Traveling to Bali with kids can be a magical adventure for the whole family. From pristine beaches to cultural experiences, Bali offers something for everyone, even the youngest travelers. We recently took our daughter (yuyi) on a trip to Bali and discovered the best family-friendly activities, tips, and hidden gems that made our experience unforgettable. In this guide, I’ll share our insights on how to make the most of your family vacation in Bali, ensuring fun and safety for kids of all ages.
When to Visit Bali with Kids
Choosing the best time to visit Bali with kids is key to making your trip enjoyable. Having traveled with my family, I found that timing can make a big difference in avoiding crowds and bad weather, which is essential when traveling with young children.
Bali is a year-round destination, but there are two main seasons to consider: the dry season (April to October) and the rainy season (November to March). We traveled during the dry season, which is ideal for families because the weather is sunny, and outdoor activities like beach days and exploring the rice terraces are more enjoyable. There’s also less humidity, which is a plus when managing energetic kids.
The rainy season, on the other hand, brings frequent downpours, especially in the afternoons. While you’ll still find things to do indoors, we found that it’s harder to plan full-day excursions with kids when you’re constantly checking the weather.
Another important consideration is avoiding the peak tourist months. July and August are Bali’s busiest months, as well as during the Christmas and New Year holidays. We prefer traveling outside of these times to avoid long lines and crowded attractions. If your kids are school-aged, try visiting in June or September for a quieter experience with great weather.
When traveling with younger children, be mindful of the heat and humidity, even during the dry season. I found that starting our day early and taking afternoon breaks helped the kids avoid the midday sun. Make sure to pack plenty of sunblock, hats, and hydration options to keep everyone comfortable.
Top Family-Friendly Activities in Bali
Exploring Bali with my kid was such a rewarding experience. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation, Bali has something for everyone. Here are some of the best activities we discovered on our family trip.
Beach Days at Nusa Dua
My daughter loved Nusa Dua’s pristine beaches. The gentle waves and clean shores made it perfect for her to play safely in the water. We spent an entire day building sandcastles, swimming, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Nusa Dua’s water blowhole was a huge hit, and there are plenty of family-friendly resorts nearby if you want to extend your stay.
Visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud
The Sacred Monkey Forest was a must-see for us. My daughter was fascinated by the cheeky monkeys swinging from the trees and interacting with visitors. Just make sure to keep your belongings close, as these little guys can be mischievous! It’s a great way to introduce your kids to Bali’s wildlife while exploring beautiful walking trails.
Cultural Shows: Kecak and Barong Dance
Bali’s traditional performances are a feast for the eyes and ears. We attended a Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple, and my daughter was mesmerized by the energetic fire dance. Another highlight was the Barong dance, a playful yet dramatic performance full of colorful costumes. These shows were a fun way for her to experience Balinese culture in an engaging, family-friendly environment.
Exploring Rice Terraces at Jatiluwih and Tegallalang
We took a gentle hike through the rice terraces at Tegallalang, which were both scenic and educational. My daughter enjoyed learning about rice farming and getting a little muddy along the way. The swings located at the rice terraces were also a fun bonus—she soared over the green fields, and absolutely loved the thrill!
Snorkeling and Sea Turtle Tours
If your family enjoys underwater adventures, Bali has fantastic snorkeling spots. We took a boat trip to Menjangan Island, where we had our first snorkeling experience swimming with vibrant fish and sea turtles. The clear, calm waters made it safe and enjoyable for her, even as a beginner.
Waterbom Bali Waterpark
For a full day of excitement, we visited Waterbom Bali, a waterpark with something for all ages. From thrilling water slides to lazy rivers, it was the perfect break from cultural sightseeing. My daughter couldn’t stop talking about her favorite rides!
These activities made our Bali trip an unforgettable experience for the whole family, offering the perfect balance between fun and relaxation.
Educational and Interactive Experiences for Kids
While we didn’t personally experience all of Bali’s educational activities as Yuyi is just 1 year old, we’ve researched some fantastic options that are highly recommended for families. These interactive experiences can enrich your family vacation and give your children a deeper understanding of Balinese culture and traditions. Here are some top suggestions that may be useful for your visit.
Balinese Cooking Classes
Many families rave about the family-friendly cooking classes offered in Bali. These classes give kids the opportunity to learn how to make traditional Balinese dishes like nasi goreng and sate lilit in a fun and engaging way. Some cooking schools, especially those in Ubud and Nusa Dua, offer classes tailored specifically for children, keeping the sessions short and hands-on. Kids can participate in everything from chopping vegetables to mixing spices, making the class both educational and enjoyable.
Tip: Look for classes that offer kid-friendly options, as these are shorter and involve more interactive elements, perfect for younger children.
Learning Balinese Crafts
Bali is home to many local craft workshops where kids can try their hand at traditional Balinese arts. Some popular activities include mask-making, painting, and creating offerings used in daily religious rituals. These workshops are typically led by local artisans and provide a fun way for kids to engage with Balinese culture while unleashing their creativity. Ubud is a great place to find such workshops, and they often include a lesson on the cultural significance of the crafts.
Tip: Many community centers in Ubud and other towns offer these classes, providing an authentic and affordable experience.
Visit to Tirta Empul Temple
Tirta Empul, one of Bali’s most famous temples, offers a unique cultural experience for families. The temple is known for its holy water springs, where locals perform purification rituals. While participating in the rituals may not be necessary, families often find it a fascinating place to observe and learn about Balinese Hindu practices. The temple is located near Ubud, and many tours offer educational guides to explain the significance of the site.
Tip: Make sure to teach your kids about Balinese customs before visiting, so they can respectfully observe the rituals and understand the cultural importance of the temple.
Balinese Dance Performances
For a cultural activity that will captivate both kids and adults, consider attending a traditional Balinese dance performance. The Barong and Kecak dances are two of the most popular shows in Bali and are often performed at temples like Uluwatu or Ubud Palace. These performances are full of energy, with dramatic storytelling, vibrant costumes, and music that can keep children engaged. Even if your kids don’t fully understand the story, the lively performances are entertaining and offer a glimpse into Balinese folklore.
Tip: Evening performances are great for families who want a relaxed but engaging cultural experience after a day of exploring.
Family-Friendly Accommodations in Bali for Kids
Finding the right place to stay is key when traveling with kids, and we were fortunate to experience two incredible family-friendly resorts during our trip to Bali: The Apurva Kempinski Bali and Ayana Resort. Both of these luxury resorts offered a perfect balance of comfort, entertainment, and relaxation for our family, making them excellent choices for traveling with children.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali
We stayed at The Apurva Kempinski Bali and were blown away by how well this resort caters to families. The grand architecture and stunning ocean views were just the beginning. What really made the difference for us was the thoughtful attention to children’s needs. The resort offers a dedicated kids’ pool, complete with slides and shallow areas perfect for younger children to safely play. My little one especially loved the family activities, such as kite flying and Balinese craft workshops, which were not only fun but also educational.
The rooms are spacious and family-friendly, with plenty of amenities to keep the kids entertained. We stayed in one of their suites, which came with a private pool—ideal for keeping the kids cool during the hottest parts of the day. The Apurva Kempinski also offers babysitting services, giving us parents the opportunity to enjoy a quiet dinner while knowing the kids were in good hands.
Tip: Don’t miss the beachfront dining options, where kids can enjoy a meal while you soak in the sunset.
Ayana Resort
Ayana Resort was another highlight of our Bali stay, offering a more secluded, nature-inspired experience while still being incredibly family-friendly. One of the standout features at Ayana is their Kids’ Club, where our kids enjoyed a variety of activities, from arts and crafts to outdoor games. The resort is home to several pools, but the River Pool was the biggest hit with the family. The kids loved floating down the winding water channels, and we appreciated the lifeguards who ensured everyone’s safety.
Ayana also has a wide range of dining options that cater to families. We enjoyed meals at their beachside restaurant, where the kids could play in the sand between bites. For a real treat, the Rock Bar offers incredible views and is surprisingly family-friendly during earlier hours, so you can take in the stunning ocean views without worrying about disrupting the kids’ schedule.
Both of these resorts provided us with memorable experiences, and we found them to be well-suited for families traveling with kids. From dedicated children’s activities to spacious accommodations, The Apurva Kempinski and Ayana Resort made our Bali trip truly special for the whole family.
Practical Tips for Traveling to Bali with Kids
Traveling to Bali with kids can be a smooth and enjoyable experience if you’re well-prepared. From packing essentials to navigating local transportation, there are a few things we learned that made our trip more comfortable and stress-free. Here are some practical tips based on our stay at The Apurva Kempinski Bali and Ayana Resort that can help you make the most of your family vacation in Bali.
Packing Essentials
Before we set off, we made sure to pack everything we needed to keep the kids comfortable and entertained. Bali’s tropical climate means sun protection is essential. We packed plenty of sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and lightweight clothing to keep the kids cool and protected. Since Bali is also known for its mosquitoes, we brought along mosquito repellent and found it especially useful in the early mornings and evenings.
We also made sure to pack snacks for the kids, as there were moments when we were out exploring and they got hungry between meals. While the resorts have great food options, having small snacks like fruit or crackers on hand helped keep them happy.
Getting Around Bali with Kids
Transportation can be tricky when traveling with kids, but we found hiring a private driver to be the easiest and most reliable way to get around. Both The Apurva Kempinski and Ayana Resort helped arrange drivers for us, and this made traveling between attractions stress-free. The drivers were friendly and patient, often stopping for bathroom breaks and snacks. If you’re planning on visiting multiple sites, I highly recommend arranging a private car for convenience and flexibility.
Tip: Make sure to bring car seats if you have younger kids, as they’re not always provided by local drivers.
Adjusting to the Weather
The heat and humidity in Bali can be intense, especially for kids. We found it best to start our days early when it was cooler and take breaks during the hottest part of the day. At both The Apurva Kempinski and Ayana Resort, we took advantage of their pools and air-conditioned play areas to cool off. Staying hydrated was also important, so we always carried water bottles with us.
Tip: Many restaurants and cafes offer cold drinks, so stopping for a refreshing juice or smoothie was a great way to keep the kids hydrated and energized.
Staying Safe and Healthy
When traveling with kids, safety and health are always top priorities. We made sure the kids were up-to-date on their vaccinations and brought along a small first-aid kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and medication for motion sickness or minor stomach issues. Although we didn’t face any health problems, it was reassuring to know that both The Apurva Kempinski and Ayana Resort had access to medical services if needed.
Tip: Avoid drinking tap water in Bali and stick to bottled water to prevent any stomach issues.
By staying prepared and flexible, we found traveling with kids in Bali to be a wonderful experience. Whether you’re exploring Bali’s beaches or enjoying cultural activities, these practical tips will help you navigate the trip smoothly, ensuring both you and your kids have an unforgettable adventure.
Conclusion
Traveling to Bali with kids has been one of the most memorable experiences for our family. From the sun-kissed beaches of Nusa Dua to exploring the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, there’s truly something for every family member. I loved seeing our kids engage with the local culture, try new foods, and enjoy everything from water parks to traditional Balinese dance performances. The island’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage make it a destination that is both fun and educational for kids of all ages.
While planning our trip, I worried about how well Bali would cater to young children, but staying at family-friendly resorts like The Apurva Kempinski Bali and Ayana Resort made all the difference. These accommodations not only provided luxurious comfort but also offered activities and amenities designed with kids in mind, from kids’ clubs to swimming pools with slides. I highly recommend choosing resorts like these if you’re looking for a stress-free family vacation.
If you’re thinking about traveling to Bali with your family, my advice is to be flexible, plan ahead, and embrace the adventure. With the right preparation and a willingness to explore, Bali can be the perfect destination for creating unforgettable family memories. Whether you’re looking for the best time to visit Bali with kids, family-friendly accommodations, or fun and educational activities, Bali has something to offer every family.
For us, Bali wasn’t just a vacation—it was a bonding experience that allowed us to slow down, appreciate each other’s company, and discover a new part of the world together. I hope this guide helps you plan your own adventure, and I can’t wait for your family to experience the magic of Bali just as we did.
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