Where To Stay In Bali With Family – 4 Best Options
Are you wondering where to stay in Bali with your family?
My first adventure in Southeast Asia began in 2014 when I spent two weeks trekking through Java before immersing myself in Bali for another two weeks. In 2017, I made the leap to Thailand and called Southeast Asia home for nearly five years, during which I returned to Bali multiple times.
Having explored the island extensively, I’ve gained plenty of insight into choosing the perfect area to stay.
Drawing from my personal experiences, I’m here to help you decide where to stay in Bali with kids.
Picture this: palm-lined beaches, stunning sunsets, and a culture so warm and welcoming that it feels like a home away from home.
Bali isn’t just a tropical paradise for honeymooners and adventurers—it’s also a dream destination for families looking to create unforgettable memories.
From luxurious resorts with kid-friendly amenities to charming villas surrounded by lush greenery, Bali offers something for every family’s taste and budget.
Beyond its breathtaking scenery, the island is rich with exciting activities, from exploring ancient temples and rice terraces to enjoying waterparks and animal encounters.
With its unique mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences, it’s no wonder Bali is a top pick for families seeking both fun and meaningful connections.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best areas to stay in Bali with family.
Each area comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, which will be summarized at the end of the paragraph.
At the bottom of this article, you’ll find a map highlighting all our recommended family-friendly areas to stay in Bali, along with the city’s main attractions.
We start with an overview, which allows you to scan quickly which area might be the best option.
Now, let’s dive into our top recommendations!
The best areas to stay in Bali with family are Sanur, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, and Ubud.
The first three recommended areas have direct access to the beach, which is often a priority for those traveling with kids.
Ubud is the cultural and natural heart of the island and is a fantastic base worth considering. It’s the only recommended area that does not have direct access to the beach.
Areas to avoid when visiting Bali with kids
🚫 We don’t recommend you stay in the following four areas:
- Kuta
- Legian
- Seminyak
- Canggu (certain parts)
These are primarily nightlife areas and mainly attract younger travelers who love visiting loud nightclubs.
Below, we’ll break down each of these recommended areas in more detail to help you decide which is the best fit for your family.
Tip: Tap on the name of the area to jump directly to that section of the article for more information!
Sanur: If you’re after calm beaches and a chilled-out vibe, Sanur is the perfect family escape. Its peaceful shoreline, shady beachfront paths, and relaxed cafes make it a haven for parents and kids.
Nusa Dua: A paradise of pristine beaches and upscale resorts, Nusa Dua is tailor-made for family fun. With kids’ clubs, water activities, and a clean, safe environment, it’s all about stress-free luxury for every member of the family. Keep in mind that this is a somewhat exclusive part of Bali and it’s all about the ultimate holiday experience.
Jimbaran: Golden sands, gentle waves, and fresh seafood dinners by the beach—Jimbaran has it all. While you soak in the sunset, little ones can play in the sand, creating memories that’ll last forever. From here, it’s very easy to reach the other highlights of the island.
Ubud: For a mix of culture and nature, Ubud is a dream. Wander through rice terraces, spot cheeky monkeys in the Sacred Monkey Forest, and dive into Balinese traditions—all while surrounded by lush greenery that feels like pure magic. Depending on your time in Bali, I would recommend staying a few days in Ubud before staying right next to the beach.
The best areas to stay in Bali with family are:
1. Sanur
Sanur is one of the, if not the best areas to stay in Bali with family.
Especially if you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxed vibe compared to the bustling hubs of Kuta or Seminyak, Sanur simply stands out.
I spent wandering its scenic beachfront promenade several times, and it’s clear why so many families are drawn here.
The area is incredibly accessible, with wide, well-maintained pathways that are perfect for strolling with kids or pushing a stroller.
Sanur’s beaches are its star feature—calm, shallow waters with almost no waves make them ideal for younger children to safely swim or play.
Accommodation options cater to a range of budgets, from affordable guesthouses to mid-range resorts with family-friendly amenities like pools and kids’ clubs.
There’s no shortage of dining options either, with a mix of casual beachfront cafes and restaurants serving both Indonesian and international dishes, ensuring even picky eaters are satisfied.
Activities in Sanur are family-oriented, from renting bikes and riding along the beachfront path to taking boat trips to nearby islands.
Its central location also makes it a convenient base for exploring other parts of Bali, such as Ubud or Nusa Lembongan.
With its affordability, accessibility, and beautiful beaches, for the majority of families, Sanur is an incredible base to fully enjoy Bali.
If you’re willing to stay at several places during your trip, I would recommend first staying in Ubud (the fourth recommended area in this article).
Ubud is the natural and cultural hotspot of the island.
Once you explored the rice fields, the forests, the monkey sanctuary, and all the cultural highlights there, it’s time to spend a few days at the beach in one of the recommended coastal parts of Bali.
That way, you get different expressions of what Bali is all about and your holiday won’t be monotonous.
This is just a suggestion based on my personal experience on the island.
Nonetheless, Sanur is a fantastic base to explore all parts of Bali, even when you don’t want to stay in several areas during your trip.
Pros
- Calm, family-friendly beaches perfect for young kids.
- A peaceful atmosphere with easy access to other parts of Bali.
- Affordable options for accommodation and dining.
- Fully developed part of Bali that caters well to families.
Cons
- As it’s a calmer area, it has less nightlife and entertainment, which may not appeal to all families.
- The beaches, while calm, aren’t as visually stunning as those in other parts of Bali.
- Limited high-end shopping or trendy attractions compared to places like Seminyak.
2. Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is an excellent choice for families seeking a relaxed and luxurious stay in Bali.
The area is designed with convenience in mind—wide, clean streets, beautifully maintained public spaces, and a feeling of safety that’s perfect for parents traveling with kids.
Nusa Dua is home to some of Bali’s best family-friendly resorts, many of which offer spacious rooms, kids’ clubs, and private beach access.
The beaches here are stunning, with soft, golden sand and calm, shallow waters that are ideal for children.
Accessibility is another big plus—everything is within close reach, and the area is well-connected to the airport and nearby attractions like the water blow, museums, and water sports.
Food options are varied, with resort restaurants offering international cuisine alongside local flavors, and you can always find something to suit your family’s taste.
While Nusa Dua is more upscale, it’s worth the splurge for the convenience and comfort it provides.
It’s a peaceful escape from Bali’s busier areas, offering a true vacation vibe without sacrificing accessibility to other parts of the island.
The downside of this? The price tag!
Pros
- Immaculate beaches with safe swimming conditions for kids.
- Family-friendly resorts with excellent facilities and activities.
- A quiet, secure environment perfect for relaxation.
Cons
- More expensive compared to other areas in Bali.
- Limited local culture or authentic Balinese village life in the immediate vicinity.
- Less variety in dining and activities outside of the resorts.
3. Jimbaran
Jimbaran is a wonderful choice for families looking to enjoy a peaceful, beach-focused stay in Bali.
The calm, shallow waters make it a safe spot for younger swimmers, and the sunsets here are absolutely magical—something the whole family can enjoy together.
Jimbaran is known for its seafood, and dining on the beach is a must.
Rows of beachfront restaurants serve up fresh, grilled seafood in a laid-back setting where kids can play in the sand while parents savor the meal.
The area feels quieter and less commercialized than places like Kuta or Seminyak, making it ideal for families who prefer a slower pace.
Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts with family-friendly amenities like pools and kids’ clubs.
Jimbaran is also centrally located, making it a convenient base for day trips to places like Uluwatu Temple or water parks in Kuta.
While there isn’t a ton of nightlife or shopping, the peaceful vibe more than makes up for it, especially for families with young children.
Overall, Jimbaran is a bit like the affordable version of Nusa Dua.
Pros
- Beautiful, calm beaches perfect for families with kids.
- Excellent beachfront dining experiences with fresh seafood.
- Quiet and laid-back atmosphere ideal for relaxation.
Cons
- Limited activities and entertainment for older kids or teens.
- Fewer shopping and dining options compared to busier areas like Seminyak.
- Can feel too quiet for families seeking a livelier atmosphere.
4. Ubud
The last area that I recommend is Ubud.
My first experience with Bali was in Ubud, back in 2014.
Ubud is a fantastic option for families looking to combine relaxation with cultural and nature-filled experiences.
Surrounded by rice terraces, forests, and temples, Ubud offers a slower, more serene pace that’s perfect for reconnecting as a family.
There’s so much to do here for all ages—kids will love visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest, exploring the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, or taking a family-friendly cooking class.
Parents can enjoy yoga, wellness spas, or simply soaking in the beauty of the area.
Ubud is also a hub for art and culture, with galleries, dance performances, and craft markets that are engaging for the whole family.
The town itself has a great mix of affordable homestays, boutique hotels, and luxury villas, many with pools and plenty of space for families.
Dining is diverse, with lots of healthy, kid-friendly options, from smoothie bowls to Western-style comfort food.
While Ubud is more inland, it’s a great base for exploring waterfalls and scenic nature spots, although it’s less convenient for beach access.
As mentioned before in this article, I would highly recommend combining Ubud with one of the coastal towns.
That way, you absorb more of what Bali is all about.
Ubud is culturally rich, and great to explore nature, as well as treat yourself to some world-class wellness.
After a few days, you head to one of the coastal towns that fit your budget and spend the rest of your days in Bali surrounded by the ocean.
Pros
- Rich cultural and nature-based activities for all ages.
- Wide range of family-friendly accommodations and dining options.
- Peaceful, lush environment perfect for relaxation.
Cons
- No beaches nearby, which might disappoint some families.
- Can get crowded in the central areas during peak seasons.
- The hilly terrain and narrow streets can be less stroller-friendly.