Exploring Croatia with Kids: A Family Travel Guide

Introduction

Exploring Croatia with kids is a unique and exciting experience. With its stunning coastline, ancient cities, and vibrant culture, Croatia is a perfect destination for families seeking an unforgettable adventure. From sailing the Adriatic Sea to exploring the ancient ruins of Split, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or an experienced explorer, this guide will give you all the tips and tricks you need to make the most of your trip to Croatia. Read on to discover the best family-friendly attractions, accommodation, and activities in Croatia.

Where to stay in Croatia

When it comes to choosing a place to stay in Croatia, there’s no shortage of options. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront villa, a cozy apartment, or a family-friendly hotel, there’s something to suit all budgets and preferences. Popular destinations include Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb, all of which offer plenty of accommodation options.

Hotels

Hotels are a great option for families as they offer plenty of amenities and services. In Dubrovnik, the Valamar Collection Dubrovnik President Hotel is a great choice for families, offering spacious rooms, a kids’ club, and a complimentary breakfast. For a luxurious stay in Split, the Le Méridien Lav is a great option, with an onsite spa and pool. In Zagreb, the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is a great choice, with a range of family-friendly rooms and a convenient location in the city centre.

Apartments

Apartments are a great option for families who want more freedom and flexibility. In Dubrovnik, the Old Town Apartment offers a spacious two-bedroom apartment in the heart of the city. In Split, the Luxury Apartment is a great choice, offering a luxurious one-bedroom apartment with a fully-equipped kitchen. In Zagreb, the River View Apartment is an excellent choice, offering a large two-bedroom apartment with a balcony overlooking the river.

Villas

Villas are a great option for families who want more privacy and space. In Dubrovnik, the Villa Viola is a great choice, offering a three-bedroom villa with a private pool and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. In Split, the Villa Sarah is a great option, offering a six-bedroom villa with a large garden and a private pool. In Zagreb, the Villa Amo is a great choice, offering a four-bedroom villa with a terrace and a hot tub.

Travelling Around Croatia

Getting around Croatia is easy and stress-free, with plenty of transport options available. Whether you’re travelling by plane, train, bus, or car, there’s something to suit all budgets and preferences.

Plane

Travelling by plane is the quickest and most convenient option for getting around Croatia. Dubrovnik and Split both have international airports, with regular flights to major cities in Europe. Zagreb also has an international airport, with direct flights to several major cities.

Train

Travelling by train is a great option for getting around Croatia. The train network is extensive, with regular services between the major cities. The journey from Zagreb to Dubrovnik takes around 10 hours, with stops in Split, Zadar, and Plitvice.

Bus

Travelling by bus is a great option for budget travellers. There are regular bus services between the major cities, with tickets starting from as little as €10. The journey from Dubrovnik to Split takes around 4 hours, with stops in Mostar, Sarajevo, and Zadar.

Car

Travelling by car is a great option for families who want more freedom and flexibility. There are plenty of car rental companies in Croatia, with prices ranging from €30 per day for a small car to €100 per day for a luxury car. Driving in Croatia is relatively easy, with well-maintained roads and plenty of petrol stations.

Things to Do in Croatia

Croatia has plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or cultural exploration, there’s something to suit all ages and interests.

Sailing

Sailing is a great way to explore the Croatian coast, with plenty of boat tours available. In Dubrovnik, you can take a boat tour of the Elaphite Islands, with stops at the Blue Cave and the island of Lokrum. In Split, you can take a boat tour of the nearby islands, with stops at the Blue Lagoon and the island of Hvar.

Hiking

Hiking is a great way to explore Croatia’s stunning landscapes. In Dubrovnik, you can take a hike up Mount Srđ, with stunning views of the city. In Split, you can take a hike up Marjan Hill, with beautiful views of the nearby islands. In Zagreb, you can take a hike up Medvednica Mountain, with stunning views of the city.

Cultural Experiences

Croatia is a great destination for culture vultures, with plenty of museums and galleries to explore. In Dubrovnik, you can visit the Rector’s Palace, a 14th-century palace with a museum and art gallery. In Split, you can visit the Diocletian Palace, a 4th-century palace with a museum and cathedral. In Zagreb, you can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, with a range of modern and contemporary artworks.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Croatia has plenty of attractions to keep the whole family entertained. From zoos and theme parks to water parks and wildlife reserves, there’s something to suit all ages and interests.

Zoos

Croatia has plenty of zoos, with something to suit all ages and interests. In Dubrovnik, you can visit the City Zoo, with a range of exotic animals and a children’s playground. In Split, you can visit the Marjan Zoo, with an aquarium and a petting zoo. In Zagreb, you can visit the Zagreb Zoo, with a range of animals and a children’s playground.

Theme Parks

Croatia has plenty of theme parks, with something to suit all ages and interests. In Dubrovnik, you can visit the Dubrovnik Adventure Park, with a range of rides and attractions. In Split, you can visit the Aquapark, with a range of water slides and pools. In Zagreb, you can visit the Zagreb Fun Park, with a range of rides and attractions.

Water Parks

Croatia has plenty of water parks, with something to suit all ages and interests. In Dubrovnik, you can visit the Ombla Water Park, with a range of slides and pools. In Split, you can visit the Znjan Water Park, with a range of slides and pools. In Zagreb, you can visit the Aquacolors Water Park, with a range of slides and pools.

Wildlife Reserves

Croatia has plenty of wildlife reserves, with something to suit all ages and interests. In Dubrovnik, you can visit the Mljet National Park, with a range of wildlife and a saltwater lake. In Split, you can visit the Krka National Park, with a range of wildlife and a network of waterfalls. In Zagreb, you can visit the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, with a range of wildlife and a vast wetland.

Eating Out in Croatia

Eating out in Croatia is a great way to experience the local cuisine. Whether you’re looking for traditional dishes or modern twists on classic recipes, there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets.

Restaurants

Croatia has plenty of restaurants, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. In Dubrovnik, you can try the Dubrovnik Fish Market, with a range of seafood dishes and a stunning view of the city. In Split, you can try the Korta Katarina, with a range of traditional dishes and a stunning view of the sea. In Zagreb, you can try the Zagreb Grill, with a range of grilled meats and a lively atmosphere.

Cafes

Croatia has plenty of cafes, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. In Dubrovnik, you can try the Buza Beach Cafe, with a range of snacks and a stunning view of the sea. In Split, you can try the Diocletian Palace Cafe, with a range of traditional dishes and a relaxed atmosphere. In Zagreb, you can try the Zagreb Street Food, with a range of snacks and a lively atmosphere.

Bars

Croatia has plenty of bars, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. In Dubrovnik, you can try the Buža Bar, with a range of cocktails and a stunning view of the city. In Split, you can try the Bacvice Beach Bar, with a range of cocktails and a lively atmosphere. In Zagreb, you can try the Tkalčićeva Street Bar, with a range of cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere.

Shopping in Croatia

Croatia has plenty of shopping options, from luxury boutiques to local markets. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs or designer clothes, there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets.

Malls

Croatia has plenty of malls, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. In Dubrovnik, you can visit the Gruž Shopping Centre, with a range of luxury boutiques and designer brands. In Split, you can visit the Joker Shopping Centre, with a range of shops and restaurants. In Zagreb, you can visit the Arena Centar, with a range of shops and restaurants.

Markets

Croatia has plenty of markets, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. In Dubrovnik, you can visit the Gundulićev Trg Market, with a range of souvenirs and local crafts. In Split, you can visit the Pazar Market, with a range of souvenirs and local crafts. In Zagreb, you can visit the Dolac Market, with a range of souvenirs and local crafts.

Boutiques

Croatia has plenty of boutiques, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. In Dubrovnik, you can visit the Dubrovnik Boutique, with a range of designer clothes and accessories. In Split, you can visit the Split Boutique, with a range of designer clothes and accessories. In Zagreb, you can visit the Zagreb Boutique, with a range of designer clothes and accessories.

Safety in Croatia

Croatia is a safe and friendly destination, with plenty of measures in place to keep visitors safe. Whether you’re exploring the cities or venturing into the countryside, here are some tips to keep you safe.

Crime

The crime rate in Croatia is low, with the most common crimes being pickpocketing and purse snatching. To stay safe, always keep your valuables close and be aware of your surroundings.

Driving

Driving in Croatia is relatively safe, with plenty of measures in place to keep drivers safe. To stay safe, always wear your seatbelt, obey the speed limit, and be aware of other drivers.

Weather

Croatia has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. To stay safe in the sun, always wear sun cream and a hat. To stay safe in the winter, always wear warm clothes and be aware of icy conditions.

Conclusion

Exploring Croatia with kids is a unique and exciting experience. With its stunning coastline, ancient cities, and vibrant culture, Croatia is a perfect destination for families seeking an unforgettable adventure. From sailing the Adriatic Sea to exploring the ancient ruins of Split, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Whether you’re looking for accommodation, transport, activities, or attractions, this guide has all the tips and tricks you need to make the most of your trip to Croatia. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready to explore Croatia with your family.