You shall know things to do with kids in Ubud for an unforgettable experience during your trip to the central culture of Bali. It is home to interesting places, from a culture center to kid-friendly restaurants that serve a selection of delicious menus.
Let’s dive into the article to learn more about things to do with kids in Ubud. It helps make your trip to Bali with family more enjoyable, creating a core memory that will linger even after the holiday ends.
Is Ubud a Good Base for a Family Trip to Bali?
If you are wondering whether Ubud is a good base for a family trip to Bali, the answer is yes. There are many things to do in Ubud, such as exploring the area to find a homey cafe or enjoying dinner in an upscale restaurant.
A perfect Ubud day trip starts with nature and spirituality experiences, then culture and lunchtime, and ends with relaxation. It is no surprise that exploring Ubud is the best thing to do in Bali with kids.
Ubud Family Activities at a Glance
Exploring Bali with kids is fairly fun, especially if you know what to do in Ubud. While youngsters must stay close to parents, you can spend one to two hours strolling through Sacred Monkey Forest to see the woodland paths, temples, and free-roaming long-tailed macaques.
If you and your kids are comfortable with walking, you can visit Tegallalang Rice Terrace and spend one to two hours. It is a tourist attraction in Ubud because you will see scenic rice paddies shaped in Bali’s traditional subak irrigation system.
Things to Do in Ubud with Kids Under 6
Transforming a trip in Ubud with kids into something memorable is easy. You can visit Bali Bird Park and walk-through aviaries, scheduled presentations, feeding demonstrations, and supervised encounters with selected birds.
Or, you can spend half a day at Bali Zoo as one of the things to do in Ubud with kids. It is a family-friendly option near Ubud, with animal exhibits, presentations, feeding activities, and organised encounter programmes.
Things to Do in Ubud with Kids Aged 7 to 12
If you take kids aged 7 to 12 to Ubud, you can explore many places, such as The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. It combines forest trails, temple structures, and encounters with free-roaming long-tailed macaques, as school-age children are usually old enough to understand the rules.
In addition to the forest, you can take kids to Tegallalang Rice Terrace to introduce them to Bali’s terraced agricultural landscape and the traditional subak irrigation system. You and your family can admire the view from the upper area, or even explore the lower paths.
Things to Do in Ubud with Teens and Tweens
One of the family-friendly activities in Bali with teens and tweens is white-water rafting on the Ayung River. It is a way of exploring the jungle scenery, waterfalls, rocky gorges, and sections of moving water.
You can also do a countryside cycling tour to explore rice fields, traditional villages, bamboo-lined roads, farms, and quieter areas beyond central Ubud. Family-oriented operators generally use low-traffic routes and provide helmets and correctly sized bicycles.
Rice Terraces and Rice Field Walks Families Can Do Together
Ubud has many rice terraces for you to explore, one of the best things to do in Ubud with Kids. It is a fun way to explore the area and enjoy the quieter area while admiring the spectacular views that you will never find anywhere else.
Tegallalang Rice Terrace and the Subak Irrigation System
Tegallalang Rice Terrace is situated 15 kilometres north of central Ubud and is known for its layered rice paddies carved into a steep tropical valley. The rice terraces are built in the subak, a traditional irrigation system.
This irrigation system includes farmers’ organisations as well as canals, tunnels, dams, water sources, temples, agricultural rules, and cooperative decisions to keep the fields productive. Historical evidence shows that organised subak irrigation existed in Bali at least since the 11th century.
Quieter Rice Field Walks Near Central Ubud
If you are looking for quieter rice field walks near central Ubud, you can visit Kajeng and Subak Juwuk Manis Walk. It is often called the Sweet Orange Walk, where the paths lead away from the shops and traffic into rice paddies, palm trees, local homes, and small warungs.
One of the things to do in Ubud with toddlers is exploring The Sari Organic Walk. It is roughly parallel to the busier Campuhan Ridge Walk, as it’s predominantly flat and passes cafes, small studios, guesthouses, gardens, and stretches of working farmland.
Waterfalls Near Ubud and Which One Fits Your Kids’ Ages
Known for its spectacular, scenic views, Ubud has many waterfalls that fits for you kids’ ages. Exploring the waterfalls can be a kids’ activity in Ubud to introduce them to the beautiful, panoramic nature.
One of the waterfalls is Tegenungan Waterfall, where you can see the cascade from viewpoints near the upper area without descending to the river. It makes the area the most manageable option for preschoolers and children who can’t handle a long walk.
For another option, you can visit Tibumana Waterfall, which has a gentler atmosphere. One of the best things to do in Ubud with kids is to explore the waterfall, as it has a natural pool beneath it where you can swim with them. However, you should check the water conditions with the staff before visiting.
Cultural Experiences That Keep Kids Engaged
Besides the panoramic views of nature, Ubud is popularly known for its cultural experiences. There are many family activities in Ubud that you can do to explore local culture, which will enhance your kids’ knowledge of local lives.
Watching a Kecak or Legong Dance With Children
Kecak is performed around a chorus of men repeatedly chanting “cak, cak, cak” instead of using the gamelan orchestra normally associated with Balinese dance. The kidnapping of Shinta, Hanoman’s voyage, war scenes, and a dramatic fire encounter are all part of the Ramayana plot that is told in the main narrative.
In addition to the Kecak Dance, you can also take your kids to watch Legong. It is a classical Balinese dance known for its detailed hand movements, quick eye expressions, and close coordination with gamelan music, as the performance often focuses on movement and facial expression rather than dialogue to tell its story.
Balinese Cooking Classes and Hands-On Art Workshops
If you are wondering where to go with kids in Bali, attending Balinese cooking classes is highly recommended. It is a place where you can introduce your kids to Indonesian local spices, such as turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, coconut, shallots, chillies, and aromatic leaves.
Or for a more elevated experience, you can go for a painting class, which is one of the easiest workshops for families with younger children. One session may involve canvases, tote bags, stones, masks, and prepared wooden objects as media for kids to pour their creativity into something valuable.
Evening and Dinner Experiences for Families in Ubud
Ubud is fairly well-known for its culinary scene, where you can find many restaurants serving their own “niche” in terms of food. It is not hard to find where to eat in Ubud, as you can choose one like Seven Paintings for unforgettable evening and dinner experiences.
Seven Paintings offers you a seven-course meal, which is inspired by seven painters around the world. It is a place for an interactive dining experience, where you and your children can paint your own masterpiece onto the food.
As one of the best restaurants in Ubud, the chefs tell a deep, connecting story in every dish you enjoy during evening and dinner. This helps you connect with food you enjoy, elevating and refining your dining experience in Ubud.
Rainy Day and Indoor Activities in Ubud
Rain does not have to cancel a family day in Ubud. You have to know what to do in Ubud when it rains, as alternatives are available, such as indoor activities to keep the trip fun even when it is raining outside.
Since Balinese cooking classes typically take place in enclosed kitchens, you can bring your kids along. Rain won’t disrupt your day in Ubud, so you and your children may enjoy the day and worry less.
Trying a pottery class is also recommended, as the event usually takes place in a studio. Beginner pottery classes may involve shaping clay, using a pottery wheel, carving patterns, and decorating the finished objects, as this is an enjoyable activity for children to participate in while it’s raining in Ubud.
Where to Stay in Ubud with Kids by Zone
There are plenty of lodging options in Ubud, so finding a place to stay is not a major problem. One of which is Kaamala Luxury Resort & Spa, an Ubud family resort located in Jalan Bisma No 888A.
Kaamala Luxury Resort & Spa is tucked in the center of Ubud, which allows you to explore the area with your family. From Sacred Monkey Forest to upscale or mid-range restaurants, all are accessible when you stay at the resort.
If you are traveling with large families, you can stay in the Northern area of Ubud. These zones generally provide more villa-style accommodation and space, as you can ask about bedroom layouts carefully before making a reservation in advance.
A Sample Three-Day Ubud Itinerary for Families
Day 1: Explore Central Ubud
Start the morning with a visit to the Ubud Monkey Forest or a short walk through the Kajeng rice fields. Have lunch in central Ubud, then return to the hotel for a pool break or afternoon rest.
In the evening, enjoy an early dinner followed by a Legong or Kecak dance performance.
Day 2: Nature and Wildlife
Visit Tegallalang Rice Terrace early in the morning before it gets hot and crowded. Continue to a family-friendly waterfall such as Tibumana or Suwat Waterfall, depending on the children’s ages and walking ability.
Spend the late afternoon relaxing at the hotel and have a casual family dinner nearby.
Day 3: Hands-On Cultural Activities
Join a Balinese cooking class, painting workshop, batik class, or silver-making activity. Choose an experience that suits the children’s ages and attention spans.
After lunch, visit a museum, browse Ubud Market, or enjoy a final swim before ending the trip with an early rice-field or garden dinner.
Keep the schedule flexible and plan only one main activity each morning. This leaves enough time for meals, naps, traffic delays, and pool breaks.
Safety and Practical Tips for Traveling in Ubud with Children
You should understand a few useful guidelines when visiting Ubud with kids to ensure their safety. With the help of these suggestions, you may travel comfortably and worry less about potential harm to your loved ones.
- Use a car and driver: It is better to travel with a car and driver because the road may be unpredictable. Local drivers know the terrain better, so let them lead you to the destination.
- Take extra care when walking: When walking, keep your kids close by, avoid the edge of the road, use pavements whenever possible, and stop before crossing because cars may be approaching from multiple directions.
- Protect children from mosquito bites: Use mosquito repellent to prevent children from illness, including dengue.
- Be careful with food and water: Choose a clean and reputable restaurant, and use safe bottled water to avoid Bali belly.
- Supervise children around pools and waterfalls: Young children should remain within direct reach of an adult, and families staying in a villa should ask whether pool fencing or temporary barriers are available.
Following these practical tips will lead you to the safest trip ever in Ubud. It protects your family from potentially dangerous situations that could result in a trip that leaves them with unwanted memories.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Ubud with Kids
- Is Ubud a good destination for families?
Yes. Ubud offers a mix of rice fields, wildlife, museums, traditional performances, cooking classes, art workshops, and outdoor activities. It is particularly suitable for families interested in nature and Balinese culture rather than beaches and water sports. - How many days should families spend in Ubud?
Three days is enough to see the main highlights at a relaxed pace. Families staying four or five days will have more time for workshops, wildlife attractions, swimming, and rest between outings. - Is Ubud suitable for toddlers?
Yes, but the itinerary should be kept simple. Choose short rice-field walks, wildlife parks, painting activities, garden restaurants, and plenty of pool or nap time. A baby carrier is often more practical than a stroller on narrow or uneven paths. - What are the best activities for school-age children?
Children aged seven to twelve may enjoy Tegallalang Rice Terrace, the Monkey Forest, cooking classes, batik workshops, cycling, wildlife parks, waterfalls, and traditional dance performances. Older children may also be able to join rafting or silver-making classes, depending on the operator’s age requirements. - What is the easiest way to travel around Ubud with children?
A private car with a driver is usually the most convenient option. It gives families space for bags, allows flexible stops, and is generally easier than using scooters or arranging separate transport between attractions. Request child car seats in advance because they may not be provided automatically. - Is the Ubud Monkey Forest safe for children?
Families can visit, but children must remain close to an adult. Visitors should not feed, touch, tease, or play with the monkeys. Stay calm if a monkey approaches and ask sanctuary staff for help when needed. - Is Ubud stroller-friendly?
Only partly. Some central streets are manageable, but pavements, rice-field paths, temple areas, waterfalls, and village lanes may be narrow, uneven, or stepped. A lightweight stroller works for selected areas, while a carrier is usually easier for outdoor attractions. - What can families do when it rains?
Good rainy-day options include Balinese cooking classes, painting, pottery, batik, silver-making, Museum Puri Lukisan, and ARMA Museum. Confirm that workshops take place in an enclosed room because some are held in roofed but open-sided pavilions.
Building Your Own Ubud Family Days From Here
Understanding things to do with kids in Ubud makes your trip feel comfortable and fun at the same time. From exploring nature to hopping from one cafe to another and enjoying dinner in fancy restaurants, all activities are designed for an unforgettable trip.
For a memorable dining experience, you can visit Seven Paintings, which offers a seven-course meal with engaging storytelling from the chefs. Prior reservations is required to secure a table, so book and schedule your eating journey in our restaurant.
