In October we took the kids to Bali for their first trip, and my husband’s first trip up to Ubud. I was a bit conscious about doing the same trip which I’d done with a friend earlier in the year (link here) and wasn’t sure it would be as much fun for them.

But I needn’t have worried as lots of fun was had by all. When we quizzed the kids on what they wanted to do they asked to visit the places I’d been before; so off we set… with a driver and air-con (happy to share his details if you’d like them).

1. Tegallalang Rice Terrace

About half an hour from Ubud are the stunning Tegallalang Rice Terraces. Your driver will likely drop you off at the carpark, then you just buy a ticket from the booth and you’re good to go. A short walk along the road and you’ll start to see the amazing views over the rice fields. You can step down and walk around the terraces, be prepared with some $$’s as you have to pay to walk over each land owner’s fields, it wasn’t big cost maybe $5 each time.

There are lots of children selling things here, we opted not to buy from them, as I’d heard that by them earning money it encourages the parents to take them out of school and thus miss their education. So instead we bought bunches of rambutan fruits and gave them to some of the kids to share. My kids couldn’t believe how pleased these children were with such a simple gift.

Tip: Head along the road to D’Alas for lunch, get there early for a good seat and view. They also have a good Bali swing here which is a lot less crowded. 

2. The Bali Swing

I couldn’t believe how much this place had changed in six months. But your kids will love the Bali Swing, I couldn’t find their website, but this blog had a good review on it. Kids can’t go on the big swings (nothing stopping you having a go though) but they can go on one of the smaller swings and there is plenty for them to explore. Good news its on the way to the rice fields so you can combine them into one day’s adventure.

You’ll be met at the entrance by a guide (the guide is free but we did give ours a tip) they’ll walk you through a tradition coffee roasting hut, show you all the plants which are grown to make tea, take 100s of photos of you posing in the birds nests and on the swings and then finally you’ll be given a free tea tasting activity, my kids still talk about this.

Tip: Pay the extra $$s and try the cat-poo-chino, its surprisingly tasty. 

3. Pura Tirta Empul Holy Waters

As you enter you’ll be asked to wear a sarong (men too), they do provide them there or you can take your own. I was also surprised to see a sign requesting that all ladies have their hair tied up to enter the back part of the temple.

Tip: if you want to enter the holy waters you’ll need a bathing suit and a sarong to cover yourself up with. But also a separate dry sarong for afterwards. 

4. Ubud Day Swimming Pools

With the kids in tow in Bali we discovered some amazing ‘day pools’ tucked away in some serene places around Ubud. The ones I’d recommend were Jungle Fish, nestled up in the jungle hills, attached to a stunning hotel (call ahead and book yourself a massage) and Folk Pool & Gardens, tucked away down an alley way just off Ubud high street where you can use the swim-up-bar and eat your lunch in the pool.

Tip: For both places phone ahead at least the day before and book a day bed or sofa. 

5. Ubud Market

If you want to teach your kids the art of negotiation Ubud Market is the place to go. We gave ours three simple rules 1. Never pay the first asking price. 2. Always offer less than half the asking price. 3. Walk away from the sale to get an even better price. Kids can stock up on all the tut, sorry holiday souvenirs, they want at pocket money prices. It was hot and busy, but our kids thrived on this and really enjoyed it.

It’s open 6am-6pm every day of the week. But nothing gets going much before 10am we found. Address: Jl. Raya Ubud No.35, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia.

Tip: Head into the indoor markets for some good bargains too. 

6. Kid Friendly Places to Eat in Ubud

There are so many lovely places to eat in Ubud and the kids will eat well wherever you go but my two top recommendations are;

Clear Cafe… leave your shoes at the door and enter through a beautiful round door, try and grab a table on the top floor which’ll be nice and breezy. The cafe comes complete with fireman’s pole to entertain little ones. I heard they do good (very reasonably priced) massages and treatments here, but they get booked up in advance. There is no alcohol for sale here but do get a bottle of their kombucha to sip with your lunch.

Lotus Cafe This restaurant over looks the Lotus Water Palace in Ubud town centre. Every evening from 7.30-9pm there is a balinese dance show in the palace. But rather than paying the 100K IDR each for a ticket you can book to have dinner in the Lotus Cafe with a free view of the show and you can enjoy a drink. The chefs and waiters here are brilliant and if you have dietary requirements just chat to them and they’ll make it happen.

Tip: Ask for a table with the floor seating as they’re closer to the show.  

Other things to do with Kids in and around Ubud, Bali

I spoke to a lovely local lady whilst we were there and apart from grilling her on the Green school which her kids had attended she also shared are some things for our next trip…

Paradiso Movie Theatre– the worlds first vegan movie theatre, Sanur Beach (Cafe Genius / Bali Sail & Surf), Blue Bear Skate Park, and the Water Bomb park in Kuta.

A bonus tip – look to see if your hotel will show your kids how to make offerings… its really lovely to learn this local tradition and experience the culture.