Bali is a paradise of fun, active and cultural family activities.

For water babies there are waterparks, surf camps and whitewater rafting, while for landlubbers there's mountain peaks to conquer, treetop climbs and indoor theme parks and play centres.

Then, let's not forget the magnificent kids' clubs that come complete with daily indoor and outdoor activities, family friendly pools and long hours - to give parents and carers the holiday they deserve.

Ready to fill your itinerary? Here are 20 of the best family-friendly activities worth including if you’re heading for a Bali holiday with kids.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN BALI WITH KIDS

Ride the slides at Waterbom Bali

Set over 3.8 hectares with more than 50 per cent of the area conserved as green space, this Kuta waterpark is the perfect place to keep the brood cool on humid days. Named the best waterpark in Asia by travellers on TripAdvisor last year, this wet wonderland offers more than 15 different attractions and cashless payment. Picture: Waterbom Bali

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Go snorkelling in Nusa Lembongan

No family trip to Bali is complete without exploring its southeastern islands. The adventure playground of Nusa Lembongan offers plenty for active families, with world-class surf breaks, including Playgrounds and Lacerations, snorkelling, mangrove cruises, laid-back beach clubs and bike rides.

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Swim with mantas in Nusa Penida

Your tribe will need to wake early for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it's well worth it. Snorkel with metre-wide manta rays off Manta Point in Nusa Penida, a cleaning and feeding station where the winged creatures descend most mornings, much to spectator's delight.

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Jump on board for a rural cycling tour

Cruise through rice paddies and small Balinese villages on an authentic cycling tour. The full-day adventures are all downhill and family-friendly, and start with breakfast overlooking Mt Batur volcano in Kintamani. The tour includes lunch as well as visits to a Balinese home, coffee plantation and temple.

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Saddle up at Kuda P Stables

Trade waves for a ride of the four-legged kind and see the real Bali from horseback with this small Aussie-owned company. The stables are located in the small village of Langudu Kediri, just half an hour outside Canggu, and offer rice paddy, village and beach rides taking in the local culture.

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Shred at the Rip Curl School of Surf

The Bali surf school encouraging you to 'Get your degree in stoke' operates in two locations on the island, Legian and Sanur. Kids courses are held at low-tide in shallow water with smaller waves. With its reef break forming a protected lagoon, Sanur is ideal for aspiring groms.

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Live the high life at a Mt Batur sunrise hike

Bali feels like a technicolour world at daybreak, but nowhere is sunrise more spellbinding than on top of Mt Batur. Ideal for big kids, guided treks up the active volcano are timed to coincide with the rising sun and once up there, eggs are cooked in volcanic steam for breakfast.

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Conquer the rapids whitewater rafting

With its class 2 and 3 rapids and exotic jungle landscape, the Ayung River offers ideal conditions for whitewater rafting. There are a handful of tour providers, but Mason Adventures is well-established and claim to have the longest rafting tour, a total of 12km. They also provide a gourmet buffet lunch.

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Roll 'em at Strike Bowling

Initiate some healthy family competition at this modern ten-pin bowling centre at Finn's Recreation Club in Canggu. The venue has six lanes and bumpers are provided to assist little ones master their technique. Scoring is hassle-free and computerised and there's a restaurant and bar onsite for post-game refreshments. Picture: Strike Bowling

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Explore Trans Studio Bali

Thrill-seeking families can test their limits at this indoor theme park. Built around five zones, see if you can survive a zombie outbreak, put the pedal to the metal on the go-kart track, or feel your heart plummet on one of many roller coasters. Image: Trans Studio Bali

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Trawl the Ubud Art Market

That hard-earned pocket money goes a long way at Ubud's traditional daily market, Pasar Seni Ubud, also known as the Ubud Art Market. Located opposite the Puri Saren Ubud Royal Palace, you can pick up everything from handmade woven bags to kites for a bargain. You can browse on your own or hop on a curated shopping tour which can take you to various shopping malls and art markets.

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BEST THINGS TO DO WITH BABIES IN BALI

Stay at a family resort

Sidled up next to Keramas surf break, Komune Resort is one of the most relaxed family stays on the island. It also offers a host of activities for little ones, including outdoor movie screenings every night on the lawn, a new skate park, chicken coop and cultural classes. Picture: Margarita Salyak.

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Bomb away at Splash waterpark

With six aquatic attractions, poolside pizza and a 25-metre lap pool, this small-scale waterpark in Canggu will be hard to pry the kids away from. Part of Finns Recreation Club, the waterpark has four thrilling slides, a crazy creek course for gentle water play and a dedicated area for little ones. Picture: Splash Bali

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Hit Jimbaran Beach

One of Bali's most authentic and family-friendly beaches, this calm bay on the island's south is close to the airport and suited to young families. Local kids from the nearby village descend here every evening to play soccer and spend time with family, so there's plenty of opportunity for cross-cultural learning. Afterwards, you can dine on freshly cooked seafood while catching the sunset.

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BEST THINGS TO DO WITH TODDLERS IN BALI

Check out the Ubud Monkey Forest

Not only does this forest in the heart of Ubud have spiritual significance for the Balinese, it's also the habitat of more than 600 macaque monkeys. Free-roaming, the long tailed monkeys scamper along the forest's pathways, walls and temples, and can become over-friendly once you produce bananas. Children under 3 enter for free, just don't carry any food on you to tempt the monkeys if you are bringing bubs.

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Get wild at the Bali Safari & Marine Park

A wildlife park with 4x4 safaris and Africa-style lodges, this attraction offers families the chance to get up-close with zebras, lions and rhinos on a safari-style journey through the jungle. The park is home to more than 100 species, including the endangered Sumatran tiger, Komodo dragon and orangutan. Picture: Bali Safari Marine Park

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Look up at Bali Bird Park

More than 1000 birds, 250 species and 40 protected Indonesian species are nesting in this Bali sanctuary near Ubud. The bird’s natural habitats are mirrored here and visitors can learn about the cast of colourful characters, including the native Wreathed Hornbill and Papua’s elusive Red Bird of Paradise.

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Jump into Bounce Bali

An indoor trampoline park at the Finns Recreation Club in happening Canggu, this is one creative way to burn off some energy. Ideal for active families and kids looking for a safe place to proper themselves, this venue also offers rubber bounce board sessions for skateboard, snowboard and wakeboard enthusiasts.

To make the most of your day a Finns Bali Super Fun Pass gives you access to the Splash Park and Finns Recreation Club, Finns Beach Club and Finns VIP Beach Club. You'll also get an hour at Bounce, Strike Ten Pin Bowling, Cubby House Kids Club and use of a single day bed. Picture: Bounce Bali

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Ball pit mayhem at Kids Soho Playground

Painted in pastel pinks and blues, Kids Soho Playground is a child's dream day out. Arches float out of the ball pit, climbing walls stretch to the ceiling, and the impressive play structure leads them to a variety of slides, including Bali's first donut slide. Perfect for 1-8 year olds bursting with energy.

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Is Bali a good place to visit with kids?

Yes. Bali is very family friendly and has numerous family friendly resorts equipped with babysitting services and kids' clubs to keep them busy throughout the day. There are various theme parks, water parks and zoos to entertain little ones and local beaches with calm waters to play in.

What island in Bali is best for kids?

Nusa Lembongan Island is a popular destination for families with its myriad of water activities, including snorkelling with manta rays, mangrove tours and banana boat rides. Day tours take the stress out of the day and can transfer you from your hotel and back. 

When is the best time to travel with kids to Bali?

July and August are perfect months to visit Bali with the family. This is during the dry season so you can take advantage of all the outdoor activities with minimal downpours and, being out of the peak Christmas season, prices are more affordable and crowds are minimal.

See also:

-Insiders guide to Bali with kids

-Best adventure sports in Bali

-Best family hotels in Bali