Bali with kids : 10 fun and authentic activities when traveling to Bali with your little ones
Thinking of traveling to Bali but not sure if it's a destination for kids? YES IT IS! In fact, traveling to Bali with kids can be one of the most rewarding experiences for your family! This brings me to the next question most parents will ask themselves “How do I keep my little ones entertained on my trip?” Sure, you can splash around in the pool or hang out at the beach, but why not mix in some fun activities where they can also learn about Balinese culture? Bali’s rich culture is a fantastic learning experience for kids and it offers a blend of relaxation and excitement that will keep both kids AND adults entertained! ;) I’m not talking about visiting the monkey forest or a trip to a water park, I’m talking AUTHENIC experiences!
Below I’ve listed 10 fun activities you can do when traveling to Bali with kids!
1.Learn how to make offering baskets with flowers
Introduce your kids to the beautiful tradition of making Balinese offering baskets. This hands-on activity is not only fun but also educational, giving children insight into the island's rich spiritual culture. Plus, working with colorful flowers is always a hit with the little ones!
There are many places that offer these workshops but I’m pretty sure you can ask your hotel or homestay and they will direct you to staff or family members who will be happy to teach you for a small fee!
2. Go to a water temple
Bali is home to stunning water temples, and visiting one can be a super fun experience for kids (+ it’s a nice change from the beach). If your little ones love being near water, places like Tirta Empul and Taman Beji Griya offer a glimpse into the island's spiritual life, with holy springs and beautiful architecture.
3. Have dinner at a magical themed restaurant
Make mealtime an adventure by dining at Bali’s only magical-themed restaurant: Merlin’s Magic. in Ubud. This restaurant has enchanting decor, interactive themes, and kid-friendly menus, cool potions and crazy vibes (in a good way) that will turn dinner into a delightful experience for the whole family. You’ll need to make a reservation as it is super popular at the moment!
4. Check out Maha Gangga Valley
Take a trip to the picturesque Maha Gangga Valley in the Karangasem area. The lush landscape, combined with the peaceful ambiance, makes it a perfect spot for a family day out. Kids will love exploring the area and taking in the natural beauty of Bali. They have a lot of traditional and cultural activities:. ricefield trekking, swings, feeding pets, selfie photo spots, traditional costume photo ops, flower gardens, rivers, waterfalls, camping and many more! Hell, they even have a cool coconut bridge!
Practical information
The entrance ticket to the Maha Gangga Valley is around IDR 50,000/per person (around 3 euro) - (at the time of writing this). You can also choose to spend the night in one of the cute houses. There are various packages that start at IDR 500,000 per night. It’s open every day from 08.00-17.00.
planting rice bali
5. Learn how to plant rice
Give your kids a hands-on agricultural experience by learning how to plant rice. This activity is both fun and educational, showing children the traditional methods of rice cultivation. It’s a great way for them to connect with Bali’s agricultural heritage. You can participate in a farm experience here.
6. Visit the fairytale-inspired Sari Timbul
Step into a fairytale at Sari Timbul. This enchanting location is designed to feel like a magical storybook come to life, with whimsical architecture and beautiful gardens that will captivate your children’s imaginations. Sari Timbul also comes with a restaurant and a pool overlooking the ricefields!!
Taman Dedari Ubud - Photo by @soulintravels
7. Walk between giant angel statues at Taman Dedari
Explore the mystical Taman Dedari, where giant angel statues create an otherworldly atmosphere. Kids will love walking among these towering figures and discovering the beauty of this unique garden. The location comes with a restaurant (well, it actually is a restaurant ) that offers views over the Ayung valley.
8. Visit the Bali chocolate factory in Candidasa
Who can resist chocolate? Take your kids to the Bali Chocolate Factory in Candidasa for a sweet adventure. They’ll learn about the chocolate-making process and, of course, enjoy some delicious treats. The factory is located right next to a stunning beach, so when the kids get bored, they can jump in the ocean!!
9. Have a fun afternoon at Alas Harum park
Spend an exciting day at Alas Harum Park, where there’s plenty to keep kids entertained. From adrenaline-pumping swings to beautiful nature trails, this park offers fun for the whole family. Just a heads up : attached to the park is a big pool called ‘Cretya’, but this is only accessible for adults unfortunately!
10. Take epic pictures at Wanagiri Hidden Hills
For some epic (lake) views, head to Wanagiri Hidden Hills, located in Munduk - an area that is known for its stunning views of Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan. The creative photo spots will make for a memorable outing. Your kids will love the swings, nests, panoramic platforms and other cool installations, making it a perfect place for family photos!
It is approximately a 2-hour drive from Ubud. The site is open daily from 6am to 6pm, and admission fees apply.
