Bali Family Activities: Our 5 Honest Must-Do Adventures (2025)
Are you trying to plan the perfect list of Bali family activities for your upcoming trip? We just got back from an unforgettable 17-night, 18-day family adventure in Bali and the Gili Islands, and we learned that the secret to a great trip isn’t about packing in everything, but choosing the right things.
With Bali’s tourism roaring back—the island welcomed over 5.2 million international visitors in 2023 alone—the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to get lost in endless lists of “top ten” things to do. That’s why we’re sharing something different: our real, honest-to-goodness experience.
This isn’t a generic guide. This is a detailed recap of the five specific, kid-approved adventures our family of four actually did. We’re sharing what we loved, what we learned, and exactly what it all cost. If you’re looking for genuine insights to help plan your family fun in Bali, this is the story of our trip.
#1. Waterbom Bali: The Ultimate Splurge-Worthy Water Park
Our kids unanimously voted this the best day of the entire trip. While it’s one of the pricier options for a single day, it delivered an incredible amount of fun and was a highlight of our time in Kuta. This is a top-tier destination for families seeking a full day of entertainment.
Our Experience at the Park
From the moment we walked in, we were impressed. Waterbom is more than just slides; it’s a lush, tropical oasis that is impeccably clean and well-managed. The best feature for parents is the “Splash Band,” a cashless wristband you top up with money. This small convenience was a game-changer, allowing us to buy lunch, ice cream, and drinks without ever running back to a locker.
The park’s design is brilliant for crowd control. Even on a busy day, the lines for the most popular slides were surprisingly short. This meant we spent our time actually enjoying the rides, not waiting in the hot sun. There’s a perfect balance of attractions, from the thrilling ‘Climax’ trapdoor slide for teens and adults to the massive ‘Funtastic’ water fortress for younger kids.
Why It’s a Great Bali Family Activity
A recent family travel study revealed that 81% of parents plan to take a trip with their children in the next year, prioritizing experiences that create lasting memories. Waterbom is exactly that kind of place. It’s an easy, contained, and safe environment where everyone can find something to love. This is one of those classic Bali family activities that lives up to the hype.
Our Tips & Total Cost
- Book Online, Always: We saved money by booking our tickets through Klook a day in advance. Buying at the gate is almost always more expensive.
- Rent a Gazebo: If you plan to stay all day, renting a private gazebo is worth the extra cost. It provides a shaded “home base” for your family to rest and leave your towels.
- Get the Big Locker: The family-sized locker is essential. It easily fit our change of clothes, shoes, and a backpack for four people.
Our Spend: For our family of four, the total for the day came to 1,945,502 IDR (approx. US$120). This included our entrance tickets, food and drinks inside the park, and a locker. For a full day of world-class fun, we considered this excellent value.
For an even more detailed look at the slides, food options, and our complete booking process, you can read my full Waterbom Bali review right here.
#2. Kuta Beach Surfing: A Confidence-Boosting First Lesson
You can’t visit Bali without feeling the pull of its iconic surf culture. One of our main goals for this trip was to try surfing together as a family, and our experience at Kuta Beach was a highlight.
Riding Our First Waves
We booked a lesson with Daddy and Mom Surfing School, and it exceeded all our expectations. For an incredibly affordable price, we received what felt like a completely private lesson. The instructors were patient, encouraging, and absolutely fantastic with our kids.
Their focus was 100% on fun and safety. They managed the boards, timed the gentle waves perfectly, and gave us a little push so we could feel the thrill of standing up. The most magical moment was seeing both my wife and our 6-year-old riding waves to the shore on their very first attempts! The joy on their faces was priceless.
A Perfect Introduction for Kids
If you’re looking for things to do in Bali with kids, this is an amazing choice. Kuta Beach has a soft, sandy bottom and small, rolling waves, making it one of the safest places in the world for beginners. It’s less about mastering a sport and more about sharing a fun, exciting, and confidence-boosting experience together.
Our Tips & Total Cost
- Book a Group Lesson: We booked a “group” lesson online, which was cheaper. Because they assign instructors based on need, it ended up feeling like a private session anyway.
- Trust the Instructors: Let them do the hard work. They know the waves and will ensure your kids have a safe and successful time.
Our Spend: The entire lesson for our family of four cost just 594,512 IDR (approx. US$36). It was one of the most budget-friendly yet memorable activities of our entire trip.
I’ve shared more photos from our lesson and a step-by-step guide from a family’s perspective in this detailed Kuta surf review.
#3. Gili Trawangan Sunrise Paddleboarding: The Best Bang-for-Your-Buck
This was, without a doubt, the single best value-for-money activity of our 18-day holiday. It required an early start, but what we got in return was a core memory that looks like something out of a travel magazine.
A Truly Magical Morning
We met our guide from Island Guide on the quiet beach before dawn. Paddling out onto the glassy, calm water as the sky slowly lit up with shades of orange and pink behind Lombok’s volcanic peak was absolutely breathtaking. It was peaceful, stunning, and felt like we had the whole ocean to ourselves.
The best part? The price included a guide who captured the entire experience with a drone. We now have professional-quality aerial photos and videos of our family paddling in paradise—an unbeatable souvenir.
Why We Loved It
This adventure was perfect for our family. The calm morning water made it easy for everyone to balance, and the early start meant we avoided the midday heat and boat traffic. It’s a peaceful yet exhilarating way to start the day on Gili Trawangan. This is an incredible option for families with slightly older kids who can manage a board or are happy to ride with a parent.
Our Tips & Total Cost
- Just Show Up: We didn’t book in advance; we just showed up on the beach around 6 AM and found the guides setting up.
- Get Your Photos: The guides are also great with phones and will AirDrop extra photos and videos to you on the spot.
Our Spend: This incredible experience cost just 450,000 IDR (approx. US$28) for three paddleboards, and that included all the drone footage.
To see the stunning photos and get more details on this must-do activity, check out our full post on the Gili sunrise paddleboarding adventure.
#4. Lombok Wildlife Park: A Perfect Day Trip from Gili T
After more than a week of island life, our kids were ready for a different kind of adventure. A day trip to the Lombok Wildlife Park was the perfect solution, offering a fun jungle escape from the sand and sea.
Our Interactive Animal Encounters
This isn’t a massive zoo, but its strength lies in its hands-on experiences, which are perfect for engaging children. Our kids were thrilled to be able to feed fruit directly to the elephants and feel their powerful trunks. They held colorful birds and, in a moment of bravery, even let a keeper drape a huge python over their shoulders for a photo.
It was a fantastic way to break up our Gili stay and introduce a different kind of fun. The park is lush, shady, and feels like a true jungle adventure. This is a highly recommended day trip for anyone spending more than a few days on the Gili Islands.
How to Get There (And Save Money)
Don’t book an expensive package tour. We did it ourselves, and it was easy:
- We took the cheap public boat from Gili Trawangan to Bangsal Harbour in Lombok.
- From there, we used the Grab app to book a car to the park, avoiding the inflated taxi prices at the port.
Our Spend: The entrance fee, animal feedings, and tips for our family cost 375,000 IDR (approx. US$23). This didn’t include our transport or lunch, but it was still a very affordable day out.
For a complete walkthrough of our day trip, including transport tips and more about the animal encounters, see our ultimate guide to visiting the Lombok Wildlife Park.
#5. Gili Trawangan Snorkeling: Our Favorite Free Activity
We snorkeled almost every day during our nine days on Gili Trawangan. The water is so clear and full of life that it became our go-to afternoon activity. The best part? You don’t need an expensive boat tour to have an amazing underwater experience.
Finding the Best Spots
We quickly learned the secrets of the shoreline.
- For Sea Turtles: The best spot by far is the east beach, right in front of the ‘Gili Boys’ beach bar. The turtles feed on the seagrass here, and we had the best luck around 10 AM.
- For Fish and Coral: The north beach has more vibrant coral and schools of colorful fish. It’s also shallower at low tide, making it a safer spot for snorkeling with younger kids.
Watching a giant sea turtle glide gracefully past my children was a moment of pure magic that cost us absolutely nothing. It’s easily one of the most rewarding Bali family activities you can do.
Our Spend: $0. We brought our own snorkeling gear, so this activity was completely free. We only spent money on cold drinks at the beach bars while we took breaks.
We mapped out these exact spots with more photos. For an in-depth look at where to find the turtles, read our complete Gili Trawangan snorkeling guide.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bali Family Activities
What is the best area in Bali to stay with a family?
It depends on your goals. Sanur is fantastic for young children with its calm beaches. Kuta and Seminyak offer great access to activities like Waterbom and surfing. Ubud is the cultural heart, perfect for nature and art. For a relaxed, car-free vibe, the Gili Islands are unbeatable.
Is Bali a safe destination for families with kids?
Yes, Bali is generally very safe. The Balinese people are incredibly warm and welcoming towards children. Just take standard precautions: drink bottled water, be cautious with street food, use mosquito repellent, and ensure your family is up-to-date on routine vaccinations. For official travel advice, you can always check Indonesia’s official Ministry of Tourism website.
How much money should I budget for a family trip to Bali?
Bali can fit any budget. For a mid-range trip, a family of four might spend around US$150−250 per day on accommodation, food, and activities. As you can see from our summary, our five main activities for our entire 18−day trip cost us a total of just US$207, showing how affordable family fun in Bali can be.
Conclusion: Our Final Thoughts on Our Bali Family Trip
Our 18-day journey taught us that a successful family holiday in Bali is all about balance. By mixing a big splurge like Waterbom with free, simple pleasures like snorkeling, we created a trip that was both exciting and affordable.
The island offers an incredible playground for families who love adventure. By focusing on these five experiences, we made memories that will last a lifetime without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. We hope sharing the details of our Bali family activities helps you plan your own amazing and unforgettable adventure.
