Bali with kids is an exciting adventure! Since it’s quite a journey from Paris, we opted for a 5-day stopover in Singapore to break up our trip. We had a fantastic time exploring the city, and you can read about our adventures in Singapore in more detail. After that, we spent three weeks on the island of Bali, enjoying stays in Sanur, Ubud, and Seminyak, which gave us a nice circuit of Bali. This was our first visit to Bali, and as one of Asia’s most developed tropical destinations, I was prepared for it not to be a hidden gem. Pristine beaches are rare unless you venture to more remote islands, but the luxury resorts here are exceptional, catering perfectly to families.
In this article, I’ll share our experiences at three different hotels, and highlight the excursions we enjoyed in Bali with kids as well as which ones we didn’t!
Here are the three hotels that we stayed at in Bali with kids: Andaz Bali in Sanur, Dua Dari Residence in Ubud, and Alila Seminyak in Seminyak.
1. Family stay at Andaz Bali in Sanur: a kids-friendly retreat
After weeks of research, we chose Andaz Bali in Sanur as our first stop on our three-week family trip. This family-friendly luxe beachfront resort is part of the Hyatt Group and lies along Sanur beach on Bali’s southeast coast. It’s a 30-45 mins taxi from the airport and right next door to the Hyatt Regency Bali. While the immediate area is calmer and less developed compared to busier spots in Bali, there are still plenty of cafés, shops, and restaurants just a 10-minute walk away—both along the road and the beachfront path.
Modeled after a traditional Balinese village, the resort is woven into lush gardens with winding pathways, beautiful water features, and palm trees swaying overhead. It has a cozy, village-like atmosphere that’s perfectly suited for families. The gardens are immaculately maintained, and our kids loved exploring the grounds, spotting koi fish in the ponds, and wandering through the resort’s open spaces.
Our Garden View Suite was spacious and ideal for our family size. It had a kids’ daybed in the living room and a private terrace where we could relax while they played. The modern design with Balinese accents made the room feel both luxurious and cozy. For families needing more space, two-bedroom villas with private pools are available.
Village Square is the heart of the resort’s dining scene, where we found several open-air restaurants offering everything from local Indonesian cuisine to international dishes. Regardless of where you choose to eat during the day, don’t miss breakfast at the hotel—it was one of the highlights of our stay, with so many delicious options.
Kid-friendly activites
The resort features three pools: a main infinity pool by the beach, a shallow baby pool, and an adults-only pool. The kids especially loved the swing near the main pool. Though we didn’t swim due to seaweed on the shore, the beach had soft sand and warm, calm waters. Complimentary bikes were also available for guests, which we enjoyed riding along the beach promenade.
The Kemu Mai Kids Club was spacious and had various themed rooms for arts and crafts, reading and music. All hotel guests enjoy two hours of free childcare per day, which can be split into one-hour sessions. For children under four, a parent or nanny needs to accompany them. The outdoor playground and scheduled daily activities, including kite making, fish feeding, and bracelet crafting, kept our kids thoroughly entertained. While some activities had a small extra cost, most were complimentary. Our kids’ absolute favourite was the daily Balinese costume parade. Each evening, they dressed up in traditional Balinese outfits, grabbed instruments, and paraded through the resort, proudly banging on drums. It was as much fun for them as for the grown-ups, who joined in and shared their excitement. In addition to the kids’ club, the hotel organized a weekly movie night for children. Complete with popcorn and snacks, it was a perfect setting on an outdoor lawn under the stars. The kids also enjoyed visiting the Sea Turtle Village, located on the Sanur beachfront, to see rescued turtles.
2. Discovering the magic of Ubud with kids at Dua Dari Hotel
Our stay at Dua Dari Residence in Ubud was a completely different experience from our time at Andaz Bali in Sanur, offering a peaceful contrast to the large beach resort atmosphere. Andaz Bali focused on luxury and family-friendly convenience, while Dua Dari transported us to a quiet, almost meditative retreat surrounded by nature.
The hotel is small, with only four villas on the premises, providing plenty of privacy and outstanding, personalized service from the staff. The villas themselves are absolutely enormous! Even though we booked a “standard” villa, it was still huge. Our bed was so large it could have easily fit six people—something I’ve never seen before. The rooms at Dua Dari are traditional, featuring Balinese architecture and decor that immerse you in the local culture. They are spacious, with beautiful wood carvings, high ceilings, and large windows that open to stunning views of the natural surroundings. We loved the slower pace here—it wasn’t about endless activities but more about relaxation and being present
Aesthetically, the hotel is gorgeous. The trees, the pond—everything created a calming atmosphere that made us feel deeply connected with nature. Dua Dari was originally the private residence of Indonesian architect Hendra Hadiprana, who designed the estate for himself. He also owns the Tanah Gajah Resort, and Dua Dari offers a complimentary shuttle service to Tanah Gajah, as well as to Ubud, which is quite convenient. The property feels very private, exclusive, and special.
Time to relax
While the kids found it quieter than Andaz, they still enjoyed exploring the vast gardens and watching the local wildlife. The property also has a lovely pool, and while there’s no other entertainment on-site, it was still perfect for a family, offering a warm and welcoming environment.
Each evening, our breakfast orders were taken in advance, and the next morning, breakfast was served on the outdoor terrace. Other than breakfast, no food was available on-site during the rest of the day, but that didn’t bother us since there were so many restaurants to explore nearby in Ubud. Dua Dari may be quieter, but that’s exactly what made it such a relaxing family stay in Ubud, Bali with kids.
3. Relaxing at Alila Seminyak: a kids-friendly beach getaway
Our stay at Alila Seminyak, part of Hyatt Hotels, marked the final stop of our Bali adventure with kids. It offered a stark contrast to the quiet, natural retreats of Ubud. Situated right on the beachfront, Alila Seminyak is a modern, sleek resort that exudes luxury and sophistication. The moment we walked into the expansive lobby with its minimalist design and panoramic ocean views, we knew we were in for a stylish, relaxing experience.
The location is unbeatable—direct beach access and within walking distance of many of Seminyak’s trendy cafes, shops, and restaurants. It was perfect for us as a family, with everything we needed close by, yet the hotel still felt like a peaceful escape from the town’s hustle and bustle. Having done most of the sightseeing in Bali by this point, we didn’t want to leave the hotel. It was pool and kids club on repeat for days—the kids absolutely loved it here. We splashed out on an Ocean View Suite, and I definitely recommend it. The views from the balcony over the beach and sunset were incredible.
The breakfast buffet at Seasalt Restaurant was insanely good—it was truly the highlight of my day. We always got a table outdoors, and it felt like we were sitting right at the beach every morning.
The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service, available on request, to take guests up the road to the shops, restaurants, or the local shopping center. There were plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bakeries along the main road, so it was easy to explore the local area whenever we wanted.
Kid-friendly activities
There are three pools—one exclusively for adults, so we alternated between the other two. One was near the beach, complete with a bar and music, while the second was a family infinity pool on an elevated level overlooking the ocean. I’m not sure what made the latter more family-friendly, as both pools seemed to have an equal number of families during the day. The beach pool did attract a different crowd in the evenings, as the bar and restaurant next to it are open to non-hotel guests, making it a popular spot for sunset drinks.
The kids’ club, called Play Alila, is open from 8am to 8pm with a break for lunch. It’s quite small for a hotel of this size but operates throughout the day, offering hourly arts and crafts activities. Most activities were free, though some required an extra fee. The kids’ club caters to babies, toddlers, and young children up to around 7 years old. Although my 9-year-old went there, she never stayed longer than two hours. During that time, she read books, did a craft activity, and watched cartoons.
My favorite part of the day was watching the sunset. Each evening was uniquely beautiful, and there was no better way to enjoy it than from our balcony or by strolling along the beach. This was a luxury retreat and the perfect place to end our Bali adventures with kids on a high note.
4. Family-friendly excursions and activities in Bali
The hotels we stayed at offered organised excursions with their guides, but we wanted to plan our own day. On the days we wanted to explore Bali with kids, we hired our own driver instead of using the hotel’s excursions. He took us to all the places we wanted to visit and patiently waited while we explored each stop. The cost for hiring the driver was about 600,000 IDR (about €35) per day, which was a more affordable option than the drivers provided by the hotel.
Uluwatu Temple
Our first excursion in Bali with kids was to Uluwatu Temple, and I highly recommend it for families visiting the island. The temple sits on Bali’s southern coast, dramatically perched on a steep cliff about 70 meters above the Indian Ocean. One unique feature is the playful population of monkeys that roam the grounds. These mischievous creatures add charm but can be a handful, so keep an eye on your belongings. They’re known to snatch sunglasses, hats, and other loose items, so avoid wearing anything you can’t hold on to. I saw several sunglasses fly through the air, and one monkey even grabbed my daughter’s sandal right off her foot—twice! Thankfully, a local guard retrieved it for us each time.
We stayed to watch the one-hour Kecak Fire Dance, a traditional Balinese performance that unfolds as the sun sets. Instead of musical instruments, the male dancers use their voices, creating a fast-paced chant that shifts tempo to match the story. The performance takes place in an amphitheater overlooking the ocean, providing a truly unforgettable experience. The best time to visit Uluwatu Temple is in the evening when the sunset casts beautiful colours behind the site. Plan to spend two hours at Uluwatu Temple: one hour exploring the grounds and another for the Fire Dance performance.
Uluwatu Temple is open daily from 7am to 6pm, with an admission fee of 30,000 IDR (about €2) for adults and 20,000 IDR (about €1) for children. The Kecak Fire Dance begins at 6pm each evening. You can purchase a combined ticket for the temple and the dance for €10 in advance. Visitors should dress respectfully, covering shoulders and upper arms. Sarongs are provided on-site for those who need them.
Pura Puseh Desa Batuan Temple
There is no shortage of temples in Bali. In fact, you’ll see them everywhere—ranging from large temples to small shrines. Balinese Hindus pray multiple times a day, aligning their rituals with daily offerings and ceremonies. You will often see offerings, typically placed in small woven trays with flowers, rice, and incense. These are made in the morning and often again in the evening, accompanied by prayers. If you’re visiting Bali, stopping by a few of the larger temples is definitely worthwhile.
On the way from Sanur to Ubud, we visited the Pura Puseh Desa Batuan Temple. As you approach the temple, you are greeted by an intricately carved candi bentar (split gate), a classic feature of Balinese temples. Beyond the gate lies a courtyard filled with stone statues, shrines, and stunning stone carvings that depict deities, mythical creatures, and scenes from Hindu epics. Pura Puseh Desa Batuan has long been a popular tourist destination, thanks to its strategic location along the road to Ubud. Many tourists stop at this temple to admire its beauty, and with its complete facilities, it’s considered one of the top temples to visit.
I appreciated that this temple was quiet and uncrowded, making it a peaceful place to explore. Like most temples in Bali, there are no signs or explanations about its history or significance, so it’s worth reading up online beforehand if you want to understand more. Alternatively, you can hire a local guide to explain the symbols and meanings throughout the temple.
Tegenungan Waterfall
On our way from Sanur to Ubud, we made a stop at Tegenungan Waterfall. The waterfall itself was fine – I’m glad we stopped, but it felt somewhat overrated. It’s not the most kid-friendly spot, with hundreds of steps leading down to the waterfall and then back up again, which made the experience a bit tiring for our family. The kids enjoyed some of the cute photo opportunities along the way, but overall, the walk down and back up wasn’t that enjoyable.
It’s also a very popular spot, so it felt quite overcrowded when we visited. Some people were bathing in the water, but we didn’t feel the need to join in. I’d recommend packing trainers, as the steps can be uneven and steep. There’s a bar/restaurant on-site that played music, which took away from the natural atmosphere, and the whole place felt more commercial than a serene jungle waterfall. While there are plenty of places to grab a drink or snack near the entrance, Tegenungan just wasn’t for us, and I wouldn’t recommend it with kids – Bali has so many other beautiful, less crowded spots worth exploring.
Kumulilir Coffee Plantation
As a coffee lover, I wanted to visit a coffee plantation in Bali to try the famous kopi luwak. This unique and sought-after coffee is renowned for its distinct flavour and intriguing production process. Kopi luwak is made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by the Asian palm civet, a small mammal native to the region. The process begins when the civet selects ripe coffee cherries to eat. As the cherries pass through the civet’s digestive system, enzymes break down the pulp while leaving the beans largely intact. After being excreted, the beans are collected, thoroughly cleaned, and then roasted. This unusual (and a bit gross!) fermentation process enhances the beans’ flavor, resulting in smooth, less acidic coffee.
In terms of the actual experience at the plantation, we loved it. From the moment we arrived, a guide took us through the entire production process, explaining in detail how coffee is grown, collected, and ground. At the end of the tour, we enjoyed an incredible view while tasting various teas and coffees. The staff even made hot chocolate for the kids, who had a great time. There were barely any people there, making it feel like we had the whole place to ourselves. A shop on-site offers tea and coffee for purchase to bring back home, and the terrace was absolutely beautiful. Even if you don’t like coffee, it’s still a great experience—there were more tea varieties than coffee, all made using naturally grown herbs and spices, such as lemongrass tea.
Ubud Monkey Forest
After our wild encounter with a mischievous monkey at Uluwatu Temple, my daughter wasn’t exactly thrilled to see more monkeys. However, I had read plenty of reassuring reviews about the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud, where the monkeys were said to be much friendlier. With a bit of hesitation, but driven by curiosity, we decided to give it a chance.
We were greeted by monkeys lounging around, many sitting quietly or curiously watching the visitors. Unlike those at Uluwatu, these monkeys didn’t seem aggressive or intent on swiping belongings. We followed the path through the forest, taking in the stunning surroundings, and soon enough, the monkeys came closer. The sanctuary is home to over 1,260 long-tailed macaques, who are considered sacred by the local Balinese people.
It’s a very fun place to visit in Bali wth kids. The Monkey Forest is open daily from 9am to 6pm. The entry ticket costs 80,000 IDR (about €5) for an adult and 60,000 IDR (about €4) for children aged 3 to 12.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
I have to admit, this was the prettiest temple I saw in Bali. The temple is located on the shores of Lake Beratan in the Bedugul Highlands, about 1,500 meters above sea level. Situated in northern Bali, it’s quite a long distance from the more touristy parts of the island, so it wasn’t very busy when we visited. It’s about a 1.5- to 2-hour drive from Ubud or central Bali. The air became crisper and cooler upon reaching the lake, making it a perfect escape on hot days in Bali. The entire setting—the temple, the clear lake, and its reflection in the water—is stunning.
The drive up to the highlands was beautiful, with paddy fields on one side and lush valleys on the other. While non-worshippers cannot enter any of the shrines, they are still beautiful to look at. If you’re lucky enough to visit during a ceremony, you’ll see locals dressed in traditional clothing coming to pray.
Kid-friendly activities
We spent a couple of hours here, as there turned out to be many kid-friendly activities. The gardens surrounding the temple are gorgeous, and we had a very relaxing walk around the lake. Along the way, there were statues that kids could climb on and lots of nooks and crannies to explore. Paddle ducks and speedboats are available to rent on the lake. For a small extra fee, kids could even feed the fish in the lake.
There’s also a big playground for kids of different ages, where ours happily played while I admired the beautiful lake scenery. Plenty of cafés and restaurants are available, so you can stay for lunch or grab a snack.
Bedugul’s Ulun Danu Temple is open daily, year-round, from 7am to 7pm. Entry tickets cost 75,000 IDR (about €4) for adults and 50,000 IDR (about €3) for children. You can buy tickets at the counter in the parking area. Remember to bring cash, as cards may not work there.
If you’ve traveled all the way north to Bali with kids, you might want to visit nearby attractions like the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces and Bedugul Botanical Gardens.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
This was, by far, my favorite excursion in Bali, so don’t miss visiting these beautiful rice terraces. We had visited another rice terrace a few days earlier, Tegallalang near Ubud, and found it quite underwhelming. Jatiluwih, however, is a completely different experience. If you’re only planning to visit one rice field, make it this one.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jatiluwih is enormous. The terraces stretch as far as the eye can see, cascading down the hillsides, interwoven with walking paths. Geographically, Jatiluwih covers an area of approximately 33 square kilometers and sits around 650 meters above sea level. It’s primarily an agricultural area, with most of the population being rice farmers. Aside from rice and red rice, this region also produces crops like vegetables, coconuts, coffee, and bananas.
Kid-friendly activities
With multiple trekking trails to follow, it’s easy to spend hours exploring, so we hired a local guide on the spot to join us for a walk. As a rice farmer himself, he shared fascinating insights about the rice-growing process and even pointed out his own field. He explained in detail how the traditional irrigation system works and the entire rice production process. Along the way, we stopped to smell and touch plants like lemongrass, turmeric, and clove growing along the path. The local people are deeply connected to nature and use these plants as natural medicine, spices, body scrubs, and even hair conditioner. We booked the guide for one hour, but were so captivated that we extended the tour to two hours. Even then, we had only explored a small part of the rice fields.
We missed the harvest season, but July is still a busy time for farmers as they prepare the fields for the next crop. The farmers here continue to work in traditional ways, planting and harvesting rice by hand.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Bhuana Agung, sitting at an outdoor table with a stunning view of the rice terraces. However, there are plenty of other restaurants along the same road, so you’ll have no trouble finding a place to eat with a great view.
Splash Water Park
It was my daughter’s birthday, and she really wanted to visit a water park on the day. I narrowed down the options to Waterbom and Splash Water Park. Waterbom is the more famous one in Bali, but it’s massive. On one hand, the large selection of water slides is appealing, but many of them are only suitable for older kids. I didn’t want to spend the entire day constantly going from one place to another to check on my kids, so Splash Water Park in Canggu was perfect for us in terms of size.
Splash is part of FINNS Recreation Club, which also offers other facilities like BOUNCE Trampoline Park, a bowling center, and tennis courts. We had such a fun day there. The parents could relax on deck chairs while still keeping an eye on the kids as they moved from one slide to another. I felt it was especially suited for younger children, up to around 10 years old. Throughout the day, we could order from an extensive menu, and our food was delivered right to our lounge chairs. The quality of the food was surprisingly good for a water park.
There was also an ice cream and candy floss station where kids could choose the color of their treat and watch it being made. The entire place was impeccably clean and not too busy. We reserved individual beds, but you could also pay extra for larger pool cabanas. The park had changing rooms, showers, and locker facilities. Lifeguards were on duty, keeping an eye on the kids, so it felt very safe.
Nearby kid-friendly attractions
The water park is open daily from 9am to 6 pm. The day pass costs 50,000 IDR (about €3) per person, for both adults and children. Afterward, we crossed the road to FINNS Recreation Club to check out Bali’s only trampoline centre. The kids had a blast bouncing around in a giant room full of trampolines, which was practically empty. There was also a room with bowling which was full of teenagers. It was a fantastic day out with the kids, and I highly recommend it in Bali.
I hope this post has been helpful to plan your trip to Bali with kids or inspire you for your next family trip. If you’ve been to Bali, share your best tips in the comments below.
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