Bali with Kids: Best Areas, Calm Beaches & Family Tips

Bali is one of the world’s favourite family destinations, and for good reason. Balinese people genuinely adore children, villas with private pools are great value, and the island mixes calm beaches with rice terraces, waterfalls and temples. The key is choosing the right area, because the island’s busiest parts are hard work with small kids.

Where to stay in Bali with kids

• Sanur: our top pick for babies and toddlers. Calm, shallow water protected by a reef, and a flat beachfront path that runs for around 5km. Perfect for stroller walks at sunset.
• Nusa Dua: a gated resort area with wide, calm beaches, big family resorts and kids clubs. Very easy, but less local character.
• Ubud: inland among the rice terraces, with the Monkey Forest, cooking classes and cooler evenings. Two or three nights is plenty with little ones.
• Seminyak & Canggu: trendy and lively with great cafés, but stronger surf, heavy traffic and few pavements. Better with older kids.

The best things to do in Bali with kids

1. Beach days in Sanur or Nusa Dua. Paddle in the shallows, rent a stand-up paddleboard, and eat at warungs on the sand.
2. Bali Zoo. Close to Ubud, with animal encounters and a splash area. A good half-day.
3. Waterbom Bali. One of Asia’s top water parks, with a big kids’ zone, in Kuta.
4. Tegallalang rice terraces. Go early for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Paths are steep and uneven, so bring a carrier.
5. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Ubud). Fascinating for kids, but monkeys grab bags and snacks. Hide food and keep small children close.
6. Turtle Conservation and Education Centre (Serangan). Learn about sea turtles near Sanur.
7. Uluwatu Kecak dance. A sunset fire dance on a cliff, best for kids old enough to sit through about an hour.

Getting around Bali with kids

• Private driver: the easiest option. Hire a driver for the day to visit several sights.
• Grab & Gojek: car apps that work well around the south. Choose the car option, not the scooter.
• Car seats: rarely available. Bring a lightweight travel seat or a travel booster for older kids.
• Walking: pavements are uneven or missing in most areas. Use a carrier, and save the stroller for Sanur’s beach path and resorts.

Where to eat with kids

• Nasi goreng & mie goreng: fried rice and noodles, the universal kid pleasers. Ask for no chilli (tidak pedas).
• Sate ayam: chicken skewers with peanut sauce.
• Fresh fruit and smoothie bowls: mango, papaya, banana and dragon fruit everywhere.
• Resort and café food: pasta, pizza and pancakes are easy to find in the tourist areas.

Parent tips for Bali

• Bali charges a tourist levy for international visitors. Pay it online through the official channel before you travel.
• Check whether you need a visa on arrival (e-VOA) in our visa directory.
• Midday sun is intense. Plan pool and nap time between 11am and 3pm.
• For calm-water beaches elsewhere, see our best beach holidays with toddlers.

Read more in our Indonesia with kids guide, and see Indonesia’s official tourism site, indonesia.travel.