Things You Must Do On A Family Trip To Bali

We are heading back to Bali (and Lombok) as a family for a month this summer and we already have our checklist of activities to do… and we’ll likely be throwing some new ones in to the mix too so this guide will probably be updated after that.

Showing my family a Balinese temple for the first time was pretty amazing. Eyes wide, pointing at every intricate carving while asking a million questions. That’s the thing about Bali. This Indonesian island is absolutely brilliant for families – no matter what anyone says.

It’s got this magical blend of beaches where the kids can splash about and learn to surf, cultural stuff that won’t bore them to tears, and enough adventure to keep teens from rolling their eyes and off their phones (apart from taking photos of absolutely everything, maybe…).

Add in affordable prices (especially compared to places like Singapore or Australia), and locals who’ll go out of their way to make you all feel special, and you’ve got yourself the perfect family getaway.

This article is a bucket list of activities that’ll ensure you find all the best things to do as a family in Bali.

Splash into Fun at Waterbom Bali

Let me be straight with you – Waterbom Bali in Kuta is hands-down one of the best days out you’ll have with kids on the island. When I first took my two there, I wasn’t prepared for how good it would be. This isn’t your average tired water park with a few slides and iffy changing rooms. It’s Asia’s premier water park, and it really does deserve that title.

The park’s got this perfect mix of adrenaline-pumping slides for the teens and adults (the Pipeline had my husband screaming like a banshee), and gentler options for the little ones. The “Funtastic” area for kids is brilliant – little ones can spend hours going up and down the mini slides while older kids can brave the bigger rides.

What was a huge relief was how clean everything was. The toilets didn’t have that gross smell you get at most water parks, and there was always staff around making sure everything was tidy. The lazy river was a lovely treat when we needed a break – floating around in the shade with ice cream in hand. Heaven.

Do yourself a favour and book tickets online before you go. You’ll save about 15% and skip the queue. And get there early! We arrived at 9am when it opened and had the place to ourselves for the first hour. By noon it was heaving. Oh, and pack loads of sunscreen – the Bali sun is brutal and you’ll be out in it all day.

We ended up staying from open till close, and the kids were still begging to come back the next day. Perfect for a full day of laughs and splashes!

Get Wild at Bali Safari and Marine Park

I’m not usually one for zoos, but Bali Safari in Gianyar really was decent. It’s more like a proper safari experience where the animals have space to roam.

The safari tram ride was the best bit for us. You climb aboard these covered buses and drive through areas where zebras, rhinos and lions are wandering about. My youngest nearly lost her mind when a giraffe stuck its head right next to our window for a snack from the guide. The look on her face was priceless – equal parts terror and delight.

We splurged on the elephant encounter, and I must say, it was worth every penny. The kids got to feed these gentle giants bananas and pat their trunks.

The “Breakfast with Orangutans” experience was another standout. You don’t actually eat with them, but they’re in a glassed area nearby while you have your meal. The way they interact with each other is fascinating, and for once you can enjoy a family meal fullu engaging with each other.

It’s a bit pricey compared to other Bali activities, but I’d recommend grabbing a combo ticket with the Bali Bird Park if you’re making the trip out to Gianyar. And bring hats – there’s some shade, but you’ll be outside for most of the day. Half a day here is plenty, especially with younger kids who might get tired from all the walking.

Wander the Ubud Monkey Forest

The Monkey Forest in Ubud is one of those places that sounds terrifying with kids but ends up being a highlight. It’s this gorgeous sanctuary with ancient temples scattered through the jungle and about 700 cheeky monkeys swinging around.

I was a bit nervous taking the kids here after hearing horror stories of monkeys stealing phones and sunglasses. But honestly, if you’re sensible, it’s fine. We secured everything in our backpacks, didn’t bring any food, and taught the kids not to make eye contact with the monkeys or try to touch them.

The forest itself is stunning – cool and shaded with massive trees draped in vines and moss. It feels like you’ve stumbled into an Indiana Jones film. My kids were fascinated by the moss-covered temples and stone carvings, and we were all keen to spot the cute little baby monkeys.

We did see one tourist get her water bottle pinched by a particularly bold monkey, which the kids found hilarious. But overall, the monkeys were more interested in playing with each other than bothering humans.

Definitely go early in the morning if you can. We arrived around 8:30am and had a peaceful wander. By the time we left at 10:30am, coach loads of tourists were pouring in and it was getting crowded. It’s best for kids who can walk comfortably on their own (the paths can be uneven) and who are old enough to follow instructions about not approaching the monkeys.

Dive into Balinese Culture at Temples and Dance Performances

You can’t go to Bali without visiting at least one temple. They’re the heart and soul of the island. But I know what you’re thinking – ‘How do I make temples interesting for kids who’d rather be at a water park?’.

Tanah Lot was a winner for us. It’s this incredible temple perched on a rock in the ocean, and the setting is so dramatic that even my teenager grudgingly admitted it was “pretty cool.” We timed our visit for sunset, which made for some gorgeous photos.

Tirta Empul was another hit. It’s a water temple where Balinese people go for purification rituals. The kids were fascinated by the long pools where locals pray and bathe in the sacred spring water. Water always somehow manages to keep children engaged.

What we loved the most though was catching a Kecak dance performance at Uluwatu Temple. It’s performed at sunset on a cliff overlooking the ocean, and involves about 70 bare-chested men sitting in concentric circles, swaying and chanting “chak-chak-chak” while acting out a story from the Ramayana epic. We were all absolutely transfixed. The fire dancing at the end had the kids’ jaws on the floor.

Remember to dress respectfully when visiting temples. Shoulders and knees should be covered, though most popular temples provide sarongs for visitors. And if you’re going to Uluwatu, hold onto your hats and sunglasses – those notorious monkey thieves are about!

Explore Nature at Bali Farm House Bedugul and Rice Terraces

We needed a break from the heat of southern Bali, so we headed up to Bedugul in the central highlands. The climate is noticeably cooler there – you might even need a light jumper in the morning.

The Bali Farm House was a surprise hit with the kids. It’s this rather cute place where they can pet and feed all sorts of animals – rabbits, ponies, alpacas, and deer. The alpacas were definitely the stars of the show – their goofy faces had us all in stitches.

After the farm, we visited the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Now, I wasn’t sure how the kids would respond to what’s essentially an agricultural landscape, but the terraces are so spectacular that even they were impressed. Layer upon layer of emerald green rice paddies cascading down the hillside as far as the eye can see.

We booked a guided walk through the terraces, which turned out to be a great decision. Our guide showed the kids how rice is grown and harvested, and they even got to try planting some rice shoots. It was hands-on education at its best, and much more peaceful than the more famous Tegalalang terraces near Ubud.

If you’re heading to Bedugul, combine it with a visit to the Botanical Gardens. And dress in layers – the weather can change quickly up in the highlands.

Make a Splash with Water Activities

Bali’s surrounded by the Indian Ocean, but not all beaches are created equal when it comes to family-friendliness.

Sanur was our beach of choice with the kids. The water is calm thanks to the reef, there’s a nice boardwalk for scooting or strolling, and plenty of warungs (local restaurants) serving cheap eats right on the sand. We spent whole days here just building sandcastles, paddling in the shallows, and cooling off with fresh coconuts.

When the kids were desperate for some proper snorkelling, we took a day trip to Amed on the east coast. The black sand beaches look a bit strange at first, but the snorkelling is incredible and so accessible – literally right off the beach. We spotted clownfish, parrotfish, and even a small reef shark. Even floating with some goggles in the shallows does the trick.

For families with older kids (I’d say 8+), the snorkelling at Menjangan Island is unbelievable. It’s a bit of a trek to get there (about 3-4 hours from southern Bali), but the pristine coral reefs and crystal-clear water make it worth it. We saw turtles, rays, and more fish than I can name.

And for the teens then any of the beaches in Uluwatu, Legian, Kuta, Seminyak or Canggu are perfect for surf and the beach clubs of course.

Always book tours with operators who provide proper life jackets for kids and don’t overcrowd their boats. And if you’re visiting Nusa Penida, stick to Crystal Bay for swimming with kids – the other beaches have dangerous currents.

Practical Tips for a Family-Friendly Bali Trip

After two weeks in Bali with kids, I’ve learned a few things that might save you some headaches. Maybe I’ll update this after our month long trip this year but for now, here’s what I found…

Firstly, where you stay makes a massive difference. Sanur and Ubud are your best bets for family-friendly vibes. We split our time between Prime Plaza Suites in Sanur (amazing kids’ club) and Padma Resort in Ubud (gorgeous infinity pool overlooking the jungle). Check out my guide on where to stay in Ubud for more inspiration.

Don’t even think about renting scooters with kids. Yes, I know the locals do it with three kids and a chicken balanced on their Honda, but it’s not worth the risk. Hire a driver instead – it’s about £40-50 for a full day, and they’ll take you wherever you want to go, wait while you explore, and often serve as an impromptu guide.

Weather-wise, May to September is your sweet spot – dry season means less rain to dampen your plans. And don’t worry about food for fussy eaters. Even the pickiest kids can find something at local warungs. A plate of nasi goreng (fried rice) or mie goreng (fried noodles) will set you back about £2-3 – check out my Seminyak restaurant guide for one of my fave warungs.

Finally, respect local customs, supervise kids near water at all times, and pack plenty of mosquito repellent. Your family will be welcomed with open arms.

Whether you’re splashing at Waterbom, feeding elephants, exploring ancient temples, or simply building sandcastles on Sanur beach, Bali offers the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation for families.