Bali Tour Blog

What to Do with Toddlers in Bali for a Fun, Stress-Free Family Trip

If you’re wondering what to do with toddlers in Bali without losing your sanity, you’re in good company. I’ve done the Bali-with-toddlers dance more times than I can count, and while there were moments involving sticky mango hands and public meltdowns (theirs, not mine… usually), I can promise you—it’s one of the most rewarding trips you can take as a family. Bali is surprisingly toddler-friendly if you know where to go, when to go, and how to manage the inevitable snack emergencies along the way.

Why Bali Works for Families with Toddlers

Bali might be known for honeymooners and yoga retreats, but it’s a goldmine for family travel. The weather’s warm year-round, food is fresh and (mostly) toddler-approved, and there are endless beaches and activities that don’t require advanced hiking skills. Plus, Balinese culture has a natural love for children—locals will smile, wave, and often help entertain your little ones in restaurants, which makes dining out way less stressful than in other destinations.

That said, not all of Bali is created equal for toddlers. Some areas are busier, with traffic and nightlife that don’t exactly scream “nap-friendly.” Canggu, for example, has great cafes but traffic can be hectic with scooters everywhere. On the other hand, places like Sanur and Nusa Dua have calmer beaches, paved paths for strollers, and plenty of restaurants with kids’ menus.

Beach Days Without the Stress

Sanur’s Calm Waters

Sanur is my top pick for toddler beach days. The water here is shallow, calm, and clear enough to spot tiny fish darting around. No scary waves, no drop-offs—just a long stretch of sandy shoreline where your toddler can paddle safely. The paved beachside path is perfect for strollers, so you can roll from your hotel to a café without navigating potholes.

Here’s my routine: head to the beach early before it gets too hot (around 8–10 a.m.), pack a shaded pop-up tent, and bring your own snacks. While beach cafes are plentiful, toddlers aren’t always patient waiting for food, and “hangry toddler” is a whole different level of chaos.

Nusa Dua for Resort Comfort

If you’re more into “I want a sun lounger and easy toilet access” kind of days, Nusa Dua resorts have private beach areas with soft sand and lifeguards. Most resorts here also have shaded kids’ pools, so you can swap between sand play and splash time. This is ideal for younger toddlers who still need a controlled environment.

One thing to keep in mind—Nusa Dua can feel a bit like a bubble. It’s clean, quiet, and safe, but you don’t get the same local vibe as other parts of Bali. That’s fine for families who just want a low-stress base, but it’s worth venturing out for cultural activities.

Nature & Animal Experiences Toddlers Actually Enjoy

When I say “animal experiences,” I don’t mean full-on trekking through the jungle. With toddlers, you need places where animals are visible, but the walking distances are short and there are spots to sit, snack, and change a diaper without drama.

Bali Safari and Marine Park

If you’re looking for something beyond the average zoo, Bali Safari is a great choice. You ride through animal enclosures in a tram, so your toddler gets the thrill of spotting lions, zebras, and elephants without the risk of wandering too far. There are also playgrounds inside the park, plus shaded areas for breaks.

Tip from experience: the tram rides are open-sided, so keep hats and small items tucked away unless you want them flying into the giraffe enclosure.

Turtle Conservation and Education Center

This spot on Serangan Island is perfect for toddlers because they can actually see and touch rescued turtles in shallow tanks. It’s small enough to explore in 30–40 minutes, so they won’t get bored. Plus, you’re helping a great cause—staff will happily explain how the turtles are cared for in simple terms even young kids can understand.

It’s also close to the beach, so you can make it a half-day trip with lunch by the water afterward.

Cultural Experiences Toddlers Can Handle

Balinese Dance Shows (Short Ones!)

Balinese dance can be mesmerizing for toddlers—the colorful costumes, the dramatic music, the expressive hand movements. The trick is picking a short performance, ideally under an hour. Many hotels offer these shows in the evening, which means you don’t have to drag your toddler across town at bedtime.

Temple Visits with Wide Open Spaces

Not all temples are toddler-friendly (lots of steep stairs and long walks), but a few are doable with kids in tow. Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi has huge gardens where kids can run around, and the pathways are wide enough for strollers. The cultural atmosphere is still there, but you won’t feel like you’re constantly saying, “Don’t touch that.”

If your toddler is prone to climbing on things they shouldn’t, maybe skip cliffside temples like Uluwatu. I learned that one the hard way—chasing a two-year-old near a drop-off is not fun.

Indoor Play When the Weather Doesn’t Cooperate

Rainy season in Bali can be unpredictable. One minute you’re sipping a smoothie under blue skies, the next it’s a tropical downpour. This is when knowing your indoor toddler options saves the day.

Jungle Play at Parklife Canggu

Parklife is a combo of outdoor and indoor play, but the indoor section is a lifesaver during rain. It’s air-conditioned, safe, and filled with soft play areas, slides, and ball pits. Plus, there’s a café right next to the play space so you can actually enjoy a coffee while still keeping an eye on your kid.

Peekaboo Play Café in Sanur

Another winner for toddlers, Peekaboo is fully enclosed, so no escape artists can run off. There are climbing frames, a mini ball pit, and an art corner. The staff are great with kids, and the café serves kid-friendly meals (pasta, sandwiches, fruit platters) alongside decent coffee for parents.

Food That Works for Toddlers (and You)

Bali’s food scene is incredible, but not every warung (local eatery) is geared toward toddlers. Some dishes are spicy, portions can be huge, and service times vary. I’ve learned to mix it up—sometimes we do casual local spots, sometimes it’s Western-style cafes.

Toddler-Friendly Local Dishes

Just always check with the staff about spice levels—Bali’s idea of “a little chili” might still be too much for a toddler.

Western Cafes for Easy Wins

Bali has an abundance of Western-style cafes, especially in Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak. You’ll find smoothie bowls, pancakes, avocado toast—basically toddler breakfast heaven. Many cafes also have small play areas or at least high chairs, which isn’t a given in more rural parts of the island.

Transport Tips with Toddlers in Bali

Transport in Bali can be tricky with little ones. The roads are busy, sidewalks aren’t always stroller-friendly, and public transport is basically nonexistent. Your best bet is hiring a Bali private driver for the day. It’s surprisingly affordable, and you can control the pace.

When booking a driver, request a car seat in advance. Not all drivers have them, so you might need to bring your own travel seat. Also, try to plan longer drives during nap time—trust me, a sleeping toddler makes for a much smoother ride to Ubud or the rice terraces.

Keeping Toddlers Cool and Comfortable

Bali’s heat can hit hard, especially for little ones who aren’t used to it. Light cotton clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and constant hydration are key. I also swear by those little clip-on stroller fans—they’ve saved us on more than one sweaty afternoon.

We also try to schedule our “big” activities for mornings, then relax somewhere shady or indoors after lunch. Pushing a toddler to sightsee in 33°C heat at 2 p.m. is a recipe for meltdowns (again, theirs… probably).

Lesser-Known Toddler-Friendly Spots

While the main tourist areas are great, sometimes it’s the smaller, lesser-known places that make the best toddler memories.

Bali Equestrian Centre in Canggu

Even if you’re not into horses, the kids’ pony rides here are adorable. The staff are incredibly patient with young children, and there’s a playground and pool on site. You can spend a couple of hours here, have lunch, and let the kids burn energy.

Bali Butterfly Park in Tabanan

This is one of those “short but sweet” activities. You can walk through the garden, spot butterflies up close, and even see cocoons hatching if you’re lucky. The shaded paths make it an easy stroll for little legs.

Managing Nap Times and Bedtimes on the Go

The biggest challenge of traveling with toddlers in Bali isn’t finding things to do—it’s fitting them around naps and early bedtimes. My trick is staying somewhere with easy access to activities so you can do a quick morning trip, head back for a nap, and then venture out again in the late afternoon.

If your toddler naps in the stroller or carrier, you’ve got more flexibility. But if they’re a “must be in bed” sleeper, focus on areas like Sanur or Ubud where you can walk to cafes, beaches, or markets without long drives.

Safety Things Parents Should Know

Bali is generally safe for families, but there are a few toddler-specific concerns. Beach safety is a big one—always watch for tides and currents, even in “calm” areas. Traffic can be chaotic, so keep toddlers close when walking roadside.

Mosquitoes are another thing to watch out for, especially in rural or rice field areas. A toddler-safe insect repellent is worth packing, as is a small first-aid kit for scrapes and bites.

Easy Day Trip Ideas That Won’t Overwhelm Toddlers

When you’ve got a toddler in tow, “day trip” doesn’t mean 10 hours of sightseeing with a packed bus schedule. It means short, manageable adventures with plenty of snack breaks and opportunities to run around.

Ubud’s Monkey Forest – Early Morning is Key

I know what you’re thinking—monkeys and toddlers? Sounds like a recipe for chaos. But hear me out. The Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud is actually a fun, shaded walk with paved paths, streams, and temples. The trick is going early, before it gets hot and crowded.

Toddlers love spotting the monkeys (from a safe distance). Just keep all food hidden and backpacks zipped, because the monkeys know how to unzip them in seconds. I usually carry a couple of small bananas to hand to the staff feeding them, so my toddler still gets the thrill without any risky close contact.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces – Short Visits Only

The rice terraces are stunning, but not built for long toddler exploration. Go for a short visit, take some photos, and maybe stop at a café overlooking the fields so you can enjoy the view while they snack or play.

We once tried to “explore” with a stroller here—don’t. The steps are uneven, narrow, and steep. Baby carrier all the way.

Jimbaran Beach in the Late Afternoon

If you want that magical Bali sunset experience without sacrificing your toddler’s mood, head to Jimbaran Beach around 4:30 p.m. The sand is perfect for digging, the waves are gentle, and the seafood cafes set up tables right on the beach.

Your toddler can play while you wait for grilled fish, and you still get that postcard-worthy view. Just bring a light sweater for them—ocean breezes can get a bit chilly after dark.

Keeping Costs Down While Traveling with Toddlers

Bali can be budget-friendly if you know a few tricks. First, choose accommodation with breakfast included—toddlers are always hungriest the minute they wake up, and it saves you a morning rush. Second, mix free activities (beaches, markets, temple gardens) with paid attractions.

Another thing: bring reusable water bottles. Most hotels and cafes have refill stations, which saves money and keeps you from buying endless plastic bottles. Plus, you can always fill up before heading to the beach or a day trip.

Why Slowing Down Works Better

One of the best things I learned about traveling with toddlers in Bali is that you don’t need to cram the itinerary. If you do just one or two main activities a day, everyone’s happier. Bali has this slow, relaxed pace anyway—lean into it. Let your toddler spend an hour chasing waves or watching a street performance. Those little moments often end up being the best memories.

Bali with toddlers isn’t about ticking off every attraction on the island—it’s about finding those sweet spots where the pace matches your little one’s rhythm. Whether that’s paddling in Sanur’s calm waters, feeding turtles, or just enjoying banana pancakes at a beach café, the island has a way of turning even the simplest moments into something special. Go slow, keep it flexible, and you’ll find that Bali isn’t just a great holiday for grown-ups—it’s a place where your toddler can explore, laugh, and feel right at home.