15 best things to do in bali with kids

Traveling to Bali with kids is not only doable—it’s an unforgettable experience for the whole family. While Indonesia may not be the first place you think of when picturing a vacation with your children, it's actually a great place filled with activities that both kids and adults love. Whether you're traveling with toddlers, school-aged children, or teens, there’s something magical (and manageable!) for every age group. In this guide, I’m sharing the absolute best things to do in Bali with kids, based on firsthand experience and tips from locals.

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud is one activity that your family will LOVE. This sanctuary is dated all the way back to the 14th century when Padangtegal Village still existed. The grounds are considered sacred, housing 1200 long-tailed macaque monkeys in a sanctuary where they are allowed to roam free. The entire sanctuary is about 30 acres of dense forest with 115 species of trees, streams, and Hindu temples. Visitors can walk through the sanctuary for a ticket price of approximately $4-$6 (kids are closer to the $4 range while adult admission is closer to $6), taking pictures of monkeys and sometimes, if you're lucky, a monkey will even come up to you! This is a great experience and opportunity to teach your children about monkeys and to let them get a close look at this species. And don't worry- these monkeys are used to people, so your kids will be fine! To purchase a ticket with a guide who will bring you through the sanctuary, click here!   

2. waterbom water park

Now, what kid doesn't love a good waterpark? Waterbom Bali in Kuta is a highly rated waterpark in Bali known for its 26 water slides spread out across 12 acres of tropical gardens. There's also a dedicated kids area called AquaPlay that has water slides, splash zones, interactive water features, and a tipping bucket. For the adults, there is even a swim up pool bar! Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in the sun with your family, floating in the lazy river and enjoying lounge chairs, or you're looking for some adventure and plan on hitting all the water slides, Waterbom Bali is the perfect way to spend a hot day in Bali. Tickets are about $25 a person and can be purchased here.

3. Feed and Bathe Elephants at Mason Elephant Park

The Mason Elephant Park in Taro is home to about 31 endangered Sumatran elephants that were rescued by the facility from the Indonesian island of Sumatra. This is the only elephant rescue facility in Bali, and it was the first certified elephant rescue park in Asia, meeting 191 criteria backed up by veterinarians, scientists, and other professionals who specialize in elephant welfare. Since 2009 visitors have been able to come here for activities like elephant rides, bathing with elephants, feeding them, and learning more about them. Kids love to visit this facility and oftentimes this is the first time a child will get an up close experience with an elephant which is why it's so important to go to a professional, humane facility like this one! To check out their packages and pricing information, click here. 

4. waterfalls

If you're looking for an unforgettable experience that doesn't cost too much, definitely bring your kids to a few of Bali's waterfalls. Some of the most notable ones include Sekumpul Waterfall, Aling-Aling Waterfall, Banyumala Waterfall, and Gitgit Waterfall. While there is usually a small fee for entering to see the waterfall and many waterfalls you need to hike to, the falls are absolutely stunning. If you're worried about the hiking portion and you have younger kids or kids who don't love to hike, then I would advise visiting Gitgit Waterfall or Aling Waterfall. Gitgit Waterfall is an easy 10-15 walk on a well-maintained path while Aling Waterfall is the same duration but down stairs. Make sure they have their bathing suits packed because many waterfalls do have swimming in the pools underneath!

If you're looking to book a waterfall tour to check out multiple waterfalls in one day, this is a great highly rated tour. There are also tour options like this one that combine both waterfalls with activities like looking for dolphins and visiting temples, or tours that involve waterfalls, water temples, and rice terraces that have received almost 1000 positive reviews.

5. bali zoo

While you may be thinking to yourself "my kids have been to so many zoos, they can skip this one", let me tell you about what makes the Bali Zoo different. The Bali Zoo is a little bit more interactive in my opinion compared to other zoos. You'll have peacocks walking next to you and deer sitting on an open piece of grass in the middle of the walkway with no enclosure. There is also a spot where kids can feed the elephants for a few dollars and this was easily my favorite part. The elephants were stunning and absolutely loved the company, which made it a very special experience. There's also kid-friendly experiences like bird shows, washing elephants, breakfast with orangutans, and there's even a waterpark in the zoo called Miniapolis Jungle with a giant bucket splash, slides, and splashing pools! Here is a link to the cheapest tickets I could find, as well as a link to an article I wrote about my personal experience at the Bali Zoo.   

River tubing is an amazing way to see the Bali jungle while relaxing. This river does not have too much of a current, just enough to pull each person slowly in a tube, similar to a lazy river. Each rider is also given a tube, a helmet, and a life jacket. Everyone tubes in a group so you'll be able to stay very close with your kids and enjoy the water. This tour is designed for children ages 3 and above, making it the perfect experience for the whole family!

7. Visit Bali Safari & Marine Park

The Bali Safari & Marine Park in Gianyar is a large park spanning almost 100 acres of land with over 1oo different species of exotic animals. From elephants and giraffes to camels, rhinos, and tigers, there is such a wide variety of animals to see that your family will never be bored! There is also a water play zone, fun zone, rainforest trail, and flume ride. For those who absolutely love marine life, there is a fresh water aquarium and and underwater theatrical dining experience. This is a great way to spend an afternoon or even a day with your kids! There's also multiple restaurants and snack spots throughout the park so you won't have to leave for meals. To look at ticket prices and purchase one, click here.

8. Take a Glass-Bottom Boat Ride in Sanur

Looking to get a glimpse of the marine life in Bali without having to physically get into the water? Then take a glass bottom boat tour! These tours are perfect for families with kids who are interested in fish, turtles, and other aquatic species. They are also only a couple hours long which means your family can enjoy a boat ride outside and then move on to the next thing. To book a tour like this, click here.

9. Go on a Pirate Dinner Cruise in Benoa

Did you know Bali has a pirate dinner cruise in Benoa? This experience was quite literally made for families like yours who are looking to take sitting down for traditional dinner to a whole new level. There is an international buffet dinner so your kids will have many options to choose from, and complimentary pirate accessories are given out for all the guests to wear. There's also live music, fire dancers, and games for everyone to play. More details about this dinner cruise are outlined here.

10. Take a Family ATV Tour (Ages 5+)

If your children are atleast 5 years old and a little more adventurous, this is a great activity for you. There are countless ATV tours on the island but this is one of the highest rated tours available. This tour goes through the longest quad bike track in Bali, passing by rice paddy fields, bamboo forests, and temples. Guests can choose to either ride their own ATV or ride tandem on the back of someone else's, which is perfect if you have a child who cannot drive the ATV but would love to be on one. Everyone is also given a helmet for safety purposes.

11. visit the rice terraces

You can't visit Bali without going to the rice terraces! Rice terraces aren’t something you often see in places like the United States or Australia, which makes visiting spots like the Tegalalang Rice Terraces a truly special experience—your family will be both amazed and intrigued by their beauty. This is also a great educational opportunity for you to teach your kids about how the Balinese rely on the rice terraces, how rice grows and is farmed, etc. It's a great stop to make on a tour where you can see multiple things in one day so if you're looking for a reputable tour that includes the rice terraces, click here. This tour encompasses the terraces as well as the monkey forest, art market, and a waterfall.

12. visit the upside down world

If it's a rainy day in Bali (which happens often in October to March), this is the ideal place to bring your kids. Upside Down World is a place that is exactly how it sounds- everything is upside down! There are multiple rooms to walk through including a kitchen, a living room, a bathroom, and a bedroom. Many people love to visit and take photos, and your kids will too. Tickets are about $6 a person   making this an affordable experience that you can add to your itinerary in a pinch.

13. Enjoy a Beach Day at Jimbaran Bay

The most relaxing thing you can do with your kids in Bali is go to the beach and Jimbaran Bay is considered one of the best. This is because Jimbaran Bay is a large beach known for its waterfront restaurants, delicious seafood, and it is a beautiful place to watch the sunset. The water is a gorgeous blue and there's plenty of fine sand for your kids to make sand castles, dig, and run on the beach. There's also plenty of activities on this beach including surf lessons, parasailing, kitesurfing, wind surfing, and more.

14. bali bird park

Bali Bird Park is home to more than 1,300 birds representing more than 250 species in an enclosed aviary. From colorful toucans to flamingos, Indonesian owls, and birds of paradise, your kids will love being able to run around the park looking at the birds and possibly even taking a picture with one on their shoulder! Tickets are affordable at under $10 a person, and it truly is an experience the entire family will enjoy.

15. see a Devdan Show at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre

A devdan show is a show that includes traditional dancing, music, and acrobatics. The teaser above showcases one of the current shows, known as the Treasure of Archipelago, which is a vibrant, high-energy performance that takes viewers on a journey through Indonesia’s culture. With stunning costumes, dramatic lighting, fire effects, and exciting aerial acrobatics, the show keeps both kids and adults fully entertained from start to finish. It’s a fun and educational way to introduce your children to the rich traditions of Bali and beyond—without them ever feeling bored. Plus, it’s indoors, air-conditioned, and held in the beautiful Nusa Dua Theatre, making it a great nighttime activity for families. Tickets can be purchased here.

Want More Bali Family Travel Tips?

There’s so much to see and do in Bali, especially when you’re traveling with kids. If you found this list helpful, be sure to subscribe for more travel tips, destination guides, and personal insights from my trips to 17 countries (and counting). And if you’re still planning your Bali adventure, scroll down for more helpful blogs—including where to stay, what to pack, and family-friendly activities you won’t want to miss.