Nature

Visiting Plitvice National Park in Croatia With Kids

If you haven’t been to Croatia yet in your world travels, you need to get it on your list!  Croatia had a time in the sun for a while among travel influencers, and you might have seen some of the stunning locations Croatia has to offer.  

One of these jaw-dropping locations is Plitvice National Park.  Together with Krka National Park, these two locations will knock your socks off with their stunning beauty.  When people ask me to describe Croatia, I call it the Garden of Eden!  I’m referring to these two parks.

Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia’s most famous natural attractions, is an unforgettable experience. The park is renowned for its cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush greenery. In fact, Plitvice National Park encompasses almost 30,000 hectares of wild landscape.

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How To Get To Plitvice National Park

We visited the park from our Airbnb near Split.  Road tripping was easy and enjoyable.  Renting a car is likely your best option if you want to explore Croatia at large, but there are several options for visiting the park.

From Zagreb (Best for a Day Trip). If you’re flying into Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, Plitvice makes an easy day trip or a fantastic stop on a road trip.

By Car: (~2 hours, 130 km). Renting a car is by far the easiest way to visit. It’s a straightforward drive, mostly on the highway, and there’s plenty of parking near Entrance 1 and Entrance 2. Having a car lets you arrive early before the crowds or stay later for quieter trails.

By Bus: (~2.5 hours). If you don’t want to drive, direct buses run from Zagreb to Plitvice. FlixBus and Arriva are reliable, and tickets are affordable (though it’s best to book ahead, especially in summer). The downside is that buses are on a set schedule, so there’s no flexibility for longer hikes or spontaneous waterfall photo ops.

From Zadar (Best for Coastal Travelers). Visiting from the coast? Zadar is the closest major city to Plitvice and a great base for exploring both the park and Croatia’s stunning beaches.

• By Car: (~1.5 hours, 120 km). Another easy drive. Just take the A1 highway and follow signs for Plitvice.
• By Bus: (~2 hours). Regular buses run from Zadar’s main station to Plitvice. This is a solid option if you’re backpacking or want to avoid driving, but you’ll be stuck on the bus schedule.

From Split (Best for a Stop on a Road Trip). Split is further away, but if you’re doing a Croatia road trip, Plitvice makes an epic stop between the coast and Zagreb.

• By Car: (~2.5-3 hours, 250 km). A longer drive, but totally doable. Expect a scenic mix of highway and winding roads.
• By Bus: (~4 hours). Direct buses run from Split to Plitvice, but there are fewer options than from Zagreb or Zadar. Plan ahead. With kids, driving is usually a better option—four hours on a bus can feel like forever.

From Dubrovnik (Best for an Overnight Stay). Coming from Dubrovnik? This is not a day trip. It’s five to six hours by car, so unless you love ultra-long drives, plan to stay overnight near the park.

• By Car: (~5-6 hours, 450 km). A long but scenic road trip. The A1 motorway is the fastest route.
• By Bus: (~8 hours). While there are direct buses available, sitting on one for such a long time with kids can make the journey pretty uncomfortable. If you’re coming from Dubrovnik, consider breaking up the journey with a stop in Split or Zadar before heading to Plitvice.

Guided Tours (The Hassle-Free Option)

If you don’t want to worry about renting a car or figuring out bus schedules, a guided tour is a great way to go. Many tours include:

• Round-trip transport from Zagreb, Zadar, or Split (Private Tour)
• A guided walk through the park, which is helpful if you don’t want to navigate on your own
• Some even include food stops or extra sightseeing along the way (Private Tour)

These are ideal for families who want a stress-free visit without worrying about logistics.

Tickets To Enter Plitvice National Park and Opening Hours

Plitvice National Park can be on many people’s radar, especially in the summer.  Getting tickets should be on your radar if you are going at this peak time as well.

We were running late (no surprise here) for our visit and showed up only 1.5 hours before closing.  Parking and tickets were no problem, as everyone else had mostly left!  We had the park nearly to ourselves, but our time was so limited.  I wouldn’t recommend this!

General Opening Hours of Plitvice National Park 

Be sure to confirm online, but generally, the hours for Plitvice National Park are:

• Summer (June – August): 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Spring & Fall (April – May, September – October): 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Winter (November – March): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The park is open every day, including holidays.

Ticket Office & Entrance Hours

• Entrance 1 and Entrance 2 open at the same time as the park and close one hour before the park closes each day.
• The last ticket entry is usually two hours before closing, so don’t arrive too late or you won’t be allowed in.

Boat & Shuttle Bus Operating Hours

Plitvice Lakes has an electric boat that crosses Kozjak Lake and a panoramic shuttle bus that helps visitors move between key locations. These services follow the park’s hours but stop running about an hour before closing.

Since we arrived so late, we didn’t get to enjoy either of these.  Something for our next visit!

Summer: Boats and shuttle buses run frequently, typically from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

• Spring & Fall: Operating hours are slightly shorter.
• Winter: Boat service may be reduced or suspended depending on weather conditions.

Best Time To Visit Based on Hours

• Early morning (right at opening) is the best time to arrive if you want to avoid crowds. The first hour is quiet, and the lighting is perfect for photos.
• Afternoon visits (after 3:00 PM in summer) are another good option if you want to avoid peak crowds, but make sure you have enough time to explore before the park closes.  This fits more of our schedule!  
• Winter visits require early arrival since the park closes much earlier.

Where To Buy Tickets for Plitvice National Park

Online (Best Option)
I highly recommend buying your tickets in advance through the official Plitvice Lakes website (np-plitvicka-jezera.hr). This is the easiest way to guarantee entry, especially in the busy summer months. When you book online, you get to choose your time slot and skip the frustration of waiting in long lines.

At the Entrance (Risky in Peak Season)
If you like to be spontaneous, you can buy tickets at the park’s two main entrances (like we did), but it’s a gamble in the summer. People can be turned away at the gate because tickets were already sold out for the day. If you’re visiting in July or August and don’t book ahead, be prepared to wait or risk missing out.

Through a Guided Tour
If you’re visiting from Zagreb, Zadar, or Split and don’t want to deal with driving or figuring out logistics, booking a guided day trip is a great option. These tours typically include transportation, a guide, and your entrance ticket. It takes the stress out of planning, which is especially nice when traveling with kids.

How Much Do Tickets Cost?

Ticket prices vary depending on the season. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay:

Peak Season (June – September)

• Adults: €40
• Students: €25
• Children (7-18 years): €15
• Kids under 7: Free

Shoulder Season (April, May, October)

• Adults: €23.50
• Students: €14.50
• Children (7-18 years): €6.50
• Kids under 7: Free

Winter (November – March)

• Adults: €10
• Students: €7.50
• Children (7-18 years): €4.50
• Kids under 7: Free

Two-day tickets are available if you want extra time to explore, and group discounts apply for larger families or tour groups. If you’re booking student tickets, bring an ID, as they will check.

Best Time To Buy Tickets for Plitvice National Park Based on Your Visit

Summer (June-August): Buy online several days in advance if possible. Tickets sell out fast, especially on weekends. If you’re traveling with kids, try to book an early morning slot so you can enjoy the park before the midday rush.

Of course, this requires you to be an early riser!  If, like us, you run on a later schedule, go for the afternoon.

Spring and Fall (April-May, September-October): You might be able to get tickets at the entrance, but I still recommend booking online just to be safe. These months are my personal favorite time to visit—cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and still gorgeous scenery.

Winter (November-March): No need to stress about pre-booking. Crowds are light, and you can usually walk right up and buy your ticket. Keep in mind that some trails might be closed due to weather, but the snowy landscapes make for a completely different kind of beauty.

Things To Do in Plitvice National Park With Kids

As I said before, we didn’t have time to enjoy some of these options.  However, they sound like something my kids would love!

1. Take a Boat Ride Across Kozjak Lake

The electric boat ride across Lake Kozjak is always a favorite with kids. It’s a short, scenic trip that connects the lower and upper lakes and gives everyone a break from walking. The ride is included in your entrance ticket, and kids love watching the fish in the clear water.

2. Ride the Panoramic Shuttle Bus at Plitvice National Park

Plitvice has a shuttle bus that helps visitors move between different parts of the park. If your kids get tired of walking, this is a fun way to keep them engaged while giving their legs a rest. The shuttle has several stops, so you can plan shorter hikes and hop back on when needed.

3. Explore Hidden Viewpoints in Plitvice National Park

Some of the best views in Plitvice are from higher ground, so if your kids are up for a short climb, take them to some of the panoramic viewpoints near Entrance 1. These spots offer stunning, postcard-worthy views of the waterfalls and lakes below.

4. Hike a Short, Kid-Friendly Trail Within Plitvice

Not all hikes in Plitvice are long and challenging. Route A from Entrance 1 is a great short loop (about 2-3 hours) that takes you past some of the most beautiful waterfalls without being too overwhelming for younger kids.

We didn’t even get this far, but we did some walking and climbing to higher viewpoints around the entrance. It was spectacular!  My kids loved running the wooden boardwalks, and watching the fish. 

Things To Bring to Plitvice National Park

If you are a seasoned family traveler, you probably have a good idea of what to bring.  It’s good to be prepared by planning for what motivates your little ones on a hike and how many snacks they need.

For some additional ideas, consider these items:

• Comfortable walking shoes – The paths are mostly wooden boardwalks, but they can be uneven and slippery.
• Water bottles – There are limited places to buy drinks inside the park.
• Snacks or a packed lunch – Food options are available, but they’re expensive and not great.
• Sunscreen & hats – There are a lot of open, sunny areas, especially around the lakes.
• Rain jackets or ponchos – The weather can change quickly, and waterfalls create misty areas.
• A baby carrier (for younger kids) – Strollers are not practical on the boardwalks.
• Binoculars – Fun for kids who want to look for birds and animals.
• Camera or phone with extra battery – Plitvice is one of the most photogenic places you’ll ever visit.  Seriously!  You will feel like you are in the Garden of Eden.
• Small backpack – Makes carrying essentials easier than juggling multiple bags.

Other Things To Do Near Plitvice National Park

If you have extra time in the area, there are plenty of nearby attractions worth visiting.

1. Rastoke Village (30 minutes from Plitvice)

This fairy-tale village is often called “Mini Plitvice” because of its charming wooden houses and the waterfalls running through it. It’s a great place for a relaxed walk, and kids will love seeing the old watermills and small bridges.

2. Barać Caves (20 minutes from Plitvice)

For a fun underground adventure, visit Barać Caves, where kids can see stalactites, stalagmites, and even bat colonies. Guided tours explain the history of the caves and make it an interesting stop for families.

3. Ranch Deer Valley (15 minutes from Plitvice)

If your kids love animals, this deer sanctuary is a must-visit. You can get up close to the friendly deer, feed them, and even take a guided tour to learn more about them.

4. Slunjčica River & Swimming Spots

Unlike Plitvice, where swimming isn’t allowed, the Slunjčica River near Rastoke has beautiful natural swimming areas. Perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

5. Nikola Tesla Memorial Center (1 hour from Plitvice)

For kids who love science, the Nikola Tesla Memorial Center in Smiljan is a great place to learn about one of the world’s greatest inventors. It has interactive exhibits and a replica of Tesla’s childhood home.

Where To Stay When Visiting Plitvice National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park offers a variety of accommodations suitable for families with children. Here are some options to consider:​

Plitvice Miric Inn (Plitvička Jezera, Croatia) 

A family-run inn offering comfortable rooms and renowned homemade breakfasts. Located just outside the park, it’s convenient for family visits. 

Pansion Breza (Plitvica Selo, Croatia)

Situated in a tranquil setting, this guesthouse is within walking distance of the park’s entrance, making it ideal for families.

Hotel Jezero (Plitvička Jezera, Croatia)

Located in the heart of the national park, just 300 meters from the largest lake, Kozjak. The hotel offers rooms and suites suitable for families. 

Hotel Degenija (Seliste Dreznicko, Croatia)

Situated 2.5 miles from the park entrance, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and has an on-site restaurant. It’s a convenient option for families visiting the park

Tips for Visiting Plitvice National Park With Kids

I hope you love your visit to the park as much as we did!  It’s truly some of the most stunning scenery on the planet.  Here are some additional tips for your visit:

1. Tickets are time-specific, meaning you need to enter during your designated slot.

2. There are two main entrances—Entrance 1 (Lower Lakes) and Entrance 2 (Upper Lakes). Entrance 1 has the iconic waterfall views right away, while Entrance 2 is a bit quieter.

3. If you’re staying in the area overnight, you’ll have the chance to explore the park early in the morning before the big crowds arrive, which is totally worth it.

4. Get there before 9 AM if you can. If you roll later in the day, come around 3 pm and enjoy the closing hours.

5. Choose the right entrance. Entrance 1 has the classic waterfall views right away, while Entrance 2 is quieter.  We went to Entrance 1, which was better for our limited time.

6. Bring snacks and water. There are a few food options, but they’re pricey and basic.  I like to also leave snacks in the car.  Inevitably, kids are starving the second you get back to the car or the bus!
   
7. Pick the right route. Plitvice Lakes offers various hiking routes (A, B, C, E, F, H, K) based on the time you have and the areas you want to explore.

• Route A: 2-3 hours, Lower Lakes only (suitable for a shorter visit).
• Route B: 3-4 hours, Lower Lakes, boat ride, and back to Entrance 1.
• Route C: 4-5 hours, a longer route covering both Upper and Lower Lakes, boat ride, and shuttle.
• Route H: 6-7 hours, ideal for those starting at Entrance 2 and wanting to see the Upper and Lower Lakes.
• Route K: 6-8 hours, a full loop of the park, including both Upper and Lower Lakes. Suitable for experienced hikers.

8. Dress correctly.  Wear layers and bring a jacket. The temperatures can cool as the day wears on.  Wear comfortable shoes for lots of steps.
   
9. Respect the rules.  Stay on the boardwalks and don’t go swimming in the lakes.  The delicate ecosystem needs to be protected. 
   
10. Watch for wildlife.  Plitvice is home to various wildlife, including fish, birds, and even some rare species like brown bears and wolves (though sightings are rare). Always keep a respectful distance from animals. Avoid feeding any wildlife you encounter, and be mindful of protecting the park’s natural environment.

Other Tour Options To Visit Plitvice National Park

1. Photography Tour for Nature Lovers

• Led by professional photographers who help you capture the park’s best angles.
• Perfect if you want to take stunning family photos with fewer crowds.
• These tours often start early in the morning for the best lighting.

2. Cycling and Hiking Combo Tour

• For families with active kids, some tours combine a biking adventure through the surrounding countryside with a hike in the park.
• Includes all necessary equipment and a guide to help navigate the trails.

3. Full-Day Tour from Dubrovnik (with an Overnight Stay)

• If you’re traveling from Dubrovnik, a guided tour with an overnight stay near the park allows for a relaxed visit.
• Some packages offer a combination with Krka National Park or a scenic coastal stop along the way.

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Visiting Plitvice National Park is truly a magical experience and a must-do when exploring Croatia. Whether you spend just a few hours or an entire day, the park’s breathtaking waterfalls, wooden boardwalks, and pristine nature will leave a lasting impression on your family.

I hope this guide helps you plan an incredible visit to Plitvice with your family! If you’ve been, I’d love to hear about your experience—drop a comment and share your favorite part of the trip!

Happy Travels,

Leslie

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Additional Reading

Visiting Krka National Park in Croatia With Kids

Travel With Kids: Expert Tips For A Smooth European Family Vacation

How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for Your Family