Bali with kids — everything you need to know for a successful family vacation

Bali and children — it's a combination that surprises many Norwegian parents. The island, initially associated with romantic couple getaways and backpackers, turns out to be one of the world's best travel destinations for families with children. We know this because we have seen it with our own eyes, time and time again.

In this guide, we share everything you need to know to plan a successful Bali vacation with toddlers and school-aged children — practical tips, the best activities, and experiences suitable for the whole family.

🌴 Why Bali is perfect for families with children

There's one thing that strikes all Norwegian parents hard when they arrive in Bali with children: the locals love children. Not in a superficial, tourist-friendly way — but genuinely and wholeheartedly. It is deeply rooted in Balinese culture that children are a gift and that the entire community is responsible for taking care of them.

We have seen it again and again with Norwegian families we have guided. You sit down at a restaurant with a restless child on your lap, and before you can say anything, one of the staff has picked up your child and is walking around with them while you get to eat in peace. No one asks, no one expects anything in return — they do it because they want to.

It's the kind of experience you don't find many places in the world.

What makes Bali especially good for families:

• Locals who naturally and warmly take care of your children
• Warm water all year round — safe and comfortable for all ages
  
• Food children like — rice, noodles, chicken, and tropical fruits everywhere
• Activities suitable for all ages
• Swimming pools at most hotels — a recurring favorite for children
• Affordable prices that make luxury accessible for families

🎒 Practical info — what you should know before departure

Best age to travel with children to Bali

There is no perfect age — but most Norwegian parents we talk to say that 3–12 years is the sweet spot. Old enough to remember and appreciate the experiences, young enough to still find everything magical. Infants (under 1 year) travel surprisingly well to Bali, but require more planning around food, sleep, and sun.

Vaccinations and health

Talk to your GP 6–8 weeks before departure. Common recommendations for Bali include hepatitis A and typhoid. Malaria is not prevalent in Bali, but dengue fever exists — use insect repellent with DEET on children, especially during dusk.

Food and stomach

Do not drink tap water — buy bottled water or use a purification filter. Most hotels and restaurants catering to tourists have good food quality. Start cautiously for the first few days and let children gradually get used to new food. Rice, banana pancakes, and freshly squeezed fruit juice are sure favorites for most children.

Sun and heat

Bali is close to the equator and the sun is strong. Factor 50+ sunscreen is a must for Norwegian children not used to tropical sun. A hat and UV suit in the water are highly recommended. Plan strenuous activities for morning (7-11 AM) and evening (4-6 PM) — the midday sun from 11 AM-3 PM is intensely hot.

🌿 Best areas for families with children

Ubud — culture and nature

Ubud is fantastic for curious school-aged children. Monkey Forest with hundreds of monkeys is a guaranteed favorite — just watch out for monkeys stealing sunglasses! Rice paddies, temple walks, and local markets give children a unique insight into a completely different culture than at home.

Nusa Dua and Jimbaran — beach and pool

For families with small children, Nusa Dua and Jimbaran are ideal. Calmer waves, beautiful sandy beaches, and hotels with large family pools. Jimbaran is particularly family-friendly with its calm bay and shallow water.

Lovina — dolphins and North Bali

Nothing beats a child's reaction to seeing dolphins in the wild for the first time. The Lovina tour with dolphin watching at sunrise is one of the most magical experiences we offer for families. Children never forget it.

🎯 The best activities for children in Bali

🚴 Bike tour in Ubud — from 8 years old

The bike tour through the Ubud valley is a favorite for school children. Cycle through rice paddies, past villages, and along the river — with our local guide Made showing the way and telling stories along the way. Slow pace, little traffic, and lots to see. Upon arrival, Made invites the whole family into his home for a homemade meal.

🏎️ ATV in the jungle — from 10 years old

For slightly older children who want speed and excitement, the ATV tour through Bali's jungle is a dream. Drive through dense jungle, over rivers, and past rice terraces — children will talk about it long after the holiday is over. Parents can sit behind with the youngest. Exciting, safe, and lots of fun.

🌊 Rafting — from 10 years old

River rafting on the Ayung River in Ubud is perfect for active families. Calm currents alternate with more exciting sections — adapted for children from about 10 years old and up. Experienced guides, safe equipment, and an experience the whole family will remember. Concludes with lunch by the river.

🐬 Dolphin safari in Lovina — all ages

Start early — at 6:00 AM — and head out to Lovina's calm waters to see dolphins in the wild. Local fishing boats take you into the bay where dolphin pods swim and jump around the boat. For children, this is a magical experience. The Lovina tour includes accommodation and dolphin safari the next morning.

🌴 Monkey Forest in Ubud — all ages

Sangeh Monkey Forest is a sacred forest reserve with hundreds of macaques. Children love it — but keep a good hold on bags, sunglasses, and snacks. The monkeys are fantastic but also cunning thieves. A guide who knows the monkeys' behavior makes the experience safer and more enjoyable.

🏨 Hotel tips for families

When traveling with children, choosing a hotel is extra important. Here's what we recommend Norwegian families look for:

• Shallow pool or children's pool — most family resorts have this
• Family room or two-bedroom villa — a private pool is a big advantage with children
• Breakfast included — makes mornings easier with children
• Near beach access or quiet street — avoid busy roads where children can run freely
• Child-friendly menu — most hotels in Bali have this, but check

A private villa with its own pool is for many Norwegian families the very best solution. Children can swim safely in their own pool, parents can relax, and you don't have to worry about other hotel rules. Prices for private villas in Bali are surprisingly affordable — often cheaper than a family room at a mid-range Norwegian hotel.

📅 Practical daily schedule for families

With children in Bali, structure is key to a good day. Here is a daily rhythm that works for most families with children:

Time	Activity	Why
07:00–09:00	Breakfast and morning activity	Cool and few people
09:00–12:00	Excursion or trip	Best time — not too hot
12:00–16:00	Lunch and pool/rest	Avoid the midday sun
16:00–18:30	Beach, market, or temple	Cooler, golden hour
18:30–20:00	Dinner and bedtime	Early dinner suits children

💡 Our best tips for families with children in Bali

• Let the locals help you — accept help when someone wants to carry or look after your child at a restaurant. It's genuine and heartwarming
• Book a private driver — with children, a private driver is indispensable. No stress with transport, children can sleep in the back seat, and you set your own pace
• Bring your children's favorite snacks — familiar foods are a lifesaver on tough days
• Don't overplan — one excursion and pool/beach time is enough for a day with small children
• Jet lag — Bali is 6 hours ahead of Norway during summer time. Most children adapt surprisingly quickly
• Rain poncho in your bag — a rain shower comes quickly and is over just as fast
• Contact us — we have brought many Norwegian families with children to Bali and know exactly what works and what doesn't