Although Bali is one of the top beach destinations in the world, there is more to it than chilling on a bean bag in a luxe beach club or checking out all the cultural activities.
From water skiing, surfing and rafting to amazing hiking trails through local villages and untouched real Bali nature. If your whole family is coming to Bali, you’re probably stressing about finding activities that fit everyone.
Here are some of the best kid-friendly hikes and activities for thrill-seeking families visiting Bali.
Is Bali Worth Visiting With Kids?
Bali is an amazing family-friendly destination for holidays! Kids will have so much fun here.
There are kids clubs, Southeast Asia’s Best Water Park (Waterbom), snorkelling to see fishes and sea turtles, youth camps, creative activities and kid-friendly hikes all around the island.
All the popular neighbourhoods are safe for families and Balinese people adore pregnant women and children!
26 Best Kid-Friendly Hikes Bali Has To Offer For Families
Bukit Campuhan Ridge Walk
One of the most popular and easiest trails in Ubud not far from the city center. It is a bit short of 4 km and takes an average of 1 h 2 min to complete. You will walk through small hills, but it is mostly a flat path, which is perfect for kids.
The road goes through paddies where people walk, run, or cycle. The beginning of the trail is a bit confusing, you need to go down the steps underneath the bridge, cross the river, and follow the path alongside the temple. At the end of the trail, you will find a nice temple and the river.
As it is a ridge through the Campuhan Valley, the sun will get you, so come in the early morning – there are no gates or entrance fees.
Where Is It: Kelusa, Payangan, Jl. Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Bali Asli Experiences
Bali Asli is a family-owned restaurant in the middle of the farmland in East Bali offering unique culinary experiences to surprise your taste buds with local cuisine and explore the culture.
Cooking classes here can start with a short hike through tropical forests where you can forage the ingredients, local villages to witness some handicrafts and learn some moves of the Balinese dance, or a trek through rice fields and villages with museums and markets.
Online: Bali Asli
Sekumpul Waterfall Trekking
An iconic 80-meter-tall waterfall Sekumpul, Fiji and Hidden Waterfalls are all located on the same trail and it can be a good workout for adults and older kids.
To have the best experience and not get lost in the jungles, use a local guide from the village – they are super affordable and know the location the best, plus you can also ask them about plants and other Bali facts.
Where Is It: Jalan Air Terjun Desa Sekumpul Kecamatan Sawan Kabupaten Buleleng, Kota Singaraja, Bali 81171
Mount Batur Hike
For active kids and teens, hiking the real active volcano can be a real thrill. You can even carry small kids in your special backpack.
The tour guide will take you from the hotel to Mt Batur and just after a short 30-minute hike you will reach the highest point, and if you keep going you will reach the top of the crater rim. The second part of the trail is more steep.
The only problem can be waking your kids up in the middle of the night to hike to the top and watch the sunset. But it is oh-so-worth it!
The highest mountain in Bali is Mount Agung. Yet, hiking trails at Mt Agung are quite challenging even for some adults so it will be good only for teens who are really adventurous, love sports and have done some hikes before.
Local guide: Bali Res
Mount Abang Hike
If your kids liked Batur, Abang is right next to it – it is another volcano you can hike. Way less popular, on some days you will barely meet anyone on the trail.
But, it is a more advanced hike with lots of steep ascents and it is a mess during the rainy season – you will be covered in mud and sliding, which is unsafe to do with kids for sure.
However, during the dry season, Abang has incredible views of the valley and is a blissful, yet physical, family pastime.
Astungkara Hiking Trails
Astungkara Way is a sort of pilgrimage, a 135-km long ode to the real Bali through rice paddies, local villages and experiences you will never find around resorts somewhere in Nusa Dua.
It is the ultimate encounter with Balinese nature and local wildlife, Balinese culture and food, and Balinese people.
You don’t have to hop on the 10-day trek with kids, of course, there are short 2 or 3-day trails with included accommodations along the way that are good for kids at least 10-12 years old.
Online: Astungkara Way
Munduk Loop Through Rice Paddies
A 3.9-km loop trek around beautiful rice fields in the Munduk area takes roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete and is relatively easy even for kids as the ascent is only about 170 meters.
As it is a walk through the rice paddies, you need to wear proper shoes, and the best time to do it is during the dry season – from May to September to avoid slippery mud and gloriously falling in the rice field (true story).
The downside of the trail is the lack of proper signs but you also don’t have to do the whole loop you can always do a small part and go back.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
If you want to see famous rice fields in Ubud, Tegallalang rice terraces are a very family-friendly activity and it is only half an hour away from Ubud.
You can take some pictures at Bali Swing, walk around the rice terraces and then sit down at one of the many dining options along the road to enjoy the view.
Where Is It: Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561
Rafting & Canyoning In Bali
Kids 12 y.o.+ can join you on a real adventure exploring rivers and canyons in Ubud or Tabanan areas. Younger kids can join a mellow rafting activity (more like a river cruise) specifically designed for a younger audience.
Not all canyons in Bali are kid-friendly though, so be careful and double-check with the tour guide. For ex., Kerenkali, Kalimudah, and Blue Gorge are nice family-friendly canyons and all require a short hike (around 30 minutes).
We strongly advise you to have proper medical insurance beforehand and not to jump in unknown water. Everyone will be provided with life jackets, of course.
Canyoning tours are also often combined with rafting, zipline, and quad-bike adventures. The two most family-friendly rivers for rafting are the Ayung River and Tegala Waja River.
Monkey Forests
There are actually two monkey sanctuaries in Bali: the famous Ubud Monkey Forest and the Sacred Sangeh Monkey Forest. Both are real conservation projects and you or your kids should in no way interact, feed, or force monkeys to play – they are real wild monkeys!
It is less of a hike but rather a long walk across the sanctuary where hundreds of monkeys live but it is very enjoyable since both forests are huge and still preserve true Balinese forests and temples.
Both have an entrance fee of around 75,000-80,000 IDR (7-8 AUD) for adults and 60,000 IDR (6 AUD) for kids.
Where Is It:
Sangeh Monkey Forest: Jl. Brahmana, Sangeh, Kec. Abiansemal, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80353
Ubud Monkey Forest: F7J6+67R, Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan & Mt Catur
We highly recommend combining the visit to one of the most important water temples in Bali – Pura Ulun Danu Bratan – with a walk along the lake.
You can’t do the whole loop on foot, but there is a paved path on one side of the lake where local residents often come for family picnics.
For more adventurous families, there are a few trails around the hills, including one to three-hour hikes around Mount Catur.
Botanical Garden Kebun Raya Eya Karya Bali
A few minutes away from the Pura Ulu Danu Bratan temple, you can find the only botanical garden in Bali – Kebun Raya Eya Karya Bali.
It is technically just a large piece of forest with orderly paths and roads to walk, run or cycle, and you can easily spend a few hours wandering around these tropical gardens. Once you reach the top of the hill, an amazing lake view will open up and you can buy some snacks and chill on the grass under an umbrella.
On weekends it can get busy as it is a very popular destination among locals.
Where Is It: Jl. Kebun Raya, Candikuning, Kec. Baturiti, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82191
West Bali National Park
The only national park in Bali is Taman Nasional Bali Barat – a tiny part of the island in north Bali where you can see unique black monkeys, Bali starlings, kingfishers and hundreds of other bird species, snakes, boars and wild deer (Menjangan Deer).
It is better suited for older kids who are interested in nature and animals and won’t be scared or too loud. There are plenty of short trails no longer than 1-2 hours.
Mind you, you can only visit the park with a local guide.
Where Is It: VFCG+X44, Sumber Klampok, Gerokgak, Buleleng Regency, Bali
Tirta Gangga Rice Trekking
You may have already been to one of the most beautiful water palaces in Bali – Tirta Gangga or Holy Water from the Ganges. You can easily spend an hour strolling up and down the park and feeding koi fish.
But, the area actually offers much more than that! You can hire a local to show you the trekking paths through rice fields, and you can even stay at one of the campsites.
Where Is It: HHQQ+836, Jalan Raya Abang Desa Adat Jl. Raya Tirta Gangga, Ababi, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852
Bali Safari & Marine Park
If you have small children they will prefer walking or you carrying them rather than hiking. Bali Safari and Marine Park is the biggest theme park and wildlife conservation in Bali with over 1,000 wild animals and activities for kids, including a water park.
You can hop on a safari car and enjoy a close encounter with zebras, and rhinos, or visit a komodo dragon, orangutans, or even lunch with lions.
Walking around the park you can spend the whole day exploring every corner till you or your children drop!
A regular day pass costs around 650,000 IDR (63 AUD) while kids under 3 years old get a free ticket.
Where Is It: Jl. Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra No.Km. 19,8, Serongga, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80551
Jatiluwih Trekking
We absolutely love all the trekking loops at the Jatiluwih Unesco Heritage site. There are a few to choose from with a small one being the most kid-friendly. You will walk through the rice fields, and meet local farmers living their simple Balinese life, and vendors selling rice, rice cookies and treats, vanilla beans, chocolate, and banana chips – all grown in Jatiluwih.
The biggest loop can take a few hours and span almost 10 km and is better for cycling or older kids. The best time for visiting is early morning to avoid scorching sun and crowds.
Gitgit Waterfall
One of the easiest waterfalls to reach! A short 250-m walk through the tropical forests and you’re in front of a natural pool and a stunning waterfall.
The spot is very scenic and there is also a nice swing nearby to take pictures. Bring swimsuits to plunge and swim in the little rock pools under the waterfall.
The forest and hills behind Gitgit all have hiking trails but it is best to explore them with someone from the village.
There are actually a few more waterfalls in the area you can explore while you are nearby.
Tegenungan Waterfall
Just a few minute’s hike from the road to the Tegenungan waterfall – it is perfect even for small kids if you want to encourage them to explore Bali’s nature. It is also one of the few waterfalls that have such a good infrastructure around.
A big plus of this waterfall is the shallow natural pool formed under it. But if you don’t feel like hiking all the way down to the waterfall you can enjoy the views from a panoramic viewpoint, and grab lunch at a cafe overlooking the valley and waterfall.
Where Is It: Kemenuh, Sukawati, Gianyar Regency, Bali
Sari Organic Walk, Ubud
A perfect start for the day is a 1.5-hour walk through rice paddies, farms, and local villages in Ubud. Heavenly beautiful landscapes, myriads of birds singing around you, dense forests, marigold patches, little cafes, and even a silver-making class along the way.
It is a looped walking trail of moderate difficulty, and there is no entrance fee. The best time to visit is early morning and right before sunset.
Where Is It: F7X5+F7H, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571
Sweet Orange Walk Trail
Sweet Orange Trail is going in parallel with Sari Organic and Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud. They all have similarities: a long laid-back flat route through rice fields with great views, a few locals selling souvenirs, temples and wildlife along the way.
The trail starts right after the art museum Museum Puri Lukisan so you can combine the two in one visit.
It is definitely less popular than Campuhan Ridge Walk but by no means worse! So if you want to avoid crowds, take this walk.
Where Is It: F7W6+652, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571
Sambangan Nature Hike
A 1.5-2 hour trek from the rice fields to the Aling-Aling, Kroya, Kembar, and Pucuk waterfalls through Bali jungles that kids of any age would love!
There are no clear signs to create the path yourselves, but many local tour guides can take you to secret spots. They are happy to tell you everything about wild plants and fruits growing in the forest too.
There are more hidden waterfalls in that area, but hiking trails to most of them are more challenging.
As it is a wild trek, there can be monkeys in the forest! Stay calm and don’t make eye contact with them.
Secret Beaches
There are a few secret beaches hidden all over the island of Bali. It is only a walk down some steps through a little forest trail and you will end up on the most beautiful beach right from a postcard.
Some of those beaches are best to visit during low tide to make sure the crashing waves are not dangerous for kids.
Hidden beaches: Bias Tugel (5-10 minutes walk), Blue Lagoon (not so hidden but still quiet and you can hike the hill next to it or snorkel from the beach), and Suluban Beach.
Tinggan Forest Hiking Trails
Exploring Tinggan highlands with a local guide you will not run into many tourists at all. It is a beautiful forest trail leading to either a coffee plantation or the Hindu temple – Pura Puncak, depending on how challenging you want your day trip to be.
It is an easy straightforward hike with very little room to get lost as you get back the same way you hike up the hill.
You can also adjust the route and get down to the lake if you want. The whole trek is no longer than 3 hours.
Uluwatu Temple
Bali’s unique clifftop temple – Pura Luhur Uluwatu – is not just a cultural heritage spot but also one of the best sunset viewpoints and the stage for the traditional dance performance called Kecak.
So visiting this temple you get 2 in 1: a little trek and a cultural experience. The whole territory is very nice to explore and easily can spend a few hours here before the dance show. The path to the temple is only 1 km so it is accessible for kids.
The only downside of the spot is the monkeys that go rogue stealing people’s phones, sunglasses, and water bottles. Be mindful of your surroundings and better carry your kids’ belongings in your own bag.
Where Is It: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali
Sanur Beach Trail
This trail is around 11.6 km long and it is mostly a paved flat path alongside the white sand beach and the ocean. It is the longest kid-friendly walking trail in Bali.
It is perfect for moms with kids of different ages, especially if you need to walk with a stroller while older kids can run and play around.
On your way, you can see small lighthouses, fishing boats, Mount Agung, gazebos to hide from the sun, and many cafes and resorts.
The best time to take the walk is sunset, without a doubt!
If you’re going to visit a performance at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre, you can definitely swing by Sanur Beach.
Yeh Ho River
Yeh Ho River is called a river of water trees and is a popular swimming and chilling spot for locals but is a lesser-known place among tourists.
It is a family-friendly 3 to 7-km hike for kids 8yo+ through forests to the river that really lies off the beaten track in West Bali and includes plenty of time by the river which is, by the way, safe for kids to swim.
But that’s not all! If you go with a local guide, you will most likely also visit a splendid royal palace Puri Anyar which preserves local art and dance traditions like Okokan dance till today.
Tips For Families Going On A Hike In Bali
Make sure to find a local guide who knows some cool spots off the beaten track.
Plan the rest time. After a long day venturing around the island, spend some time in one of the best beach clubs in Bali – FINNs Beach Club, where you can unwind, finally stretch your legs and enjoy some local and international food. We go for classics – nasi goreng and a Bintang for parents.
Google Maps is not always reliable if you are going to waterfalls or rivers. Use locals from the village to find the start of the trekking routes.
If your children are too small to participate in a hike, you can hire a nanny or plan activities for them at the Cubby House Kids Club.
If kids didn’t like the hikes but you still would love to keep them active, go to Waterbom Water Park or Aqualand and Wake Park. Those two spots are amazing for any kind of water activity from floating down a lazy river to knee boarding and jet skiing. Kids who are really interested in animals and marine life should try ocean walks or scuba diving (minimum age is 10 years old).
A big advantage of tours is that you will be fully covered by their insurance which is something very important for families travelling with kids as health care for foreigners is not cheap in Bali.
FAQs
Which Bali Waterfall Is Best For Kids?
Tegenungan Waterfall and Gitgit are the easiest waterfalls to get to with small kids as it is just a short walk from the street and you don’t need to hike.
Don’t forget to bring snacks and drinking water, as well as swimsuits and a towel in case you go in the water.
Which Part Of Bali Is Kid-Friendly?
Canggu, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Benoa, and Ubud are great areas in Bali to stay with kids as they all have diverse activities and daycare centres.
Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Benoa are also known for the best kids’ beaches with shallow waters and mellow waves to swim and snorkel.
Can Kids Do Mount Batur?
Yes, hiking Mount Batur is very easy for families with kids and it takes around 2 hours one way.
If you have younger kids who don’t like to walk that far, you can also carry them up, hire a jeep, or take an ATV with your child as a co-pilot.
Final Thoughts
With all these kid-friendly hikes your family will never get bored!
Mellow walks, adventurous hikes and trails with wildlife waiting around the corner or visits to local villages and temples – options for a family-friendly gateway are endless.
Read more: The 17 Best Hikes In Bali: All The Greatest Hiking Trails On The Island
