10 Things To Do In Bali With Kids

When you think Bali, you probably think of a romantic vacation with your spouse, not a family vacation, but Bali with kids is purely magical. Don’t believe me? Read on…

1. Agro-Tourism in Ubud is an amazing experience for kids and adults, alike. As you enter the Balinese jungle you can only amaze at nature. The plants, animals, bugs (eek), and the harmony they all exist in. Children enjoy feeding the animals and amaze at the tall trees while adults (like me) are mesmerized by the quantity of spices, enchanted by the views and delighted at the coffee and tea drinks they offer visitors. Kids will enjoy feeding the civet cats that “produce” the Kopi Luwak and everyone will love observing traditional coffee making processes. .

2. Monkeys here, monkeys there, monkeys everywhere! Monkey Forest is is a gorgeous lush forest whose main inhabitants are monkeys! The ticket costs 20,000 (2 USD) rupiahs and you are able to buy bananas to feed the monkeys just outside the sanctuary. As you walk thru the forest, monkeys approach you and quietly observe if you have anything that they might fancy. Cobblestone lanes lead you thru a maze-like paracours that finishes at a temple. Monkeys are able to roam around freely and so are kids..

3. One Temple, Two Temples, Three Temples: It doesn’t really matter which temple you decide to visit. They are all very similar and give you a clear glimpse of Hindu sanctuaries. You will usually have to pay a menial fee to get a sarong wrapped around your waist and you are able to buy flowers and other offerings right at the temple. The one temple that is definitely unique is the Uluwatu temple that lies by a cliff and is home to hundreds of monkeys. You are also able to watch a very unique fire show that will leave you and the kids mesmerized.

4. As you arrive to Kuta beach and approach the Beach Walk, you feel like you are in South Beach, Miami. This shopping center is not only very upscale and trendy, it’s gorgeous and has astounding architectural details everywhere you look. Although some of it is still under construction most of the stores and restaurants that are already there are working and thriving. From high-end dinning to a very authentic and varied food-court you will find just what you need and kids will absolutely love the floor that’s devoted to them. With fun playgrounds like Miniapolis, an arcade game area and even a Beach Walk will cater to everyone’s tastes.

5. Ahoy mateys! Do you want to have dinner on a tree house or a pirate ship or spend a day pretending to be a pirate? Pirates Bay in Nusa Dua serves dinner and also has Pirate Camp packages where kids can engage in different activities such as a treasure hunt, kite building, and zip lining. This place is perfect for families who want to have fun together or for kids who want to feel independent and be pirates for a day while the parent’s relax and take a break...

6. With a Safari, Aquarium, Dolphin Show, roller coasters and a Cultural Show the Bali Safari & Marine Park has everything you could possibly want to see within the same place. You can ride on Elephants, take pictures with all sorts of animals and enjoy visiting over 300 species of animals.

7. Adrenaline junkies and their sun-craving mamas will enjoy the Waterbom WaterPark. Dozens of slides and pools will keep the whole family entertained for hours. A water play area for the little ones and speedy slides for the not so little ones will hit the spot with everyone in the family. For the parents, not only do they have a fish spa, but they have a whole area devoted to reflexology and foot massages. The kids will enjoy splashing around while parents can enjoy a few minutes of bliss.

8. Tarzans and Janes of all ages will have a blast at Bali Tree Top, a zip-lining park. They have circuits for kids as little as four years old and a special adrenaline circuit for those who are more daring. Although it is in the outskirts of Bali this is a place to be visited if your kids are adrenaline-junkies.

9. If you ask your driver for a place to go out to dinner, they will immediately take you to Jimberan. This place is a very popular tourist venue where the food isn’t the only attraction. The view and the atmosphere will delight you as you sit on the beach and enjoy looking at the sunset while sipping Mai Tais and eating amazing grilled fish. Don’t worry if your little ones get cranky since the staff at most restaurants loves to play and run around with kids.

10. You are in Bali. You are at least entitled to one Balinese Dance show despite your husband’s reluctance and kids’ restlessness. They usually don’t take longer than an hour and they provide such an authentic scenario of Balinese culture. There are many different places to see them so just ask the concierge at your hotel for the one closest to you. Gamelan music and colorful costumes can keep the kids entertained for a while. The show at Uluwatu temple takes place at sunset and is performed around a fire.

Ever been to Bali with kids? Share your experiences in the comments!