Planning a week-long escape to Bali with your family? That is fantastic news! You’re setting up for an incredible mix of serene beaches, vibrant culture, lush nature, and deeply needed relaxation. Having explored the Island of the Gods with my own family multiple times, I’ve refined this 7-day Bali itinerary to perfectly blend iconic Balinese experiences with a realistic, kid-friendly pace. It’s designed to be light on logistics and heavy on meaningful connection, ensuring both parents and children find their own slice of paradise.
My philosophy for family travel is less is often more. This plan focuses on covering the best of the South Coast and the cultural heart of Ubud, maximizing memory-making with minimal travel fatigue.
7 Days of Family Bliss in Bali: Your Updated Itinerary
Day 1: Coastal Arrival & Gentle Sunset
You’ll land at Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar). To keep things simple post-flight, I highly recommend arranging a private transfer straight to your accommodation in a relaxed area like Sanur or Jimbaran. The first day is all about unwinding. Take a calm swim, walk along the beach path, and then find a cozy beachfront café for dinner. Ending the day watching the stunning Balinese sunset together is the perfect, gentle introduction to the island.
Day 2: Safe Beaches & Cultural Wonders
Start your day with an easy breakfast before heading to one of Bali’s best family beaches. I recommend Sanur Beach or Nusa Dua Beach, their waters are protected by a reef, meaning calmer waves that are perfect and safe for younger kids. In the afternoon, shift gears and visit the majestic Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park. It offers huge open spaces for kids to run, the massive Wisnu statue to marvel at, and engaging cultural shows that keep everyone entertained.
Read also: Where to Go in Bali with Kids: Family Friendly Trips (2025 Update)
Day 3: Journey to Ubud & Monkey Business
Today, we transition inland. Arrange a private driver to take you to the rich, green environment of Ubud. Your first stop should be the famous Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. This is always a hit with kids, but a word of caution from my own experience: keep all bags zipped and wear nothing loose! The monkeys are cheeky. Later, immerse yourselves in the iconic beauty of the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Instead of trying to navigate the steepest parts, opt for a scenic, gentle walk or simply admire the view from a cafe overlooking the vibrant green landscape.
Read more: Bali’s Sacred Monkey Forest: A Must-Visit Experience in Ubud
Day 4: Managed Adventure & Water Thrills
It’s time for some excitement! For a safe but thrilling family adventure, book a half-day Ayung River white-water rafting trip. It features Class II and III rapids, which are generally suitable for children aged 7 and up. If that feels too ambitious for your family, an easier alternative is a refreshing swim at a more accessible spot like Tegenungan Waterfall. Whatever adventure you choose, dedicate the afternoon to pure relaxation, pool time at the villa is mandatory to prevent family burnout.
Day 5: Coastal Cool & Temple Magic
Head back towards the coast and experience the modern face of Bali. Spend the morning at a family-friendly beach club in the Canggu or Berawa area, like Atlas Beach Club or COMO Beach Club, which are known to have dedicated kids’ zones and shallow pools. After lunch, take a memorable trip south to the stunning sea-temple, Tanah Lot. Timing your visit for sunset here is non-negotiable, the temple perched on the rock against the fiery sky is a perfect photo opportunity and a memory that lasts.
Day 6: Flexibility & Local Immersion
This is your designated Flex Day. Let the family decide! Did they love the beach? Go back. Do the parents need a rest? Book a Balinese family spa treatment. For a deeper cultural dive, I highly recommend a hands-on Balinese cooking class. In the late afternoon, take a relaxed stroll through a local market to pick up unique souvenirs and finish with an early, mellow dinner. This flexible pace ensures everyone leaves feeling rejuvenated, not rushed.
Day 7: Last Moments & Departure
Enjoy a leisurely final breakfast. Let everyone choose a favourite café or scenic spot for a quick farewell visit. Pack slowly and check out. If time permits before your flight from Denpasar, a final gentle activity like a short, shaded nature walk or a final souvenir browse is a lovely way to close the trip. Then, it’s time for your private transfer to the airport.
Essential Bali Family Travel Tips
For a seamless trip, keep these practical tips in mind:
Transport is King (or Queen!)
For maximum comfort and flexibility when travelling with children, always use a private car and driver for inter-area travel and day tours. It’s affordable and eliminates logistics stress.
Stay Central (Split Stay)
To cut down on transit time, consider a split stay: 3 nights near the beach (Sanur/Nusa Dua) for calm water access and 4 nights in Ubud for nature and culture.
Hydrate and Protect
The tropical heat is intense. Encourage frequent water breaks and reapply sunscreen often. Sun-protective swimsuits and hats are a must for kids.
Embrace the Pool
Consider pool time as a non-negotiable “activity.” Schedule it for late mornings or mid-afternoons to break up the heat and let the kids burn off energy while parents relax.
Food Safety & Snacks
While Bali has many excellent and safe dining options, keeping a supply of familiar, non-perishable snacks and instant noodles from home can be a lifesaver for picky eaters or sudden hunger pangs.
Pace it Out
Remember the mantra: Two major activities per day maximum. Trying to cram more in will only lead to tired, cranky kids (and parents!).
Check Rafting Ages
If you plan on white-water rafting, confirm the minimum age requirements (usually 7 years old for the gentle Ayung River) with your tour operator beforehand.
Final Thought
Spending 7 days in Bali with your family offers a fantastic opportunity to connect, explore, and relax together. From your arrival beachside to the final goodbye sunset, this itinerary helps you balance discovery with downtime, excitement with comfort, and change with simplicity. Whether your kids are young or you’re travelling with grandparents, the rhythm of this plan fits. Dive in, enjoy, and create the kind of family memories that last.
