Got the kids in tow for a trip to Bali? Fret not 'cause the island offers a wide variety of activities suitable for adults and kids with different interests
Bali may be known for its wild beach parties, romantic restaurants, slew of sunset bars, hip spas and action packed activities – but make no mistake – it’s kid-friendly too. Bringing the little tykes along? This gorgeous tropical paradise blessed by the Gods is well equipped to keep the kids entertained for days – think water parks, wildlife options, cruises and art and craft classes.
P.s Check out these family villas for kid-friendly (and luxe!) accommodation.
South Bali
Waterbom Park
Lauded as Asia’s number one water park, this veritable fun-in-the-sun oasis is made of world-class slides and rides. For the bigger kids (minimum height 122 cm), The Climax is wildly exhilarating – imagine the crazy adrenaline rush as you whoosh down a trapdoor and down 16m to base ground. For the tiny tots, the Funtastic has an assortment of funky rides and water cannons to keep them entertained all day. Fret not about their safety – these attractions are child-safe and supervised at all times.
Waterbom Park, Jalan Kartika, Tuban, Kuta, Bali 80361.
Bali River Rafting
For adrenaline junkie mums and dads, perhaps it’s time to pass on the thrill-seeking gene to the kids. Love white water rafting? Bring along the bigger kids (7 years to 12 years) and get ready to enjoy beautiful views of the unspoiled rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls – all while rowing along the rocky waters of the beautiful rivers (select from Melanggit River, Ayung River or Telaja Waja – they differ in difficulty levels).
Bali River Rafting, Jalan Tukad Bilok Gg.Vb No.1a Renon, Denpasar Bali.
Paint a Pot
Feeling crafty? Grab the gang and head to Jimbaran’s Jenggala ceramic factory and showroom, to create and paint your own family crockery set! Choose from a range of ceramic bowls, cups, plates and saucers as your canvas, then colour and glaze design away all afternoon! For those super-young or artistically challenged, don’t fear – they have stencils and sponge shapes to help guide your inner-painter to finish. Finally, your new creation is fired in the kilns and ready to take home in 4-5 days time.
Jenggala, Jalan Uluwatu II, Jimbaran Bay, p. +62 (0)361 703 311, Open daily from 9am-5pm, last session is at 4pm.
New Kuta Green Park
Haven’t had enough of waterparks? New Kuta Green Park may be lesser known than Waterbom but make no mistake – it still features a range of exciting attractions as well as slow and steady ones like tranquil floating lazy rivers for you to take a step back and just take in the excitement. Adult tickets are IDR 130,000 while tickets for children are IDR 100,000.
New Kuta Green Park, Pecatu Indah Resort, Jalan Raya Uluwatu, Bukit, Bali.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana
Time for a mini cultural hike with the tykes – take a trip through the expansive Garuda Wisnu Kencana up on the scenic hills of Jimbaran. Prepare for an epic adventure of Bali’s extensive and exotic heritage – discover one of the world’s largest historic monuments and soak in panoramic views and immersive performances by one of the best Kecak dance performances in Ungasan Bali.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Jalan Raya Uluwatu, Ungasan Bali.
The Devdan Show
Be dazzled by The Devdan Show – a cultural performance for both kids and adults alike. Be stunned senseless as the captivating visuals and plotline pulls you to the edge of your seats. Be taken through a journey of the Indonesian archipelago and watch traditional giant wooden puppets come to life.
The Devdan Show, Jalan Nusa Dua, Kuta Selatan, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361.
Ubud
Elephant Safari Park
Dragging the kids out to nature is always a good idea – yes even with all that initial moaning and groaning. We promise they’ll be enchanted by the majestic creatures of this park (acclaimed as world’s best) – get up close and personal with the elephants as you hand feed and touch them. Learn about their history and diversity and check out the only mammoth skeleton in South East Asia.
Elephant Safari Park, Jalan Elephant Park Taro, Taro Village, Tegallalang, Ubud, Bali 80561.
Studio Perak
Are your kids nifty with arts and crafts? Let them practice their craftsmanship with a Balinese silversmithing workshop at Studio Perak (known for its simple yet delicate and unique designs). If you’re short of time and only have a couple of hours, try out the half day course with your children (above 8 years old) and learn the basics of silversmithing. Within three hours, you’ll be making your own silver ring or pendant. How’s that for bespoke jewellery?
Studio Perak, Jalan3 Hanoman, Ubud 80571, Gianyar, Bali.
Bali Safari and Marine Park
Spend an afternoon with endangered animals like the komodo dragon and bali mynah at this safari paradise. Strap on your explorer boots and get ready for an adventure. Plunge into Lake Manyara where the hippos reside or if you’re extra gusty – enter the lion’s den! We guarantee your kids will be thrilled beyond measure. Or if you prefer observing underwater creatures, the marine park houses thousands of fish.
Bali Safari and Marine Park, Jalan Bypass Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra Km. 19,8, Gianyar, Bali 80551.
Sari Api Ceramics Studio
Want to try making your own vase for gorgeous flower arrangements? Sari Api Ceramics Studio is a beautiful, open air studio perfect for holidaymakers or residents of Bali. The half day workshop (IDR 550,000) is three hours and teaches skills like hand-building techniques and wheel throwing. If you’re a resident, consider signing up your kids for classes which take place every Saturday and at IDR 75,000.
Sari Api Ceramics Studio, Jalan Hanoman, Ubud 80571, Gianyar, Bali.
Canggu
Splash Water Park
If you’re waterpark crazy (as we are), Splash Park is the newer counterpart to Waterbom. Race with the family (up to three others) on The Giant Racer (5 stories high and 90m long) or relax as the little tots enjoy the water wonderland over at Splash Playground. Share the day with their neighbour Bounce
Splash Park, Jalan Pantai Berawa, Canggu Bali 80361.
Bali Equestrian Centre
Who says horse-riding is limited to English countrysides? Lace up those riding boots and head to the Bali Equestrian Centre for a gallopin’ good time. If your children are between three to six years old, the Tiny Tots Club is a great introduction to managing horses. Groups will be taught by instructors and include pony-riding as well as snacks. Six sessions start from IDR 1,982,400.
Bali Equestrian Centre, Perumahan Canggu Asri, Jalan Karang Suwung, Brawa, Canggu, Bali 80361.
Bounce Bali
Guaranteed to burn their never-ending energy faster than you can say ‘bedtime’, take the little people to Bali’s first trampoline fun center located at the Canggu Club. Kids will flip out with excitement of jumping options here – with spring-loaded frames to bounce higher, and 360 degrees of trampolines all around, they can jump into trampoline dodge ball or basketball if a normal bounce situation isn’t enough!
Bounce Bali, Jalan Canggu Club, Canggu Bali, p. +62 (361) 848 3939.
Tabanan
Bali Treetop Adventure Park
Swing and climb amongst Bali’s glorious leafy surroundings at this paradise for thrill-seekers. Grab your little adventurers and have them swinging on the seven different adventure circuits (don’t worry – there are a variety to suit different ages and heights). The best part is the 12 zip lines – nothing like the wind in our hair and the breezy views to wrap up a delightful Bali hol.
Bali Treetop Adventure Park, Candikuning, Baturiti,Tabanan, Bali.
Tanjong Benoa
Bali Reef Cruise
Nothing quite like cruisin’ on pristine blue Bali waters. Offering a full day of fun-filled activities, the luxury catamaran will moor alongside the pontoon. Kick off the day with a 35m waterslide then witness Lembongan’s stunning marine life and colourful corals with a semi-submersible coral viewer. Or take the kids on a cultural adventure of the island before winding down with a large buffet feast.
Bali Hai Cruises, Benoa Harbour.
Legian
Rip Curl School of Surf
Come on – besides sunbathing and water sports, Bali’s glorious beaches are simply meant to be surfed. Enter the Rip Curl School of Surf. Start your child young with the Little Ripper programme that covers the regular adult syllabus but is suitably kidified. Not to worry – though the maximum is 3 kids per class – each child will receive one-on-one tuition for extra safety and precautions.
Rip Curl School of Surf, Jalan Arjuna, Legian Bali 80361.
Amed
Euro Dive Bali
Loved exploring the oceans as a single gal? Not to worry – you don’t have to give up those ocean-scavenging days – your kids can get into it as well. Children as young as eight can get a taste of scuba diving with the PADI Bubblemaker course – explore the underwater world in the calm sea and at a maximum depth of 2m. If your child is a little more advanced, the PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience has a minimum age of 10 years old and will take you through basic safety guidelines and skills needed.
Eurodive Bali, Lipah, Amed, Karangasem, Bali 80852.
Seminyak
Bali Trick Art Gallery
A sure hit with your kids (and mummies and daddies too), the Trick Eye Gallery is filled with expertly painted murals that create stunning and extremely real visuals. There are over 80 to choose from – from parodied takes on famous and classic paintings, blockbuster movie characters to fairytale themes. Younger children would love cuddly polar bears while older ones might prefer action-packed ones. Not sure how to pose? Assistants are on hand to suggest poses and take shots for you.
Bali Trick Art Gallery, Jalan Sunset Road No. 789, Seminyak, Bali.
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