They say Bali is for Lovers. What about Bali with Kids?
Bali might be known as a honeymoon paradise, but it’s also an incredible destination for families with young kids! When we visited with our two toddlers, I was amazed at how easy and enjoyable it was to explore with little ones in tow. From lush jungles filled with monkeys to beaches perfect for tiny toes, Bali offers a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation that the whole family can enjoy.
Why Bali is Great for Families
If you’re wondering whether Bali is a good fit for young kids, the answer is a resounding yes! Here’s why:
- Warm and welcoming culture – The Balinese people adore children and go out of their way to make families feel comfortable. Don’t be surprised if staff play peekaboo with your little one or someone produces a random toy just for fun!
- Budget-friendly experiences – Bali offers a wide range of affordable activities and accommodations that cater to families.
- Easy transportation – Ride-share services like Grab are widely available and very accommodating for families. They make it simple to get around without the stress of renting a car or navigating the roads.
Family-Friendly Activities in Bali
1. Sacred Monkey Forest (Ubud)
The Sacred Monkey Forest is a must-visit if your kids love animals (and really, what toddler doesn’t?). This lush jungle sanctuary is home to hundreds of playful monkeys! We spent hours roaming the trails, spotting monkeys at play, eating, sleeping, and what looked like posing for the cameras.
While it is a magical experience, be sure to take some precautions. Keep snacks out of reach, hold onto your belongings, and remind your kids to admire the monkeys from a safe distance. We got our reminder early as we saw a monkey come into the waiting area. It stole a woman’s handbag, carried it over to a human-free space, and rummaged through to see what was inside!
2. Junglegold Chocolate Factory
Chocolate and kids—need I say more? At Junglegold Chocolate Factory, little ones can watch chocolate being made from scratch, sample delicious treats, and even join a hands-on workshop. Everyone who signs up for the tour can select two fillings and their preferred type of chocolate to make their own chocolate bar. Our kids felt extra special when they got to eat their specially made chocolate bars at the end of the experience! It’s an educational and tasty stop that’s perfect for breaking up a day of sightseeing.
3. Tegenungan/Blangsinga Waterfall
While Bali has many waterfalls, Tegenungan is one of the easiest to access with young kids. There are a lot of steps down to the waterfall (which means a lot of steps to climb back up), but the path is well-maintained. We managed slowly but easily both ways, with one toddler walking and the other in our baby carrier.
Once you get down to the waterfall, there is a shallow area where little ones can splash safely. Furthermore, in the water is a buoy rope to keep people from getting too close to the waterfall. It’s best to go early in the morning to beat the crowds. That said, we arrived on a Friday afternoon and it still wasn’t too crowded. Overall, we were able to cool down and have fun at the same time, and the kids thought it was amazing to swim by the waterfall!
*Little-Known Secret: I’m not sure how many people are aware of this, but there are TWO entrances to the waterfall. It seems like most people go through the Tegenungan entrance, which has bird’s nest and swing photo ops and Omma Dayclub with a bar and infinity pool.
But if you go to the Blangsinga entrance, your admission to the waterfall includes admission to a smaller infinity pool partway down the steps. We chose to stop on the way up and we were the only people in the pool! It was a great way to break up the climb to the top. We bought some ice cream at the warung (food stall), swam around in the pool and enjoyed the amazing view for no additional fee!
4. Elephant Encounter
If you’re looking for a memorable experience, consider an elephant encounter at the Bali Zoo. Visitors have the chance to get up close with these magnificent creatures. We fed them, joined them for a mud bath, then rinsed them off while learning about their history and the importance of elephant conservation. The experience also included an educational component where the handlers spoke about the elephants’ rescue and rehabilitation, which added a deeper, meaningful layer to the visit. Don’t forget to explore the rest of the zoo while you’re there!
It’s important to note that while young kids can participate in the feeding and the rinsing, only kids who are at least 3 ft. 9 in. (120 cm.) tall can join in the mud bath. Also, while the experience allows you to interact with the elephants, it does NOT involve riding them. Instead, the focus is on understanding these incredible animals and their conservation story—an enriching experience for kids and adults alike.
5. Best Beaches for Young Kids
Not all of Bali’s beaches are toddler-friendly (some have strong waves), but these spots are perfect for little ones:
- Nusa Dua Beach – Calm waters and soft sand make this an ideal spot for young kids to play. We stayed here, and all four days offered plenty of room to spread out, play and relax.
- Sanur Beach – A relaxed vibe with gentle waves and a long, stroller-friendly walkway along the shore.
- Jimbaran Beach – A great place for a beachfront dinner while the kids dig in the sand nearby.
If you are planning to go to a different beach with your little ones, just do a little research first to make sure the tide doesn’t get too rough.
Family-Friendly Resorts in Bali
Bali offers a variety of family-friendly resorts that cater to both relaxation and adventure. While we stayed at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, which certainly provides family-oriented amenities, it is on the pricier side (full disclosure, the grandparents paid for our room because they wanted to be close to the kids). However, there are other options around the island that are more affordable but still offer excellent amenities for families.
- Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso Bali: With a kids’ club, water slides, and all-inclusive options, this resort is perfect for families who want everything in one place.
- Bali Dynasty Resort: Known for its water park, family suites, and babysitting services, this is a great choice for families with young children.
- AYANA Resort: Offering extensive kids’ facilities, including the RIMBA Kids Club, an adventure playground, and multiple swimming pools, Ayana is a great choice for families.
Funnily enough, we did visit Ayana to go to the Rock Bar (including the kids), but we didn’t know about all the play areas! I also read that in 2025 they opened Bali’s largest hotel Kids Playground called RIMBA Jungle Adventure. It’s a 1,600 sq. meter playground that looks incredible! If we go back to Bali with our kids, that will definitely be on our list.
Getting Around in Bali with Kids
One of the biggest concerns when traveling with little ones is transportation, but Bali makes it surprisingly easy. Ride-share apps like Grab are widely used, and many drivers offer car seats upon request. If you’re planning multiple day trips, hiring a private driver can be an affordable and stress-free way to explore.
We did a combination of both during our trip and, if we were to go back, I think we would hire a private driver for our entire stay. You get to know your driver (and they get to know you), they give great recommendations, and you have direct contact with them so you’re not relying on driver availability through an app.
Watch Out for Bali Belly
One of the things we learned during our trip is that Bali belly—gastrointestinal illness from bacteria in food or water—is a common issue for travelers. It’s important to drink bottled water, avoid ice, and be cautious with street food. Stick to well-cooked meals, especially for young kids, to minimize the risk. We used bottled water to brush our teeth, as well. Bringing along any necessary medications and keeping some probiotics on hand can help if anyone starts to feel unwell.
Final Thoughts on Bali with Kids
Bali is so much more than a honeymoon destination—it’s a family-friendly paradise with adventure, culture, and relaxation all in one. Whether you’re feeding monkeys in Ubud, splashing in a waterfall, or enjoying a quiet beach day, there’s something for every family to love.
Would you go to Bali with kids? Did you have any great experiences in Bali with your little ones? Let us know in the comments!
Want to go to Bali with kids but unsure what you’ll need to get there? Read Peace out Paperwork Panic: Essential Documents for Confident Airport Check-In to find out!