Bali Area Guides

50 Best Things to Do in Bali with Kids

One of the biggest surprises for families moving to Bali is how much there actually is to do beyond the beach. Between animal parks, waterfalls, jungle swings, cooking classes and indoor playgrounds, the hardest part of a long stay isn't finding activities, it's not running out of weekends before you've tried them all. As a villa management company working with long-stay families across the island, this is the list SO Living Bali wishes someone had handed us when we started, so we've put it together for you.

We've organised it by category so you can match activities to your kids' ages, the weather, and how much driving you feel like doing that day. Every entry below is a real, bookable activity or attraction on the island, not filler.

Animals & wildlife (1–10)

  1. Bali Zoo (Sukawati): the "Breakfast with Orangutans" program is a genuine highlight for animal-loving kids.
  2. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Ubud): macaques and a jungle temple in the middle of town; keep snacks zipped away.
  3. Bali Safari & Marine Park (Gianyar): over 1,000 animals, with a night safari option for older kids.
  4. Mason Elephant Park (Tegallalang, Ubud): rescued Sumatran elephants, with feeding and bathing experiences.
  5. Bali Bird Park (Gianyar): 250+ species, shaded walking paths, good for hot afternoons.
  6. Bali Butterfly Park (Tabanan): a smaller, quieter stop that pairs well with a Tabanan day trip.
  7. Bali Equestrian Centre (Canggu): pony rides for little ones, lessons for older kids.
  8. Lovina Dolphin Watching (North Bali): an early sunrise boat trip, best for kids 6+.
  9. Menjangan Island (West Bali National Park): snorkelling plus deer and monkey spotting, for a full-day adventure.
  10. Bali Sea Turtle Society releases: seasonal (April to October) baby turtle releases, a genuinely moving experience for kids of any age.

Water parks & the beach (11–17)

  1. Waterbom Bali (Kuta): regularly ranked among Asia's best waterparks, with slides for every age group plus a lazy river for toddlers.
  2. Snorkelling at Nusa Lembongan: calm, clear water and easy boat access, good for first-time snorkellers.
  3. Snorkelling at Amed: black-sand beaches and a gentle shipwreck dive/snorkel site.
  4. Snorkelling at Tulamben: the famous USAT Liberty wreck, shallow enough for confident young swimmers with a guide.
  5. Flamingo Beach Club (Saba Beach, Gianyar): beach club with a kids' pool and occasional foam parties.
  6. Manarai Beach House (Nusa Dua): beach club with a dedicated kids' program and water sports.
  7. Sanur beachfront path: not an "activity" as such, but 7km of flat, paved path perfect for family bike rides.

(For a full breakdown of which beaches are actually safe for young swimmers, see our guide to the best kid-friendly beaches in Bali.)

Rice fields, waterfalls & the outdoors (18–27)

  1. Tegallalang Rice Terraces (Ubud): the classic Bali view, plus jungle swings nearby.
  2. Campuhan Ridge Walk (Ubud): an easy, flat 2km paved trail, stroller-friendly and shaded early morning.
  3. Tegenungan Waterfall (near Ubud): swimming and a short, beginner-friendly walk down.
  4. GitGit Waterfall (North Bali): a slightly longer hike, better suited to kids 7+.
  5. Alas Harum (Tegallalang): jungle swings and photo swings with proper safety harnesses.
  6. Mount Batur sunrise trek (Kintamani): a genuine adventure for kids 8+ who are used to hiking; start at 2 to 3am.
  7. Tanah Lot Temple (Tabanan): a clifftop temple at sunset, magical for kids and manageable in under an hour.
  8. Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple (Uluwatu): cliff-edge temple with the Kecak Fire Dance at sunset; keep an eye on monkeys and belongings.
  9. Tirta Gangga Water Palace (East Bali): stepping stones across koi ponds; toddlers love this one.
  10. Ayung River white-water rafting (with Mason Adventures): family-friendly rapids, generally suitable from age 7.

Playgrounds & indoor adventure (28–35)

  1. Mai Main (Canggu): reportedly the largest playground in Bali, with farm animals and a mini train.
  2. Parklife Family Hub (Canggu): jungle gym, bouncy castle and an outdoor cinema for movie nights.
  3. AeroXSpace Adventure (Sanur): obstacle courses, wall climbing and ziplining under one roof.
  4. Clip 'n Climb (Sanur): 25 indoor climbing walls, good for a rainy-season afternoon.
  5. Bali Ice Skating Arena (Mall Bali Galeria, Kuta): a novelty most kids don't expect to find in the tropics.
  6. Timezone arcades (various malls): reliable rainy-day backup, with prize counters kids love.
  7. Shooters (Petitenget): mini-golf, lawn bowling and arcade games in one venue.
  8. The Garden Early Learning Centre (Canggu & Sanur): sensory play, music and art sessions for toddlers and preschoolers.

Sports & active kids (36–42)

  1. Rip Curl School of Surf (Sanur & Kuta): beginner surf lessons on gentle breaks, from around age 6.
  2. Bali MMA (Canggu): kids' Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai classes for energetic children.
  3. Bali Padel Academy (Canggu): padel tennis coaching, a fast-growing family sport on the island.
  4. Karting Star Bali Club (Jimbaran): go-kart racing for older kids and teens.
  5. Bali International Archery (Ubud): archery and horseback-archery classes.
  6. Bali Jungle ATV (Tegallalang): jungle trail riding, best for kids old enough to hold on confidently.
  7. Amplitude Skate Park (Kerobokan): skateboarding lessons and an open skate park.

Culture, cooking & creative classes (43–50)

  1. Balinese cooking classes (various locations, often including a market tour): hands-on and a great way to learn about local ingredients as a family.
  2. Krakakoa chocolate-making workshop (Kerobokan): bean-to-bar chocolate making for kids who love to get hands-on.
  3. Jenggala Paint-a-Pot (Jimbaran): pottery painting, good for a quieter afternoon activity.
  4. Berawa Art House (Canggu): kids' art classes in a relaxed studio setting.
  5. Ensiklomusika Music School (multiple locations): piano, guitar and violin lessons for kids settling in for a longer stay.
  6. Balinese dance classes (various studios): a lovely way for kids to connect with local culture.
  7. The Blanco Renaissance Museum (Ubud): an easy, air-conditioned culture stop for a hot afternoon.
  8. Republic of Soap Experience (Seminyak): bath bomb and soap-making, popular with younger kids.

Planning tip: don't try to do it all in one week

Families who move to Bali short-term often try to cram this list into a two-week holiday and burn out by day five. If you're relocating for a school year rather than a vacation, the real advantage is pace: you can spread these across months, tie them to term breaks, and let your kids actually settle into favourites rather than sprinting through a bucket list.

Planning a longer stay in Bali with your family? SO Living Bali manages family-friendly villas across Canggu, Umalas, Sanur and beyond, many within a short drive of the activities on this list, and matched to what actually works for a household with young kids, not just a couple on holiday. Reach out to our team to find a base that puts this whole list within easy reach.