Travel guide to: Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Ubud's blend of nature, culture, and interactive learning makes it an ideal destination for children to enjoy. There are a wide range of activities for kids that combine fun, learning, and exploration. Children can enjoy outdoor adventures in nature, creative workshops, and engaging cultural experiences that provide a hands-on introduction to Balinese traditions.

Watermelon carving class in Ubud

Top-10 Places to See and Things for Kids

• Do a Class at Pondok Pekak Library & Learning Center – This spot became one of our favorite discoveries in Ubud. The kids were completely absorbed in the hands-on classes, from learning Balinese dance to carving wood and painting. The staff are great with children, they make the whole experience both fun and educational, and it's great valuue too.
• Visit the Monkey Forest – A short and easy walk from central Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is always a hit with children. Our kids were fascinated by the playful macaques and loved walking among the moss-covered temples and giant banyan trees. Just be sure to keep food in your bags and zipped up tight, those monkeys are clever!
• Campuhan Ridge Walk – This walk is perfect in the early morning or late afternoon. Our kids enjoyed the freedom to run along the wide path while we took in the lush valley views. There are a few cafes halfway along if you need a cold drink or snack break.
• Visit Tegenungan Waterfall – Just a short drive from Ubud, this waterfall is a great spot for adventurous kids. The walk down is manageable, and the chance to splash in the cool water at the bottom made it a real highlight for our family.
• Elephant Safari Park – Although a bit outside Ubud, this park was a memorable day trip. Our kids were thrilled to feed and bathe the elephants, and it was a great way to learn about elephant conservation in a hands-on way. It's best to go early to avoid the crowds and heat.
• Art Galleries and Museums – Of the many art galleries and museums around town, our top pick is the Blanco Renaissance Museum. We were surprised at how much our kids enjoyed this museum. The gardens are beautiful, and the quirky art sparked lots of questions and conversation. It's a relaxed and interesting way to spend a couple of hours.
• Birds of Petulu – Just before sunset, head to the village of Petulu, where thousands of white herons return to roost. It’s a magical sight and a peaceful, lesser-known experience that feels like a hidden gem. Our kids loved watching the birds come in, and the village walk is an easy one.
• Rice Field Walk – You don’t need a guide, just wander from Ubud out past the cafes and follow the tracks through the rice paddies. We found this a great way to show the kids traditional farming up close. Go in the late afternoon when it’s cooler and the light is golden.
• Bicycle Ride – One of the most fun things we did while in Ubud was a guided family-friendly bike ride through the villages and rice fields. The downhill ride was gentle and the guides made plenty of stops to explain things along the way. The kids loved seeing real village life.
• Visit a Hotel Pool – Sometimes the best part of the day is just relaxing by the pool. Many hotels in Ubud have beautiful settings and allow non-guests to use the pool for a small fee or if you eat at the restaurant. We spent many relaxing afternoons that way, and the kids were more than happy for the relief from exploring the town!

Visit Note: We visited Ubud in 2002, 2012, and lived there in 2014.

More ...

• Ubud Travel Guide
• About nearby Sanur, and all Indonesia Places
• Essential Tips for Travelling with Kids - a few tips based on our experience traveling with young children
• Travel and Kids

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