Bali activities: Top 20 family activities in Bali to tick off your list
One thing is sure: you will not be short of activities to do in Bali. But you might run short of time to fit them all in.
Here’s our top 20 family activities marathon.
1. Waterbom: The queen of waterparks
Waterbom in Kuta, ranked by Trip Advisor as the most popular waterpark in Asia. It is set in 3.8 hectares and has waterslides that are fun for both smaller and bigger kids. 50% of the park is covered with greenery which means a lot of shade for your little ones. And let’s not forget Asia’s steepest slide – The Climax. Are you ready?
2. Finns Recreation Club: Ultimate fun in Canggu
If you are staying in Canggu and do not want to travel far, no worries, we’ve got you covered. Finns Recreation Club offers a waterpark, bowling, a trampoline centre and a kids’ club for the kids. It also offes a gym, group classes such as yoga, spin, TRX and box, a spa and tennis courts for the parents. For the non-sports fans, there are plenty of dining options and pool bars in the club. Alternatively there is also Finns Beach Bar next to the beach – perfect for a sunset coconut.
3. The Monkey Forest for your little monkeys
Though a bit further away near Ubud – around 1.5 to 2 hours – the Monkey Forest is a touristy but still must-see attraction in Bali, especially for families. In contrast to the Uluwatu Temple monkeys, the monkeys here are quite friendly. The kids can feed them and if they are not too scared, the monkeys will happily climb on them. Apart from the monkeys, the forest offers a pleasant walk full of greenery. The area around the main temple and waterfalls is truly breathtaking.
4. Watersports: fun in the water
If you can’t wait to jump in the water, head off to Benoa on the east side of the island for some water action. There are plenty of water activities that you can do as a family here, from banana boat rides, sea walking, parasailing, fly boards, rolling donuts and much much more.
5. Nusa Dua: where you can actually swim
Yes, we know you are tired of the waves. It’s fun to sunbathe at the beach while the kids can play in the sand, but can you actually swim in Bali? Yes, you can. Nusa Dua, just next to Benoa, is ideal for a family beach day. Just 1.5 hours from Canggu/Seminyak, on the east side of the island, this sandy beach has crystal blue waters that are perfect for swimming. There are also one or two cafés by the beach and some warungs with local food in case you feel hungry or thirsty.
6. Try out a family surf lesson
You are in Bali after all so why not try a surf lesson? There are plenty of surf schools in Bali, all the way from Canggu to Kuta. We also have one that offers semi-private lessons to adults and private lessons to kids. You can check out our website at surfisupbali.com. Just make sure to try surfing on a small swell day and be sure to get private lessons for your kids. One thing is certain, the kids will love it and you will enjoy catching a wave or two.
7. Horse riding on the beach
There are plenty of horse riding centres in Bali – we personally recommend Kuda P Stables in Pererenan, Canggu: it offers good value for money for a horseback stroll on the beach with the whole family. Bali Equestrian Centre in Berawa, Canggu also offers pony rides for the little ones.
8. Water rafting: serious water fun
Water rafting is a must for the family when in Bali. Choose from a range of water rafting companies including Ayung Bali Rafting which offers various difficulty levels depending on the age of your children and on your bravery. Whichever you choose, the views, the thrill of the river, and the greenery around will leave your heart pumping and your mouth open. Afterwards, most water rafting venues offer lunch. (For more information on the top 15 exhilarating activities to do in Bali click here.)
9. Go to a Luwak coffee farm
Did you know that the most expensive coffee in the world comes from the poo of an animal? No, it’s not as disgusting as it sounds and visiting a farm that produces Luwak coffee with your kids can actually be fun. First of all, Luwak, the animal itself, is very sweet. Second of all, finding out more about the process and participating in it e.g. roasting the Luwak coffee beans can be really entertaining. The tour ends with a tasting experience of different Luwak coffee varieties and there is a shop where you can buy Luwak coffee. The Luwak coffee farms tend to be around Ubud and this activity can be easily combined with water rafting or with a visit to the Monkey Forest.
10. Get the coolest 3D pics with your kids
This off the grid museum is a 3D paradise. Each room has a theme and you are part of it. The staff will show you where to stand so you can get the coolest 3D pics to show off to your friends later. Prepare your acting skills while being caught by a shark or escaping a volcano eruption.
11. The mesmerizing Devdan show
If you have older kids, go to Nusa Dua Theatre and watch dancers in traditional costumes perform some outstanding acrobatics and dances, while explaining the different cultures around the archipelago of Indonesia.
12. Bali Treetop Adventure: the king of the swingers
Head off to Bali Treetop Adventure in Tabanan (West Bali) and let your little monkeys become Tarzan and Jane for a day. The place offers circuits of various difficulty levels and it is best recommended for kids from 3 years and up.
13. Make your own chocolate
Come to find out how chocolate is made and let your little ones make their own chocolate flavours at Pod Chocolate Factory, surrounded by rice fields and Sumatran elephants – but get ready to pay a generous entrance fee. For a more affordable experience, you can also try Big Tree Farms, the largest cacao provider in Bali. This place has the largest jaw dropping bamboo structure and it also offers a tour showing how chocolate is made. Your kids will not be able to make their own chocolate here but will have lots of fun anyway. (Please note that the tours are currently on hold at Big Tree Farms Factory.)
14. Become Willy Wonka for a day
Charly’s Chocolate Factory just off Candidasa, at Jasri Beach, is a structure that’s a bit like a Smurf hut where you can experience some guilt free chocolate tasting and even buy homemade soap. And for the younger and older children, there is even a huge swing by the beach.
15. Upside down – boy you turn me
This weird house in Upside Down World Bali is built literally upside down. Use your acting skills as you will be literally floating on air – well in the pictures at least. One thing is sure, your friends will be jealous.
16. Visit the largest butterfly park in Asia
At Taman Kupu Kupu your little ones will love the large variety of butterflies as well as some not so friendly insects including scorpions and spiders – but don’t worry, they are only on display. The staff offers an educational tour and kids will be able to see butterflies as they cocoon and emerge as beautiful butterflies.
17. Dine with the pirates
Get ready to cruise on a pirate ship and pretend you are a pirate for a day. The staff will dress you up in pirate costumes while there are some fun games on board for the little ones. There is also belly dancing, fire performances and a generous buffet all included in the price.
18. Go Green at Green School
Go for a jalan jalan (walk in Indonesian) at Green School, where you can check out this wall-less bamboo school and find out more about its sustainability practices. Aquaponics and hydro micro vortex might all sound alien now but you will soon discover what it’s all about. Open your ears as there will be some strange music playing in the back ground. Sh sh sh it’s the Green School music!
19. Learn a traditional craft
From gamelan playing, to mask painting, to traditional dancing to silversmithing to cooking, get the family to master a traditional craft you never thought you would. Puri Lukisan and ARMA museums in Ubud offer a variety of such classes. If you can’t be bothered to drive all the way to Ubud, just ask your villa manager or us and we will arrange classes for you.
20. Visit the world’s tallest statue
Check out the jaw dropping statue of Hindu god Wisna and his trusted companion, the Garuda, symbol of Indonesia at GWK cultural park. The park comes to life at night time with many street performances blending Hindu mythology with kecak traditional dancing.
For more information on things to do in Bali click here.
To find out the 10 must do day trips in Bali click here.
If you are looking for accommodation in Bali click here.
