Bali is full of bustling hotspots, but if you’re searching for a laid-back destination that’s perfect for families, Sanur is an ideal location. 

Often overlooked in favour of more crowded beaches, Sanur offers a serene escape with just the right balance of relaxation and activities for the whole family. 

Wondering why Sanur is good for families? Let’s dive into what makes this coastal Bali town a gem for parents travelling with kids.

Why You Should Visit Sanur with Kids

Sanur’s charm lies in its calm beaches, safe environment, and family-friendly amenities. 

Unlike the busy streets of Kuta or Seminyak, Sanur’s laid-back vibe is suited to families who want to enjoy Bali without the crowds. 

The gentle waves and clean beaches make it easy to relax while your children play nearby. Plus, there’s no shortage of things to do in Sanur, so that every family has a great time.

Best Things to Do in Sanur with Kids

Whether your family prefers outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply enjoying a good meal together, Sanur has something to offer.

1. Visit The Beach

One of the simplest yet most enjoyable activities in Sanur is spending a day at the beach. 

The calm, shallow waters are ideal for young swimmers, and the long stretch of sand means there’s plenty of space for building sandcastles. 

Sanur Beach also offers shaded areas under tropical trees, where parents can relax while keeping an eye on their kids.

If you’re up for an active day, hire a paddleboard, kayak or bike to enjoy the scenic coastal path that stretches along the shore. 

Sanur’s beachfront is lined with an array of inviting restaurants and lively markets, offering plenty of dining options with stunning ocean views. You can rent sunbeds and lounge under the shade of palm trees.

Hot tip: When there’s a low tide, the sandbanks around Semawang Beach are great for a walk. The low water means lots of opportunities to spot sea critters and collect shells.

2. Turtle Conservation and Education Centre

Located centrally on Sanur Beach, the Turtle Conservation and Education Centre is a must-visit when in Sanur with kids. 

This centre is dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles, offering visitors the chance to see these incredible creatures up close. 

Our kids are absolutely thrilled to see the tiny hatchlings waddle their way towards the water, and they get a kick out of learning some fun turtle facts too.

3. Prama Resort Day Pass

One of the top family hotels in Sanur, Prama Resort, offers a day pass for access to the report’s pools, beachfront, and the Splash Zone water park if you’re not staying at the hotel. 

Our day pass cost around AU$10 each (there is no difference in adult and children’s prices) and includes towel hire and a bottle of water. 

You also have access to the hotel bathrooms and restaurants. With a menu mixing Westernised food and Indonesian specialities, we have meals delivered straight to our sun lounges by a waiter on rollerskates! 

4. Sagara Village Day Pass

Similar to Prama Resort, Sagara Village offers a day pass that lets families enjoy their facilities for a day. 

Take advantage of the serene surroundings, enjoy a meal at their restaurant, and let the kids splash around in the pool. It’s an easy way to experience a resort day without the full expense of a stay.

The cost here is around AU$30 per person (including children) but that amount can used as credit towards food and drinks. A great option if you’re spending the whole day beside the pool!

Hot tip: Get there early to reserve a sun lounge or seating area to base your family for the day. It gets busy and your day pass doesn’t guarantee a sunbed.

5. Big Garden Corner

For a mix of art and nature, Big Garden Corner is a unique destination that families will love. 

Just a 20-minute drive from the centre of Sanur, this outdoor sculpture garden features a collection of impressive statues and installations set among lush greenery. It’s a peaceful spot where you can wander and admire the art while the children explore. There’s even a small playground and waterpark for kids. 

Entry is around AU$15 per person and includes a drink of your choice.

6. Timezone and IMAX

If your older kids are in the mood for some indoor fun, Timezone and IMAX are the places to go. Located at the newly opened ICON Bali Mall, Timezone offers a variety of arcade games that will keep children entertained for hours. 

The IMAX theatre next door is perfect for catching the latest family-friendly movies.

Where to Eat in Sanur With Kids

7. Byrd House

Byrd House, located right on the beach within Sagara Village, is a top pick for eating out with kids in Sanur. If you’re not in the mood for a full day of water activities, you can simply visit the restaurant and let the kids enjoy the attached playground. 

The venue is spacious and welcoming, making it ideal for a relaxed afternoon. With a large outdoor playground, sandpit, swings, and table tennis, there’s plenty for the kids to do while the whole family takes in the beautiful surroundings.

The menu has some tasty kids options and the woodfire pizza is a family favourite for us.

8. Shotgun Social

For parents who enjoy a good meal and a relaxed atmosphere, Shotgun Social is a must-visit. 

This open-air beer garden offers a laid-back vibe where families can unwind. While the adults enjoy a craft beer or cocktail, kids can play in the spacious outdoor area. 

With a large lawn area and jungle-themed playground all within view of the dining tables, this spot is a dream for parents with small kids.

With a mix of local cuisines and Westernised options that both parents and children will love, the menu caters well to all ages. Our kids enjoy the kids meal options including pizza, chicken nuggets and mie goreng. We all love Taco Tuesday!

I’m not ashamed to admit we visit 3 times during our week-long stay in Sanur!

9. KidzCafe

KidzCafe Sanur is another go-to dining spot for families looking for a fun and relaxing environment. 

This kid-friendly cafe offers a safe indoor play area where children can explore, climb, and play to their heart’s content. Parents can unwind with a coffee or a meal from the menu, knowing their little ones are happily occupied. 

While the cafe and play area are all undercover and shaded from the sun, it is an open-air layout. This means it gets hot and humid without the comfort of air conditioning.

There is a small entry fee which can be used towards food and drink at the cafe.

Hot tip: Check out the educational childcare and playgroup services available for young kids, including a babysitting service.

10. Kids Soho

After days of soaking up the sun and sea, you may need a break indoors, and Kids Soho is just the ticket. 

This indoor playground is bursting with activities to keep the little ones busy for hours. With a variety of play structures and toys, it’s the perfect spot when the weather isn’t cooperating. 

Plus, the adjoining café offers quality food and large screens displaying live footage from the play centre, so parents and carers can keep an eye on the kids while enjoying a well-deserved coffee break!

11. Sanur Night Market

Experience the local culture by visiting the Sanur Night Market, also known as Pasar Sindhu. This bustling market is a feast for the senses, with a variety of street food stalls offering local delicacies. 

It’s an excellent way to introduce your children to Balinese cuisine, and the vibrant atmosphere is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Practical Tips for Families Visiting Sanur

While Sanur is an easy-going destination, a few practical tips can make your visit even more enjoyable:

• Transport: Sanur is well-connected by local transport, but hiring a private driver can be more convenient, especially with young children. Taxis are also readily available, and many hotels offer shuttle services to nearby attractions. We use the Grab App for ordering taxis as well as food deliveries.
• Walking: The streets are busy and footpaths are jagged with very rough surfaces. A travel stroller really isn’t suitable for distances of more than 10 minutes. 
• Weather: Bali’s tropical climate means it can be quite hot, so pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and lightweight clothing. Hydration is key, so make sure to carry water bottles for the whole family.
• Food: While there are plenty of international restaurants, don’t miss the chance to try local Balinese cuisine. Many family-friendly restaurants in Sanur offer kids’ menus, and the local food is generally mild and suitable for younger palates. 
• Drinking water: Generally, tap water throughout Bali is unsafe to drink. Major hotels and restaurants provide suitable filtering and bottled water options, so it is easy to find safe drinking water to fill your drink bottles.
• Childminding: There are many reliable and affordable services available for childminding and nannies. Many people find them through local recommendations or in Facebook Groups. We use and recommend Bali’s Best Babysitting.

Safety: Sanur is a safe area, but as with any travel destination, it’s essential to keep an eye on your belongings and supervise your children, especially at the beach.

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