Things to do with family in Bali
If you’ve been to Bali with children, you’ll know it’s one of the most kid-friendly places for a vacay in Southeast Asia. The animal sanctuaries; the fun watersports; the unique attractions.
If you haven’t travelled to the Islands Of God with your young one before, this list of 15 best things to do with family in Bali might convince you to give it a go.
1. Have breakfast in a lions den at Bali Safari & Marine Park
Bali is home to plenty of restaurants, but few griddles are blessed with a close-up view of lions as Bali Safari & Marine Park is.
Image credit: @yungsangyoon
At Tsavo Lion Restaurant, you’ll find a mouth-watering breakfast buffet. There’s a mix of classic Western and Indonesian dishes. But the star of the show is probably the venue itself. There are floor-to-ceiling windows that look out at African lions sunbathing. The vibe is designed to emulate that of a traditional Kenyan tribesman’s home.
Image credit: @sabrina_cho
You can also make it a whole day affair by booking the Breakfast With Lions package that includes a safari tour. Catch a lion feeding show, elephant performance, and even an elephant ride.
Book tickets to Bali Safari & Marine Park
Entry: From $52.85/person
Address: Jalan Profesor Ida Bagus Mantra 19,8, Serongga, Kecamatan, Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80551, Indonesia
Opening hours: 9am-5.30pm & 6pm-9pm, Daily
Contact: +62 361 950000 | Bali Safari & Marine Park website
2. Feed monkeys at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Whether you’re fascinated or terrified of monkeys, you’ll have to admit the Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud is pretty special.
Image credit: @tatianaboydd
Home to over 600 Balinese long tail monkeys, the sanctuary also has 3 historic Hindu temples, a 100-year-old banyan tree, and giant dragon statues. Come take a monkey selfie like those you’ve seen on your IG feed. Or, buy bananas inside the park to feed the monkeys.
Image credit: @h2.10.22
As cute as the monkeys may appear to be, they might steal your food. So it’s best that you leave your snack supply at home. And, remind your children to stay away from the older monkeys which tend to be big and aggressive.
Book tickets to Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Entry: From $7.05/person
Address: Jalan Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Opening hours: 9am-5pm, Daily
Contact: +62 361 971304 | Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary website
3. Pose with parrots at Bali Bird Park
Places like Bali Bird Park are among the most popular attractions for families, and you should definitely take the kids there.
Image credit: @edward_sugih
The park is home to Komodo dragons, roughly 1,000 birds from around the world, and 2,000 types of plants. Go early, say 9am, to avoid the crowd that’ll be waiting to feed the pelicans, pose with the parrots, and catch a 4D movie at the theatre.
Image credit: @ertikayantti
Bali Bird Park is a 40-minute drive from Kuta, just north of Ubud. If you follow our advice and show up bright and early, you can reward yourself with some Nasi Goreng for lunch at the restaurant onsite. Apparently, it’s good.
Book tickets to Bali Bird Park
Entry: From $30.15
Address: Jalan Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir Singapadu, Batubulan, Kecamatan Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
Opening hours: 9am-5.30pm, Daily
Contact: +62 361 299352 | Bali Bird Park website
4. Sign up for a kids’ surfing lesson
If kiddos want to pick up surf skills, watching Blue Crush won’t cut it. You’ll need to take them to a surf lesson at UP2U Surf School Bali.
Image credit: @up2usurfschoolbali
With hundreds of rave reviews on Google, we’d like to believe this is the place to be for your mini surfers to learn the ropes of the sport. Each session includes a 30-minute at-home theory study and 2 hours of practice on the open sea, and can be either semi-private or private.
Image credit: @up2usurfschoolbali
During the lesson, children will be able to pick up safety procedures and basic techniques like paddling and laying, as well as build balance and core strength. Kids’ lessons are offered year-round and 7 days a week.
Price: From IDR145,000/lesson (~S$12.76)
Address: Jalan Pantai Kuta No.2, Legian, Kecamatan Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80032, Indonesia
Opening hours: 8am-6pm, Daily
Contact: +62 821-4414-7382 | UP2U Surf School Bali
5. Ride the giant water slides at Waterbom Bali
Waterbom Bali is a summer staple for both kids and adults, thanks to a good mix of lazy rivers and death-defying rides.
Image credit: @waterbombali
Located at the bustling Kuta Beach, the waterpark features 15 attractions, some of which look pretty extreme. The Climax, for example, will send riders flying in a loop and propel them into the air before they land in the water. Because of that, it’s not recommended for children under 120cm.
Image credit: @tarykireinapratama
If you’re travelling with toddlers below 6 years old, go for the water slides and swings at the Funtastic zone or grab a floatie and drift along the Lazy River. Towels, lockers, and private gazebos are available.
Entry: From $39.29/person
Address: Jalan Kartika Plaza, Tuban, Kecamatan Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily
Contact: +62 361 755676 | Waterbom Bali website
6. Catch a pop-up movie night at Tamora Gallery
Situated minutes from Berawa beach in Canggu, Tamora Gallery is every kid’s definition of heaven.
Image credit: @tamoragallery
This kid-centric mall receives hundreds of mini visitors per week. It contains over 20 stores and restaurants and hosts daily free activities for kids. Swing by for a free movie night every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and a DIY workshop every Thursday. As for the weekend, expect a lineup of exciting events like face painting and arts and crafts.
Address: Jalan Pantai Berawa No.99, Tibubeneng, Kecamatan Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Opening hours: 8am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +62 361 9091957 | Tamora Gallery website
7. Take an art class at Berawa Art House
Image credit: @berawaarthouse
You can’t visit Tamora Gallery without dropping in for an art class at Berawa Art House.
Image credit: @berawaarthouse
Here, everyone including adults and children aged 4 and above are invited to show off their artistic talent. You’ll be provided with materials like an easel, watercolours, oil pastels, and acrylic paint, and have up to 2 hours to complete your art piece. Kids’ sessions are held daily and adults’ ones take place on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Price: From IDR210,000/session (~S$18.48)
Address: Jalan Pantai Berawa No.99, Tibubeneng, Kecamatan Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Opening hours: 8am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +62 361 9091957 | Berawa Art House website
8. Ride a pony at Bali Equestrian Centre
The Bali Equestrian Centre in Canggu has everything you need to make the kids’ My Little Pony dream come true.
Image credit: @baliequestriancentre
A 1-hour 30-minute horse riding lesson takes place every weekend and will take kiddos through basic grooming, leading, and riding skills. But if you’re tight on time, opt for a casual 15-minute pony ride that happens daily. Both are suitable for children aged 3 and above.
Image credit: @baliequestriancentre
For kids who’d like to spend more time with the horses, enrol them in either a half or full day pony camp. They’ll have a blast riding and swimming with other pony aficionados while you enjoy some kid-free time.
Entry: From IDR200,000/ride (~S$17.60)
Address: Jalan Karang Suwung, Brawa, Canggu, Kecamatan Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Opening hours: 8.30am-6pm, Daily
Contact: +62 361 8446541 | Bali Equestrian Centre website
9. Join a family-friendly foam party at Roosterfish Beach Club
Roosterfish Beach Club ranks highly by the discerning travellers on Google, which says a lot for an island that’s made up of pretty much beach clubs.
Image credit: @roosterfishbeachclub
At this laidback locale, DJs spin some of the most soulful tracks 7 days a week. If you’re travelling with children, swing by on Sunday for its family-friendly foam party that happens to be free. There’ll be games, photo ops with the rare reptiles from Komunitas Bali, and a buffet spread (IDR 150,000++/child) if the kids work up an appetite.
There’s even a kids’ playground at the beach club.
Image credit: @roosterfishbeachclub
Better yet, book your stay at the Renaissance Uluwatu Resort & Spa so you can make the most out of its free shuttle bus to and from the beach club.
Address: Jalan Pantai Pandawa, Kutuh, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +62 811-3940-3588 | Roosterfish Beach Club website
10. Play a round of mini golf at Shooters Bali
Bringing carnival grub, games, and vibes, Shooters Bali is one of fam-fave spots in the heart of Seminyak.
Image credit: @shooters.bali
Games like mini golf start at IDR 30,000/person, but other options like giant Jenga, Nintendo games, and billiards are free of charge. When your hunger hits, find tasty finger food like tacos (IDR30,000), hot dogs (IDR65,000), and burgers (from IDR80,000) from a long menu of food and drinks.
Image credit: @shooters.bali
The red, blue, and white decor is also pretty great for the ‘Gram, if you ask us.
Entry: Free
Address: Jalan Petitenget No.43D, Kerobokan Kelod, Kecamatan Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Opening hours: 11am-12am, Daily
Contact: +62 813-3774-7863 | Shooters Bali website
11. Bathe with elephants at Mason Elephant Park
Your child has always wanted to pet an elephant, and at Mason Elephant Park, they can safely do that.
Image credit: @elephantsbali
Nestled in the jungly Ubud, the park doubles up as an elephant rescue programme and is home to 31 friendly Sumatran elephants. Arrive at any time of the day and you’ll get to see these mammals at arms length. Feel free to splash, scrub, cuddle, and even feed them fruits. Just make sure you’re as gentle as possible.
Image credit: @elephantsbali
If you’re so inspired, you can even spend a night at one of the cosy suites that overlooks the elephant park. Don’t forget to visit the newborn elephants, museum, and treetop walkway viewing tower while you’re there.
Entry: From $27.86/person
Address: Jalan Elephant Safari Park Banjar Desa Taro Tegalalang, Taro, Kecamatan Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
Opening hours: 10am-5pm, Daily
Contact: +62 361 721480 | Mason Elephant Park website
12. Go bowling at Strike Bowling
Strike Bowling is perhaps the only place in Bali where both children and adults can throw a 10 frame.
Image credit: @strikebowlingbali
Located at Finns Recreation Club, the bowling alley welcomes both adults and children as young as 3 years old to show off their bowling skills. There are multiple big screens to catch sports games, as well as a cafe delivering Asian, Mexican, and Western dishes like Fish & Chips (IDR125,000), Hawaiian Pizza (IDR155,000), and Rice Paper Roll (IDR85,000).
Entry: IDR95,000/person (~S$ 8.36
Address: Jalan Pantai Berawa, Canggu, Tibubeneng, Kecamatan Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 11am-9pm | Fri-Sat 11am-10pm
Contact: +62 361 8483939 | Strike Bowling Bali website
13. Walk under the sea with Sea Walker
Bali is an epic diving destination. But if you can’t swim or don’t want to get your hair wet, opt for an underwater walking tour instead.
Image credit: @bncabigail
Head to either Sanur or Nusa Penida where the water is the clearest, both in the shallows and at depths, and join a Sea Walker tour. The best part is, children 10 years old and above are welcome.
Image credit: @seawalkerbali
As soon as you submerge into the water, you’ll be surrounded by shoals of schooling fish, turtles, and coral reefs. Oh and no clunky gear is required. Just throw on a bathing suit and strap on a helmet, and you’re good to go.
Entry: From IDR500,000/person (~S$43.99)
Address: Jalan Cekomaria Gang Taman IV No.1, Denpasar, Bali 80115, Indonesia
Opening hours: 24 hours
Contact: +62 85100966391 | Bali Sea Walker Tour website
14. Bounce on inflatables at Aqualand
If the kid’s idea of a good time is bouncing around Hydrodash, then a trip to Aqualand in Bali will have them beaming.
Image credit: @baliwakepark
Located in Benoa Harbour inside Bali Wake Park, this floating playground consists of slides, swings, bridges, towers, and obstacle courses. Once you and your children have exhausted yourselves on the inflatables, head back to shore to take it easy at either the Cable Cafe or Pool Bar. Just make sure the kiddos are 6 years old and above to slip and slide.
Entry: From IDR500,000/person (~S$43.99)
Address: Jalan Raya Pelabuhan Benoa No.7X, Pedungan, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80222, Indonesia
Opening hours: 10am-6pm, Daily
Contact: +62 361 8468866 | Bali Wake Park website
15. Swerve the tracks at Karting Star Bali Club
Tucked away in Jimbaran, Karting Star Bali Club is a scenic structure of twists, turns, bends, and bridges.
Image credit: @karting_star
Over here, the tracks are smooth, paved, and measured at roughly 400m long. That alone might already be enough to pique the interest of any Mario Kart fanatic. But the cherry on top must be the powerful 270cc karts that can corner like an F1 car. That said, children who are at least 120m tall can take it to the racing course in a kid kart.
Entry: From IDR200,000/10 minutes (~S$17.60)
Address: Jalan Karang Mas, Jimbaran, Kecamatan Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Opening hours: 10am-6pm, Daily
Contact: +62 812-3899-3412 | Karting Star Bali Facebook
Bookmark these things to do with family in Bali
Before kids, a trip to Bali usually consists of cute cafes and beach clubs. With a mini-me in tow, however, you might want to add a few of these things to do with family in Bali on your itinerary. And if you stay at one of these family-friendly hotels in Bali that just happens to have a nanny service, you can even treat yourself to a drink at a cool beach bar after the children have gone to bed.
For more things to do in Bali:
Cover image adapted from @yungsangyoon, @waterbombali, @roosterfishbeachclub, @baliequestriancentre