This article will give you a full overview for having a family-friendly activities in Dubrovnik without stress.
Dubrovnik is known for its old town and sea views, but it’s also a good place for a family trip. If you’re visiting with kids, you’ll find beaches, parks, boat rides, and short day trips that work for all ages. The city is safe, easy to walk around, and there are plenty of things to do without spending too much. In this guide, you’ll find useful tips and ideas to help you plan a family-friendly holiday in Dubrovnik.
A family vacation in Dubrovnik can be simple and low-stress if you plan ahead. Most places are easy to reach, and there’s always a quiet beach, shady park, or short boat ride to help you take a break when needed.
Is Dubrovnik a family-friendly location?
Yes, Dubrovnik is generally very family-friendly. The old town is compact and mostly traffic-free, which makes it easier to explore with children. There are beaches within walking distance, plenty of places to eat with kid-friendly options, and a variety of attractions that are both fun and educational. Locals are welcoming toward families, and English is widely spoken, which helps with getting around and ordering food.
Still, it’s important to plan ahead. Some areas can get very crowded during the peak season, and the city’s famous steps can be tricky with strollers. But with the right timing and a flexible schedule, you can have a relaxed and fun time in Dubrovnik with your children.
Checklist before coming to Dubrovnik with kids
Pack light clothes for warm weather, plus a hat and sunscreen (but make sure to have something if the weather goes bad)
Bring comfortable walking shoes (old town has lots of stone and stairs)
Pack basic medicine and anything your child may need (pharmacies are available, but limited in foreign-language products)
Bring a baby carrier if you’re travelling with a toddler—strollers are hard to use in the old town
Carry snacks and water during outings, especially in summer
Bring swimsuits, towels, and beach shoes for rocky beaches
Download offline entertainment for downtime or travel days
Check your accommodation location to avoid too many stairs or steep climbs
Look for kid-friendly restaurants or apartments with kitchens
Research nearby playgrounds or open-air spaces for breaks between sightseeing
Pack sun protection and a reusable water bottle (even though some city fountains have clean drinking water)
Did you know? Our zipline is also a family-friendly activity. Kids who meet the basic height and weight requirements can safely enjoy the ride with the help of our trained team. It’s a fun way to add some excitement to your family trip and see Dubrovnik from a whole new angle. Parents often say it’s one of the highlights of their holiday.
Get your zipline tickets
DU The Wire zipline in Dubrovnik is the best option for both - a great holiday and a thrilling experience you will never forget.
Where to go with kids in Dubrovnik?
There are several places in Dubrovnik that are suitable for kids of different ages, offering space to play, relax, or explore something new.
Lokrum Island
A short boat ride from the Old Port takes you to Lokrum, a peaceful green island with no traffic and plenty of space for kids to explore. Children enjoy seeing free-roaming rabbits and peacocks, walking along shaded trails, and swimming in the small salt lake known as the “Dead Sea.”
Dubrovnik Aquarium
Located inside the Old Town near the fortress walls, the aquarium is small but interesting for younger kids. It offers a quick, cool indoor break from the sun and a chance to see fish and sea creatures from the Adriatic.
Cable car to Mount Srđ
The cable car ride to the top of Mount Srđ is smooth and exciting for children, and the views over the city and the sea are impressive. At the top, there is a small museum inside Fort Imperial, as well as a place to sit, take photos, or have a snack.
Lapad Bay promenade
This is one of the most family-friendly areas in the city, with wide, flat walking paths suitable for strollers. It has cafes with outdoor seating, access to beaches, and a playground where kids can take a break from walking.
Local playgrounds
There are several small playgrounds scattered across Dubrovnik. The ones near Pile Gate and in Lapad are the most central and convenient, offering a quiet space for kids to play while parents rest nearby.
Things to avoid as a family having a vacation in Dubrovnik
While Dubrovnik is generally a family-friendly destination, there are a few things that might not work well when traveling with children. Planning ahead can help avoid unnecessary stress.
Visiting the Old Town at midday in peak season
The Old Town gets extremely hot and crowded between noon and late afternoon, especially during July and August. To make sightseeing easier, plan your visit early in the morning or later in the day after 5 p.m. when it’s cooler and less busy.
Walking the city walls with toddlers or strollers
The city walls offer amazing views, but they involve a lot of stairs and almost no shade. It’s not a good match for small children or strollers, and there are no easy exits once you start.
Long boat trips without breaks
Some island tours and day trips last over 8 hours, often with limited shade or places to rest. These kinds of excursions can be too tiring or uncomfortable for younger kids.
Restaurants without kid options
Not every restaurant in Dubrovnik has a children’s menu or smaller portion sizes. It’s a good idea to check the menu before sitting down or ask if they can adapt a dish for your child.
Best field trips in Dubrovnik area (kids friendly)
If you have a few days in Dubrovnik, it’s worth planning one or two short day trips that kids will enjoy too:
Cavtat – A small seaside town about 30 minutes from Dubrovnik. Flat paths, beaches, and gelato make it easygoing for families.
Mlini – A peaceful village with small pebble beaches and shaded areas, just 15 minutes by car or bus.
Trsteno Arboretum – A lovely botanical garden about 30 minutes away, with walking paths and sea views.
Boat ride to the Elaphiti islands – Choose a half-day trip to Šipan or Lopud for swimming, walking, and a slower pace.
DU the Wire zipline – For families with older kids (age 8+), this is a fun, safe activity just outside the Old Town. The ride lasts about a minute and offers a unique view of the coastline.
Family-friendly open air locations without fees
You don’t always have to spend money to have a good time. These places are free and perfect for kids:
Gradac Park – Close to the Old Town. It’s quiet, with trees and benches.
Pile and Ploče walking areas – Near the city gates. Great for a slow walk and sea views.
Lapad promenade – A wide, car-free path with space for kids to run.
Sveti Jakov Beach – A bit hidden, but very clean and less crowded.
Boninovo cliffs – A peaceful sunset spot that locals love