There are many kids activities in Split and Dalmatian islands that will make your family holidays memorable. Croatia has always been a child friendly destination, and it’s one of the safest family destinations in Europe.
Traveling with children doesn’t need to be a hassle. Simply plan in advance what to do and see. To help you out, make sure to consult this list of kids activities before you go.
You have kids and wonder what to do with them in Split? Great news, Split is the perfect city to visit with youngsters!
Before you go, consider finding the best family hotels or private apartments in Split. Think about ease of beach access and vicinity to child-friendly activities.
Depending on your children’s age, it’s important to make your Split or Dalmatian islands holiday activities amusing, simple, and hopefully even educational. Keeping the little ones busy and animated is the key to having a great time for everyone.
No matter where you travel in Croatia, your kids will find something cool to do. But, I want to highlight some recommended activities that will motivate and occupy kid’s minds, but also provide an interesting experience for parents too.
Table of Contents:
- Choosing the best time to go
- Walking tours
- Cycling
- Segway tours
- Visit Klis fortress
- Marjan hill park
- Carobni Grad – Split’s magic city
- Znjan beach
- Blue cave day trip
- Play picigin game
- Nadalina chocolate shop
- Rafting on Cetina river
- Hiking on Biokovo mountain
- Semi-submarine trip on Riva
- Family island hopping cruise
Choosing the best time to go
Keep in mind that in high season (from mid July to mid August), Split and Dalmatian islands are always facing the period of the greatest tourist rush and with the highest prices. This often includes unbearable heat, making it inconvenient for certain outdoor activities.
For your sake check the weather forecast in that period and plan accordingly. If sightseeing is more important to you than swimming, try to plan your family holidays in June, or from end of August to mid September.
Walking tours
Visiting Diocletian’s palace in city center is one of the must do kids activities to explore this 1700 years old town. If the kids are not too small, take them to the top of Cathedral of St. Duje bell tower.
Take them to the statue of Grgur Ninski to rub his toe: it’s supposed to bring good luck.
There are always plenty more Split attractions you can take your kids too!
City of Split Walking Tour
Let a guide show you the sights and tell you about the rich history of Split. Your local guide will share facts and inside stories with you while showing you the vibrant culture of this historic city.
Find out how to discover Split by walking, and see my list of top Split attractions for additional ideas on where to go and what to see.
Cycling
Renting a bike in Split is the best solution to enjoy beautiful sights in old town (Diocletian palace), visit Marjan hill, or take a ride to one of my favorite Split beaches.
For small kids you can ask for additional children seats, or consider renting an electric bike so you won’t be tired at the end of your ride. Ask local Split bike rent agency for prices and more information.
More about cycling through Split and similar activities can be found in our Split outdoor adventures article.
Segway Tours
Glide through the charming streets of Split atop your personal Segway, a fast and thrilling mode of city exploration. Your 2-hour adventure is accompanied by an expert guide who reveals fascinating city tidbits and highlights must-see spots such as Diocletian’s Palace, the Croatian National Theater, Marjan Hill, and more.
Ascend Marjan Hill for panoramic city views, and tailor the tour to your group’s preferences. Experience Split from a novel and enjoyable vantage point on this Segway excursion.
Although riding a Segway is relatively easy to do and learn, the local Segway tour agency requires all riders to be at least 15 years of age.
Visit Klis fortress
Sometimes it can be difficult to decide what kind of kids activities will be the best for children and the whole family, but nearby famous Klis fortress is an interesting place to consider. Find more about fortress history!
I know that kids will be delighted to visit this historic military structure with museum where they can see a series of arms, armor and traditional uniforms. Don’t forget to take some beautiful panorama pictures of Split and islands from the fortress.
If you’re driving, Klis fortress is only 13 km from Split. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can reach it by taking local bus n° 22 leaving from the National Theater bus station, and numbers 35 and 36 leaving from the bus station Sukoisanska.
Klis Fortress Bus & Walking Tour
Embark on a captivating journey through history and natural beauty on the Sunset Klis Fortress Tour. Begin in style aboard a comfortable sightseeing bus before delving into the secrets of Klis Fortress with an expert local guide.
From this ancient vantage point, behold the breathtaking panorama of Split, neighboring islands, and majestic mountains. This unique tour seamlessly weaves history, stunning views, and a magical sunset into an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe.
The fortress is open every day, from 9 AM till 7 PM. Tvrdavaklis.com is the fort’s official website where you can see up to date admission pricing.
Marjan Hill Park
When first arriving in Split, you may notice a green hill in the distance, dominating the landscape above the old city. Marjan hill is our green getaway in Split, and an inevitable place for kids activities.
The park offers promenades, vista views, nature paths, playgrounds, bird and rare plants, some of which you can see in the Split zoo. Personally I don’t recommend visiting this tiny zoo, as you and your kids could be disappointed seeing animal in inhuman conditions.
It is absolutely shocking the way the animals are treated here. So take my advice, keep your children away from this horrible zoo.
Rest of Marjan hill is a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon at. Tress will provide ample shade from the summer sun, and there’s plenty to explore here. You can read more on my dedicated article about Marjan hill here.
How to get to Marjan? How to find Marjan vidilica (the famous view point)?
There are different ways and paths to get to the top of Marjan. The main issue is even finding signposts indicating the way to follow. Even if you grab a tourist map at tourist office at Riva promenade, it can still be rather difficult to find the shortest way to Marjan hill.
The best way to get to Marjan from Split center by climbing the stairs to Vidilica is from the Varos neighborhood, west of Riva promenade.
You can also hop on bus 12 from Riva and get off at the last stop, directly to Bene beach. Alternatively, take a little choo choo train that departs every hour in front of the National Theatre of Split (but only in summer period). It runs from 8 AM to 8 PM and it will be a fun ride for your kids.
Visit Split’s Magic Town – Carobni Grad
Čarobni Grad (Magical Town), a huge indoor playroom located right at the Poljud Stadium. This is one of the best places to go with kids, especially when the weather is not suitable for outdoor activities.
After buying a €5 ticket, your kid can choose from many different activities, each one in a big playroom decorated in a different theme: pirate attack, soccer place, dolls house, kitchen area, huge legos, climbing house,… Two stories of pure fun for kids!
Parents can meanwhile enjoy drinks and food at a convenient bar, and keep an eye on kids at the same time.
Znjan beach
Another place where kids and your whole family can have great fun is Znjan, the newest of Split beaches, and so far largest location for enjoying sea and sun.
Znjan district (next to Trstenik) is about 5 km from city center, easily reachable by bus number 15 or bus number 8. Keep in mind if you go with bus number 8 you will need to walk about 10 minutes.
Everything on Znjan beach is made for fun, and there’s a variety of kids activities. such as jumping on the trampoline or on the bouncy castles, funny paddle boats with slide, Ferrari-looking small electric scooter rides, etc.
They also have a sandy area with toys for the youngest kids, and also an indoor game area with arcade games just close to the trampolines.
Blue Cave day trip from Split to island Vis
To enrich your kids activities I propose this one day boat excursion to Vis island and its famous Blue Cave. This trip is not possible through a regular ferry connection from Split, but only by taking an organized boat excursion.
Blue Cave is situated on the Bisevo island (5.8 sq. kilometers), located about 5 km (3.1 miles) south west from Vis island. The central part is fertile field while the rest of the island is covered with macchia or rocks.
On the north of the island there is a dense pine forest. The settlements on the island are: Potok, Polje, Nevaja, Mezuporat and Salbunara.
There are in fact a few caves on the island, but Modra Spilja (Blue Cave’s name in Croatian) is by far the most famous one.
Around noon, when the sea is calm, sunbeams that penetrate through the small opening reflect from the white bottom floor and paint the cave in fascinating blue color, and objects in the water in silver.
The cave is accessible since 1884, and approach is possible only by boat. The coastal sea belt is a rich fishing area.
Day trip to Blue Cave and Hvar from Split
Get on a speedboat and witness the magnificent Blue Cave! Continue to Vis island and take a swim at Stiniva Cove, snorkel on Budikovac island, discover the amazing Palmizana bay, and end your day with a walk on Hvar town's old streets.
For a more comprehensive daily trip which also includes visits to several nearby islands see this Blue Cave day trip offer.
The island of Bisevo is a famous excursion site: one-day excursions are organized from Komiza and Vis, but also from other islands in vicinity.
Visiting the Blue Cave, swimming in one of the nearby coves, followed by the exquisite fish lunch is a fabulous day trip for an entire family.
Playing Picigin game
The Bacvice beach is a favorite beach in Split for locals, awarded with a Blue flag. Families will be fascinated with a leisure park which is equipped with many kids activities like slides, trampoline, and a rubber castle.
The beach is safe and family friendly. It’s also the nearest beach to the city center and Split ferry port.
This sandy beach is the only place where kids can watch famous picigin game, or even practice it themselves. The water on Bacvice is very shallow and suitable for non-swimmers too.
If you want to try your skills at playing Picigin, the rules are very simple. This traditional game is played all year round, sometimes even on New Years Eve.
Looking for Bacvice beach apartments? Here are some best ones:
- Apartments Suzy
- Green Gold Apartment
- Apartment Akvarel
- Apartments Žuvela
- Studios Nina
- Hotel Villa Diana
- Firule beach apartments
Sweeten your stay with Nadaline chocolate!
After all kids activities you and your children deserve something sweet. In a small Nadaline shop inside the ancient walls of Diocletian palace, Dioklecijanova 6 street, you can taste this exclusive brand of dark chocolate mixed with typical Mediterranean ingredients such as dried figs, carob, almonds, prosek (sweet wine), cinnamon, lavender, olive oil and more.
The owner, Marinko Biskic was the first punk rocker in Split. More than three decades later, the mustached 50-year old has found a way to combine his first love, music, with a thriving chocolate business.
The shop’s website is nadalina.hr. This is a wonderful place to sweeten your tooth, but also grab some delicious souvenirs.
Rafting on Cetina river
For something new but fun for all the family, why not try rafting on river Cetina, only 30 km from Split. It’s an ideal activity even for people without prior experience in canoeing.
It’s one of my recommended kids activities for whole family and children above 6 years. This trip is a lovely effortless way for the whole family to experience the wildlife and nature of this area.
For more info and booking you can check out this rafting offer departing from Split.
Hiking on Biokovo mountain
During hot days in Split it’s a good idea to take your kids for a day excursion to Biokovo Nature Park, only 61 km from Split in Makarska town direction following D8 road along the Adriatic coast.
The mountain slope Biokovo dominates the whole Makarska Riviera. Biokovo is the largest and highest mountain in Dalmatia.
The views from Biokovo are spectacular – on the clear day one can see all Dalmatian islands as well as large part of Dalmatian coast to the south. And to the north, towns of Vrgorac and Imotski and their surrounding villages.
The coastal town of Makarska, that lies on the very south edge of Biokovo, is seen from Biokovo as an amazing bay with tiny little houses placed in the rows around it.
Semi-submarine on Riva
Split always has something new for families with children. Recently, on Split’s waterfront (Riva promenade), a new tour has been introduced featuring a small red semi submarine.
Marijeta submarine company organizes a day tour that last about 45 minutes, with night tours lasting 30 minutes. This unique vessel offers a pleasant and safe trip, and is ideal for adults and children of all ages.
It remains above sea level at all times, while its hull, the underwater observatory, is 1.5 meters (5 feet) below the surface. You can watch an abundance of marine life through your own personal viewing window in the floor.
For those not interested in marine life, you can leave the cabin and walk on the deck at any time. This lets you enjoy the spectacular view of the historical complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian.
Price for a single person starts at €19, and there may be bulk discounts for whole families. Read more about this submarine trip here!
Family island hopping cruise (11 days)
If you have more time on your hands and want to explore more than Split, why not consider a longer cruise trip that keeps you busy every day, This island-hopping cruise trip is specifically designed for families, and it can be a wonderful alternative compared to organizing sightseeing trips around Split by yourself.
This Croatia Family Island Hopping tour takes you to five stunning destinations, including the enchanting Island of Brac, the sun-kissed shores of Hvar, and the historic Island of Korcula.
Your family boating adventure kicks off with an exploration of Island Brac, where you’ll have ample time to bask in the Mediterranean sun, savor local delicacies, and delve into the island’s rich culture. As the days unfold, you’ll hop from one picturesque island to another, each with its own unique charm and attractions. From the lively streets of Hvar to the historical wonders of Korcula, this journey offers a delightful blend of relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion.
This comprehensive package not only includes accommodation, meals, and transport but also the opportunity to connect with the heart of each destination, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Find out more about Family Island Hopping cruise here!
Whether you’re exploring the hidden gems of Brac, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Hvar, or wandering through the charming streets of Korcula, the Croatia Family Island Hopping tour promises an unforgettable and enriching experience for every member of your family.
Split is a great place for kids!
I hope my guide to kids activities in Split gives you some ideas on how to keep them occupied, interested and entertained during your visit.
Don’t skip reading our list of Split day trips, see top Split attractions, or read our Split walking guide, for more ideas on how to spend your days in my city!
