If you’re planning a family trip to Bali and wondering whether Ubud is worth visiting with kids, the answer is a definite yes.
Before arriving, I had pictured Ubud as yoga retreats, smoothie bowls and digital nomads working from cafés. While all of those things exist, what surprised me most was how much there is for families to do.
Over two full days, we explored waterfalls, swung over the jungle, rode quad bikes at full throttle, floated through tunnels on lazy tubes, met cheeky monkeys and wandered through picturesque rice terraces. It was full on, but that’s how we tend to travel.
If you’re visiting Ubud with kids, here are the experiences our family loved most.
Tegenungan Waterfall
Tegenungan Waterfall was one of our unplanned stops around Ubud, but we’re so glad we visited!
Unlike some waterfalls that require long hikes, this one is relatively accessible via a long set of steps and offers fantastic views. Depending on conditions, families can also get closer to the water and enjoy the refreshing spray.
It’s a beautiful place for photos and a great way to experience Bali’s natural beauty. There’s also a very nice looking restaurant on site and a few places to get an ice-cream on the way.
Can you swim at Tegenungan Waterfall?
Yes, though it’s not recommended after rain when the water is a little murky.
If you’re swimming, remember to take your swimmers / swimming costume and a towel.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud with kids
After the waterfall, we visited was the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and it was an instant hit with our kids.
The forest is home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques and the experience feels a little bit like stepping into a real-life Jungle Book scene. The pathways are easy to walk, though some paths will have quite a few stairs. There are beautiful temples throughout the grounds and there is always a monkey to spot, either in the feeding areas, playing around on the ground or high up in the trees.
The monkeys are entertaining, but they are also cheeky. We witnessed a monkey climb up a tourist’s leg and steal a packet of tissues from her backpack.
The kids thought this was hilarious, but it did prompt us to talk about safety and what to do/not to do if a monkey jumps on you.
What to know about the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud
Listen carefully to the staff instructions and keep sunglasses, hats and food packed away or leave it in the car/at your accommodation.
Opening times: daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pricing and tickets
You can easily purchase your ticket at the on-site ticketing
- Weekdays (Monday–Friday): IDR 80,000 for Adults | IDR 60,000 for Children (under 12)
- Weekends (Saturday–Sunday): IDR 100,000 for Adults | IDR 80,000 for Children (under 12)
- Add-ons:Monkey Selfie. If you want a sanctuary photographer to take a photo of you with a monkey on your shoulder, it typically costs IDR 50,000 per photo.
- Tours: Guided tours and skip-the-line packages are available through platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator.
Quad biking at ATV Beji River Adventures in Ubud with Kids
If your kids are old enough and enjoy adventure activities, quad biking was an absolute highlight.
Our tour took us through jungle tracks, muddy trails, tunnels and river crossings. The boys loved every second of it and so did the adults.
Expect to get dirty. Very dirty.
What to know
Beji River Adventure offers an off-road ATV experience in Ubud, located at Jl. Raya Singapadu No. 10, Gianyar.
The adventure features a 1.5-hour tour on a private track through a jungle scenery, safely away from public roads.
We were told it wasn’t safe to take our phones or cameras. However, there is a photographer who takes several photos and video throughout the fun that you can purchase separately.
Opening times: daily from 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Pricing and Packages
- Single Package: Starts around IDR 300,000 (1 rider per ATV).
- Tandem Package: Starts around IDR 450,000 (2 riders on 1 ATV).
- Combo Deals: Optional add-ons available for white-water rafting or river tubing.
Included in your ATV adventure:
- Professional tour guides
- Safety gear (gum boots, helmets, hair coverings)
- Insurance coverage
- Storage lockers
- Changing rooms and showers
What to bring on your ATV adventure
- Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet and muddy
- Change of clothes to get changed into afterwards
- Small towel
- Sense of adventure
The Jungle Club and a Bali Swing with kids
This was one of those unexpected travel moments that often become the most memorable.
The Jungle Club
We visited The Jungle Club for a late lunch and views over the surrounding jungle. Though there are no rice terraces, it is an influencer’s dream – and we saw plenty of them! There are three exquisite pools, service directly to your area, a live DJ playing smooth house and some of the most delicious cocktails we’ve had.
Lounging in our large day bed with a cocktail and book in hand was my vibe, while the kids debated whether the cave pool or the dragon pool was better. I think the cave pool won.
We booked a lounge bed ahead via the website/WhatsApp and had a minimum spend… Which wasn’t too hard to do!
Built into the cliff-side, there are several levels to explore and a tree-house style structure with viewing platforms and tables. Something for everyone!
The swing in Ubud with Kids
What I wasn’t expecting was to find myself strapped into a giant swing with Mr 7 beside me. There wasn’t much time to think about it. One minute we were watching Dan and Mr 8 enjoy their own ride, the next we were flying out over the jungle canopy.
It was exhilarating, slightly terrifying and completely worth it.
If you’re travelling with confident kids who meet the height and safety requirements, the swing is a fun experience that delivers incredible views over the lush jungle.
Note: There are many swings in Bali, each offering a unique view.
Floating Breakfast at Your Villa
This might be peak Bali.
We stayed in a private villa and started one morning with a floating breakfast in our pool. It was fun, relaxing and something the kids thought was absolutely hilarious.
Is it a little bit touristy? Yes.
Did we enjoy it anyway? Also yes.
Sometimes holiday memories are made from simple moments.
Lazy Tubing Through WWII Tunnels with Nukuwera Adventure
Nukuwera Tubing Adventure & Pandawa Cafe was one of the more unique experiences we found around Ubud. Nukuwera & Pandawa is a popular eco-adventure destination located in Tegallalang, Ubud, specialising in a unique river cave tubing experience.
Floating gently downstream on tubes was relaxing enough, but drifting through historic WWII tunnels made the experience even more memorable. (Even if it did test my claustrophobia)
The kids loved the combination of adventure and novelty, and it provided a nice, cool break from the heat of the day.
Our guide, Dias, took my mobile phone in a waterproof case and took some fantastic photos of our family as we drifted through the jungle.
What to know
The Cave Tubing Adventure, a 45-minute float spanning roughly 1.5 kilometers down a gentle jungle river. You will float through 15 historical caves/tunnels that were built by Japanese forces during World War II. The water is generally shallow (around knee-deep), making it a family-friendly activity safe for children and older adults.
They have changing facilities and basic warm showers (no door) for you to use before and after your ride.
Opening times: daily from 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Pricing and Packages
The Base ticket usually starts around IDR 350,000 for basic entry, safety gear, and the tubing session.
We paid IDR 600,000 per person for a private tour for four of us with lunch and a drink. There was a choice between fried rice and noodles (both with egg) and they were delicious.
What to bring
- Swimmers
- Waterproof bag for your mobile or camera
- Towel
- Change of clothes
- GoPro if you have one
Rice Terraces
No visit to Ubud would feel complete without seeing the famous rice terraces.
The landscapes are stunning and provide a glimpse into traditional Balinese farming practices that have shaped the region for centuries.
Kids may not appreciate the agricultural significance, but they usually appreciate running around the pathways and spotting insects, birds and interesting plants.
Art Galleries
Ubud has a lot of shopping. It seems like almost every street has shops with beautiful, abstract prints, homewares, jewellery, clothing and more. So, when we mentioned that we might like to see some authentic, original, local art, our driver knew just the place.
Visiting galleries and shops during our stay was a great way to slow down between more active adventures. And our kids enjoyed spotting unusual paintings and sculptures.
Not every family activity needs to involve adrenaline.
Where to eat in Ubud with kids
Pilleyar bar & kitchen
Arriving at our villa in Ubud, after a long day of travel, we dropped into Pilleyar for a quick dinner. The kids got a pizza while Mum and Dad sampled the local cousine with a cocktail on the side – everyone was happy!
The outdoor seating on the street wasn’t as loud as I expected it to be, and meant that we could see a lot of activity happening. As it’s a holiday in Bali at the moment, we were lucky enough several Balinese families dressed in traditional costumes and playing percussion instruments as they walked down the street.
Vaniglia Gelato & Pastry
Vaniglia’s Instagram-able, bright and light cafe was a delight to stumble upon. The pastries were delicious and the “baked potato” (wedges) were some of the best I’ve had. We enjoyed it so much, we went back that night for more!
Ivy Café
While exploring the streets around our accommodation, the boys and I stumbled across Ivy Café.
Known for its beautiful presentation and social media popularity, it was a great place to stop for fresh juices, coconuts and a quick break from sightseeing.
The relaxed atmosphere made it family-friendly and gave us a chance to recharge before another busy afternoon.
Fore Coffee
Recommended by our driver, Fore is a cafe that apparently has the best coffee in town. I’m not a coffee drinker, so you’ll have to try it out for yourself and let me know.
The pastries and sandwiches, however, hit the spot when we needed something quickly and without fuss. Would recommend!
Suka Espresso
Suka was a delightful find for an early breakfast overlooking the buzzing Ubud streets. The food was fantastic and the kids absolutely loved the enormous strawberry milkshakes with real berries and overflowing with ice cream.
Should You Visit Ubud With Kids?
Absolutely.
Ubud offers a fantastic balance of adventure, culture, nature and relaxation. Whether your children love wildlife, outdoor activities, food or simply exploring somewhere completely different, there is plenty to keep them entertained.
Our three days in Ubud included monkeys, waterfalls, quad bikes, jungle swings, floating breakfasts, rice terraces and lazy tubing through tunnels.
Not bad for a destination I originally thought would just be yoga and smoothie bowls.
If you’re visiting Bali with kids, make sure Ubud is on your itinerary.
Last tip: We booked most activities direct with the companies via WhatsApp (usually found on Google Maps listing or website). However, you can also get tickets and packages through third party providers like Viator and Get Your Guide. And sometimes your driver can negotiate a small discount on arrival.
Driver: our lovely driver was recommended by our villa and took us around Ubud for two days. It was wonderfully convenient and Sutera gave us insights about the culture and local ways of living. Ping me on Instagram if you’re in Ubud and want his number!
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