Things To Do in Bali With a Family
This guide offers a comprehensive list of activities and experiences for your family trip to Bali.
We have grouped them by theme — nature, culture, animals, adventure, and downtime. Each one includes a suggested age range and useful details: what the place involves, what to expect on the ground, and who it is best for.
This guide offers clarity over clutter, avoiding vague “must-sees” and generic lists in favour of straightforward, reliable descriptions. Plan your journey with assurance, without researching through overwhelming or inconsistent online suggestions.
Nature Adventures
Walk Through the Tegalalang Rice Terraces
The Setting: The landscape is steep and green. You will see palms and narrow walking paths. Some paths have uneven steps and bamboo bridges.
Why Visit: You get a real sense of stepping into Bali’s countryside. Kids may enjoy the sense of winding through the hills. There are small cafés to rest, and a few shaded spots for breaks or photos.
Best For: Ages 5 and up. Not stroller-friendly.
Cycle Around the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
The Setting: Jatiluwih is a large rice terrace region in central Bali. Unlike Tegalalang, the paths here are wider and level. You can rent bicycles on your own or as part of a guided tour. The bicycle ride takes you past quiet fields and small shrines.
Why Visit: Jatiluwih is less crowded than other terrace spots. Cycling adds just enough adventure without tiring everyone out. There are rest points and small warungs for breaks.
Best For: Ages 7 and up.
Take the Kids to Tegenungan Waterfall
The Setting: Tegenungan is a wide, powerful waterfall tucked into a green valley just outside Ubud. You will walk down a series of steps and cross a shallow stream to reach it.
Why Visit: It is one of the few waterfalls in Bali where you can get close to the base. Older kids may enjoy splashing in the pools and feeling the spray. There are toilets, cafés, and viewing decks if you would rather stay dry.
Best For: Ages 6 and up.
Hike up Mount Batur for Sunrise
The Setting: Mount Batur is an active volcano in northeast Bali. The trek starts around 3 or 4 a.m. It is moderately difficult and takes about two hours to climb. The trail is rocky and uphill.
Why Visit: On clear mornings, you will see the sun rise over Lake Batur and neighbouring mountains. The hike may feel adventurous for teens or older kids who enjoy a physical challenge. Guided treks often include breakfast at the summit.
Best For: Ages 10 and up.
Explore the Streets and Greenery of Ubud
The Setting: Ubud is a compact town ringed by forest, rice fields, and rivers. You might spot paddies near Penestanan, or catch views of the Wos River from Campuhan Ridge. In town, walk along Monkey Forest Road and explore cafés, art shops, and temples.
Why Visit: You can walk and see real local life unfold. You will see women placing offerings, artists at work, or kids in uniform after school.
Best For: All age groups.
Relaxing Things To Do
Stay at a Family-Friendly Resort
The Setting: Family-friendly resorts in Bali are spacious and surrounded by nature. Some are by the beach. Others are in the jungle or rice-field settings. Many have kid-safe zones, shallow pools, and connecting rooms. Rooms usually have gardens or private pools.
Why Visit: Families can dine, swim, stroll, play, and relax within the resort itself. Parents get downtime while kids stay engaged. Some resorts offer curated family packages, wellness options, and private villas for extra space and privacy.
Many resorts offer clubs and activities specifically for children. For instance, Viceroy Bali runs the Little Explorers programme that offers hands-on activities like Balinese offering making, cupcake making, traditional kite making, greenhouse veggie picking, and fish feeding by the pond. There is also afternoon tea with the family at CasCades Restaurant.
Best For: All age groups.
Join a Balinese Cooking Class
The Setting: Most classes begin with a short visit to a local market, guided by a chef. After that, you head to a semi-outdoor kitchen that is usually located in a rice field, garden, or home compound.
Why Visit: You learn about local ingredients and try dishes you have likely never made. Many families say it is the first time they have cooked together without pressure. You share the food at the end like a celebration.
Best For: Ages 6 and up. Most classes are beginner-friendly and supervised.
Relax at Nusa Dua Beach
The Setting: Nusa Dua is a calm and tidy beach on Bali’s southeast coast. It has soft white sand, gentle waves, and a long walkway by the sea. There are shady lawns, gardens, and nearby hotels. Toilets, showers, cafés, and beach chairs are easy to access.
Why Visit: Nusa Dua is one of Bali’s quietest and pristine beaches. There are no street sellers, loud bars, or busy surf zones. Just space to relax, swim, and enjoy the view.
Families usually use the day lounges at nearby luxurious resorts. The beach is clean, safe, and easy to enjoy with kids.
Best For: All age groups.
Tour Ubud in a Vintage Volkswagen
The Setting: You will ride in an old-style VW convertible. The drive takes you through Ubud and nearby villages. The roads are quiet and lined with rice fields, temples, and local homes. Most tours start in Ubud and visit scenic spots like Tegalalang, Petulu, or the hills near Kintamani.
Why Visit: The car is open-air, so you feel the wind as you move. Kids often enjoy the look and feel of the car. Grown-ups may like the slow pace and views along the way. The car stops at a few places so you can walk around, eat, or take photos.
Best For: Ages 5 and up. Booster seats are not usually available. Carry your own if needed.
Watch a Film at Paradiso Ubud
The Setting: Paradiso Ubud is a cosy cinema in central Ubud. The theatre seats up to 150 people on sofas, floor cushions, and reclining loungers. It has a large screen, Dolby Surround Sound, and a full plant-based food menu served to your seat.
Why Visit: Watching a film here is a relaxing way to relax after an active day. The space also hosts live shows, workshops, and small festivals.
Best For: Ages 5 and up.
Cultural Activities
Visit Tanah Lot Temple at Sunset
The Setting: Tanah Lot is a sea temple built on a rock just off the coast in southwest Bali. At high tide, it looks like it is floating. The area has walking paths, photo spots, and local market stalls nearby.
Why Visit: The sunset views are striking. Kids may enjoy the waves and rock shapes. Adults may appreciate the mix of nature and old temple design. It is a short scenic stop that feels very Balinese.
Best For: Ages 4 and up.
Take Part in Rituals at Tirta Empul Temple
The Setting: Tirta Empul is a centuries-old sacred water temple in central Bali. People step into a shallow pool. They fold their hands and dip their heads under each spout.
Why Visit: Locals believe the water rinses people of bad energy and makes them feel calm. You can watch or join the ritual if you are comfortable. It is a way to see the spiritual side of Balinese life.
Best For: Ages 6 and up. Some parts are slippery.
Watch Traditional Performances at Ubud Palace
The Setting: Ubud Palace is a historic royal compound in the town centre. In the evenings, the open-air courtyard turns into a stage for traditional Balinese dance and gamelan music.
Why Visit: The show is colourful, rhythmic, and easy to follow visually. Movements are slow and expressive. First-time viewers usually find them fascinating. Kids may not follow the story but enjoy the bright costumes, live music, and dramatic gestures.
Best For: Ages 3 and up. Evening showtimes.
Animal Encounters
Feed Tropical Birds at Bali Bird Park
The Setting: Bali Bird Park is spacious and shaded, with walk-through aviaries. It is home to over 1,000 birds from Indonesia and around the world like bright parrots, hornbills, and flamingos. Most paths are stroller-friendly, and there are resting areas throughout.
Why Visit: You can hand-feed birds, pose for photos with tame species, and watch short bird shows. There is also a small Komodo dragon exhibit. Older kids might find it exciting.
Best For: Ages 3 and up.
Spot Wildlife at Bali Safari and Marine Park
The Setting: This wildlife park in Gianyar features open zones based on African, Indian, and Indonesian habitats. You explore parts by safari bus, walking trails, and optional tram rides. The layout is stroller-friendly in most areas.
Why Visit: You get close views of lions, elephants, zebras, and orangutans in natural-style enclosures. Kids can feed deer or fish, cool off in the water play area, or watch short, timed animal shows.
Best For: Ages 3 and up.
Take the Family to Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
The Setting: This shaded space in Ubud is home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques roaming freely in the space. You will walk along paved paths through dense trees, mossy stone bridges, and temple ruins.
Why Visit: It is not just monkeys. The forest feels ancient and peaceful, with temples and sculptures tucked between trees. Kids may enjoy watching the monkeys swing and groom each other. Adults often find the setting surprisingly serene.
Best For: Ages 4 and up.
High-Energy Activities
Drive an ATV Through Muddy Jungle Trails
The Setting: Most ATV tours run near Ubud or in village areas. You will ride through jungle paths, muddy rice fields, small streams, and forest trails.
Why Visit: You will get dirty, but that is what makes it fun. It is great for families with teens who enjoy getting outdoors and do not mind a bit of dirt. Some routes also pass by local homes and shrines. So, you also get a casual peek into village life.
Best For: Ages 10 and up. Not suitable for toddlers or nervous riders.
Take a Beginner Surfing Lesson at Kuta or Canggu
The Setting: Kuta and Canggu have sandy beaches with beginner-friendly waves. Lessons usually take place close to the shore in shallow water. You will use soft-top boards in shallow water. Instructors are on standby throughout the working hours to guide and support you.
Why Visit: Surfing can be thrilling for kids. The waves are calm enough for safe practice. Even short rides can feel rewarding. It feels more like a water adventure than a formal class.
Best For: Ages 7 and up. Must be able to swim confidently.
Climb and Zip Through Bali Treetop Adventure Park
The Setting: This outdoor park is at Bali Botanical Gardens in Bedugul. It has rope walks, hanging bridges, and zip lines between tall trees. Kids wear harnesses and helmets. Trained staff watch each zone.
Why Visit: It is a safe way for kids to climb and move through the trees. Courses are colour-coded by difficulty. They come in different levels for different age groups. The mountain location means the weather is cool.
Best For: Ages 4 and up. Height rules apply to each course.
Snorkel at Blue Lagoon Near Padangbai
The Setting: Blue Lagoon is a calm, sheltered bay on Bali’s east coast. The water is clear and shallow near the shore. Coral reefs and tropical fish are visible even at low depths.
Why Visit: Snorkelling here is easy, especially for beginners. You can go in from the beach or a boat. The marine life is colourful and safe to observe. Most tours provide safety gear, life jackets, and light snacks.
Best For: Ages 6 and up.
Race Down Slides at Waterbom Bali
The Setting: Waterbom is a large water park in Kuta. It features landscaped gardens and shaded seating areas. It offers pools of all depths and for varied age groups — kids, teens, and adults. The water park has more than a dozen rides — from lazy rivers to vertical drops.
Why Visit: It is a full-day outing that is safe and clean. Younger kids can enjoy splash zones and mini slides. Teens can try faster rides like Climax and Python. Parents can float on the lazy river.
Best For: Ages 3 and up.
To book your family stay in Bali visit our Family Package to learn more.
Alternatively email res@viceroybali.com or call / WhatsApp +62 361 971 777.
