinese cooking class
Foodie kids, rejoice! Bali offers many cooking classes where you can discover the unique tropical tastes of the island.

See a traditional dance performance
Storytelling through dance is a key part of Bali’s rich culture, and hotels and restaurants often host performances. Laka Leke Garden Restaurant even has a cute ‘frog dance’ performed by Balinese kids on Saturdays.

Waterparks and waterslides
Bali is full of waterparks where the kids can let loose, the most famous being Waterbom (pictured above). Taman Segaramadu in Canggu is a more budget-friendly option and favourite with locals. For younger kids, you’ll find the best water play at Splash Water Park Bali (located within Finn’s Rec Club in Canggu) and Circus Water Park. If the kids get too much sun at any of the above, Bounce Bali is an indoor, air-conditioned trampoline park where you can get some shelter them from the heat.

Lounge by a hotel pool
Make the most of hammocks and pools – Prama Beach Sanur and the Ritz Cartlon Nusa Dua are particularly kid-friendly.

Experience nature
Bali Butterfly Park, Bali Safari Park and Bali Zoo say they’re committed to conservation, but if you want to get away from attractions and into the real Bali, rent a bike in Ubud and explore.

Visit a playground
Kids will love exploring the equipment at Pirates’ Bay on the east side of the Bukit Peninsula and at the Milk and Madu café just north of Kuta. Balibola cafe in Seminyak is also worth a visit for its fun kids’ menu.

The Holy Springs of Tirta Empul
Balinese Hindus believe that the spring water flowing through this temple has curative properties. Foreigners are welcome to bathe in this sacred place and experience the temples (the Obama family visited in 2017).

Tips thanks to Vouge