As Bali’s cultural heart, no surprise that Ubud offers an eye-popping array of sights and activities that will really help you get to know the real Bali. Really, there is something for everyone in Ubud and that includes the whole family. Here are 13 fun things you can do in this fabulous jungle town with the kids.
1. Go birdwatching at Bali Bird Walk
Bali Bird Walk was established in 1990 by ornithologist Victor Mason with a focus on conservation through education. Ten percent of the earnings from the bird walks are donated to conservation efforts. All paths lead to areas where over 100 different species of birds are found. Every tour is limited to only 20 people so book your visit ahead.
Tours are scheduled every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and begin at Murni’s Warung. The nature walks start at 9am and end at 12:30pm when the trail takes the group back to the warung for lunch where a recap of the tour is held. For thirty-seven bucks, you can book a guided tour inclusive of lunch and drinking water. This is one of the best things to do in Ubud to really get to know the natural environment and give back a little.
2. Explore the mountains on a bike
See the lovely views of the Balinese mountains by going on a guided tour along off-road (try Bali Eco Cycling). The trails will take you across the remote regions of Ubud where you can see the wonderful sceneries of the island including bamboo and fruit groves, rice paddies, and the countryside. You’ll also pass through villages where there’s plenty of opportunities to meet the locals and learn more about the local culture.
3. Make art at Sari Api
For kids who love making arts and crafts, sign them up for a ceramic workshop. In Ubud, the Sari Api learning center is refreshing for its relaxed atmosphere and al fresco style workshop. The learning center features two electric wheels and a large gas-fired downdraft furnace within an expansive work area.
Sari Api was established in 1996 by Suzan Kohlik who graduated from the Centre Doret Ceramic Art School in Switzerland. The workshop offers ceramic art classes for adults and children alike. The workshop is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Interested applicants may enroll for a full course of the half-day workshop. The class will feature hand-building techniques, clay glazing and firing, and wheel throwing. Every Saturday morning, children from 4 to 14 years old can join the kid’s class for just Rp 75k. The fee is inclusive of all the materials needed for the class and hibiscus lemonade.
4. Take a thrilling tube ride
Ride an inflatable tube (try Bali Quad Discovery Tours) as you glide on the slow but active Siap River inside the canyons of Kerta Village Payangan. This unique and exhilarating ride is perfect for thrill-seeking teens who love chest-pumping adventures! Safety is not an issue as well-trained guides accompany the customers at all times. Safety gears that meet the EEC standards will be provided to all guests!
While drifting on the river, you’ll find yourself surrounded by thick trees and shrubs. The best part about the trip? You’re bound to come across curious birds that are more than happy to give you their best angle! Definitely one of the best things to do in Ubud for the action lovers!
5. Have fun while learning at Pondok Pekak Library
If you’re looking for things to do in Ubud for your little craft lovers & bookworks, visit the Pondok Pekak Library and Learning Centre in Sebelah Timur Lapangan! The library boasts of a wide selection of children’s books in English and Bahasa Indonesia that are written by local and foreign authors. The library is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Apart from the books, the library offers dance lessons, drums and xylophone classes, and art classes to develop the artistic skills of children. The center also teaches jewelry making, fruit carving, painting and wood carving courses to kids and adults alike.
6. Get into nature with an eco tour
For families who love to get close to nature, explore the Balinese landscapes, and go sightseeing, we highly recommend signing up with an eco-tour as one of the best things to do in Ubud. Most travel agencies and even locals offer all sorts of nature tours at varying rates. If you want to get the most out of your money, we strongly recommend booking a tour with a reputable service.
The tour typically consists of a guided tour that will take you through the dense jungle of Ubud, check out the local wildlife, and even take a dip at natural springs and/or waterfalls. The tour usually ends with a cup of kopi luwak. Because most eco-tours require at least a half an hour walk and long drives, these excursions are best for families with older kids.
7. Visit the Bali Zoo
Bali Zoo is a massive conservation facility that brings together wildlife, fun, and learning for kids of all ages. Apart from the impressive collection of animals from all over the world, Bali Zoo presents a variety of entertaining activities for children and adults. As well as a zoo, there is also now a waterpark– and a fantastic restaurant.
8. Make new friends at Ubud’s epic indoor playgrounds
If you need to free an hour or two for a little R&R, why not drop the kids off to the nearest indoor playground in Ubud? These indoor playgrounds aren’t just secure, they present plenty of opportunities for the kids to meet other children, make friends, and play!
If you are near the Sukawati area, the best indoor playground to check out is Bali Fun World. Bali Fun World brings together fun and learning in a stimulating environment that celebrates diversity and art.
On the other hand, if you are in the Pejeng area, then take the kids to Kidsworld. Kidsworld is the country’s largest inflatable play center. This indoor play center boasts of massive, crazy colorful inflatable castles, slides, trees, and cartoon characters. There are huge trampolines where hyperactive kids can jump around, have fun, and meet new friends!
9. Satisfy sugar cravings at Tutmak
Tutmak is a large restaurant, cafe, and juice bar. The cafe is known for its delicious desserts too. As a family-friendly restaurant, Tutmak is all about providing healthy dishes and beverages made from organically produced ingredients. Because everything on the menu is made from scratch, you know every dish is fresh.
After a long day of walking around and shopping, order one of Tutmak’s most popular health drinks or artisanal coffee and get yummy desserts for the kids. Inside, the restaurant features comfy seating, low tables, and home-style decors. The first floor of the café is a great place to let the kids be kids.
10. Shop at Tegalalang
If you or your kids love souvenirs and curious or kitschy decors, then head to Tegalalang and check out small handicraft shops that offer colorful, unique home items in every shape and size. Just the scenery itself makes this trip worth it, with absolutely stunning views over the rice field valleys. If you love breathtaking views and homewares, then this should be high up on your list of things to do in Ubud. You will also be amazed by all the craftworks, homewares, and every kind of knick-knack you can think of – many of which you may recognise as selling for 100x the price back home!
For kids, there are loads of bedroom decors, musical instruments, and accessories. Cool home items like fridge magnets, decorative mirrors, ornate jewelry boxes and other decors are available at very affordable prices.
The best thing about shopping at Tegalalang? Everything’s a bargain. With so many choices, there is something for everyone at Tegalalang.
11. Check out the Ubud Monkey Forest
The Sacred Monkey Forest is probably one of the most famous things to do in Ubud, with thousands of visitors coming through each week. The Monkey Forest spreads over a large area right in the heart of Ubud. The monkeys are well-kept, given food and some veterinary care. Watching the monkeys is fascinating. If you’re nervous about visiting with kids, try parking on the Nyuh Kuning side of the forest where you can park in the lot and watch the monkeys through the window. If you venture into the forest, make sure you don’t have any food or plastic on you, as they will attract attention from the monkeys! Best to avoid taking in very small children who may shriek and frighten the monkeys.
12. Play football with neighborhood kids on the Nyuh Kuning field
At 8:30am on Saturday and Sunday mornings, local kids gather at the football field in picturesque Ubud village Nyuh Kuning to play soccer. Plenty of expat kids also join in and all are welcome. Watching kids play together and have fun without caring that they are from different cultures and can’t even speak the same language is a wonderful experience! Grab an icecream from one of the warungs lining the soccer field when you’re finished playing. Nyuh Kuning is one of the most beautiful villages in Ubud and very definitely one of the most pedestrian friendly areas, so have a wander around and get a feel for Balinese life. Checking out Nyuh Kuning is one of the best things to do in Ubud to really make friends with the amazing Balinese locals.
13. Wander around the Ubud Water Palace
While you’re in Ubud, make sure you take the opportunity to wander around the Water Palace, just behind Starbucks! Your kids will love exploring this landmark, spotting fish between the lilies and checking out the amazing stone carvings. When you’re feeling like a pick-me-up, grab a gelato from one of the gelato bars nearby. Ubud Art Market is also right on hand. You can also catch a dance performance – check for scheduled times.
Enjoy Ubud guys! Ubud is very different from South Bali which is more tourist-city with lots of waterparks, theme-park-type attractions, and large resorts with kids clubs. As the heart of Bali, Ubud has retained far more of Balinese culture and this makes it an essential place to visit if you love Bali. You will discover your kids really don’t need touristy attractions, they will be amazed by the monkeys, the dragonflies in the rice fields, and the stone carving fantasy creatures, along with all the other things to do in Ubud! Have fun!
This article was originally published by Bali Kids Guide, a total guide for Bali with kids, holiday tips, reviews, currency & visa info, and more.
