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Bali with Kids: 7 Experiences to Keep the Whole Family Entertained
Written by Emily Jacobs
From monkey-filled forests to Willy Wonka-esque chocolate factories and splashy fun at a waterpark, Bali’s family attractions go well beyond beaches.
Keeping every generation entertained on a family escape can be a challenge, but in Bali, it’s a breeze. This island paradise is built for everyone and anyone, from little ones to grandma and grandpa, with experiences that entertain, educate, teach and tire out. We’ve done the hard yards for you, testing and trying out all that’s available from Sanur to Seminyak to find seven of the very best memory-makers to try on your next Bali escape.
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Stay and play at Kids SoHo Playground, Sanur
Forget your run-of-the-mill climbing frame – Kids SoHo Playground takes fun to a new level. Watch as little ones work their way through the pastel soft-play area, sliding into the ball pit, tiptoeing through a zig-zag bridge, reaching new heights on trampolines and ascending the indoor climbing wall before falling back into the safety of the soft ball pit. Let their imaginations run wild in play areas simulating a hospital, shop and kitchen before sending them down Bali’s first doughnut slide.
Try wakeboarding, wipeout challenge and more at Bali Wake Park
Dive straight into fun at Bali Wake Park, home to one of the island’s most exciting water experiences. The park’s Aqualand section is dedicated to an inflatable obstacle course that invites you to take on a wipeout challenge with family and friends – who will last the longest before falling in? The Cable Park section caters to anyone with an interest in watersports, from beginners to pros. Give wakeboarding, kneeboarding, waterskiing and skurfing (a mix of skiing and surfing) a go. Prefer to take a backseat? Recline on loungers overlooking the action or take a dip in the infinity pool with in-built bar for drinks and snacks.
Visit the Monkey Forest
For a day the whole family is unlikely to forget, plan a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud. Home to over 600 macaque monkeys that roam wild among three sacred temples, this conservation area is the perfect spot to witness these cheeky long-tailed creatures in their natural habitat. Just make sure you don’t bring in any food – that’s a surefire way to attract some unwanted attention. When you’re done for the day, retire to your family hotel in Bali for some much-needed ‘R&R’ before taking on another big day.
Take a family tour through UNESCO rice terraces
Bali isn’t just about beaches and Bintang – it has a long and varied history encompassing religion, agriculture and more. Dip your toes into local culture with a full-day family tour to UNESCO rice terraces and Batukaru temple, an ancient architectural beauty that remains a sacred site for the island’s Hindu population. Start with an early morning visit to Mount Batukaru, the island’s second-highest volcano, before venturing to a remote temple, UNESCO-listed rice terraces of Jatiluwih, and finally a special picnic spot. With transport, lunch, a guide and all entrance fees covered, all you and the family have to focus on is having fun.
Make your own chocolate bar at Junglegold Bali
The whole family will feel like they’re in a scene from Willy Wonka with a trip to Junglegold Bali, the world’s first 100% plant-based chocolate factory. Take a tour of the factory to learn more about how they make their creamy (non-dairy) and dark chocolates, before sampling their range of bars, spreads and drinks. Take it one step further by getting the family involved in fresh chocolate making, moulding your own bar to take home, as well as a reusable chocolate mould.
Take a family surf lesson in Uluwatu
Surf’s up! There’s no better place to give surfing a go as a family than Uluwatu, one of the world’s leading surfing destinations. Book a private group surf lesson to start on the sand, where you’ll learn how to best stand on your board. Then, it’s time to take to the water to give it a go. After catching as many waves as you can, it’s time to paddle to shore for a very well-deserved smoothie or juice. If you’re a beginner, or just more comfortable with smaller waves, September to November is the best time to visit.
Splash Water Park in Canggu
There’s no better family-friendly day out than Splash Water Park in Canggu. Whether you like getting soaked or soaking up the sunshine, there’s an activity for the whole family. Adrenaline junkies can zoom down Big Red, Super Bowl, Speed Racer or Giant Racer slides, while comfort cravers can float down Crazy Creek or sprawl on a deluxe daybed, enjoying free towel hire and space for up to six. With free entry for infants under three and seniors over 60, it’s the perfect day out for all members of the family.
Explore Central Bali in a VW convertible
Make new memories with the entire family on a full-day private tour of Central Bali in the comfort of a VW 181 convertible. Explore the lush landscapes dominated by majestic mountains, rice fields and crater lakes, all while travelling in style. Start out with a thrilling drive to Goa Gajah, home to a 25-metre-long series of 14th-century rock-cut carvings and Gunung Kawi, an 11th-century temple and funeral complex. Stretch out your legs over lunch at Kintamani, complete with views of Mount Batur – Bali’s most active volcano –before hopping back in your convertible to travel to the holy spring temple of Sebatu.
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