Croatia captivates visitors with its stunning Adriatic coastline, over 1,000 islands, and remarkably preserved medieval cities. From the ancient walls of Dubrovnik to the cascading waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes, this Mediterranean gem offers crystal-clear waters, rich history, and exceptional cuisine at surprisingly affordable prices.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
The wooden boardwalks over cascading turquoise waterfalls captivate children of all ages. Toddlers love spotting fish, ducks, and frogs in crystal-clear water. The electric boat ride across Kozjak Lake is a highlight for younger children.
Duration: 4-6 hours
Krka National Park with Boat Ride
Easier than Plitvice for younger children, Krka offers boat rides through the gorge, swimming near waterfalls (seasonal), and the restored medieval Visovac Monastery island. The viewing platform at Skradinski Buk waterfall wows every age group.
Duration: 4-5 hours
Brijuni National Park Safari
Tito's former summer retreat on Brijuni Islands features a mini-safari park with giraffes, elephants, zebras, and other animals donated to Tito by foreign leaders. Dinosaur footprints preserved in rock on the island add prehistory to the animal encounters.
Duration: Full day
Zip-lining Cetina Canyon, Omiš
Eight zip-line segments above the Cetina River gorge start with shorter, gentler lines before building to the 700m main run. Minimum age 7, minimum weight 25kg. Staff excellent with children and beginners. Pre-lunch activity from Split.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Lokrum Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik
The short boat ride from Dubrovnik Old Town delivers children to an island where peacocks roam freely, botanical gardens provide shade, and the saltwater 'Dead Sea' lake (a slightly salty inland pool) offers unique safe swimming. The ruined monastery has owls and interesting architecture for older children.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Sea Kayaking around Hvar
Child-friendly guided kayak tours on calm Adriatic waters explore sea caves, snorkeling spots, and deserted coves. Equipment fitted for children from age 8. Includes guide commentary on marine life and island history.
Duration: 3 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Le Méridien Lav Split
Croatia's most family-friendly 5-star resort with dedicated kids club (4-12 years), multiple pools including children's pool, private beach, water sports center, and direct ferry connections to Split for day trips.
Family features: Kids Club Lav (4-12 yrs), family rooms, children's menu, pool lifeguards, babysitting available
Hotel Croatia Cavtat (near Dubrovnik)
Large beach hotel in quiet Cavtat village 15km from Dubrovnik Old Town. Excellent facilities for families including pool complex, beach access, and sports programs — at far lower prices than Dubrovnik hotels.
Family features: Large pool complex, beach water sports, animation team, shuttle to Dubrovnik Old Town
Sunce Hotel Hvar Town
Family-friendly hotel in Hvar town with pool and proximity to beaches. Moderate pricing for Hvar, central location, family rooms available, walking distance to restaurants and ferry terminal.
Family features: Pool, family connecting rooms, child-friendly restaurants nearby, ferry access
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Croatian restaurants almost universally welcome children — high chairs available on request, outdoor terraces give children space to move
Kids menus are rare but not needed — Croatian portions are large and half portions (pola porcije) available on request
Best family food: pizza from any wood-fired pizzeria (€7-10), grilled fish 'na žaru' (kids love whole grilled fish), pasta with tomato sauce
Ice cream (sladoled) culture is strong in Croatia — premium ice cream parlors in every coastal town offer fresh fruit flavors for €1-2 per scoop
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Water shoes are essential — virtually all Croatian beaches are pebble or rock, not sand, and sea urchins on rocky shores sting bare feet
Croatian coastal towns are hilly with many stairs — strollers work on waterfront promenades but not in old town streets; baby carriers more practical
Book island accommodation and ferry spaces with car well in advance for summer — islands fill completely and car spaces on ferries sell out
Plitvice Lakes boardwalks are stroller-accessible on Route A but can be slippery — use stroller with good grip