Top 7 family activities in Bali, Indonesia

Renowned for its stunning beaches, majestic volcanoes, and vibrant rice terraces, Bali is Indonesia’s most sought-after destination, and for good reason.

The island is incredibly welcoming, attracting an increasing number of families for their vacations. Here’s what you need to know about enjoying Bali with children, whether you have a toddler or a group of tweens.

Is Bali suitable for children?

Bali is considered one of Asia’s most family-friendly spots. It offers a safe and affordable environment, and the friendly Balinese are particularly fond of kids. Most larger hotels provide childcare options and babysitting services, plus there are numerous Airbnbs and rental homes for families preferring self-catering. Moreover, many restaurants, beach clubs, and supermarkets are stroller-friendly, making it easy for parents with infants.

Bali's varied landscapes ensure there are plenty of options for every family, whether you're traveling with infants or navigating the preferences of teens and tweens.

What’s the top spot in Bali for children?

This question is challenging since Bali as a whole is an excellent option for family-friendly getaways. Sanur stands out as a prime destination for kids, thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and abundance of pristine, palm-lined beaches. It also boasts fantastic hotels that offer a variety of water sports activities.

Other wonderful places for kids include Ubud, which boasts an increasing number of family-friendly resorts, and Uluwatu, a tranquil area in Southern Bali filled with rice fields and volcanoes—ideal for children who love nature.

Top activities for infants and toddlers in Bali

Relax in Sanur

Sanur’s relaxed atmosphere is perfect for families with toddlers and infants. It’s conveniently located just a 20-minute taxi ride from the international airport and features uncrowded golden beaches. Unlike busier areas like Kuta and Seminyak, Sanur offers a peaceful retreat for families, with many independently owned restaurants and hotels that are more affordable. A paved path connects the main beaches, making it stroller-friendly, and various water sports are available.

Take advantage of kids' clubs in Bali

An increasing number of hotels in Bali—beyond just five-star resorts—feature kids' clubs, some of which offer day passes for outside guests. Notable kids' clubs include the one at Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa, where your little adventurers can enjoy a treehouse-themed retreat and participate in activities like face-painting, kids' yoga, and swimming contests. The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay also offers the Umah Rare Kids’ Club, which emphasizes sustainability with locally sourced, plastic-free furnishings.

Top activities in Bali for school-age children

Dive into fun at Waterbom Bali

This expansive water park in the center of Kuta is among the largest in Asia and offers a fantastic family experience—especially in the warmer months. Families should note that the rainy season can also be enjoyable, with brief showers and consistently warm weather.

Waterbom features attractions for visitors of all ages, and its gazebos, some with concierge service, provide perfect spots for families spending the day at the park. Consider the premium Pool Edge or Pool View gazebos, which include power outlets, complimentary food and drink delivery, and proximity to one of the park's many pools. Exciting rides include the 250-meter (820-foot) Constrictor tube slide, the Pipeline transparent high-speed slide, the Lazy River, and the Flow Rider standing wave, ideal for surfing enthusiasts looking to ride the waves with less risk of falling.

Enjoy a shopping spree at Bali’s vibrant markets

Shopping in Bali is an incredibly enjoyable experience for all ages, especially at the island's lively markets. Kids will love exploring handmade toys and colorful pottery at the Tegallalang Handicraft Centre near Ubud. Sukawati Art Market, conveniently located near Kuta and Denpasar, is perfect for finding local artwork, while Kuta Market offers essential “I love Bali” bags, handmade jewelry, children's toys, and sarongs. Its close location to Kuta Beach, with various beachfront food stalls, provides plenty of options when you need a break.

Visit Frankenstein’s Laboratory

It may sound like a peculiar choice, but hear us out. Touted as Bali’s only monster-themed restaurant and cabaret (it’s unlikely there would be more than one), Frankenstein’s Laboratory in Kuta is a fantastic destination for visitors of all ages. The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring everything from classic burgers and pizzas to Indonesian dishes, along with a special kids’ menu. The cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are creatively served in test tubes. Daily cabaret shows in the morning and afternoon feature characters from Beetlejuice and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, plus a Disney Villains performance tailored for younger guests.

Top activities in Bali for tweens and teens

Spend time at a beach club in Bali

While not every beach club in Bali permits children, an increasing number do. Atlas Beach Club in Kuta, located on Berawa Beach just west of Denpasar, expertly caters to both groups of friends and families, allowing kids under 120cm (47 inches) to enter free of charge. With a wide variety of cuisines available, from pizza and pasta to Indonesian favorites like cassava fritters, even picky eaters will find something to enjoy. Plus, there's a kids' pool with slides and continuous entertainment from stilt walkers and magicians to keep everyone entertained.

Other excellent choices include Uluwatu’s Sunday Beach Club, which offers water sports, live music, and beach bonfires, as well as Kuta’s Azul Bali Beach Club, a treehouse-inspired venue near the beach featuring a full schedule of family-friendly activities like pizza-making workshops.

Discover the underwater world with snorkeling or diving

Bali is known as one of the premier destinations for scuba diving globally – and it’s suitable for kids too. Children aged 10 and up can get certified as PADI divers, but younger kids need not worry. They can join PADI Bubblemaker courses, which are brief sessions for kids aged 8 and older to get familiar with diving gear. For younger children wanting to explore the ocean but not yet ready for a full PADI course, Bali Seawalker, located next to the Grand Mirage Resort in Sanur, offers an exciting opportunity to venture underwater wearing an airtight helmet that supplies oxygen through an air hose, available for ages 7 to 70.

Alternatively, kick off your underwater adventures with a snorkeling session. Some of the finest snorkeling spots in Bali include Nusa Dua, where the reef protects against strong currents, and Jemeluk Bay in East Bali. These waters are abundant with marine life, featuring Napoleon wrasse and vibrant tropical fish, with local fishermen offering snorkeling tours in their traditional jukung outriggers.

Travel Tips

Always inquire about family-friendly features offered by your hotel, regardless of whether it's a luxury resort or a smaller establishment. Bali hotels tend to be very accommodating for families, and many amenities may not be widely advertised.

If you're visiting during the rainy season, be sure to pack waterproof gear for excursions. For outdoor activities like hiking, have a backup plan ready, such as visiting a beach club or an indoor market.

Bali is a fantastic destination for wildlife viewing, but it's crucial to teach children to respect animals, regardless of their curiosity. This is particularly important with monkeys, as they can become aggressive due to being fed by careless tourists. Keep snacks and drinks out of sight, and remind kids to do the same.

Don’t hesitate to embark on a hike; just make sure to do your homework first. Many of Bali's most breathtaking trails are paved, and there are numerous short, easy paths perfect for novice hikers.

If you’re choosing budget accommodations, consider splurging a little with a day pass to a luxurious five-star resort. Many of Bali’s most family-friendly resorts, such as the Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay, offer these passes, granting access to their beaches, pools, and other facilities.