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Are you planning a family trip to Dubrovnik and wondering what there is to do with kids in this must-visit destination in Croatia? There are plenty of fun things to do in Dubrovnik with kids, well beyond marvelling at the medieval structures that paint a unique history.
From fortresses to beaches, adventure parks and more, you will find plenty of fun things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia together with your kids. And this guide is going to help you plan it!
Family travel can be wonderful in Dubrovnik, Croatia if you plan your itinerary before your visit.
While it might not be the first place in Croatia that comes to mind when planning a family trip, there’s no reason to skip it as part of your itinerary! Plus it makes a pretty decent European beach holiday destination too!
Just like visiting the ‘party island’ of Hvar with kids, you will find plenty to see and do!
And we can tell you from experience that knowing which kid-friendly activities are available at your destination can save you a lot of time and stress.
QUICK TIP: We recommend leaving the stroller behind, as Dubrovnik has a lot of stairs. Especially if you are planning to explore the City Walls. If you do still want to take a stroller, we recommend this travel stroller. Better still, switch to a toddler or baby carrier instead!
What To Do In Dubrovnik With Kids
We love exploring Europe with kids, and our time in Croatia was full of wonderful memories for us and the kids. So, let’s see what you can do with your kids while visiting the beautiful city of Dubrovnik in Croatia.
Explore The Dubrovnik City Walls
Your kids likely adore stories with horsemen and knights, medieval castles and princesses. This is why Dubrovnik is one of the best European destinations to visit with children!
The Dubrovnik City Walls resemble quite well the original 13th-century fortress. Its impressive 1940 meters and sixteen towers will leave you speechless.
While walking the Dubrovnik walls may be a challenging feat for younger children, as they are not stroller friendly at all, it is well worth the effort.
Reward them halfway with a refreshing juice or an ice cream at one of the refreshment stops along the way.
The walls are hot and popular in summer, so if you are visiting during high season, go on opening or 2 hours before close to avoid the hottest part of the day.
TIP: Consider starting at the Ul. Svetog Dominika entrance gate instead of the Pile Gate entrance. This means tackling the bigger stairs early in your walk while kids are still excited and energised.
BOOK YOUR CITY WALLS ADMISSION ONLINE
Fort Lovrijenac
If the kids still have energy left after their city walls exploration, brave the 200 stairs up to stand alone Fort Lovrijenac (also known as Fort Lawrence).
Standing 37 metres over Western Dubrovnik, Fort Lovrijenac is a strong reminder of how threatened the city has felt at times in the past.
Some of the Adriatic facing walls are close to 12 metres thick!
The fortress visit is included in your city walls entry ticket since it is all part of Dubrovnik’s extensive defence system.
One of my favourite things to do when we visit any city for the first time is to get a little lost exploring our way around the centre. Dubrovnik is perfect for this.
Get A Little Lost In The Old Town
It is also how we discovered some of the best food, the Jesuit Staircase – famous from the Game of Thrones season 5 ‘Walk of Shame’, and the Buza Bar!
Buza literally meals hole in the wall and this hidden bar in Dubrovnik is a perfect spot for an afternoon refreshment.
At the bottom of the stairs, you will find Buza Beach. This is more of a rocky platform into the sea, so not ideal for young children but cool to take a walk for a look.
We also discovered street musicians, candy shops and cool souvenirs along our wanderings. Oh… and the overpriced takeaway mojitos in the centre of town.
Discover the Island of Lokrum
A day trip to Lokrum Island was one of the highlights from our time in Dubrovnik. Located just 600M from the centre of Dubrovnik old town.
From the Dubrovnik harbour, you can catch one of the regular ferry services to the Island of Lokrum. It is a protected site with a lot of subtropical vegetation.
You can admire here the Fort Royal or the Benedictine Abbey. But our tip is to check out the wild peacocks. Your kids will fall in love with them!
They will also have the chance to sit on the Iron Throne… the original from the Game of Thrones series, which we discovered by accident while exploring.
And the best part about visiting the Island of Lokrum is that it provides an excellent opportunity to have a picnic or a swim – either in the ocean or in the small saltwater lake known as the Dead Sea.
If you have time, you might also like to explore the Lokrum Botanical Garden.
We recommend you allow an entire day to spend here, as your kids will have plenty of activities to enjoy.
If visiting with older children, you can also enjoy a sea kayak tour to Lokrum.
How Do You Get To Lokrum Island? – You can get to Lokrum Island by ferry. It takes approximately 15 minutes and costs around 40 kunas (approximately 5 euro), or get an inclusive ferry and island admission combined ticket. They run at regular intervals throughout the day from Dubrovnik’s Old Harbour.
Mount Srd Cable Car
We were lucky that our Airbnb was located above the Dubrovnik old town, which meant we had an easy walk to and from the Mount Srd cable car.
The Summit of Mount Srd offers incredible views of Dubrovnik old city, surrounding islands and the Adriatic Sea. Plus the cable car is much easier on small legs than hiking the summit.
At the top you will find restaurants, historic monuments and a war museum. And of course those breathtaking views from every angle!
We did the Dubrovnik cable car in the afternoon and got to experience the sights both by day and in the evening.
CHECK LATEST PRICES FOR MOUNT SRD CABLE CAR TICKETS
Visit the Dubrovnik Aquarium
If you’re visiting Dubrovnik with kids, you should place on your itinerary a visit to the Dubrovnik Aquarium.
This is not your basic aquarium either. It is located in the medieval St. John’s fortress next to Dubrovnik’s harbour. Fresh seawater runs continuously into the 31 tanks.
As such, it will mesmerize your kids from the entrance, as there are plenty of exhibits of flora and fauna, along with several underwater mysteries.
Walking Tour
If you love learning the history of a destination, even with kids in tow, a walking tour around Dubrovnik can be a great option.
Adults and older kids will enjoy learning about the sights, past and present of Dubrovnik on foot. Kids will enjoy stretching their legs after being in transit, with the chance to see new things unlike anything they’ve experienced before.
You can book walking tours through the Dubrovnik Information Centre.
For something different, take a Game of Thrones walking tour if you are a fan of the show. While kids won’t understand the excitement of seeing locations of famous scenes, they will still enjoy getting out and about exploring.
Cadmos Village Adventure Park
Cadmos Village is famous in Croatia for being one of the most exciting Adventure Parks. And no matter your age, you will love it.
Positioned in Konavle at a short driving distance from Dubrovnik, this adventure park will keep both you and your kids entertained for a day.
What we loved most about this location is the 7-metre high terrace that provides an impressive view over the Konavle valley.
Cadmos Village adventure park features three levels and 4 zip-lines, a giant swing and other outdoor activities suitable for families and children, as well as for adventure-seeking adults.
TIP: Make it an overnight stay at Treehouse Dubrovnik – the ecofriendly glamping experience that is a first in Dubrovnik.
Find A Playground
There are more than 40 playgrounds around Dubrovnik, although only a few are near the inner city area.
The closest to the old town is beneath Minceta Fortress, just outside Pile gate entrance.
This playground is suited to younger children and was perfect for our visit with a toddler and a preschooler. There are a lot of different play equipment to enjoy and a few bench seats for Mum and Dad to rest.
There are also 2 small playgrounds in Lapad, which is a popular residential area. They are located along Zvonimira Street.
Visit the Elaphite Islands
If you have small children, they might enjoy playing pirates. And you can do that in Dubrovnik if you visit the Elaphite Islands.
Impressive pine forests, fishing villages, and broad beaches are all available for you and your family to explore.
And the best part about it is that you can book a local tour so that you discover everything this place has to offer.
BOOK YOUR ELAPHITE ISLANDS DAY TRIP
Head to the Beach
The beaches in Dubrovnik aren’t the best in Croatia, but they are still fun for kids who want to enjoy a swim and splash. They do still have some beautiful beaches in Dubrovnik.
We spent half a day at Copacabana beach, as there is so much to do in the area. It is quite bustling with activity and there are plenty of options for places to stay and eat too.
The Copacabana beach area has sun chairs, beanbags and cabanas for hire, although they aren’t cheap. The views of the deep blue water and the surrounding area are great though.
There is also a massive aqua playground for kids who are competent swimmers. Simon’s brother had a go and he was exhausted afterwards but had a blast! Teens will love it. And adults too.
TIP: Most of the beaches around Dubrovnik are rocky, so you may want to pack reef shoes. Especially for the kids! Flip flops weren’t overly helpful!
Getting Around Dubrovnik With Kids
Dubrovnik itself is relatively small and you can cover a lot of distance on foot within the city and nearby surroundings. We did a lot of walking during our stay, and probably got very fit as a result of it!
However, there are buses that will take you to the different areas around the city and beyond. This is a perfect option for visiting with kids if you want to avoid lots of walking.
Luckily we had a few extra adults to help carry the small people!
If you plan to go island hopping, there are various ferry companies, water taxis and private boats available each day at the dock area to take you where you want to go.
From the airport to your accommodation, a transfer service is your easiest option, unless you plan to hire a car.
Fun Day Trips From Dubrovnik
If you are looking for Dubrovnik day trips, Lokrum is a must and the easiest and most affordable day trip from Dubrovnik.
Here are a few other day tours you might like to try:
Where To Stay In Dubrovnik With Family
We visited Dubrovnik with extended family, therefore hiring a private villa was perfect for our large group, via Airbnb.
Find private rental accommodation in Dubrovnik and the surrounding area for your family stay.
We stayed at beautiful House Verde, which was outside of the Dubrovnik city walls, but within walking distance. There were a lot of stairs on that walk, especially on hot summer days but sitting on our terrace in the afternoons watching the sunset over Dubrovnik were worth it!
Find family-friendly hotel accotmmodation and rentals.
FAQs For Visiting Dubrovnik With Kids
Is Dubrovnik a family-friendly destination?
Absolutely! Dubrovnik offers a range of family-friendly activities and attractions suitable for kids of all ages.
Are there any child-friendly beaches in Dubrovnik?
Yes, there are several child-friendly beaches in Dubrovnik where kids can safely swim and play. Some popular options include Copacabana Beach, Lapad Beach, and Banje Beach.
Is it safe to visit Dubrovnik with kids?
Dubrovnik is generally a safe city to visit with kids. However, it’s always important to supervise children, especially in crowded areas and near water. Take standard safety precautions and ensure that you and your family have travel insurance for peace of mind.
Is Dubrovnik worth visiting?
Absolutely! Dubrovnik is a stunning destination known for its rich history, breathtaking architecture, and picturesque coastline. It offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant atmosphere that makes it a must-visit city.
What is Dubrovnik famous for?
Dubrovnik is famous for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, encircled by ancient city walls. It’s also known for its stunning red-roofed buildings, marble streets, and beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea. Additionally, Dubrovnik gained popularity as a filming location for the TV series “Game of Thrones.”
When is the best time to visit Dubrovnik?
The best time to visit Dubrovnik is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). The weather is pleasant, the crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer season.
How many days should I spend in Dubrovnik?
At least two to three days in Dubrovnik are recommended to experience its main attractions, explore the Old Town, walk the city walls, and enjoy the nearby beaches. However, if you have more time, you can extend your stay to explore the nearby islands and day trip opportunities.
The bottom line is that Dubrovnik has plenty to offer for travelling families. You can take the time to explore the Old Town area, and the cobblestone streets, or merely enjoy a day at the beach.
Still, no matter what your preferences are, the child-friendly activities mentioned above will help you make the best of your trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Looking for more ideas to plan your Croatia with kids family adventure? Check out our articles on Plitvice National Park, Hvar Island and our day trip to Mostar from Dubrovnik.