Last updated on July 23rd, 2024 at 02:27 pm
Thinking of visiting Croatia with kids? We’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide.
Croatia is not Disney. If you’re looking for theme parks and waterslides, you won’t find many here. However, on a Croatia family holiday, you will find clean (pebbly) beaches, mesmerisingly blue water, amazing history and culture, exceptional food and wine, and watersports galore.
We have the ultimate guide for things to do in Croatia with kids below. We cover where to visit in Croatia for families, what to do, plus where to stay and eat.
So, whether you’re planning on a Croatia road trip, or exploring this beautiful country by ferry, get ready to book!
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The Rise of the Family Trip to Croatia
There’s no doubt that Croatia is on the up in terms of tourism. Since 2013, the number of visitors has risen by well over five million (Croatia itself only has a population of 4.3 million people).
Croatia has become one of the safest and easiest countries to travel to and one of the top options for travellers in 2020 and 2021. Croatia holidays for families are a popular choice currently.
Due to the war in the 1990s, Croatia has only really become a tourist destination in the last 20 years or so.
The country has adapted to tourism quickly and efficiently. Island hopping, in particular on those islands between Split and Dubrovnik, has become increasingly popular and is a great option for families wanting a multi-base break with a mix of history, nature and beach time.
Croatia family vacations are a fantastic choice; you certainly won’t regret heading to Croatia with kids.
Use the map below to see where the places we recommend visiting (purple), staying at (turquoise) and eating at (red) are while in on your family holiday in Croatia.
Our Family Holiday Croatia Itinerary
For our Croatia with Kids trip, we chose to start in Split and worked our way south towards Dubrovnik via a couple of the islands in between.
However, you can just as easily do the trip in reverse, or use Split or Dubrovnik as your base and travel to islands from there.
You’ll need around 10 days in Croatia for your family trip if you want to visit Split, Dubrovnik and two of the islands in between. If you want to include the capital, Zagreb, or another island or two, you’d be better off with at least two weeks.
If you’re looking at a 7-day Croatia itinerary, and are wondering whether you should go with Dubrovnik or Split for a family holiday, I’d pick Dubrovnik and one or two of the islands (you can do day trips to the closest ones if you’re particularly short on time).
This article focuses on a 10-day Croatia itinerary, but it can be easily adapted if you have only 1 week in Croatia.
Getting Around Croatia
For our family trip to Croatia, we flew with Wizz Air and back with British Airways (Easyjet is another option). We picked the airlines for the flight times that were convenient for us and both were fine.
For the best rates on airline tickets head, we recommend WayAway. With the WayAway Plus membership plan, you also receive cashback on flights, accommodation, car rentals, tours, and more.
✅ Click here to access the best flights deals with WayAway
For ferries to the islands, book in advance with Jadrolinja or Krilo if you’re visiting in the high season (July and August).
If you’d prefer to hire a car for a Croatia road trip for your family holiday in Croatia (we didn’t and managed well with just ferries and taxis for transport), there are car ferries as well as passenger catamarans.
If you or your kids suffer from motion sickness at all, make sure you pick up some anti-sickness tablets before you travel. We had one very rough crossing between Brac and Korcula!
Split With Kids:
Our starting point for our family holiday in Croatia was Split. We allocated three nights/two full days in Split which we felt was about right.
One day can be used for exploring Diocletian’s Palace (an ancient Roman palace built by Diocletian for his retirement) and the old town. A walking tour is a great option for this.
We found this only took half a day and we spent the other half at nearby Kasjuni beach. If you and your kids have the energy, you can reach it by walking through Marjan Forest Park.
✅ Book your Split and Diocletian’s Palace Walking Tour HERE
Krka National Park
The other day can be allocated to a day trip, of which there is a number heading out from Split (for more information, read our post on day trips from Split).
We chose a trip to Krka National Park with Pelican tours, in part due to the proximity to Split.
Krka is magical and a must for your family holiday to Croatia itinerary. You’ll follow a boardwalk through the park, passing waterfalls and gorges and the most beautiful emerald green water.
There’s a quick history lesson thrown in with a talk and demonstration in the traditional mill cottages which contain equipment once used to make clothes and other items.
The park gets incredibly busy and although there are food options at the end of the boardwalk, I’d advise picking up your lunch from a bakery before you head out on your trip (most sell sandwiches or will make one for you – Mlinar is the bakery you’ll see most branches of).
Since January 2021, you can no longer swim at the large waterfall here; a decision based on wanting to protect the endemic fish species in the park.
Our tour included a stop in Sibenik (a small medieval city with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the beautiful Cathedral of St James and the imposing Fortress St Nicholas) on the way.
Then, wine tasting at a local winery in Skradin on the way back (peach juice and ice cream for the kids!) A perk which made us glad we chose this tour specifically.
Another option for a tour from Split is Plitvice Lakes National Park, but this is much further away (around four hours) so we decided against it. It’s closer to Zadar if you plan to stop there.
✅ Book your Krka Waterfalls, Sibenik and Wine Tasting Tour with Pelican Tours HERE
Split Accommodation:
Perimar Luxury Apartments and Rooms in Split. Clean, modern and only a few minutes’ walk from Diocletian’s Palace, we were happy with this choice. One double bedroom and a sofa bed in the lounge area for the kids.
✅ Book HERE for the best deals on Perimar Luxury Apartments in Split
The best bit in Split for kids:
Krka National Park is one of our top recommendations for things to do in Croatia. Take a guided tour and learn about the endemic snakes there!
Brac Island With Kids:
The largest island on the Dalmation coast and the closest island to Split is Brac (pronounced ‘Bratch’). It’s famous for the Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat), the white stone used to build Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the best conditions for sailing!Brac definitely needs to be added to your family trip to Croatia itinerary. We stayed in Bol as this is where the Golden Horn is located. It’s often touted as being the more beautiful sister to Supetar on the north side (your other entry point). Brac, and Bol especially, are popular and can get busy. However, we immediately felt our shoulders drop as we got off the ferry and that relaxed feeling stayed with us while we were there.
Not as lush as some of the other islands, Brac’s beauty stems from its turquoise waters and the abundance of olive trees lining the main promenade.
The promenade takes you all the way from the port, through the town and onto the Golden Horn. It’s easy to navigate and beautiful to stroll along. Walking, cycling, swimming and watersports such as sailing and paragliding are your main activities here.
Check out this full travel guide for Brac for more details on this beautiful island.
If you’d rather do a day trip to Brac rather than stay there, this is also an option – it’ll allow you the opportunity to spend some time on Zlatni Rat beach and do some snorkelling.
✅ Book HERE for Golden Horn Beach, Bol Town and Secluded Bays Trip
Brac Accommodation:
Rajski Dvor. A budget option with a perfect location off the promenade (which is lined with ice cream, coffee and smoothie stalls). It’s halfway between the town and the Golden Horn, and right opposite a small beach. They have bikes which are free to borrow.
✅ Book HERE for the best deals on Rajski Dvor on Brac
The best bit in Brac for kids:
The inflatable obstacle course at Zlatni Rat. Take trampolining socks for extra traction!
Korcula With Kids:
We skipped Hvar, the next island along, and headed to Korcula next. It’s not the easiest of the islands to reach, but its charm ensures it’s worth it.
Sometimes referred to as “a mini Dubrovnik”, the historical centre features a succession of narrow cobbled streets arranged in a fishbone pattern and overlooking the sea.
The fishbone design was inspired by the residents’ desire to be sheltered from the impact of the wind and sun.
The old town centre is dominated by the impressive St Mark’s Cathedral, built in the 15th century. Wandering through the tiny streets was our favourite thing to do here.
Legend has it that the explorer Marco Polo was born in Korcula (the Venetians might disagree) and you’ll find a small museum, his home and a number of shops and restaurants here named after him.
If you fancy a boat trip or feel like hiring a car, you can reach the other side of the island pretty quickly and visit the vineyards in Lumbarda, where you’ll find their renowned GRK wine.
There are several vineyards offering tours and wine tasting here.
If you’re not planning on staying in Korcula, you can easily plan a day trip there from Dubrovnik.
✅ Book HERE for your Korcula Day Tour from Dubrovnik
Korcula Accommodation:
Port 9 Hotel and Apartments. This is one of the most popular budget Croatia family resorts. We stayed at the same time as several Croatian kids’ water polo teams (they were playing in a big tournament on the island – water polo is massive here).
Accommodation is modest, however the infinity pool and the view beyond it are very appealing and there are lots of facilities and activities for kids (a climbing wall, kids club, games room and disco). The town is a 20-minute walk or a short taxi-boat ride away.
✅ Book HERE for the best deals on Port 9 Hotel and Apartments on Korcula
The best bit in Korcula for kids:
The Semi Submarine departs from the East Port (14 Euros for adults, 7 Euros for children aged 12 and under and free for under 3’s). Home-made pasta at Konaba Maslina (worth the effort to get to). Ice cream at Marco Homemade Ice Cream.
✅ Book HERE for the Semi Submarine Tour in Korcula
Dubrovnik With Kids:
Dubrovnik is a stunner; we’d heard good things about it but little prepares you for the sight of the old town within the city walls.
The wall walk would be our number one in terms of things to do in Dubrovnik with kids, with the cable car a close second. The views from the top (Srd) are worth the slightly pricey tickets.
The Walls
Walk the walls when they first open in the morning or later in the day – firstly to avoid the midday heat if you’re visiting in summer and secondly to minimise the crowds.
The walls are not buggy-friendly so children would have to walk, or be carried. However, there are plenty of spots along the way to have a break and pick up a drink or an ice cream.
Tickets are 200kn per adult and 50kn per child and you can buy them from the kiosk at the entrance at Pile Gate.
Or you can book a guided tour ahead of time.
✅ Book HERE for your early bird or sunset-guided City Walls Tour
Stradun
Before or after the walls, take a stroll down Dubrovnik’s answer to the Champs Elysees, Stradun (or ‘Placa’ as it is officially known), the pedestrianised main street which divides the old town into northern and southern parts.
Start at Pile Gate and you’ll pass the 16-sided Onofrio’s fountain, the church of the Holy Saviour and the Franciscan monastery. Take a peek at the Old Pharmacy, one of the oldest chemists in Europe and still in use today.
The main attraction of Stradun, however, is the atmosphere, and the little cafes and restaurants which line the 300-metre route. Keep walking and you’ll reach the port at the other end.
Restaurants are pricey here; you may want to pick something up from Mlinar and prioritise an ice cream from Peppino’s (there are two branches near Stradun).
Dubrovnik Cable Car
The Dubrovnik Cable Car completed our first day in Dubrovnik. Go for the experience and for the view.
The sparkling Adriatic, the old town and the surrounding islands are a sight to be seen from the vantage point at the top – making the cable car one of the best things to do in Croatia for us,
There’s a restaurant and toilets at the top, and an option to do a Buggy Safari Tour. Tickets are 170kn per adult and 60kn per child (age 4 – 12 years) for a round trip.
✅ Book HERE for your Cable Car, Walking Tour and City Walls Combo Tour
Lokrum
On our second day, we wanted something a bit more sedate. We decided on a trip to the tiny island of Lokrum (just a 15-minute journey away by boat).
You can buy a ticket at the Old Port. Boats leave every half hour in high season so no need to book ahead. They cost 120kn per adult and 20kn per child. This includes entrance to the island and the return journey.
Even in high season, the island has a peaceful, calming feel to it, a world away from the freneticism of Dubrovnik.
There’s a monastery, a botanical garden and a saltwater lake (known as the Dead Sea) on the island, all of which are worth exploring.
The Benedictine monks first inhabited Lokrum as far back as 915 AD. The legend goes that when they were forced off the island by the Habsburgs, they spent the night before their departure ensuring a curse was placed on whoever used Lokrum for their own personal pleasure.
Real or imagined, the island remains uninhabited; the last visitors must leave the island at 8 pm.
There’s lots of information here about Lokrum’s history, and kids will no doubt be intrigued by the idea of the curse. They’ll also love all the peacocks (and peachicks!) which roam the island.
A trip to Lokrum is definitely at the top of the list of things to do in Croatia with children.
Game of Thrones
Of course, if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, then Dubrovnik will excite you further. There are a vast number of shops and tours relating to Game of Thrones, showing you where certain scenes were filmed.
I’ve never watched an episode myself, but I could see why they chose Croatia, and in particular, Dubrovnik, as their main location!
✅ Book HERE for your Lokrum Island Game of Thrones Tour
Dubrovnik Accommodation:
We saved our plushest accommodation in Croatia till last, staying at the Royal Princess. It’s in Lapad, a 10-minute taxi ride from the old town.
If you stay, book a room with a sea view – it’s worth the extra. I don’t think I’ve ever had a better view from a hotel room than here – overlooking the vast expanse of the Adriatic.
✅ Book HERE for the best deals on the Royal Princess Hotel in Dubrovnik
The best bit in Dubrovnik for kids:
The cable car, Lokrum and the ice cream at Peppino’s.
Food On Our Family Holiday In Croatia:
The food on our family holiday in Croatia was way better than I was expecting – although I did do lots of research about where to eat before we went.
There are plenty of options in Croatia for kids – pizza and pasta are available at many of the restaurants, as are meat platters with chips. They might even enjoy traditional dishes such as Pasticada (gnocchi and beef stew).
For breakfast, we tended to head to a local bakery to pick up a savoury burek or sweet strudel. Bakeries normally sell coffee and other hot drinks as well.
Lunch was something on the go or a quick stop at a cafe or sandwich bar. For dinner, we ate out every evening. Here are our favourite places to eat at each destination:
Food in Split
Pizza Gust – pizzas are large enough to share.
Downtown Grill – lots of options although quite rowdy if the local football team – Hadjuk Split – is playing at home.
Rizzo – Croatia’s answer to Subway but with the freshest, warmest rolls you’ll find.
Food in Brac (Bol)
Snack Box – the burgers are spot on, but the salads were our favourites.
Ranc – we got one each of the fish and meat platters.
Konaba Dispet – a family-run restaurant offering fantastic grilled T-bone steak and lamb with lovely veggie sides – surprisingly good value and large portion sizes.
Food in Korcula
Skver – wonderful seafood pasta and traditional Croatian dish Pasticada with gnocchi.
Konaba Maslina – tasty homemade pasta with a range of different sauces.
Silk – if you fancy Thai and a breathtaking view of the Adriatic.
Marco Homemade Ice cream – you’ll go back for a second scoop.
Food in Dubrovnik
Barba – for an octopus burger on the go; there’s likely to be quite a queue.
Pantarul – a homely restaurant outside of the old town; does a wonderful veggie risotto.
Peppino’s – this famous ice cream parlour has two shops – one in the Old Town and one near the Old Port. My favourite flavour was the Mozart (pistachio, nougat and chocolate). A necessary addition to your Croatia for kids checklist!
I hope this Croatia for Families itinerary has been helpful in planning your trip. You’ll have the best time in this captivating country.
When to Visit Croatia
We visited Croatia at the end of the summer. It was particularly busy in Dubrovnik at this time of year and you’ll have to make sure you book accommodation and tours ahead of time.
However, this is the best time to visit if you want to enjoy Croatia’s amazing beaches and other outdoor activities.
Shoulder season (May, June and September) are great for travelling to Croatia as you’ll still get great weather, but hopefully less crowds.
Autumn and Winter can be chilly and wet so I’d avoid visiting Croatia with kids during these seasons (unless you mainly want to explore the country’s history and culture and spend a bit more time indoors).
FAQ About Croatia With Kids
Is Croatia good with kids?
Croatia is a fantastic choice for a family holiday. Not only is it a beautiful country, with amazing family-friendly beaches and national parks, but there’s lots to learn about and plenty of places to visit (particularly in and around Dubrovnik and Split).
As a country, it also feels very safe and accommodation and food are reasonably priced too.
How many days in Croatia with kids?
Anywhere from 7 to 14 days works. A 10-day family holiday in Croatia is perfect.
This will allow you to spend time in both Split and Dubrovnik, plus visit a couple of the islands.
Is Split, Croatia good for families?
Split makes a good starting point for your holiday in Croatia (it’s where we started ours).
There are some big attractions in and around Split, including Diocletian’s Palace, Marjan Hill and the nearby Krka National Park.
Is Croatia expensive for a holiday?
The cost of your Croatia family holiday will vary depending on where you choose to stay, and what you want to do. However, accommodation and food are reasonably priced. You’ll find Croatia cheaper than travelling to other countries in Europe, such as Italy, France or the UK.
If you are keen to keep costs down, book self-catering accommodation (there are plenty of good value options available).
More Europe
If you’re interested in more travel ideas for Europe, have a look at:
12 Best Things To Do In Taormina
Wow this sounds amazing and the photos are beautiful!!
Love this guide! I’ve visited Split and Dubrovnik but never any of the islands (which are definitely on my travel list!) thanks for sharing 😊
Thanks Rebecca. The islands are beautiful and definitely worth exploring – glad they’re on your list!