There are literally thousands of destinations around the world that you can travel to with kids, but some of them are obviously a whole lot better than all the rest. A Bali vacation ranks up there as one of the best, as there are plenty of things to do there with kids. Bali ranks in our top 20 cities to visit in Asia for every good reason. It’s also a top spot for a romantic getaway without the kids.
For those who may be wondering, “Where is Bali?”, you will be happy to know that it is a spectacular island in the Indian Ocean. This beautiful destination will allow you to vacation on a budget, while enjoying phenomenal scenery, unique architecture, and quite a bit of history. And the beaches in Bali and surfing do not disappoint!
Here are the top 12 things to do in Bali with kids:
1. Visit the Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Not every child is going to appreciate the natural wonders of Bali as much as others, but that doesn’t mean that they should not be introduced to as many of them as possible. One of the favorite attractions within Bali with kids is the Tagalalang Rice Terrace. This ancient irrigation system that dates back to the 8th century can be found to the north of Ubud. Your family will love wandering around the rice paddies, as you enjoy the cooler temperatures that surround this part of the island. Past visitors state that it is best to arrive at the rice terrace early in the morning to avoid the massive crowds that show up each day.
2. Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest
What child does not love watching monkeys frolicking in the forest? This is one of the top things to do in Bali with kids, as it is entertaining and will make anyone tired after a day of exploring. This sanctuary is filled with grey long-tailed macaques, and you can spend hours watching the monkeys play within their natural habitat in between naps and snacking on bananas. Your entire family will love wandering along the paths that lead through the nutmeg forest, as you all discover ancient temples that feature guardian statues completely covered in moss. During your visit, you are encouraged to make sure that you see the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal from the 14th century, as well as the Pura Prajapati. Monkey Forest alone is enough to place Bali on our list of best international trips with kids
3. Go Shopping at the Ubud Art Market
Everyone loves doing some shopping while they are on vacation and the Ubud Art Market is one of the best places to go in Bali with kids. This massive market is open every day of the week and you can wander from stall to stall as you look at the colorful silk scarves, shirts, woven bags, hats, baskets, and other handmade items. Almost everything within this market has been produced by those who live within the nearby villages, which means that you are supporting the local economy and the art that the locals produce. The Ubud Art Market is the perfect place to practice your bartering skills, and to teach your children how to haggle to get an item down to a price that they are willing to pay for a souvenir.
4. Visit the Bali Safari and Marine Park
The Bali Safari and Marine Park is considered the largest and most visited animal theme park on the island. Visitors like yourself have enjoyed seeing more than eighty different species of animals since the safari park opened back in 2007. While animals live in enclosures, each enclosure has been constructed to look and feel like that animal’s natural habitat. This ensures that the animals are living in similar conditions of how they would live in the wild and that you can see them in that type of scenario. As you and your family ride the safari bus, you will have the opportunity to see Himalayan bears, African hippos, blue wildebeests, camels, lions, and more. The most popular animal within the park though is the Indian white tiger. Once your safari ride is completed, you can watch an elephant talent show, see the baby sharks at the aquarium, and even cuddle with one of the cute baby orangutans.
5. Relax and Dine in a Tree House
The Temega Tree House in Karangasem will top your list of favorite things to do in Bali with kids, especially if your children are older. This bamboo tree house is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat and see phenomenal views of the nearby rice terraces. It is recommended that you take the time to cross over the suspension bridge, so that you can spend some time in the tree house looking out over the amazing views. Even your picky teen would love the excitement of a tree house!
6. Continue Your Treetop Adventure with a Swing Through the Trees
There are so many fantastic trees within the jungles and forests within Bali and you and your children will love swinging through many of them during your Bali vacation! Bali Treetop Adventure in Tabanan is an excellent option, as they have seven different circuits complete with seventy-two obstacles. Everyone in your family will be attached to their own safety wire, but it is a guarantee that you will be more nervous than any of your children. In fact, they will seemingly fly by you, as you cautiously climb up inch by inch.
7. Experience Anti-Gravity at the Upside Down House
There is a house in Bali where gravity is nowhere to be found and your children will love every minute of their time inside! Every item on the inside has been placed upside down, so you will all to appear to be floating amongst it all like an astronaut. This is an excellent way to get your children ready for outer space!
8. Hit the Water at Waterbom Bali
You can spend days over at Waterbom Bali, as this massive waterpark is considered to be within the top three best waterparks in the entire world. There are twenty-two different rides for you and your family to go on during your visit. The Flowrider is a favorite amongst many past visitors, as it is the best way to learn how to surf the waves in a safer environment. When you are done for the day, and your children are ready for more, you can simply relax on a float in the lazy river.
9. Watch a Performance of the Devdan Show
The phenomenal Devdan Show is quite similar to a Cirque du Soleil show, as it is full of dance, acrobatics, and stunning stage effects. Your children will be on the edge of their seats, as they wait to see what is next, while also wanting the current stunts on stage to never end! You won’t need to worry about not understanding what the story is about as you are watching either, because discreet signs are held up in numerous languages during certain acts and they explain the story completely. You can probably guess that this reason alone places Bali on our list of cities in the best Asian countries to visit this year.
10. Venture Out to the Ocean on a Glass-Bottomed Boat
If you have younger children, or you want to take a day where you do not get wet, a ride on a glass-bottomed boat is an excellent option! This boat will allow you to see the marine life swimming far out in the ocean, as well as the colorful coral that all the fish and other animals live in. This is a great option for capturing photographs without damaging your camera and making sure that you and your family do not miss any of the beauty that lies below the sparkling water in this island ranked one of the best islands in the world
11. Get Muddy at Mepantigan
Your kids are probably used to you telling them to stay clean, whether you are home or on vacation. However, when you are taking a Bali vacation with kids, there will be a time that you can tell them to get as dirty as they want! Mepantigan translates into mud games and these traditional cultural games are normally held in rice fields. Your kids will love spending their time wrestling, playing tug of war, and even mud horse racing. The entire family can get a workout in and the kids will sleep quite well that night! Of course, if you just want to sit back and watch your kids have fun, you can choose to partake in a mud massage at the same time. You’ll think that this type of massage is strange at first, but you will love how you feel afterwards!
12. Visit a Library
The Pondok Pekak Library is not your run of the mill library, which means that your kids will not groan at the thought of needing to read during your Bali vacation. While you are visiting this library, you will learn how to make traditional Balinese offerings, dance, and play the gamelan. Imagine your kids having fun as they learn about the local traditions and cultures, while they make a wooden mask, create some jewelry, or carve a watermelon with intricate designs.
There is so many things to do in Bali with kids, which is why you will find that it is easy to spend days there without anyone in your family getting bored. It truly should be on your list of top cities to visit in the world. The best part is that you will find that all the kids’ activities will keep you just as intrigued as all the adult activities that you thought you would crave even more.
Image credits: Pinterest
This article is part of our popular series, Place To Go With Kids!
