Editor’s Note:
This article was originally written by Laetitia Knight in 2011. While Ubud remains one of Bali’s most family-friendly destinations, some businesses, restaurants and attractions mentioned may have changed ownership, relocated or closed. We have updated the article with general recommendations while preserving the author’s original family-friendly suggestions.
Ubud is one of Bali’s most rewarding destinations for families. With its mix of culture, nature, art, food and outdoor activities, children can experience a different side of Bali while parents enjoy the area’s relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary can be a good start to the day while it’s still cool in the morning. Kids love observing the monkeys’ behaviour. They find the baby monkeys cute and often laugh at the disputes between the younger monkeys and the dominant males.
However, visitors should be cautious. Do not feed the monkeys, keep valuables securely stored, and avoid carrying food, plastic bags, or loose items that may attract their attention. While the monkeys are photogenic, they are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Young children should be closely supervised at all times.
After visiting the Monkey Forest, take a walk up Monkey Forest Road and browse the many shops, boutiques and art galleries along the way. The area offers a wide variety of handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs and locally made products that appeal to both adults and children.
As you reach the centre of Ubud, you will find numerous cafés and restaurants where families can stop for lunch or a refreshing drink. Many restaurants offer child-friendly menus, healthy juices and comfortable seating areas where children can relax after a busy morning of sightseeing.
From there, continue to the Ubud Market where children can have a go at bargaining for handicrafts and souvenirs. The market remains one of the best places to experience local culture and learn a little about negotiating prices. Encourage children to bargain politely and enjoy the interaction rather than focusing solely on getting the lowest price. The wide variety of items on sale ensures that most children will find something that captures their interest.
Families who enjoy books may wish to visit one of Ubud’s many independent bookshops and cafés. These provide a pleasant break from sightseeing and offer a chance for children to browse books, enjoy a snack and recharge before continuing the day.
If your children still have plenty of energy, consider driving, hiring a driver, or using a ride-hailing app such as Grab or Gojek to visit the Tegallalang area north of Ubud. Along the road you will find countless handicraft shops, workshops and galleries displaying wood carvings, home decorations, paintings, toys, musical instruments and traditional Balinese crafts.
Children often enjoy browsing through the colourful displays of painted animals, decorative boxes, wooden geckos, mobiles, mirrors and other unique souvenirs. Many shops cater to wholesale buyers, but individual purchases are usually welcome as well. The area can be a great place to find gifts at reasonable prices.
While exploring the countryside, take time to stop at one of the many restaurants and cafés overlooking rivers, valleys or rice terraces. The spectacular scenery provides a wonderful opportunity for families to relax and recharge after a busy day of shopping and sightseeing.
Art-loving families may also enjoy visiting one of Ubud’s many galleries, museums and creative spaces. Some venues occasionally organise family-friendly workshops, drawing classes or cultural activities for children. It is always best to check directly with the venue for current schedules and availability.
No visit to Ubud would be complete without sampling some gelato or ice cream. Ubud is home to numerous excellent cafés and dessert shops, making it easy to find a favourite family treat.
For more adventurous families, rafting on the Ayung River remains one of Ubud’s most popular activities. Many children and parents find the experience exciting and memorable, while still being suitable for beginners under the supervision of experienced guides.
Nature-loving families will discover that Ubud and its surroundings offer a wide selection of walks through rice fields, villages and beautiful countryside. Along the way, children can observe insects, butterflies, birds and traditional farming activities. Information on local walks is available from tourist information centres, hotels and tour operators throughout Ubud.
Additional family-friendly activities in and around Ubud include the Campuhan Ridge Walk, cycling tours, Balinese cooking classes, silver-making workshops, rice terrace viewpoints and visits to nearby attractions such as Bali Bird Park and Bali Zoo.
In the evenings, cultural performances are held throughout Ubud at various venues, including temples, community halls, museums and palaces. Traditional Balinese dance performances remain one of the highlights of a family visit and provide children with an enjoyable introduction to Bali’s rich cultural heritage. Current schedules are available from tourist information centres, hotels and local tourism offices.
Our thanks to Laetitia Chanéac-Knight, language teacher and author of Bali with Kids.
© Laetitia Knight, 2011
