If you’re a thinking about traveling to Dubrovnik with kids but are unsure whether it’s the right destination for a family with children, this blog post will convince you that you’re onto a winner. The ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ and the secret capital of Dalmatia is incredibly family-friendly and offers plenty to do for families who want more than just gorgeous beaches. If you want the best of both worlds, staying somewhere like the Sun Gardens Resort near Dubrovnik is the ideal solution for you.
The beachfront resort, set in beautiful Mediterranean gardens, and offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and Elaphite Islands is just 20 minutes away from Dubrovnik’s bustling city centre and is the perfect retreat after an adventure-packed day of sightseeing, shopping and exploring. And there’s plenty of that to do if you’re visiting Dubrovnik with kids or on your own. Here are, however, 5 ideas for things to do in Dubrovnik for families:
Dubrovnik with kids: 5 things to do in Dubrovnik for families
Dubrovnik Aquarium
One of the most popular destinations for families exploring Dubrovnik with kids is the aquarium in the medieval St John’s Fortress near Dubrovnik’s harbour. The museum exhibits the flora and fauna of the Adriatic Sea and offers a welcome break from temperatures of over 30 degrees Celsius during the summer months. Wander around Dubrovnik’s very own underwater world while listening to classic music and watch the kids discover starfish, seahorses and many more. Entry is around £7 for adults and £2 for children.
Dubrovnik City Wall
Built to protect the city’s inhabitants during the 13th century, Dubrovnik’s City Wall stretches over 1940 m (6365 ft.) and consists of sixteen towers, three forts, six bastions and two corner forts offering you an amazing view over the Old Town and the island of Lokrum. Stop in one of the adjoining cafes and try to spot one of the pirate ships touring the harbour. Your kids will have a blast! Entrance for adults costs around £18, children aged between 5-18 pay £6 and children under 5 go free.
Discover the island of Lokrum
Catch a boat from Dubrovnik Harbour and discover the island of Lokrum just opposite the Old Town. Only a 20-minute trip away, the protected island is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike and while it can get a little busy, it’s definitely worth making the trip. The subtropical vegetation of the island sets a beautiful background for historic buildings like the Fort Royal or the Benedictine Abbey and your kids will love meeting the wild peacocks, bunnies or tortoises that roam the island. Take a picnic and bring swimwear and you’ll have a fantastic time on the island that parts of the popular TV show ‘Game of Thrones’ were shot on. Return tickets cost around £10 for adults and £2 for children aged 5-18. Children under 5 years go free.
Take the ‘Game of Thrones Tour’ in Dubrovnik
If you’re visiting Dubrovnik with kids that are beyond primary school age and fans of the ‘Game of Thrones’ saga, make sure to take one of the ‘Game of Thrones’ Tours offered in Dubrovnik. There are simple walking tours, but you can also book extended tours with real GoT geeks who bring along props and scripts, giving you the chance to really get into character and reenact scenes from the movie exactly where they were filmed. It doesn’t get any cooler than that!
Play pirate and go island hopping
If your kids are a little younger and more into pirates than Khaleesi and her dragons, playing pirate aboard the historic Karak ships will be their absolute holiday highlight. The ships leave from the harbour of Dubrovnik and visit the Elaphite Islands (Kolocep, Šipan and Lopud) that will enchant you with lush pine forests, fishing villages and beautiful beaches. The latter invite for a spot of sunbathing and swimming and are perfect for families with young children. The tours last all day, include a guide and lunch and cost £50+ for adults. Children under 5 go free, children aged 5 to 12 receive a 50% discount.
Have you visited Dubrovnik with kids? What are your favourite things to do in Dubrovnik for families?
This is a collaborative post with images by Ivan Ivankovic, Mika, Karak and Leo Rivas-Micoud
Melissa Conn says
We loved taking the tram up to Mt. Srd!
There are SO many stunning islands to visit - island hopping is a definite must