If you’re looking to enjoy an unforgettable family vacation that’ll give you and your little ones the chance to enjoy everything from beautiful beaches and fun-filled boat trips, to exploring ancient fortresses, and awe-inspiring national parks, you might want to consider Croatia. Intrigued? Read on to find out what to expect when you visit Croatia with kids, along with our top tips for traveling to Croatia with kids, and a suggested itinerary to kick-start your planning process.
Boasting a beautiful coastline speckled with safe, child-friendly beaches, national parks traversed by easy trails that invite kids to unleash their inner adventurer, and ancient walled cities and castles that conjure fairy tale vibes, Croatia is fabulous family destination.
Add to that island-hopping trips and kayaking adventures, and fun interactive museums, and pretty much every age is covered.
If that wasn’t enough, Croatia is affordable, safe, easy to get around, with accommodation ranging from welcoming family-run guesthouses, to family-friendly beach resorts. On the food front, think fresh Mediterranean-style meals that even the pickiest of eaters will surely enjoy!
Editor’s tip: while planning your family vacation, arm yourself with tips from our guide to how to plan a trip to Croatia.
Considering visiting Croatia with kids? You're in for an unforgettable treat! © Shutterstock
From figuring out the best time to visit Croatia with kids, to safety tips and advice on how to configure your Croatia itinerary, here are our top 10 tips for making your family vacation all the more rewarding.
The best time to visit Croatia with children is late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–early October).
And the reasons? These months offer pleasantly warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices, while the sea is warm enough for swimming.
Overall, May–June is ideal for sightseeing, beach days, visiting national parks, and taking island trips before summer crowds arrive, while September–early October still offer pretty good beach weather, with a more relaxed pace coming as a result of there being fewer tourists.
Conversely, November to March is the least favorable time to visit Croatia with kids as the weather can be cold and rainy, and many island services shut down.
While Christmas markets and cultural events in the likes of Zagreb can be cool for older kids, the overall appeal of a sun-and-nature-based trip is reduced.
Dubrovnik, Croatia © Shutterstock
Good news! Getting around Croatia with kids is safe and easy, thanks to a well-developed transport network and family-friendly travel options.
Depending on your itinerary, you can combine buses, ferries, car rentals, and some trains for a well-rounded travel experience.
Renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to explore Croatia as a family, especially if you're visiting national parks, smaller towns, and the countryside.
Roads are well-maintained, and coastal drives also serve very scenic views.
Note that car seats for children are legally required. While they can be rented through most rental companies, bringing your own is a more reliable option.
For intercity travel, buses are reliable, comfortable, and affordable, with frequent connections between major cities like Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar.
A word of warning: while buses usually have air conditioning and luggage storage, they don’t always have toilets on board, so plan breaks accordingly with younger children.
Ferries are essential for island-hopping, especially to family-friendly spots like Brač, Hvar or Korčula.
Operators like Jadrolinija and Krilo offer regular routes, and high-speed catamarans are great for day trips. Just be sure to book in advance through the June-August summer peak season.
Trains are less useful along the coast but can be a relaxing way to travel inland, especially if you need to travel between Zagreb and charming towns like Osijek or Varaždin.
Most Croatian cities are very walkable, with pedestrian-friendly old towns.
When you need to travel beyond the center, public transport — including trams in Zagreb and local buses in and around coastal cities — is cheap and efficient.
National Theater, Zagreb, Croatia © Shutterstock
While Croatia is a safe and family-friendly country, it’s wise to follow a few basic safety precautions through your vacation.
First up, come armed with travel insurance, and pack your own first aid kit with band aids, painkillers and sun cream.
In busy areas like Dubrovnik’s Old Town or Split’s pretty promenade, keep an eye on kids to avoid losing them crowds.
While drivers are generally cautious, traffic can be fast in cities, so use crosswalks and hold hands.
Tempting as it is to see and do as much as possible during your precious vacation time, resist the urge to over-stuff your itinerary.
Tired kids (and grown-ups, for that matter) have a habit of getting cranky, which is the last thing anyone wants on a vacation!
Our tip is to factor in plenty of time to rest and relax throughout your itinerary, with generous buffers around your schedule.
In addition to traveling slow, look to include lots of Croatia’s top child-friendly attractions and experiences in your itinerary (more on those a little later).
Also, be sure to mix up sighting experiences with activities that are more fun for the younger members of your family.
As charming as they are, little legs can only take so much strolling around old towns and historic sights! So, while planning your sightseeing days, check maps to locate nearby parks, playgrounds and ice cream shops.
Croatia accommodation covers everything from cute child-friendly guest houses that are often family-run, to budget hotels and luxury resorts.
While planning your trip to Croatia with kids, always check the accommodation you’re considering is child-friendly before booking.
That is to say, check places offer the facilities you need for the ages for your kids e.g. swimming pool, high chairs, cribs, playgrounds, kids’ entertainment, so on.
Some resorts are adult only, and some guest houses located in old buildings might only have small rooms, or a lot or stairs and no elevator.
To help you narrow down your search, read our guide to where to stay in Croatia.
Paklinski Islands, Hvar, Croatia © Shutterstock
While essentials (like nappies and baby food) are widely available in Croatian supermarkets, specific brands may not be, so bring favorites from home.
It’s also a good idea to come armed with a basic first aid kit (think band-aids, plasters, antiseptic wipes, kids’ pain reliever, high SPF sunscreen and motion sickness tablets), and bring enough of any regular medications to last the whole trip.
For babies and toddlers, look to bring a lightweight foldable stroller that can handle cobbled streets and ferries. A baby carrier might be useful for getting around old towns and national parks.
It’s also a good idea to stock up on snacks to keep picky eaters happy while you’re on the go. On the subject of keeping kids happy, be sure to bring books, travel games, tablets and coloring materials for flights, ferries and downtime.
Croatian cuisine is fresh, mild, and largely of the Mediterranean variety, which tends to make it appealing to most kids.
Be sure to try to try ćevapi (little grilled sausages served with flatbread) and palačinke (thin pancakes served with Nutella, jam, or cheese), while seafood like fried calamari and grilled fish is often mild and simply prepared.
Also note that many restaurants offer half portions or kids’ menus.
Look to swim from lifeguarded beaches where available, and bring water shoes — lots of beaches are pebbled or rocky, and sea urchins can be present in shallow waters.
When on a boat trip or ferry transfer, make sure kids wear properly fitted life jackets.
Croatia’s national parks are packed with kid-friendly adventures, but always stay on marked trails and walkways, especially in places like Plitvice Lakes or Krka, where boardwalks run over water.
Take care that kids don’t climb rocks or swim where it’s not allowed — waterfalls can have strong currents.
Plitvice, Croatia © Shutterstock
Loaded with natural wonders, safe beaches, historic cities, and hands-on experiences that are great for kids of all ages, Croatia sure is a fun family-friendly destination!
To help you plan your itinerary, read on for some the best things to do in Croatia with kids.
Here are some of the best beaches in Croatia to visit with kids, and an overview of a few family-friendly islands.
Keen to cover the islands? Read our practical guide to island hopping Croatia.
If you’re into the idea of a boat-based vacation, read up on sailing in Croatia, a first-timers guide before taking the plunge.
Lopud, Croatia © Shutterstock
Cable Car on Mount Srd, Dubrovnik, Croatia © Shutterstock
Starting out in Spilt, and combining city charm, coastal beauty, light adventure, and island time, this 7-day vacation itinerary for Croatia is perfect for families who want to explore without feeling rushed.
Have longer than a week? See our suggested 10 day Croatia itinerary. Also note that while the following itinerary revolves around Spilt — thanks to the city offering easy access to ferries, beaches, and stacks of child-friendly attractions — you could also look to base yourself in or around Dubrovnik, which is also within reach of family resorts and islands.
Undecided? Read our feature covering that all-important question — Split or Dubrovnik: which should you visit first?
Split, Croatia © novak.elcic/Shutterstock
After arriving in Split — a family-friendly coastal city that’s steeped in history and exudes lovely relaxed vibe — check into a centrally located hotel or apartment near the Old Town or Bacvice Beach.
Once you’ve rested up, enjoy a gentle walk along the Riva promenade, grab some ice cream, and let the kids run around before enjoying dinner in a local tavern.
Day two is devoted to discovering the fascinating Diocletian’s Palace — a living Roman ruin with shops, tunnels, and hidden corners for kids to explore.
Here you can visit the cathedral, climb the bell tower (if kids are up for it), and explore the basement halls.
After a morning sightseeing, mix things up by visiting the quirky Froggyland museum before spending the afternoon on Bacvice Beach.
A change of scenery is in store on day three when you’ll enjoy a one-hour ferry ride to the lovely island of Hvar.
After checking into a family-friendly hotel or apartment in Hvar Town, or a quieter village like Stari Grad, spend the afternoon on the beach.
Come dusk, head to the harbor to see the sun set, or else enjoy a gentle climb up to Spanjola Fortress for a more expansive view.
Pakleni Islands, Hvar, Croatia © Shutterstock
On day four, enjoy a half-day boat trip to the stunning Pakleni Islands, where kids can swim and enjoy a beach picnic.
Alternatively, keep things simple and stay local around your hotel, perhaps renting bikes or kayaks for a spot of easy-going, fun exploration.
On day five, take an early morning ferry back to Split and spend the afternoon at Kasjuni Beach.
To mix things up, you could visit Marjan Park, which offers gentle walking trails and shaded paths.
A top day trip from Split is visiting Trogir, a small UNESCO-listed medieval town on a tiny island. In good news for families, it’s just a 30-minute drive or bus ride from the center of town.
On arrival, explore the old town, climb Kamerlengo Fortress, and enjoy a seaside lunch before returning to Split for a relaxed evening and farewell dinner.
Depending on the time of your flight, enjoy a final stroll along the harbor, pick up souvenirs, or visit a local park or café before transferring to Split airport.
Though only 30–40 minutes from the city, be sure to allow plenty of time to pack, snack and prepare everyone for the flight home!
Keen to enjoy a vacation in Croatia with your kids? Browse our Croatia itineraries for more inspiration before taking the plunge and booking your vacation.
Alternatively, to forgo all the hassle of planning, have our local Croatia travel experts curate your perfect family vacation for any duration.
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 25.03.2025
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Croatia
