Travelling to Bali with the kids? From places to stay and visit, to fun things to do, here's how to make the most out of your family holiday.
I’ve been traveling to Bali with my kids for over 17 years (wow, time flies!), and I’ve honed my planning skills to ensure each trip is better than the last. Bali is a paradise for families, boasting gorgeous weather, stunning beaches, and a vibrant culture that the locals embrace wholeheartedly. All of this, and that’s before I mention all the awesome things to do with kids across the island.
So, to help you make the most out of your family vacation, here are my tried-and-tested travel tips for families, from the best places to stay with kids, to packing advice and where to hire those holiday essentials. Tick these off, and everyone will leave smiling!
BALI WITH KIDS
Essential Travel Tips for Families
1. When is the best time to visit Bali?
Bali weather tends to see sunshine throughout the year (hooray!), but humidity and rainfall varies throughout the high and low seasons. October to March is considered rainy season as it sees the highest rainfall and humidity, while April to September is referred to as ‘dry season’ with slightly cooler temperates and very few rain showers. Check out our weather guide to figure out what is the best time of year to visit Bali for you. High season (June to August) coincides with the school holidays and is known to be the optimal weather period for visitors (with lots of sunshine, minimal rainfall, and lower humidity), although the prices will increase, so be wary!
2. What are the best places to stay in Bali with kids?
Bali’s traffic can be a bit of a beast, so planning your stay is essential. Look for accommodation close to the attractions you want to visit. You might even want to split your stay between a couple of locations to minimise time spent stuck in traffic. Our family loves Bingin, Sanur and Nusa Lembongan. These areas have white sandy beaches, water sports, bike rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants. Canggu is also extremely popular, with so many kid-friendly activities, attractions, restaurants and an entire community of travelling families.
3. What to pack for a family trip to Bali?
When packing for your family trip to Bali, be sure to bring any regular medications for minor ailments — trust me, 2am emergencies are no fun! You can easily find baby formulas, teething biscuits, and diapers in Bali, so don’t overpack on those. A familiar toy and book can keep the kids entertained on the flight, and if you’re facing a long journey, an iPad loaded with kids’ apps and movies can be a lifesaver! Also, don’t forget essentials like Panadol, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and after-sun care — Bali’s tropical climate can be quite intense.
4. What to book ahead: From kid-friendly accommodation to attractions
With so many accommodation options — villas, bungalows hotels, and hostels — be sure to book well in advance to secure a family-friendly place to stay that offers kids’ menus, kids’ clubs, and maybe even a waterslide! If you choose a villa with a pool, and safety is a concern, Bali Pool Fence Hire can install a stylish bamboo fence with a kid-proof latch, so you can truly unwind. As for booking tickets to Bali’s best attractions? Most attractions can be booked once you arrive, but you’ll want to book the most popular ones in advance, like Waterbom, which is Asia’s No. 1 water park!
5. Download these essential Bali apps
Before you arrive in Bali, download WhatsApp, Grab, and GoJek — these apps are incredibly handy for taxis, food deliveries, and communicating with villa staff. They are also invaluable in the case of an emergency, as you’ll have access to on-call medical support if you ever need it. And it goes without saying: don’t forget to double-check your travel insurance!
6. Rent those family essentials
I love traveling light – and the best way to do this is to rent what you need when you get there. So rather than bringing your portacot and a booster seat, just hire when you get to Bali. Hit up Bali Baby Hire and book before arrival so everything is ready the minute you walk into your villa or hotel (think strollers, pool toys and high chairs!). They also have English-speaking drivers with cars equipped with baby seats… Too easy!
7. Hire a local Bali nanny
If you’re staying in a villa with younger kids, you will definitely want to hire a nanny in Bali. Not only does hiring a nanny give you some much-deserved downtime, but the kids will love the fun activities they often bring — think rubber band making, water balloon fights, and bubbles galore! We adore Tammy the Nanny — she’s a family favourite!
8. Family-friendly transport: How to get around Bali with kids
While scooters are popular for getting around Bali, I recommend using Grab or GoJek if you’re travelling with kids, or hire a car with a driver. It may take a little longer on those small winding roads, but your family’s safety is worth it. Plus, you definitely won’t fit all your beach gear on a scooter! Your accommodation can usually help arrange transport with seatbelts and baby seats if needed. And if you find yourself caught in a ceremonial procession, sit back and enjoy the show — turn it into a game of eye-spy!
9. Food delivery & kid-friendly restaurants in Bali
If your kids are anything like mine, they are always hungry. Luckily, Bali is a foodie haven, and the prices are very reasonable. I recommend using GoJek for quick snack deliveries (bananas, apples, coffee for the adults!), or even for a lazy lunch at home by the pool. There are also plenty of family-friendly restaurants around. The portions can be massive, so don’t hesitate to order from the kids’ menu, even for your teens and yourself!
10. About the water: How to avoid “Bali Belly”
To prevent “Bali Belly,” avoid brushing your teeth with water from the tap and keep a close eye on the kids around pools and baths. Remember to wash all fruits in bottled water. The good news? The ice at restaurants and bars is now made from filtered water, so feel free to enjoy your cold drinks!
If you or the kiddos do catch “Bali Belly” (which usually presents as diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and sometimes a fever), stay hydrated, rest, and take some local charcoal tablets like Norit to help absorb toxins. They’re inexpensive and can speed up recovery!
11. Family accommodation with awesome kids’ clubs
Many family-friendly hotels in Bali offer kids’ clubs, providing hours of entertainment for your little ones. With indoor and outdoor play, arts and crafts, movie time, water sports and library access, they’ll be happily occupied while you take a well-deserved break. Plus, there are independent childcare centers across the island, so consider taking a day for yourself and let someone else be in charge for a few hours!
12. Fun things to do in Bali with kids
The list of family activities in Bali is endless! From beach days and snorkelling to surfing, safari trips, and cooking classes, there’s no shortage of awesome things to do with the kids in Bali. If you are staying in Canggu, check out FINNS Recreation Club as this is a great way to spend a day with the kids. It has restaurants, sports facilities, a swimming pool, bowling, and even an indoor trampolining centre called Bounce — adults might have just as much fun as the kids!
Want more tips for you family vacation in Bali? Check out our kids guides and score even more cool parent points!