Getting Oriented
Traveling with your family and kids in tow is one of the most memorable experiences. You and your family will treasure the moments you have together exploring new interests and cultures. But family travel isn't always easy, so it helps to find a kid-friendly place that the little ones will love just as much as the adults. Croatia is one of the best options, as it offers numerous regions combining a little bit of everything. With a unique shape, the country hosts over 1,000 miles of coastline and more than 1,000 islands. That's a lot of seaside fun!
But besides the beaches, families can enjoy exploring national parks filled with waterfalls, hiking on kid-friendly trails, meeting locals and trying new foods (like truffle pasta), or cruising around the islands on paddleboards and scooters. Discover historical ruins, picturesque villages, lavender fields, and hilltop castles, all in just one country!
Top Coastal Experiences
Croatia's coast is undoubtedly its biggest draw. Kids and adults alike love strolling through the sand, swimming in the water, and playing on the beach. If you need a guaranteed go-to, hang out on the coast!
SUP in Kornati National Park
Go on a paddling adventure in Kornati National Park, a scenic archipelago made up of 140 islands. After an introductory class in paddleboarding (also known as "SUP"), you'll follow a seasoned guide along the coast of the islands. Enjoy stopping to admire the raw beauty of the park, with its jagged rocks, picturesque coves, and beaches. Read More
Beaches & History on Zlarin Island
A 30-minute ferry from Šibenik gets you to the scenic, historic, and far less touristy island of Zlarin. Locals hit this spot for relaxing days in the sun, as there are plenty of beaches and water activities, plus no cars. Enjoy the many hiking paths that lead to secluded swimming spots, visit the Coral Museum to learn about the island's unique history, or arrange a kayaking adventure along the coast. Read More
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Top Inland Experiences
A lot of visitors stick to the beach and miss out on all that Croatia's inland has to offer. There's so much culture and activity, including historic villages, delicious cuisine, and hilltop castles.
Discover the Castles of the Zagorje Region
Not far from Zagreb is the picturesque Zagorje region, known for its vineyards, castles, and quaint villages. Explore the area by visiting two of its most famous fortresses, starting with 14th-century Trakošćan Castle, which sits poetically on a reflective lake. Then head to the 16th-century Veliki Tabor Castle, originally built to defend against Turkish invaders. If you'd like to see some villages, consider a stop in Kumrovec, known for its 19th-century peasant houses and as the hometown of Tito. Read More
Hvar Island Offroad Tour
The entire family will enjoy this off-roading experience, as you traverse the scenic island of Hvar and savor the views. Highlights of the excursion include the 16th-century village of Malo Grablje, the lavender scents surrounding Velo Grablje, time relaxing on Soline Beach, and views of Stari Grad (Croatia's oldest township) from atop Vidikovac. Enjoy a traditional lunch along the way and opt for a visit to the famously steep vineyard terraces. Read More
Explore Krka National Park
You may have heard of Plitvice Lakes National Park, but Krka National Park is similar in scenery and better suited for families, as you can actually swim in the lakes! You can also explore the history of the area, which includes a restored ethnic village near the largest waterfall Skradinski Buk, a prehistoric cave and mills near Roški Slap, and Visovac, a small islet in the Krka River with a Franciscan monastery. Read More
Unique Family Experiences
Any vacation with your family is fun, but some of the most memorable trips include unique experiences that you can't do anywhere else, such as truffle hunting and dining with the locals.
Truffle Hunting & Lunch in Istria
Explore the forests of Istria with the help of a professional truffle hunter and his dogs! Families love this unique adventure, as truffles can only be found with the help of trained dogs or pigs. Enjoy walking through lush Mediterranean forests while learning about this delicacy beloved by foodies around the world. After finding truffles, learn how to prepare a delicious truffle-infused meal and enjoy it for lunch with your family! Read More
Lunch on a Family Farm in the Zagreb Countryside
Escape into Zagreb's peaceful and lush countryside, exploring some of the rural villages that dot this hilly landscape. Along the way, stop to enjoy traditional local specialties at a small family-owned farm and eatery. You can try favorite dishes, such as roasted duck with mlinci, a traditional flatbread, or wild boar ragu. Enjoy learning about traditional farm techniques. Then, the adults can taste some of the region's indigenous grape varietals with a wine tasting while the kiddos sip on juice and enjoy the animals! Read More
Crafting the Perfect Family Itinerary in Croatia
Croatia is long and narrow, so getting from north to south takes some time. Luckily, every area of the country offers family-friendly fun, whether you stick to the popular experiences or get off the beaten path. If you fly in and out of Zagreb, the country's capital city, you can stick to the north and combine the culture and history of Istria with beach time in Kvarner, which is kid-friendly. For a trip like this, give yourself at least 5 days to enjoy the capital, Istria, and the beach.
If you want to spend time on the coast and Dalmatian islands, you'll probably need one or two weeks. Make the most out of your time in Croatia and fly into Zagreb and out of Split or Dubrovnik in the south. This way, you won't need to retrace your steps across the country! Some of the most popular and family-friendly islands include Krk or Pag in the north, Kornati on the central coast, and Hvar or Vis in the south.
Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed the following itineraries featuring family experiences in Croatia: