The perfect family holiday in Croatia with kids!

Welcome, adventurous families! Are you looking for a destination that’s enjoyable for both parents and kids? Croatia with children is absolutely doable and fun for everyone. This beautiful country along the Adriatic Sea is famous for its breathtaking nature, charming towns, and endless opportunities for adventure. Plus, it pairs perfectly with Slovenia, just like we did. Want to learn more about Slovenia? Check out this blog.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice meren met kinderen

We began our adventure in Croatia at the Plitvice Lakes. The Plitvice Lakes are very accessible with children, and they’ll definitely enjoy it as well. This stunning national park is famous for its turquoise lakes and impressive waterfalls. Take a walk along the wooden pathways and soak in the spectacular views of the natural beauty surrounding you.

Plitvice meren met kinderen Plitvice meren met kinderen

You can choose from four different walking routes through the park, each varying in length. The shortest route is 3.5 km, followed by a slightly longer one of 4 km. If you don’t want to walk too far, I recommend taking route B (4 km). It’s the same as route A, but includes a boat ride that lets you see more of the park. The extra 500 meters is simply because you disembark at a different spot and need to walk back a little.

We initially planned to take route B but missed a turn somewhere, ending up on route C. This one is 8 km and was quite challenging for our kids since it involves a lot of uphill and downhill walking. However, they managed to complete it and later said they found it absolutely stunning! Of course, they were super proud of themselves afterward. 😉

You can book your tickets for the park entrance here. It’s a good idea to do this in advance to avoid getting a late time slot.

Plitvice meren met kinderen Plitvice meren met kinderen

Beautiful Accommodation: Apartment Perić

A child-friendly accommodation near the Plitvice Lakes is Apartment Perić. This beautiful place is located very close to the lakes. It’s a charming wooden house surrounded by a vibrant, colorful garden. The area around the house is truly stunning, with lush green forests and beautiful landscapes.

The apartment itself features a cozy living room and a small kitchen downstairs, while upstairs there’s a spacious bedroom with four beds. Outside, you’ll find a large picnic table and several lounge chairs, perfect for enjoying the peaceful surroundings and the stunning views.

Apartment Peric met kinderen Apartment Peric met kinderen

One of the most notable features of Apartment Perić is its proximity to the Plitvice Lakes. For families and adventurous travelers, this means you can enjoy an early start at the lakes without the hassle of long drives or travel time. While it’s technically within walking distance, you would need to walk along a busy road.

There’s also a small path through the woods, but it’s a slightly longer walk. Since our kids had plenty of walking to do at the Plitvice Lakes themselves, we opted to take the car instead.

Apartment Peric met kinderen Apartment Peric met kinderen

You can book the accommodation here. Make sure to book early if you’re planning to visit during peak season, as it fills up quickly.

Zaton Holiday Beach – A village in itself

Zaton Holiday Beach Camping is a large campsite located near the vibrant city of Zadar, a place rich in history and culture. It’s a great choice for a family holiday in Croatia with kids.

The campsite is situated on a beautiful sandy beach where children can play endlessly and enjoy the crystal-clear water. The beach also offers plenty of water sports activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and a water park, giving kids the chance to have fun and embark on new adventures.

Zaton Holiday Beach met kinderen

Zaton Holiday Beach met kinderen Zaton Holiday Beach met kinderen

In addition, Zaton Holiday Beach Camping offers excellent facilities for children, including playgrounds, a theater, and an enormous swimming paradise with no fewer than 9 different pools. There are also sports fields where kids can play football, basketball, or volleyball, keeping them active and giving them the chance to make new friends.

Zaton Holiday Beach zwembad met kinderen Zaton Holiday Beach zwembad met kinderen

For adventurous kids, the campsite also features exciting attractions such as trampolines, climbing walls, and a small fairground where they can have loads of fun (at an additional cost). Additionally, there are several restaurants, cafés, and shops to explore.

Zaton Holiday Beach Kermis met kinderen Zaton Holiday Beach Kermis met kinderen

Accomodations

You can stay here with your own tent or caravan, or rent mobile homes or chalets. We rented a mobile home. While the mobile homes were fine, they are starting to show their age. That said, there are various price ranges, and the most expensive ones looked really nice.

The sanitary facilities for those with tents or caravans were truly excellent. Also, consider the breakfast buffet—it might even be more affordable than a mobile home without breakfast! 😆 However, be prepared for large crowds. The breakfast was on a big scale; we usually started around 9:45 AM to avoid the rush and long lines.

Zaton Holiday Beach stacaravan met kinderen Zaton Holiday Beach chalet met kinderen

Although the campsite was fine, it didn’t entirely suit us. The campsite is enormous, meaning it was at least a 10-minute walk from our mobile home to the beach or the restaurant. It was a bit too crowded for our taste, but for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, it’s an ideal campsite with plenty of activities.

If you’re looking for quieter spots, we have good news! The surrounding area offers many less crowded places where you can enjoy a wonderful time. Explore the beautiful region and discover everything it has to offer.

Queens Beach – Playing in shallow waters

Queens Beach met kinderen

Be enchanted by Queens Beach, just 5 km away from the campsite! This beach is known for its shallow, calm waters, making it a safe and fun spot for kids to play. Did you know that the beach got its name from the wife of Croatian King Tomislav? She considered it the most beautiful beach in the area and loved spending time here with her family.

Queens Beach met kinderen Queens Beach met kinderen

This expansive beach stretches far into the sea, surrounding you with refreshing water on both sides. And if you’re feeling adventurous, this beach is perfect for you! Why? Because mud baths here are a true sensation. The mud on this beach is known for its healing properties. You’ll be amazed by the people completely covering themselves in mud—it’s a fascinating sight to watch!

Queens Beach met kinderen Queens Beach met kinderen

Nin – Oldest royal city

The town of Nin, located near Queens Beach, is a charming historic spot with a rich history. Its old town center is home to the world’s smallest cathedral, which kids will find fascinating. After a day at the beach, you can enjoy the variety of cozy restaurants and terraces in Nin. Treat yourself to delicious food and soak up the pleasant atmosphere.

Do keep in mind that the town is situated on an island with only a few access roads, so it can get quite busy getting on or off. However, don’t let that stop you—it’s definitely worth a visit!

 Nin met kinderen

Nin met kinderen Nin met kinderen

And for an extra dose of fun, there’s even a small fair where kids can enjoy rides and games. It was a big hit for us and created unforgettable moments!

 Kermis Nin met kinderen Kermis Nin met kinderen

Zadar – That comes to life in the evening

From Zaton Holiday Beach Camping, we also took a day trip to Zadar, a beautiful historic city rich in culture. Stroll through the old city walls, wander along the cobblestone streets, and explore the stunning squares. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy with kids in Zadar.

Zadar met kinderen Zadar met kinderen  Zadar met kinderen  Zadar met kinderen

An absolute must-see in Zadar is the unique Sea Organ, an architectural masterpiece that creates music through the movement of the waves. As you stroll along the promenade, you’ll be enchanted by the melodies produced by the sea itself. It’s a magical blend of nature and art that you simply have to experience. You can even watch a video with the sound here: Sea Organ Zadar. Nearby, there’s also a fun playground for kids to enjoy.

Zee Orgel Zadar met kinderen Zee Orgel Zadar met kinderen Zadar met kinderen

The most beautiful sunset in the world

After a day full of discoveries and impressions, there’s no better place to enjoy a delicious meal than at Restaurant Tramonto. This restaurant not only offers culinary delights but also a breathtaking view of the stunning sunset.

Restaurant Tramonto Zadar met kinderen Restaurant Tramonto Zadar met kinderenRestaurant Tramonto Zadar met kinderen Restaurant Tramonto Zadar met kinderen

As the sun slowly sets, you’re treated to a palette of colors painting the sky and filling your heart with joy. According to Alfred Hitchcock, it’s the most beautiful sunset in the world. Whether that’s true or not, it’s undeniably stunning!

Zadar met kinderen Zadar met kinderen

Zadar met kinderen Zadar met kinderen

But that’s not all Zadar has to offer. As night falls, the city transforms with a spectacular light show. The Greeting to the Sun monument, located next to the Sea Organ, comes to life with colorful light patterns that dance to the music. The kids absolutely loved walking over it, watching the lights shift and change continuously.

Greeting to the sun Zadar Greeting to the sun Zadar

During the day, Zadar exudes a serene calm, allowing you to enjoy the charm of the city without the crowds. But as evening falls, the city comes alive with vibrant energy. The narrow streets are lit by atmospheric lights, and the squares fill with people soaking up the lively nightlife. It’s a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that immerses you in the local culture and introduces you to the warmth and hospitality of its residents.

Krk Island – The Golden Island

After Zaton, we drove to Krk Island. It was quite a long journey as the island is usually busy, and the last stretch was almost entirely stop-and-go traffic.

Krk Island is known as one of the most family-friendly islands in Croatia, celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, with crystal-clear waters, picturesque coves, and lush green landscapes. Explore its many stunning beaches, from secluded bays to lively ones offering a range of water sports. Dive into the azure waters and discover a colorful underwater world filled with fascinating marine life.

Baska Beach Camping – Tranquility with a Touch of Liveliness

We stayed at Baska Beach Camping, and as soon as we arrived, we felt a sense of calm that we had truly missed at Zaton Holiday Beach. While it’s not a small campsite, it felt much quieter, more organized, and somehow friendlier.

We stayed in a mobile home here as well, but this time, it was a truly lovely spot. The caravan was modern, cozy, and surrounded by greenery, with a beautiful terrace where we could relax. The caravans are spaced further apart, giving you real privacy. And if that wasn’t enough, you could close all the curtains on the terrace for complete seclusion.

 Baska Beach Camping met kinderen Baska Beach Camping met kinderen

We stayed close to the pool, which wasn’t very large but had two fun slides that the kids went down at least 100 times. There was also a decent snack bar nearby, perfect for breakfast or lunch.

Baska Beach Camping met kinderen Baska Beach Camping met kinderen

There’s also a kids’ club that organizes various activities and a kids’ disco in the evening.

Baska Beach Camping met kinderen

From the mobile homes (located at the very back of the campsite), it’s about a 5-minute walk to the beach. The beach is beautiful, with charming restaurants and cozy cafés.

Strand Baska met kinderen Strand Baska met kinderen  Strand Baska met kinderen  Strand Baska met kinderen

For the kids (or adults 😉), there were 3 big slides that you could keep enjoying for a small fee!

Baska Beach met kinderen Baska Beach met kinderen

If you’re in need of a good massage, I highly recommend booking with the man located next to the slides. Be sure to reserve in advance, as he’s almost always fully booked.

Varadero – Relaxed Beach Bar

If you’re looking for great food and a stunning view of the sea and beach, I can absolutely recommend Varadero. It’s a laid-back beach bar where you can sit in comfy lounge chairs or at high tables. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this is a great spot. It’s also conveniently close to the campsite, one of the first places you’ll find when walking from the campsite to the town of Baska.

While you enjoy your glass of wine and watch the beautiful sunset, the kids can play in the sand or skip stones in the sea.

 Varadero Baska Beach

Varadero Baska Beach Varadero Baska Beach

From the campsite, you can visit charming towns and enjoy a variety of activities.

Krk Town – Fun Activities for Kids

Of course, a visit to Krk Town is a must. You can take a leisurely stroll through the town, but there are also plenty of activities to enjoy. One of the highlights for us was a submarine trip out to sea, where you can spot various fish, a shipwreck, and even see a real mermaid swimming by.

Additionally, there was a small square where people were playing with flower sticks. Kids (and adults!) could grab a set to practice and even got tips on how to improve their skills.

Krk met kinderen Krk met kinderen

Krk met kinderen Krk met kinderenKrk met kinderen Krk met kinderen

Dive into the Underwater World of Punat

For a unique and adventurous experience, try an underwater walk in Punat. You’ll wear a wetsuit and an old-fashioned diver’s helmet, then take a guided walk along the seabed. The guide shows you all kinds of fascinating marine life.

We even held a starfish in our hands, fed fish right from our palms (and I can tell you, they have pretty sharp teeth! 😱), and saw many other beautiful things. It’s an unforgettable experience, perfect for families seeking a bit of adventure and excitement.

Underwaterpark Punat Underwaterpark Punat Underwaterpark Punat

Officially, the activity is for ages 8 and up, but they focus more on the child’s height and confidence. Our 5-year-old son was allowed to do it, but both he and our 8-year-old daughter found it a bit too intimidating.

Our daughter went in first, but the helmet is quite heavy and puts a lot of pressure on the shoulders, so she decided not to continue. However, after us, a family with two kids around 8 years old gave it a try, so it’s definitely doable.

We were still able to go because the woman above water kept an eye on our kids for us, which was really helpful. This is an absolute must-try! Plus, Punat is a fun beach destination, so it’s worth visiting for that alone.

Punat strand met kinderen Punat strand met kinderen Punat strand met kinderen Punat strand met kinderen

Boat Trip to 3 Islands

From Baska, we also took a boat trip to visit three different islands. The first stop was Goli Otok, which used to be a high-security men’s prison. While riding a small train across the island, you can see the impressive prison and its accompanying buildings.

The guide shares fascinating stories about its history, leaving both adults and kids deeply intrigued. The kids still occasionally talk about these stories, which made a lasting impression on them!

Boottocht Baska Boottocht Baska Boottocht Baska Boottocht Baska

Next, the boat takes you to the beautiful island of Rab, where you can relax on a lovely beach. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

Eiland Rab met kinderen Eiland Rab met kinderen

The third island you visit is Otok Sveti, which was once the site of a women’s prison. Here, you can freely explore the historic buildings.

What makes this island truly special, however, are the friendly deer that roam freely and are accustomed to being fed by visitors. They’ll even approach you and eat right out of your hand! It’s a heartwarming experience that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.

 Boottocht Baska Boottocht Baska Boottocht Baska Boottocht Baska

In addition to the activities mentioned above, there are plenty of other great places to visit and things to do, such as exploring the town of Vrbnik, home to the narrowest alley in the world, or ziplining through the trees high up in the mountains. You can also relax on the many beautiful beaches and, of course, indulge in the delicious local cuisine.

Vbrnik met kinderen Vbrnik met kinderen Vbrnik met kinderen Ziplinen Krk

Conclusion

I hope this blog has inspired you and provided useful tips for an unforgettable trip to Croatia with kids. Croatia, with its breathtaking nature, charming towns, and endless opportunities for adventure, is truly a treasure chest for families seeking fun and discovery.

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Do you have questions, comments, or want to share your own experiences? Leave a comment or send me a message—I’d love to hear from you!

Thank you for traveling with me through beautiful Croatia. See you on the next adventurous destination! 🌍✨

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