Croatia with Kids: 7 places to go on a Family Vacation

From the medieval city of Dubrovnik to the mighty falls of Plitvice Valley National Park, Croatia is the perfect place to go for a family vacation.

The country is home to stunning towns drenched in history, dazzling blue shorelines and a sublime culinary scene, all the while offering a wealth of child-friendly activities.

Also known as the Land of a Thousand Islands, you will find an array of idyllic isles scattered along the coast of the mainland that make fantastic day trip destinations as well as places to stay the night. 

No matter whether you and the gang are craving a sun-soaked beach getaway or an exploration of nature’s finest landscapes, this beautiful part of the world truly has something for everyone.

To help you plan the most incredible trip possible, we’ve put together a list of the best places to go on in Croatia with kids.

Dubrovnik is a brilliant destination for a family vacation in Croatia. The enchanting medieval city is brimming with activities and sights to entertain all ages, from teenagers to the little ones. 

For those traveling with older children, set off on an adventure by hiking up Mount Srd. Fear not, those with younger kids need not miss out on the experience either as you can simply take the cable car to the top.

No matter which method of transport you choose, the experience is set to be exciting from the get-go. Tackling the 213-meter high mountain by foot provides ample time to bond and take in stunning views over the old town. 

Yet, those floating up on the cable car will also be treated to breathtaking vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows. Upon reaching the summit, you will be treated to awe-inspiring views over the city, from the terracotta roofs of the Old Town to the turquoise waters of the Adriatic. 

Other family-friendly activities to get up to in Dubrovnik include climbing the gorgeous city walls, visiting Rector’s palace and hitting up the dazzling beaches lying along the city’s coast.

As the second-largest city in Croatia, Split is full of fun things to do with the family. Expect captivating shorelines and a rich cultural heritage in this patch of paradise. 

The ancient palace known as Diocletian’s Palace is a must-visit on a family holiday to Croatia. You can choose to look around the area yourself or take a guided walking tour if you’re looking to hear more about the history of the area. 

As one of the best-preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy, the sensational architecture is sure to be exciting enough to even hold the attention of the little ones who will feel like they’ve zoomed back in time.

Yet, the most amusing element for the kids is likely to be rubbing the toe of the statue of Grgur Ninski (Gregory of Nin)  which is said to bring good luck.

Klis Fortress is another wonderful place to go on a family vacation to Croatia. A fascinating destination for kids and adults alike, the iconic military structure lies perched upon an unscalable cliff that leans over a gorge between the Mosor and Kozjak mountains. 

Located above the village of Klis, the scene of the huge stone fortress encrusting the vibrant green vegetation makes the most sensational sight. 

Šibenik is a fantastic place to visit on a Croatia family vacation. A picturesque town and UNESCO World Heritage Site situated along the Adriatic coast, it is home to four imposing fortresses and a breathtaking old town of cobbled streets and ancient stone buildings. 

Spend a day exploring what lies within the picturesque streets and alleyways, from spectacular cathedrals to chic, contemporary coffee shops before setting out to see the sixteenth-century fortresses. 

When it comes to a Croatia holiday with kids, it’s almost impossible to find a better destination than Šibenik due to the breadth of child-friendly activities on offer. For example, you can take the young ones to see remarkable birds of prey at Solarski Centar, a sanctuary for injured birds. 

The facility presents engaging one-hour demonstrations that allow kids to get up close and personal with spectacular creatures all the while supporting a good cause as the facility rehabilitates wounded birds and prepares them for their return to the wild.

Going to Krka National Park is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Croatia with family. The landscape is nothing short of breathtaking; a stunning mirage of waterfalls, cliffs and electric blue lagoons.

Rent a kayak to float along the picturesque Krka River, as the thunderous sounds of the waterfalls emanate around you.

A dazzling multi-layered waterfall with a large turquoise pool area, the setting is truly unworldly and makes the most incredible spot.

Another of the finest attractions in the area is its tallest waterfall, Manojlovac. Standing at a height of 65 feet, it is nothing short of spectacular and makes the perfect backdrop for a family photo.

The little ones will also be pleased to hear that the setting is home to a wealth of interesting wildlife species. Residents include eagles, deer and otters. To get to Krka National Park all you need to do is catch a bus from Split which takes just over an hour. 

Alternatively, if you’ve rented a car you can take the journey yourself. Either way, this little patch of unspoilt haven lies a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of Split.

The largest national park in Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park encompasses over almost 30,000 hectares of wild landscape. In a wonderful combination of forests, meadows and lakes, the setting is incredibly beautiful and easily one of the finest Croatia vacation spots to visit with family. 

Follow boardwalk trails as they guide you through the enchanting setting of ninety waterfalls cascade and sixteen interconnecting lakes that appear in all shades from turquoise to cobalt blue. 

To see the sought-after UNESCO World Heritage Site in its prime, head over in the early morning or afternoon. This way you can beat the crowds and enjoy the landscape at its quietest.

The kids will jump at the chance to explore the dramatic scenery by taking a hike through the area. To add a little extra excitement to your visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park, pack a picnic and dine amongst the cascading waterfalls and untamed vegetation. 

Zadar is an excellent place to go on a Croatia family vacation. Nestled along the glimmering waters of the Dalmation Coast, it is a unique seaside city that ticks off everything from having a rich cultural heritage to glorious national parks, and a sublime food scene to a beautiful coastline. 

The first point of call for anyone going to Zadar would be its old town. A walled city encircled by enchanting Venetian gates, prepare to be transported back to a fantastical realm of winding alleyways lined by Romanesque churches and Roman ruins.

You will find a lively buzz and a vibrant atmosphere nestled between the remarkable architecture, where Roman ruins rub shoulders with trendy coffee shops and wine bars. After exploring the area, head to the Sun Organ. 

The incredible monument consists of 300 multi-layered glass plates that absorb solar energy during the day and are fringed by the town’s azure coastline. 

After watching a glorious sunset, turn your attention to the floor as the glass plates light up to put on their own colorful show upon nightfall. 

Another great thing to do on a family vacation in Croatia is take a day trip from Zadar to the island of Ugljan. A real hidden gem, the landmass is a stunning tapestry of green mountains coated with olive trees, traditional terracotta-roofed houses and dazzling blue shorelines.

Along with being one of the largest of the islands, Brac is one of the best places to go on a family beach vacation in Croatia. With a wealth of gorgeous shores, prepare to be left amazed by crystal-clear waters and miles of pristine shores during your visit. 

In fact, Brac Island is home to one of the best beaches and most beautiful places in Croatia, Zlatni Rat. The 500-meter-long pebble beach is renowned for its unique triangular shape and striking turquoise waters.

Make the most of the island’s gorgeous beaches during your visit by dedicating days to snorkeling with the kids and catching a tan on the pristine shorelines. 

There is also a fantastic abundance of water sports on offer to keep everyone entertained including kayaking, windsurfing, swimming and snorkeling. On top of its picturesque coastline, Brac Island has a sublime array of land-based activities for the kids.

Children can enjoy a historic trip to the oldest settlement on the island along with a visit to the mystical Cave of the Dragon and Sutivan Nature Park.