Last updated: . Updated transport and park guidance, swimming-safety wording, accommodation and tour details, historical framing, and photo descriptions and layout. Date information added October 31, 2026.
This guide was published on April 4, 2025, and includes memories from our earlier family travels. Planning notes were checked in October 2026. Our past experiences, accommodation prices and photographs do not establish today’s access, sea conditions or booking terms. Check park rules and provider details before you go.
Croatia uses the euro and has been part of the Schengen area since January 1, 2023 (official EU country information). If you are taking a car to Hvar, choose the correct arrival port: the main car-ferry terminal is near Stari Grad, while Hvar Town has passenger catamarans. Check the Hvar Tourist Board transport guide and the Split–Stari Grad operator timetable for your dates.
Croatia is one of my family’s favorite destinations from our years of full-time travel, and after taking five kids along for the adventure, I can confidently say it’s a place that’s as family-friendly as it is stunning. Whether you’re splashing in the turquoise Adriatic, wandering ancient streets, or discovering hidden gems tucked away from the crowds, Croatia is full of surprises that make traveling with kids both easy and unforgettable.
Croatia was a memorable family destination for us. Costs and conditions vary by destination, season and the choices you make. We spent about a month in Croatia during our full-time travels and truly loved it. Croatia has so much to offer adventurous families.
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One of the first things I noticed when traveling through Croatia is how welcoming the locals are toward families. From restaurant waiters engaging with my kids to strangers offering warm smiles and helpful travel tips, Croatians naturally love children. This was one of the reasons we chose to live in Portugal! I’m all about places that can embrace the chaos of our family of seven.
Croatian is the official language. Language help varies by place and service, so keep key addresses and a translation option handy.
Look for restaurants with high chairs and nearby playgrounds, and ask about facilities before you arrive. Strollers might not be usable due to the cobblestones and ancient ruins, so bring a carrier.
We also were able to get an amazing Airbnb for such a great price! It was one of the more luxurious ones we have stayed in, with a pool (unheated, sadly), tennis court, outdoor eating area, and more. Our hosts were incredibly kind and often brought us gift baskets and even toys!
Our accommodation worked well for our family budget on that trip. Compare current prices for your dates rather than assuming Croatia will cost less than another European destination. Accommodations range from cozy seaside apartments to family-friendly resorts with pools.
Public transport is efficient in the cities as buses connect the cities, but we loved the flexibility of renting a car to explore some lesser-known spots. Our Airbnb was also about an hour from Split, so we did a lot of driving. Ferries between islands are also an option to get around, and kids love the boat rides!
Opt for an island hopping tour. We loved ours! We were able to visit caves, swim, and visit Hvar, an island you’d need to get a ferry to otherwise. Our outing is a past memory. The currently linked speedboat listing excludes children under four; check the operator’s age limits, sea conditions and itinerary before choosing a tour.
From toddlers to teens, Croatia offers something for youth of all ages. We visited ancient Roman ruins and palaces, walked the city walls in Dubrovnik, went to museums, strolled incredible national parks like Plitvice and Krka, and even found a mall that offers babysitting. One of the highlights was truffle hunting in Croatia on our way to Italy.
The beaches and coastlines are stunning in Croatia. While they are not the sugar-soft sand of our current home in Portugal, the small pebble beaches leave nothing to be desired when it comes to beauty.
Whether it’s historical sites, interactive museums, national parks, or beaches, it’s easy to keep kids engaged without feeling overwhelmed. There are also countless outdoor activities, including biking, kayaking, hiking, and even dolphin-watching tours, making every day an adventure.
Watch the original linked family film on YouTube
Turquoise waters set against white beaches will leave you in awe. Croatia is stunning. Sea conditions vary by beach, weather and day; do not assume clear water will be calm or shallow. The water was chilly during our September visit, but we still got in.
Choose a permitted swimming area, check local signs and conditions, and closely supervise children. The Red Cross swimming-safety guidance is a useful planning reference.
You’ll likely spot some super yachts in these gorgeous waters, like we did!
Croatia has a wealth of national parks, nature reserves, and wide-open spaces, with room for family walks and outdoor activities on permitted routes. Whether hiking in Plitvice, swimming near Krka only in designated seasonal areas (see the park notes below), or exploring the rolling countryside of Istria, there’s never a shortage of outdoor fun.
The wider region has shot up on our list of places to explore. Scenery, prices and crowds vary a lot, so compare the particular places and dates you are considering.
We’ve visited Slovenia, including Lake Bled, and Poland and really loved them. I desire to visit Eastern Europe more. From Romanian castles to island resorts in Montenegro, I’ve got many Eastern European countries on my list.
Croatia gave us plenty of reasons to keep exploring this part of Europe. Following are a few things we learned on our visit.
5. Game of Thrones. If you are a fan of the famous show, you will love Croatia! Much of the show was filmed here, and the tourist companies are here to capitalize on this. You can visit the filming locations, stores dedicated to the show, etc.
Dubrovnik is absolutely stunning, but let’s be real—navigating its narrow, stone-paved streets with five kids in tow during peak season can be a challenge. The city can be really busy, and the amazing city wall can be nearly impossible to navigate. While the city walls and old town are must-sees, my top tip is to explore beyond the crowded areas:
You’ll want to do the wall at some point, so consider going early or later in the day. There are ice cream vendors on the wall, and sitting to admire the city or watch those below is enjoyable while you devour your ice cream.
Wander into the narrow city alleys and find a place to eat. We found a lovely pizza and pasta restaurant that didn’t break the bank.
If you are driving there, consider staying outside the city center (there won’t be parking, or it will be super expensive) and walking in.
The city is super steep, so bring the walking shoes!
Split felt easier for our family to explore than Dubrovnik. We stayed about an hour outside of Split and would drive in, park on the edges, and walk in. We did this several times and loved this city!
Our kids loved:
Walking down by the water is a must. You can grab some gelato and take in the sunset.
Even my toddlers were captivated by Plitvice’s cascading waterfalls and bright blue lakes. This place will be one of the most beautiful things you see in your life. It feels like waterfalls are coming out of the earth all around you.
Don’t bring a stroller. Instead, put little ones in the carrier, because routes include uneven ground, wooden paths and stairs. The park’s official family tips recommend a baby carrier rather than a stroller. While the main boardwalk trails can be busy, families can escape the crowds by:
Another must-visit park, like Plitvice, I termed this park the Garden of Eden. It’s amazing. While Skradinski Buk no longer allows swimming (thankfully, we visited before this changed!), check the park’s current swimming rules before planning a dip. Only designated areas at Roški slap, Stinice and Pisak permit swimming, from June 1 to September 30, subject to weather and water levels. Outside those places and dates it is not permitted:
Rovinj is colorful, walkable, and packed with kid-friendly activities. This hidden gem is perfect for families:
This popular island can be accessed by ferry (even car ferry), but we visited it for a few hours on an island hopping tour. We climbed up to the castle, loved the little tour, ate some ice cream, and looked around the shops.
I found this easier to go for a few hours versus trying to get a car there, but that can be done as well. Reserve the ferry in advance in the summer months.
Watch the original linked family film on YouTube
The northern part of Croatia appeals to those who want a calmer stay with lovely open spaces. We enjoyed some truffle hunting with our kids and an amazing lunch. What a memory!
Beyond the main attractions, we heard about some incredible off-the-beaten-path places to make your Croatia trip extra special:
Croatian cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean and Eastern European flavors, which means plenty of pasta, grilled meats, and fresh seafood. My kids especially loved:
We also ate a lot in our Airbnb in the country. It was magical to eat outside in the setting sun. Shopping was easy in the local town.
These are our family’s impressions from a past trip, rather than a safety ranking. Whether in bustling cities or quiet villages, we always felt comfortable exploring, even after dark.
We even did some tours at night in Split and didn’t feel unsafe.
Whether it’s hiking, swimming, or just letting the kids run around old town squares, Croatia offers endless opportunities to be outside.
The national parks are a wonderful day trip with lots of exploration. We even enjoyed the cows wandering in our yard several times! The neighbor would come in and shoo them away.
Visit in the Shoulder Season
Consider May/June or September/October if you want to travel outside the busiest summer weeks; conditions vary by destination and year. Summer crowds in Europe can be a nightmare (we made this mistake in Greece in August). Shoulder season might mean you need to miss some school, but compare current prices, opening dates and expected temperatures; beach weather is not guaranteed.
Bring Water Shoes
Many Croatian beaches are pebbly, making all the difference for little feet to bring some water shoes. Our recommendations are here. I love my Chacos for times like this.
Plan for Some Downtime
Croatia’s relaxed pace means you don’t have to pack every day with activities. Leave room for lazy afternoons by the sea. Enjoy your pool at your hotel or rental home, hit the beach for a few hours, or take a hike.
Stay in Family-Friendly Apartments
We found great places with kitchens and laundry, making long stays easier. I like to eat in sometimes after a long day of exploring. The littles can get to bed sooner, and you can relax in your own space. Dinners in Europe are notoriously long!
Watch the original linked family film on YouTube
Camping Park Soline (Biograd na Moru) (Campsite Option)
This campsite offers mobile homes and camping pitches near the beach. Compare the current accommodation choices, prices and cancellation terms for your dates.
Amadria Park Andrija (Šibenik) (Family Hotel Option)
A top pick for families, this hotel has a fun aquatic theme with colorful decor and a kids’ club.
Sun Gardens Dubrovnik (Dubrovnik) (Luxury)
A high-end resort with stunning sea views, multiple pools, and spacious family suites.
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Croatia is truly a dream destination for families, filled with adventure, beauty, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re wandering through ancient cities, swimming in hidden coves, or hiking through waterfalls, there’s something magical about exploring Croatia with kids. We can’t wait to get back there someday!
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Find a family-friendly hotel in Europe from Booking.com, Expedia, or Vrbo, (we also love Tripadvisor and Hotels.com)
Discover more of Europe through exciting activities from GetYourGuide, Airbnb Experiences, or Viator
Need to rent a car? Visit Rentalcars.com / EuropCar
Compare current travel-insurance cover and eligibility with World Nomads / SafetyWing
Want to have a photo shoot while traveling? Check out flytographer!
Capture your best travel memories in Europe as we do with a GoPro, Sony camera, or our favorite drones: DJI FPV, Air, and Mini
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Visiting Krka National Park in Croatia With Kids
Visiting Plitvice National Park in Croatia With Kids
Truffle Hunting in Croatia With Kids: A Fun and Tasty Family Adventure
Why Your Family Will Love Camping in Portugal
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