Croatia with Kids: Crafting the Perfect Itinerary for your Vacation

Planning a family trip to Croatia can be an exciting adventure filled with stunning coastal views, rich history, and vibrant culture. For families with kids visiting for the first time, this enchanting Mediterranean destination offers a unique blend of natural beauty and child-friendly activities. From navigating the picturesque streets of Dubrovnik to exploring the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes, there’s plenty to keep everyone in the family engaged. As a seasoned traveler and Croatia enthusiast, I’m here to help answer your top questions, ensuring your family enjoys a seamless and memorable Croatian getaway. Whether you’re curious about the best family-friendly beaches, historical gems not to miss, or practical travel tips, I’ve got you covered.

Where can you fly into?

The 3 most common locations to fly into Croatia are the capital of Zagreb in the northern part of the country as well Split and Dubrovnik in the southern part. Flight availability can depend on the time of year you plan to visit Croatia and where you are originating from.

How long should you spend in Croatia with kids?

The answer to this question really depends on what your plans are. If you are just planning to visit Dubrovnik, 3-4 days would be plenty to see the town and the surrounding area. However if you want to explore other parts of Croatia as well, 1-2 weeks would be recommended. When we visited with our daughter, we started in Split and made our way up the coast to the Istrian Peninsula over a 2-week period. We did not feel rushed with our itinerary and were able to see many different historical sites with our time.

View of the old town of Dubrovnik (left) St. Domnius Bell Tower in Split (right)

What kid-friendly activities are there to do in Croatia?

Croatia is a fantastic destination for families with children, offering a wide array of kid-friendly activities that cater to various interests. In addition to the beautiful beaches perfect for sandcastle-building and swimming, families can also engage in water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking, adding an extra layer of fun to their beach days. For families seeking a bit of adventure, Croatia’s coastline is also dotted with opportunities for snorkeling, treasure hunts, and discovering hidden coves.

We found a wonderful beach on the eastern side of the island of Korcula called Vela Przina. It was perfect for our toddler as the water was shallow near the shore and we felt very safe with having her play. Check out my post about our time on Korcula Island as well as the surrounding areas.

Moreover, the country’s rich history and cultural heritage provide plenty of opportunities for educational exploration, including visits to ancient Roman ruins, medieval castles, and fascinating archaeological sites. Most of the towns have a historical core with these sights quite easy to access. We found a large array of these sights up in the northern part of the country, which was one of our favorite areas to visit. Check out my post on our time spent in the Istrian Peninsula to learn more about the sights we saw there.

Visiting Croatia’s national parks like Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Park is also a delightful experience. Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers easy hiking trails and boat rides amidst its beautiful lakes and waterfalls. Krka National Park features Skradinski Buk waterfall, along with walking trails and boat excursions along the Krka River. Both parks provide educational opportunities and facilities that make them perfect for families seeking natural beauty and adventure in the country. We traveled to Plitvice Lakes National Park before we had children but had the opportunity to visit Krka National Park with our toddler and had an awesome day there. You can read about our time spent at Krka and the towns near the park to learn more.

Krka National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Where are the best places to stay in Croatia with kids?

Croatia offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations perfect for vacations with kids. In cities like Dubrovnik and Split, staying near the Old Town or waterfront gives easy access to historic sites and cultural experiences. Coastal towns like Zadar, Rovinj, and Pula offer accommodations close to beaches and the old quarters, providing a mix of seaside relaxation and exploration. For nature lovers, lodging near Plitvice Lakes National Park allows families to immerse themselves in the park’s natural beauty and hiking trails. Additionally, islands like Korcula and Brač offer quieter resorts and villas with amenities like pools, perfect for a more relaxed family getaway. View our 5 best family-friendly hotels in Croatia for more insight.

Is it easy to communicate? What currency does Croatia use?

We found it very easy to communicate with most people that we encountered as many people spoke English. We did learn a few basic Croatian words/phrases before we departed on our trip. This would not have been absolutely necessary but I definitely think that it is very much appreciated by the locals.

When we traveled to Croatia their currency was the kuna. However, in 2023 the country started using the Euro which makes it easier and more convenient if you are traveling to multiple European countries on your trip.

Is is safe to travel to Croatia with kids?

YES, Croatia is an amazing destination for families to travel to. The country has an array of family-friendly accommodations and diverse entertainment options suitable for all ages. Additionally, Croatia has a low rate of violent crime and one can find readily available medical care, if you were to need it on your trip, giving some peace of mind for parents traveling with their children.

While road safety is generally commendable, especially in well-traveled areas, exercising caution on smaller roads and in certain cities is advised. We rented a car for the 2 weeks that we stayed here as a family and had no issues with traversing the roads.

One of the key highlights of our time in Croatia was the warmth and kindness of the people, especially towards our daughter. We felt genuinely welcomed and appreciated with our daughter getting small gifts at times when we would enter a shop or go to a restaurant. This left us inspired to travel more as a family and also solidified why I still think that Croatia is one of my favorite countries that I have visited with my family.