Animal encounters
Children will love meeting Bali’s animal inhabitants, and the island has numerous family-friendly wildlife parks to explore. As well as providing hands-on interaction with the animals, the parks also do a great job at wildlife conservation and education.
Hidden in the forest near Ubud, this ecological reserve combines Hindu spirituality with a home for macaques. These monkeys are confident, so don’t be surprised if they hop onto your shoulder to hitch a lift. The forest also shelters ornate temples, adorned with sculptures and engravings.
Jalan Wenara Wana, Ubud 80571.
Bali Bird Park
While the Sacred Monkey Forest feels lost in the past, Bali Bird Park is right up to date. There’s even a 4D cinema to whisk you away on avian adventures. Kids will also have the chance to feed some of the flamboyant birds in the park, including pelicans and rainbow lories.
Jalan Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir, Gianyar 80514.
Activity parks
In the south of the island, Kuta is the tourism hotspot of Bali, and it’s packed with everything you need for a fun-filled family vacation. From indoor play centres to water parks, there’s enough variety to keep kids of all ages entertained and happy. Waterbom Park
Bali’s wettest and wildest adventure park, Waterbom Park makes a thrilling day out for the clan. Older children will love the mega waterslides, while there’s a dedicated activity pool for toddlers. Around the pools, loungers are set up for parents to relax on, and there’s onsite restaurant for the appetite you’re bound to build up.
Jalan Kartika, Kuta 80361.
Beach adventures
So much in Bali revolves around its spectacular beaches, from quiet coves where fishermen launch their boats, to energetic and popular Kuta Beach. With the waters so deliciously warm and tropical, and the sand so perfectly soft, Bali is paradise found.
The Bali of many people’s dreams, Kuta Beach owes much of its success to the legendary surfing conditions here. It attracts families and backpackers in equal measure, thanks to the restaurants and bars that have set up shop along the forest-fringed beachfront. Be sure to catch the legendary sunsets.
Jalan Patai Kuta, Kuta 80361
Family dining
Kuta has a whole host of family friendly eateries, with a diverse choice of cuisines. Burgers and pizzas make for quick beach bites, while there’s classic Italian, Mexican and Asian fare for evening meals. Head inland, and you’ll find more traditional Indonesian cuisine in small, local restaurants.
For dinner with a bang, Papa’s Limoncello will take some beating. Its huge, domed, volcano-shaped pizzas are legendary along Kuta Beach, and what child won’t love seeing their dinner set on fire first? It’s a popular spot with families, and it caters well for little ones.
Jalan Pantai Kuta, Kuta 80361.
Putu’s Wild Ginger
If you want to introduce the kids to authentic Indonesian cuisine, Putu’s Wild Ginger restaurant in Ubud is the place to go. Putu is the passionate home cook who runs this place, and there are mild dishes like chicken and noodles to suit spice-wary children. The Balinese pancakes are a treat for dessert.
Jalan Jero Gadung, Ubud 80571.
