Looking for fun things to do with the fam in Canggu? Here's our 20 favourite activities & adventures to keep the kids busy.
It’s no secret that Canggu is a hedonistic party playground. It’s fast becoming the new and improved sista suburb to happening Seminyak, chock full of swanky spas, beachfront bars and more boho boutiques than we can shake a coconut at. But it turns out, Canggu is also the perfect place to park the kids too, thanks to the ever-growing community of expats, international schools and holidaying families making a stop in this not-so-sleepy coastal neighbourhood.
So, to bring you the full lowdown on allllll of the family-friendly activities and adventures here, we sent mum-in-the-know, Rebecca Foreman, to scope out the most awesome things to do with kids in Canggu – together with her littlies in tow. So if you’re travelling to Bali with kids and need to add some awesome activities to the itinerary, here’s our guide to the best things to do with kids in Canggu. Happy holidays!
AWESOME THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN CANGGU
1. Splish and splosh at Splash Waterpark
Situated inside the ever-family-friendly Finns Rec Club, Splash Waterpark is the ultimate water-filled day out in Canggu. Slip and slide down four world-class slides (the Giant Racer, Speed Racer, Super Bowl and the Big Red) or wind your way around the relaxed Crazy Creek. For the littlies, there’s a Water Wonderland with cannons, mini slides, a climbing fort and big water bucket under the watchful eye of life guards. All of that splishing and splashing is hungry work, so there’s also a delish dining menu of Indonesian and western dishes that can be ordered direct to your sun bed or table.
2. Learn to pounce at Bounce Trampoline Centre
Just over the road from Splash Waterpark is Bounce – Bali’s first air-conditioned trampoline facility that’s been specifically designed with spring-loaded frames for maximum bouncing fun. You can free bounce and practice tricks all day long (there are jumping sessions on the hour, every hour) or try one of the scheduled and specialised classes, like private bounce boarding, trampoline group fitness, trampoline dodgeball, basketball and even Friday night disco bouncing!
3. Strike it lucky with ten-pin bowling
Need to chill out away from the balmy Bali sun for a couple of hours? Head over to Strike for a spot of family-friendly ten-pin bowling. Strike offers the latest and greatest modern tenpin bowling experience in Bali, with six lanes with automatic pinsetters and a computerised system for scoring. For littlies or first-timers, there are even bumpers available to keep the balls from going off track. And to keep hungry tummies happy, there’s an entire menu of scrummy food and drinks, including enormous family-sized pizzas, served lane-side.
4. Life’s a wave, catch it at these hang-ten surf schools
Bali is world renowned for its idyllic surf spots, so if you’re looking for things to do with the kids in Canggu, why not round up the kiddos and get them riding the island’s awesome waves. There are so many great surf schools to choose from – but for Mums who want to know that their kids are in the best possible hands, we recommend Thumbs Up Surf, Tropic Surf, Bali Kids Surf Camp and Bali Local Surf School. These tried-and-tested schools are committed to providing that extra special care of your child through all stages of surfing. Lessons can be either private or in a group (children are put with others of a similar standard), and every level is catered to. Even parents can learn alongside their water babies, or watch from the shore with a cold beer in hand.
5. Dance to your own rhythm at Just Dance
Check out the monthly roster at Just Dance, Canggu’s hottest purpose-built dance studio. Kids of all ages and levels can try their own dedicated yoga class, along with weekly ballet, hip-hop, jazz and Balinese dance classes. There’s also a cafe on-site for mums and dads to chillax in comfort, and you can even grab your tiny dancer a super cool Just Dance uniform!
6. Giddy up! Take them horse riding
A true Canggu gem, Bali Equestrian Centre is Brawa’s bespoke international riding facility set amidst Instagram-worthy architecture and lush acreage. For horse lovers in Bali, the facility is designed to accommodate the entire family, with drop-in pony rides, weekly Tiny Tot classes for littlies, photos shoots, camps, show jumping lessons and so much more. In fact, Bali Equestrian Centre can cater to any aspect of horse husbandry that you request. Private kids lessons with internationally qualified instructors are also available, as are spectacular unicorn parties!
7. Cook up a storm at Asmiera Spice
How about trying out a new dish at home, cooked up by your little one, no less! Yup, get the kiddos down to Saturday morning cooking school, Asmiera Spice in Umalas, where kids (aged 5 – 12) get the chance to explore a new dish every week. They’ll not only master cooking fundamentals in a custom-built cooking school kitchen, they can then cook something yum up for you, too!
8. Make mini Mozarts at Ensiklomusika Music School
If your kids are into music, then sign them up to a class at Ensiklomusika Music School where they can learn how to play the piano, guitar, violin or have vocal lessons with a trained music teacher. Weekly one-on-one music classes for 30 or 60 minutes can be done in the studio or at your villa/hotel for a small house-call cost. There’s a Mini Melody group class for 1.5 to 3.5 year-olds, the Little Mozart method for 4 to 6 year-olds, and there’s even classes for adults if a rocking family band is on the agenda. What’s more, if your child is already a mastered musician, this school can help them sit the internationally-recognised ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) exam, too.
9. Kid’s got talent at Eva Scolaro’s Talent Studio
Just next door to Ensiklomusika Music School is the Eva Scolaro Talent Studio where kids (and adults) can engage in a number of singing, dancing and fitness classes. Drop in or sign up for regular weekly classes in Musical Theatre, Jazz, Singing, Ballet, Salsa, Hip Hop or Break Dancing plus much more. The kids will love their uniforms and work towards a termly concert where they finally get the chance to show-off their new found skills on a professional stage.
10. Get crafty with Canggu Jewelry Classes
For creative kiddos, bespoke 3-hour workshops (either full or half-day) are available at Canggu Jewelry Classes to immerse your little silversmiths in the art of shaping recycled sterling silver into their own piece of jewellery. For children aged seven years and up, the in-house smiths will guide you and your kids through a serious hands-on workshop, where you will both have the opportunity to grind, cut, shave and hammer your own piece of jewellery using the real tools of the trade. Get crafty and make your own piece of special silver that will always mark your #bestbalilife. Kids birthday parties can also be arranged and bookings are essential.
11. Pool Club at Desa Seni
For an ever so cool eco-village vibe crossed with Balinese boho, take the munchkins to Pool Club at Desa Seni. Every Thursday through to Sunday (10am – 5pm) it’s the perfect place for families to chillax poolside amongst a truly beautiful setting. Mums and dads can eat scrummy healthy Indonesian and western fare while kids enjoy their own special menu from the onsite restaurant. You can also host your next kids birthday party around the pool with games, prizes and decorations all arranged. Bookings essential.
12. Shop, play, eat & skate at Tamora Gallery
Tamora Gallery is an Instagrammer’s dream-come-true, and also an island heaven for mums, dads and little ones too. This uber-cool lifestyle shopping arcade comprises fashion boutiques, cafes and restaurants, while for the kiddos, there’s a grassed playground and skate bowl for them to let off some steam every day. Top tip: make the most of the restaurants onsite offering kids meal promotions (our faves are INK, Missibu and Shmurger Burger).
13. Spa the days away
So many spas, so little time… *sigh*. With a spa on every Canggu corner, you’ll want to grab your kiddos and chill out for some nail time or a relaxing massage. Great go-to salons and spas welcoming parents include Esthetic Day Spa, Spring Spa, Aliya Spa and Goldust Beauty Lounge to name just a few faves. Or check out our list of Bali’s best Mummy & Me spa treatments!
14. Get artsy at Berawa Art House
For budding artists, Berawa Art House is a hidden treasure neatly tucked away at Tamora Gallery. It’s a wonderfully well-run art school for kids and adults wanting to get artsy. Overlooking rice paddies, Berawa Art House is a light-filled studio with exceptional materials at your fingertips. Whether it’s graphite and ink, watercolours or acrylic, Berawa Art House will shepherd your children through the creative process. Weekly art classes for children and adults of all levels are available, or simply join one of the daily after-school classes that are capped at ten kids to keep things personal.
15. Lose touch with reality at White Rabbit
In the comfort of your own home, you can now stretch your kid’s senses a little with something totally weird, wacky but oh-so wonderful. White Rabbit – Bali’s first-ever virtual reality experience – is now available in the comfort of your own home. Let the kiddos escape to a realm without boundaries, where reality is limitless as you open the doorway to new dimensions, games and life-like experiences. Daily rental options are available with VR headsets, multiplayer options and the games of your choice. Book online for delivery, and get ready for the ultimate VR ride!
16. Cook up something fun at Kids Kitchen
When it comes to awesome things to do with kids in Canggu, the Kids Kitchen at Finns’ Cubby House Kids Club is the perfect place to set your kids on a path to culinary stardom. While you bliss out with a massage or break a sweat in the gym next door, you can rest assured that your budding chefs (aged between 4 and 12) will find these creative cooking classes both fun and educational. For an hour they will stir, blend and whip up a memorable dish of the day which can then be taken home along with a Certificate of Cooking, signed by the Head Chef.
17. Let the kids play indoors or out at Made’s Warung
Did someone say indoor AND outdoor play areas, cafe and childcare? Rest and relax parents, the kids are happy as clams at Made’s Warung, Berawa. Here you can chill, read the paper, grab a coffee or slam in a pilates class – all with the knowledge that the kids are enjoying themselves in a safe, secure and contained space. Best suited to kids aged between 1-10 years, Made’s Warung has it covered with plenty of fun kiddy activities on offer. From cooking to book reading classes to crafty workshops, there is plenty of fun to be had in the kids corner or playground. Pro tip: check the Facebook page for weekly schedules.
18. Boulder shmoulder at Bali Climbing
Let your little monkeys climb to their heart’s content at Bali Climbing. There’s no better way to de-crazy your kids than letting them loose at this open-aired climbing facility. It’s an uber-cool walk-in bouldering gym close to the beach, where beginners can learn how to climb without the use of ropes, and rock climbing shoes are provided for all sizes. For avid climbers, the 50 different routes and pathways are changed weekly to keep things fresh and exciting. Birthday parties, climbing tours, retreats and one-on-one or group lessons are all on the menu with the in-house team of professional climbers. Check the weekly schedule for kids classes daily.
19. Play, learn, eat & explore at Parklife
Parklife lets your little ones explore their imagination through uninhibited play in a beautiful, green and – most importantly – safe park and playground. Dotted with a jungle gym, bouncy castle, a mini beach and even an outdoor cinema, it’s family-friendly heaven right here. The restaurant was designed with both parents and children in mind and is the perfect place for parents to pitch up and enjoy wholesome family fare and brews. All while the kids can play in the great outdoors…
20. Find Canggu’s swimming gem, Bethesda Pool
Tucked away down a sleepy lane, you’ll find Canggu’s best kept kiddy secret: Bethesda public swimming pool. A locally owned and run gem, here you can swim, do laps, take a lesson, hang-out in the shallow pool area or slide down the waterslide from morning through till night. There’s even a shady cafe to while-away your lazy Bali days…
Looking for more fun things to do with kids in Canggu? Check out our ultimate list of awesome things to do with kids in Bali – a wholesome roundup of every family-friendly activity and adventure on the island!
