We LOVE Croatia. In fact, it was the highlight of our European trip last year. Part of that was because of the fabulous SJ from Chasing the Donkey who is not only a close friend but lives in Croatia and makes it her mission to tell the world how fabulous this small country is. Below, you can find her top list of things to do in Croatia with kids!

There is no doubt that Croatia has become a global sensation over the last few years, with swarms of tourists hitting the Dalmatian Coast over the summer months but what most people don’t know is that Croatia has long been a family-friendly vacation destination, with many families taking their summer holidays along the entire Croatian coast. With that in mind, here are ten things to do with kids in Croatia…

Top 10 things to do in Croatia with kids

1. Visit the museum of illusions

Like most countries Croatia has loads of museums, but let’s face it, most kids get quickly bored and lose interest. Well not at the Museum of Illusions located in Zagreb. This museum has some really cool illusions, to bamboozle your kids and keep them entertained.

2. Go to the beach

Biograd Beach

So this is pretty obvious. However, it is one of the primary reasons people come to Croatia because the Adriatic Sea is just stunning. In Croatia, there is a beach for everyone.

There are shallow sandy beaches, like Queens Beach in Nin, pebbly beaches like the Zlatni Rat on Brač, and rocky beaches along the entire coast. Take your pick and find your own piece of beach paradise.

3. Walk the Dubrovnik walls

Walking along the city walls

The UNESCO-listed Old Town of Dubrovnik is a treasure, but there are only so many churches and historical monuments that a kid can endure before they lose it.

Take a walk on the Dubrovnik Walls and circumnavigate the old town, where you’ll get great views of the town from a much better perspective than on the ground. In addition, it keeps the kids moving (don’t worry it’s safe) and as a bonus, you can get them and ice cream while up there.

4. Visit the Split Aquarium

This is Croatia’s largest marine aquarium and contains 130 species of fish with the focus on species from the Adriatic. You can only see so much when snorkelling – here you get to see everything that lies beneath the Adriatic.

5. Go to an island and cycle

There is something exhilarating about catching a ferry and visiting an Island and exploring by bicycle. Most of Croatia’s islands have a good network of marked cycle trails which typically hug the coastline and lead you to secluded beaches, coves and bays. If your not confident to do it alone, take a guided tour.

There are many sailing options in Croatia

6. Istralandia Water Park

What kid doesn’t love a water park? This water park is located in Novigrad in Istria and can entertain kids of all ages. There is a wave pool, slides galore including a 27m monster slide, kiddy entertainment, pools of all shapes and sizes and even an adults hydro massage pool.

7. Go sailing

Whether it’s one day or a week, you need to get out onto the Adriatic at least once in Croatia. This sea is spectacular and finding your own little cove or bay and taking a dip, or jumping off the boat for the kids, is so much fun. Don’t forget the snorkelling gear because there is plenty to see underwater.

8. Go rafting

Clearly this is not suitable for babies, but most kids can go rafting in Croatia because the rivers have low-grade rapids. Whether it’s on the Cetina, Zrmanja, or Una rivers, this is a memorable activity that will have your kids thrilled.

9. Swim in a waterfall

Krka National Park, located near Šibenik, is famous for its Skradinski Buk and Roski Slap waterfalls. The best part is that you can swim in the plunge pools and stick your head under the waterfalls. How’s that for fun!

10. Go Zip lining

Not for anyone scared of heights and the minimum age is 7, this adrenaline pumping, but entirely safe activity will have you flying across canyons, and across the Cetina river. It’s super fun, and you kids will be on a high for their entire holiday after this.

Getting around Croatia

We run a business called Octopus Transfers. We can pick you up at airports, take you to festivals and Croatia’s national parks. Read more about our Croatia transfers here.

We love Croatia, and can’t recommend it enough for families. There are dozens of hotels which cater to families, as well as hundreds of private apartments across the whole country. If you want, even more, ideas check out more fun ideas for family fun in Croatia here.

Read more from SJ about Croatia on Chasing the Donkey or like her on Facebook.