Heading to Bali with Kids? Here's your ultimate survival guide

Planning a Bali trip with little ones in tow? It can be the dream or a total meltdown – depending on how prepared you are. Here are some tried-and-tested tips to make your family holiday smooth, fun, and actually relaxing:

1. Choose the Right Area

Legian is great for families who like being close to cafes and shops, while Sanur and Nusa Dua are quieter with calm beaches – perfect for toddlers. Ubud is lush and cultural, but less stroller-friendly.

2. Book Kid-Friendly Accommodation

Look for places with fenced pools, enclosed spaces, high chairs, baby cots, and maybe even an in-house chef or babysitter. If they don't have these things you can hire them and they will deliver to your location. Villas are great with smaller kids and day nappers and hotels are better for bigger kids to make friends by the pool.

3. Pack the Non-Negotiables

Yes, you can buy most things here – but don’t count on your brand of nappies, wipes, or formula being in stock. Pack:

- Favourite snacks

- Sun hats, zinc & rashies

- A lightweight stroller

- Mosquito repellent - or my favourite in Bali is Utama Spice Begone Bug

- Pool toys and floaties

- Dummies (if needed) - They are hard to find in Bali

4. Download Grab

It’s the Uber of Bali – affordable, easy, and some drivers offer car seats. Total game changer for getting around stress-free! You can also use it to get food delivered to you if you want a night in chillaxing. If you are wanting a day trip I recommend booking a driver for the day, many will provide a babyseat also.

5. Plan *One* Big Thing a Day

Overpacking the schedule is a trap! Kids get tired fast. Pick one fun thing (like Bali Zoo, Waterbom, or a beach day), then chill. Bonus tip: schedule activities in the morning when it's cooler and everyone’s fresh.

6. Best Kid-Approved Spots:

- Waterbom Bali – water slides for all ages

- Finns Recreation Club – trampoline park, waterpark, bowling

- Bali Safari & Marine Park – perfect for little animal lovers

- Mason Elephant Park – get up close with gentle giants

- La Brisa, The Lawn & Sundays Beach Club – beach clubs with kid-friendly vibes

7. Health & Safety Must-Knows

- Stick to bottled water only

- Keep electrolytes on hand for hot days (Pocari Sweat from the marts or coconut water is gold!)

- Charcoal tablets (from any pharmacy there) are amazing to have on hand. When you feel that gurgle in the stomach have a charcoal tablet or 2 to get rid of any nasties before it could turn to Bali belly. In all my trips I've never had it and swear by the charcoal tablets

Bonus Tip:

Hire a nanny! Bali has amazing, experienced nannies who are affordable and love kids. Perfect for date nights or helping out during day trips. And at the price why not go out and relax for a few hours of adult alone time, you deserve a break too.

Kristie 🌞