Bali with kids? The best 7 day Ubud itinerary for families
Rediscovering Bali in Ubud with Kids
We’ve had a bit of a love-hate relationship with Bali over the years. After vowing not to come back in 2019, we somehow found ourselves in Ubud with the kids for five weeks.
Well, guess what? Several months later, we were back, and now it seems Bali wasn’t done with us after all!
So here we are, sharing our top tips for a 7 day Ubud itinerary that’s perfect for families and packed with things to do with kids.
Trust us—Ubud has a way of sneaking into your heart.
Why Bali Keeps Calling Us Back
Let’s be honest, between us, we’ve been to Bali more times than we can count—at least six trips over the last 20 years.
It’s crazy to think it’s been that long—it makes me feel old! Just when we think we’re done, Bali pulls us back in.
It’s so wonderful that everyone wants a piece of it. Culture, nightlife, beaches, snorkeling, surfing, volcanoes, nature, waterfalls, delicious food, healing centers, alternative lifestyles…Bali has something for everyone…so everyone came to Bali.
But with all these great things comes the crowds. With lots of development and lots of tourists, sometimes it feels like Bali’s charm is getting lost in the hustle. Have you heard about the new Bali?
Our last visit in 2019 felt like the final visit.
But here we are, back in Ubud with kids.
We found a worldschooling option at The Wood School Bali that ticked all our boxes, and now, we’re settling in for at least a year. The girls are enrolled, Jak is working there, and I’m sitting in Ubud, writing about why this place keeps drawing us back.
Why Choose Ubud for a Family Holiday?
Ubud is the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali, and honestly, it’s the perfect spot for families.
Nestled in Bali’s lush interior, Ubud is surrounded by terraced rice paddies and dense jungle, offering a peaceful escape from the busier coastal areas.
Just to be clear though, Ubud also has a very busy centre, and the traffic is infamous, but more on that later.
With so many things to do, Ubud with kids is a fantastic experience because it blends cultural immersion with outdoor adventures and plenty of downtime.
After all this time in Bali, we have found the best activities in Ubud for families and what you actually should do if you have a week in Ubud with your kids to see the best that Bali has to offer.
Where is Ubud?
Sitting right in the centre of Bali, Ubud holds cultural and historical importance for the Balinese people.
It is often considered the cultural heart of Bali and has done a fantastic job of preserving and showcasing traditional Balinese arts, dance, music, and crafts.
This green centre is surrounded with lush rice paddies and is known for as a place for healing; you will find all your yoga sessions, chakra alignments and sound healing session in Ubud plus lots more kid friendly activities.
But, central Ubud is busy!
Sometimes crazy busy but the good news is that it doesn’t take long to escape from it.
So, whilst there are a few of the more popular ‘tourist spots’, I’m also sharing some of the more interesting Ubud activities to do with kids.
See Map here
Best Time to Visit Ubud with Kids
Timing is everything, especially when traveling with kids.
The best time to visit Ubud is during the dry season, from April to October.
The weather is ideal for outdoor activities, and you’re less likely to encounter the heavy rains that can make some adventures less enjoyable.
But be warned—Ubud, during peak tourist seasons (July and August) can get pretty busy.
If you can swing it, April, May, or September are perfect for a more relaxed experience.
We’ve learned this the hard way after battling the crowds in peak season.
Navigating Ubud: Tackling Traffic and Travel Tips
The Traffic in Ubud: What You Need to Know
One thing you need to know about Ubud—it’s busy, and the traffic can be a bit of a nightmare.
The town’s popularity means the roads are often congested, especially in the centre.
This can be overwhelming, especially if you’re travelling with kids. But don’t let that scare you off; just be prepared and plan ahead.
Need to escape the traffic? Head to the car free islands- The Gili’s
Choosing Where to Stay in Ubud with Kids
When picking your base for exploring Ubud with kids, think about how close you want to be to the action.
Staying in central Ubud puts you right in the middle of things, which is super convenient but can also mean dealing with heavy traffic.
If you prefer a quieter experience, consider staying on the outskirts of Ubud. You’ll still be close enough to enjoy all the attractions, but far enough to escape the crazy traffic.
We prefer staying outside of Ubud in an area called Pejeng, surrounded by rice fields. This gives us the option of travelling into the busier areas when we need something but generally have a bit of calm around us.
Getting Around Ubud
- Walking: If you’re staying in central Ubud, walking is often the best way to get around. It’s a compact town, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. Just be mindful of the uneven sidewalks, uncovered manholes, or scooters driving down the path. Like many Southeast Asian cities, it’s not the most pedestrian-friendly place, but you get used to it.
- Scooters: Scooters are a popular way to get around Ubud, but they’re not always the safest option, especially with kids. The traffic can be chaotic, and the roads aren’t always in the best condition—lots of surprise potholes. If you do choose to rent a scooter, make sure everyone wears a helmet and drive carefully.
- Car Rentals with Drivers: Hiring a car with a driver is a more comfortable and safer option, particularly for families. It allows you to explore at your own pace without worrying about navigating the traffic or finding parking. Many drivers are also excellent guides and can provide local insights you might not get otherwise. But beware—traffic can be a killer. You could be stuck in traffic for what feels like forever!
- Taxi Services: Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab and GoJek are lifesavers for getting around Ubud. But availability can be hit or miss, especially during peak times. Always agree on a price before getting into a taxi if you’re not using an app. Also, some areas don’t allow pick-ups from these apps, so check with your accommodation if this is a service you plan to use.
Staying somewhere with easy access to the main roads but a bit removed from the busiest areas can make your trip to Ubud easier and more enjoyable.
Planning Your 7-Day Ubud Itinerary
Alright, let’s dive into the fun stuff—planning your Ubud itinerary!
This 7-day itinerary is designed to give you a taste of some of the best activities in Ubud for families to keep everyone happy.
Feel free to mix and match these activities to suit your family.
Day 1: Arrival in Ubud and Settling In
After arriving in Ubud, take some time to settle in and get used to the slower pace of life here. Depending on where you’re staying, you might want to explore nearby or simply relax by the pool. Trust me, after dealing with Bali traffic, you’ll need it!
TIP: If you need somewhere to head out and relax, try a day pool, some are free or you need to spend a certain amount on food but are great value.
Ubud Day Pools
Ubud is Bali’s center for healing and relaxation so let’s start the week of right with a pool day. Ubud pool days are pretty special and they do a fantastic job of entertaining the kids and the adults.
Some are free entry, just purchase food and drink and some have a cover charge.
How much are the day pools in Ubud?
Day 2: Exploring Ubud’s Cultural Heritage
Tirta Empul Water Temple
Start your day with a visit to Tirta Empul, a sacred water temple famous for its holy spring.
Families can take part in the purification rituals or simply soak in the serene atmosphere.
It’s a unique cultural experience that introduces kids to Balinese spiritual practices in a way that’s both engaging and educational.
Visit Ubud Palace
Free entry
This historical site offers a glimpse into the island’s royal history and Balinese architecture.
With intricately carved gateways and pavilions, it’s a pretty place to walk around but be respectful and mindful of the kids running around.
Each evening there is a performance of a traditional Balinese dance. Filled with elaborate costumes and make up, traditional music and dance, these shows are very entertaining
The show starts at 7:30 but doors open at 6:30 and the best seats fill up quick. If you don’t arrive until the start time, you will be lucky to see anything.
Our kids were entranced with this show which finished at 9pm, but the kid next to us…fell asleep!
The Legong Dance, known as “Legong Kraton,” is a traditional performance, originating as royal entertainment.
Young female dancers in elaborate costumes, performing intricate movements (watch the dancer’s eyes!) were mesmerising for our kids.
Originally performed only within palace walls for the royal family, it can now be seen at public venues, like the Puri Saren Royal Palace in Ubud.
There are lots of others but there is a performance every night at the palace.
100,000k per person
Young kids are free (depends how small they are! Our 7 year old was considered small enough!)
After the temple, head back into town and visit the Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung).
You can get your ticket from right outside the palace but it does fill up fast so if you prefer, you can book online here.
Day 3: Adventure and Nature
Tegunungan Waterfall
Get an early start and head to the Tegunungan Waterfall, one of the more accessible waterfalls near Ubud.
It’s a bit of a climb down, but the kids will love splashing around in the pool at the bottom. Just be sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Campuhan Ridge Walk
After a refreshing morning, take a walk along the Campuhan Ridge.
It’s an easy trek and very pretty, and because of this it can get busy. Look out for the ducks on bug patrol, very cute!
Alternative Waterfalls
Head out early and head to one of the MANY waterfalls that surround Ubud
Most will have a small entry fee or around 10-25,000IDR and maybe a parking fee but they all contribute to the community maintaining the areas.
Some of our favourites are;
Suwat
Nice waterfall to have a good fresh water bath as well as an adventurous waterfall jumping. This is on the way to the rice field and the road to the waterfall is paved. Entrance fee is IDR 15k.
There’s a couple of locals playing a bamboo instrument to welcome you and there is small bar down near the fall as well.
You can do a few activities; taking the bamboo made raft and paddle towards the waterfall, jump from behind the waterfall in to the water (honestly, a bit of a treacherous climb, but we saw a few people do it) or jump from the small rock formation just next to the big scary jump.
Taman Sari
A great spot for swimming, two waterfalls with a big pool. It can get quite deep so watch the kids.
Bandung waterfall
Just a short distance from Ubud, it is an easy escape. A calm and peaceful waterfall with lots of moss covered rocks.
Bali has lots of epic waterfalls. A word of warning, Bali is infamous for the epic waterfalls, but also the ‘Bali Belly’- if you need to know more, read about it here.
As lovely as these waterfalls are, the water system can pick up lots of ‘things’ on the way. We always *try* and advise the kids to keep heads and mouths out of the water.
Day 4: Animal Encounters
Monkey Forest
Entrance: 80k IDR Adult/60k IDR kids
It is important to note that the Monkey Forest only accepts cash payments, so make sure to bring enough cash with you.
One of the more popular attractions in Ubud is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, also known as the Monkey Forest. In all honesty, this is one we definitely avoid.
The forest is located in the heart of Ubud, and that means the infamous Bali traffic. It is also home to around 700 free roaming monkeys.
The monkeys rule here, and they know it.
There are a lot of rules around the dos and don’ts or behaviour around the monkeys but there is an element of unpredictability around them.
The forest is a lovely walk, wear decent shoes. Try not to take anything in with you as the monkeys can and will help themselves to it.
Bali Zoo
There is also Bali Zoo for a more controlled animal encounter, it offers a variety of interactive experiences, from feeding elephants to petting deer.
We are not huge fans so would spend the afternoon at Shopping at Ubud Art Market
The purpose-built market, opposite Ubud palace feels a little clinical inside. The hustle and bustle of the street stalls has tamed but for the convenience of the shopper, you can find all your shopping needs here.
There are some beautiful things from house items, jewellery, clothes and art but you probably won’t find anything particularly unique. Don’t forget to haggle!
Day 5: Cultural and Creative Activities
Sari Api Ceramics Studio
In the morning, take the kids to Sari Api Ceramics Studio, where they can try their hand at pottery.
The instructors are patient and make the experience fun and educational for all ages.
Pondok Pekak Library & Learning Centre
In the afternoon, visit the Pondok Pekak Library & Learning Centre.
Classes include; wood carving, traditional painting, gamelan, silver jewellery and offering making. We have done the silver and painting class and can recommend both. It’s one of our favourite places to learn new skills and dive deeper into Balinese culture.
Day 6: Adventure and Fun
White Water Rafting
For a more thrilling adventure, consider a family-friendly white water rafting trip down the Ayung River.
The rapids here are mild enough for kids but still exciting. The journey takes you through lush forests and past stunning waterfalls.
Bicycle Tours
If your kids are up for it, an afternoon bicycle tour through the rice paddies and villages around Ubud is a great way to explore the countryside.
These guided tours are usually suitable for families and provide a close-up look at local life. Most offer e-bikes to make those hills a little easier to climb.
Day 7: Relaxation and Reflection
Jungle Fish Pool & Restaurant
On your final day, take it easy with a visit to Jungle Fish Pool & Restaurant.
This “no beach… beach club” is a family-friendly spot where you can relax by the pool, enjoy some delicious food, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding jungle.
Titi Batu Pool Club
Alternatively, head to Titi Batu Pool Club, which offers a variety of pools, a skate park, and a kids’ play area.
Other activities in Ubud
Cooking class with something more
Looking for a different kind of activity in Ubud? Try the SHAYA Jungle kitchen
This family-friendly adventure invites you to step into the heart of the Balinese jungle. Starting with foraging for edible treasures like flowers, leaves, and roots in the lush surroundings.
I promise you this is fun! Then, roll up your sleeves and get hands-on as you transform these natural finds into delicious, healthy vegan dishes with the help of people who know what they are doing.
This isn’t just a cooking experience but an opportunity to connect with the nature around you, learn about Balinese herbal medicine and the cultural heritage of the region, adding an educational twist to your adventure.
Mepantigan
So, this one is a bit different but its mud and which kid doesn’t like mud?
From the moment you arrive, introduced to the sacred traditions of Balinese culture. You will put on a traditional Tridatu Sarongs, as a sign of respect to the Goddess of the Rice, Ida Bhatari Shri.
With body painting and physical exercise, the kids will love the hands-on physical activities, let’s not even talk about the duck kissing!
But the real adventure begins in the mud-pit
After all the muddy fun, it’s a dip in the river, and a Pancoran shower experience with covered in banana leaves.
Everyone gets fed and some souvenirs to take home but, in a nutshell, Om Swastiastu’s “Mepantigan” program provides a pretty unique, unforgettable and educational adventure for kids, offering a chance to embrace Balinese culture, nature, and tons of playful activities in a safe and exciting environment.
Visit the other rice terraces and traditional villages
Ceking rice terraces
- Entrance:10k IDR
Visiting the Tegallalang Rice Terraces (also known as the Ceking Rice Terraces) really lives up to all those Instagram shots of rice fields.
The lushness is beautiful and offers an insight into one of the most important elements to Balinese life.
You can weave your way through the narrow pathways between the terraces and stop for a coconut.
Beyond how impressive they are, these fields hold great significance for the Balinese, still practicing agricultural methods they have used for centuries.
As with many things in Bali, it can get crowded, so an early morning visit is ideal for a more serene experience.
Temple Visit to Goa Gajah
It costs 50,000IDR (around £3 or $3.50) for adults and 25,000IDR (around £1.50 or $1.75) for children. You can buy tickets at the ticket office near the temple entrance.
Goa Gajah temple opening hours: Daily 8am – 5pm
The Goa Gajah temple complex includes a small bathing temple with Hindu angel statues and various other temples, statues, shrines, as well as a forested area with a waterfall and a Buddhist temple. It’s not open to the general public.
The cave entrance is pretty cool but the whole trip shouldn’t take longer than 30 minutes.
Top tip- Get your FREE sarongs that are available to borrow at the temple entrance
Where to eat in Ubud with kids
Family-Friendly Dining in Ubud
Finding good food that the whole family will enjoy is crucial. Here are some of our top picks for family-friendly dining in Ubud:
Sun Sun Warung:
A cozy spot offering a mix of local Balinese dishes and Western favorites. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff make it ideal for families.
Fair Warung Bale:
This restaurant is a social enterprise where proceeds go toward providing free healthcare for those in need. The menu features a range of healthy, organic dishes, and the welcoming environment is great for kids.
Milk & Madu Ubud:
This popular cafe is known for its laid-back vibe, delicious all-day breakfasts, and extensive kids’ menu with a spacious outdoor area includes a playground.
Bali is a fantastic place to visit with kids and you shouldn’t miss Ubud off the list.
This cultural heart has so much to offer but this 7 day Itinerary for Ubud for travelling with kids will introduce you to some of the best activities, just mix and match to suit your needs.
