Alright, so you’re thinkin’ of taking the family to Bali, huh? Smart move. I’ve been a private driver here for over 15 years, and lemme tell ya—when it comes to bali family resorts, I’ve seen every type. Big luxury ones, budget-friendly spots, and those cute little beachfront places where the kids can run wild while you chill with a coconut (or Bintang, no judgment).
Read also: Bali in November
This guide’s not just some fluff pulled off a brochure. This is real talk—from what families actually enjoy to which resorts the kids beg to go back to. I’ve picked up families from resorts all across the island, heard their reviews, seen their faces after a long day of exploring (or surviving toddler meltdowns), and even got to sneak in a few nasi goreng meals at the resorts while waiting in the parking lot.
What Makes a Bali Family Resort Actually “Family-Friendly”?
Okay, first off—just ’cause a resort says it’s “family-friendly” doesn’t always mean it’s the real deal. Some places toss in a kid’s menu and a small pool slide and call it a day. Nah, mate. When I hear families raving about a spot, they’re talking about:
- Kids’ clubs that actually entertain (not just a TV in the corner).
- Family suites with enough space so you’re not stepping on Legos every time you move.
- Safe beach access (huge deal for lil ones).
- Affordable in-resort dining that doesn’t make you feel robbed every time your kid refuses to eat their $18 burger.
- Easy location—close to shops, attractions, and maybe a chill warung or two for dad’s satay craving.
You want somewhere that makes life easier, not harder. Especially after a long flight with cranky kids and swollen feet.
Nusa Dua – Fancy, Clean, and Super Kid-Friendly
The Grand Hyatt Bali – The OG Family Favorite
If I had a rupiah every time I picked up a smiling family from Grand Hyatt Bali in Nusa Dua, I’d have a small army of scooters. This place is massive. Like, its own mini village kind of massive. Big gardens, lagoons, five pools, waterslide… and their kids’ club? Oh man. It’s like daycare meets summer camp.
One Aussie family I drove last year—mom, dad, 3 kids under 10—said they didn’t even leave the resort for 4 days. “Too much to do here already,” the dad told me while sipping an iced coffee on the pickup bench. They finally ventured out on day 5 to Uluwatu Temple, which the kids thought was “boring” compared to the water slide. Go figure.
Rooms are clean, and they’ve got interconnecting options. The breakfast buffet? Top notch. Fresh fruit, pancakes, eggs any way, even babi guling if you’re lucky.
Melia Bali – Laidback and Budget-Friendlier (Kinda)
Down the road from Grand Hyatt, Melia Bali is like its chill cousin. Spanish-owned, so the food’s got that Euro twist. Not as fancy, but still plenty comfy and definitely easier on the wallet. They’ve got family rooms that open right onto the garden, which parents love for those early-morning runarounds.
One German couple I drove last month said their daughter cried leaving the kids’ club. The staff there? Super sweet. They speak good English, always smiling, and really look after the little ones. Plus, the pool is right by the beach—so you get best of both worlds.
Only heads up—mosquitos can be a bit annoying in the garden rooms during rainy season. Nothing a bit of repellent and closed doors won’t fix though.
Seminyak – Trendy, Busy, But Great For Families With Teens
Courtyard by Marriott Seminyak – Stylish But Still Kid-Friendly
Seminyak’s not always the first choice for families, but hear me out. If your kids are past the “I need a nap” stage and more in the “What’s next?” stage, this area can actually be a blast.
Courtyard by Marriott is modern, got solid food, and the staff are legends. They’ve got a kid’s corner by the pool and activities like cooking classes and Balinese crafts. Good stuff to keep ‘em off their iPads for a bit. Plus, there’s a free shuttle to Seminyak Beach every 15 minutes.
I had one teenage girl tell me this was “the best hotel everrrr” just ‘cause of the ice cream station. It’s the little things.
Also, the hotel’s near Seminyak Village mall and walking distance to Sisterfields Café, which every Aussie seems to love. Parents sneak out for a quiet coffee while the teens hang back by the pool. Win-win.
Montigo Resorts – Suite Layouts Perfect for Families
Montigo’s not as flashy as some big brands, but it’s low-key perfect for families. Why? Huge suites with separate living rooms and kitchenettes. It’s like a mini apartment, but with room service.
I dropped off a family of six here once, and they were so relieved to finally have a space where they could put the baby to bed and still watch Netflix without whispering.
Not a ton of stuff for little kids, but for families with 8- to 15-year-olds, this spot’s solid. Good-sized pools, and right across from Potato Head—so you can go fancy or chill depending on your mood.
Sanur – Sleepy Vibes, Perfect For Young Kids and Grandparents
Sanur doesn’t get as much buzz, but let me tell you—it’s a gem for families who want peace and quiet. The beach has calm waters, no wild waves like Kuta, and you can walk along the promenade for snacks, gelato, or just a chill afternoon.
Hyatt Regency Sanur – Old School Cool, Fully Renovated
This one got a full makeover a couple years back. Now it’s got this mix of traditional Balinese architecture with modern touches. Beautiful gardens, a beachfront pool, and a kids’ club that hosts Balinese dress-up and dancing. Super cute.
I had a Canadian family—3 generations deep—who stayed here and loved that it wasn’t party central. Grandma could chill in the garden, parents hit the spa, and the grandkids were off making kites with the hotel staff. Like one big family holiday the way it should be.
It’s a quieter area, so don’t expect nightlife. But if your idea of a good time is beach walks and easy mornings, this one checks all the boxes.
Andaz Bali – Boutique Luxury With Family Suites
Andaz is new on the block and a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. The vibe here is boutique luxury—think earthy tones, big open spaces, and amazing food. The family suites are massive. I once picked up a family of five who said their room was “bigger than our flat in Singapore.”
The kids’ pool has those cute splash features, and the beach is literally steps away. Also, if you’ve got picky eaters, their on-site Warung serves everything from mie goreng to pasta to gluten-free options.
Ubud – Not Just for Yogis Anymore
I know, I know—Ubud sounds like the place you go for yoga and raw vegan smoothies. But lately, I’ve seen more and more families choosing Ubud for a few days to mix it up. Especially if they want nature, rice fields, and maybe a cheeky monkey sighting.
Padma Resort Ubud – Jungle Paradise With Family Perks
You’ll need a driver (ahem, maybe me?) to get around here ’cause it’s outside the main town, but oh man—it’s beautiful. Set in the jungle with infinity pools overlooking the valley. Kinda gives you that wow factor without the hustle of beach towns.
They’ve got a big playground, daily activities like archery and Balinese cooking, and a kids’ pool that’s actually heated. Which, trust me, is rare in Bali.
One family I took up there from Nusa Dua said it was their favorite part of the trip. “It felt like a real adventure,” the dad said, while the kids were still buzzing about seeing monkeys from the balcony.
The Westin Ubud – Calm, Clean, and Surprisingly Kid-Friendly
Westin’s got a rep for being business-class, but the Ubud one? Totally relaxed. Good spa, big rooms, and surprisingly kid-oriented. They’ve got a family room with bunk beds, and a kids’ club that includes storytelling and rice planting. Yes, rice planting. Very Bali.
Oh, and free yoga for parents. The one time I tried joining a guest session? My hamstrings almost quit. But it’s there if you want it.
Food’s decent, nothing mind-blowing, but reliable. And there’s a shuttle into central Ubud if you wanna explore the market or feed the monkeys (just watch your phone!).
Some Underrated Areas That Families Love (But Nobody Talks About)
Canggu – Surf, Smoothies, and Kid-Friendly Cafes
Canggu’s become a digital nomad hotspot, but it’s also weirdly great for families—especially if you’re into surf and laid-back cafes. The resorts here aren’t huge, but you’ll find private villas with pools that are perfect for extended stays.
I once drove a Melbourne couple with two toddlers who stayed in a 3-bedroom villa near Echo Beach. Came with a private chef, pool fence, and babysitter on request. They said it was the best decision ever—more space, more freedom, and same price as a big hotel.
Places like Como Uma Canggu offer resort-style stays with a modern twist. Bonus: smoothies and babyccinos on every menu.
Jimbaran – Seafood Dinners and Quiet Beaches
Jimbaran doesn’t get enough love. Yes, the Four Seasons is here and yes, it’s stunning but pricey. But there’s also places like InterContinental Bali that give a proper resort experience with quieter beaches.
Evening dinners on the beach with grilled fish while the kids dig in the sand? That’s the Bali dream right there. You’re also just 15 minutes from the airport, which means fewer “are we there yet” moments.
Real Talk – What Parents Say They Wish They Knew
Now here’s where I spill the tea from the driver’s seat. These are the things parents always tell me mid-trip:
- “I wish we booked the resort with the kid’s club… our hotel said it was kid-friendly but it’s basically just a high chair in the corner.”
- “The beach looks great on Instagram, but those waves in Kuta are way too rough for our 4-year-old.”
- “Ordering Grab is hit-or-miss near resorts. Should’ve booked somewhere near a few warungs.”
- “We didn’t think we’d care about a pool slide… but now it’s the only thing the kids talk about.”
It’s always the little details. That’s why I recommend messaging your hotel or villa beforehand and asking straight up: Do they have high chairs? Babysitters? Cribs? Is the pool fenced? How deep is it? Better to ask now than deal with surprises after check-in.
Last Bit – Book Early, Pack Light, and Always Ask the Driver
Peak season in Bali (June–August, December) gets wild. Resorts fill up fast and prices jump like crazy. If you’re aiming for a top bali family resort, book early—like, months ahead if you can.
And pack light. Bali’s got laundromats on every corner and shopping is cheap. Save space for souvenirs (and maybe a sarong or two).
Lastly—when you get here, don’t be shy. Your driver probably knows way more than TripAdvisor. We’ve seen the rooms, eaten the food, talked to dozens of families. So ask. Whether you need a stroller-friendly path, kid-safe waterfall, or a place with cold beer and a shaded playground—we got you.
Absolutely, let’s keep going! I’ll pick right up from where we left off and dive into more specific resort options and travel tips that parents usually ask me about in the car. Still keeping it casual, helpful, and like a good chat with a Bali driver who’s been around the block a few (hundred) times.
Kid-Friendly Food Options at Bali Family Resorts (Because Chicken Nuggets Ain’t Enough)
Let’s be real. If the resort food sucks or if your kid refuses to eat anything but toast, that’s gonna put a serious damper on your holiday. I’ve heard all the horror stories. That one family from Brisbane? They ended up ordering delivery every night ’cause the resort only served fancy fusion dishes. Little Mia just wanted spaghetti. That’s it.
Now, the better bali family resorts? They’ve caught on. Here’s what to look for:
- Dedicated kids’ menus. Look for ones that actually include options like plain pasta, rice and grilled chicken, or even peanut butter sandwiches. Not every kid wants nasi campur, y’know?
- Breakfast buffets with variety. The Grand Hyatt, Melia Bali, and Hyatt Regency in Sanur are all winners here. Fresh pancakes, fruit, cereals, and even mini sausages. I’ve seen more than one kid do a happy dance over their DIY waffle stations.
- Allergy-friendly kitchens. Some places—like Andaz Bali or Padma Ubud—are super attentive. Gluten-free? Nut allergies? Just let the staff know, and they’ll sort it.
Also, if you’re in a villa or a smaller boutique resort without a big restaurant setup, many of them let you order from delivery apps like GoFood or Grab. It’s like Uber Eats for Bali. So yes, you can get McDonald’s delivered to your poolside lounge chair. Not saying you should, just sayin’ you can.
Oh, and if you’re out and about, Warung Boga Sari in Sanur has basic, tasty food that kids seem to love. Nasi goreng, satay sticks, fruit juices—and all super cheap. Like $2 per meal kinda cheap.
The Resort Babysitting Situation (Don’t Be Weirded Out – It’s Totally Normal Here)
I get it. Trusting a stranger with your kids in a different country feels sketchy. But Bali has some of the kindest, most gentle childcare workers around. Seriously. It’s part of the culture here—Balinese folks love kids. Like, really love ‘em.
Most of the 4- and 5-star bali family resorts offer in-house babysitting. That means trained staff, usually from the kids’ club, who can come to your room or watch your kids while you head to dinner, the spa, or maybe just stare at the ocean in peace for 45 minutes.
Common questions I get:
- How much does it cost? Usually around 80,000 to 150,000 IDR per hour (about $5 to $10 AUD). Some charge extra after 10pm.
- Are they qualified? Most resorts require basic CPR training and run background checks. Still, ask when you book or check at the concierge. Ain’t no shame in double checking.
- Is it safe? From what I’ve seen? Yes. I’ve waited outside rooms while parents nervously said their goodbyes and peeked through the window 15 times. Most come back 2 hours later raving about how kind the nanny was and how the kids didn’t even notice they left.
If you’re staying in a private villa, there are also outside nanny services like Bali’s Best Babysitting or Miss Bali Babysitter. These are super popular with repeat Aussie families. They’ll even come with toys and activities!
How To Get Around Safely With Kids in Bali (Spoiler: Don’t Rent A Scooter)
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen families try to rent a scooter, baby strapped to the front, no helmets that fit… just don’t, okay? Bali’s traffic ain’t the place to be experimenting with balance and toddlers.
Here’s what works better:
- Private drivers (like me 👋). Most of us have proper child car seats available if you ask ahead of time. I usually keep a booster and toddler seat in my van, ’cause you never know who’s hopping in next. It’s safer, comfier, and honestly, way easier than trying to figure out which Grab driver allows kids and which doesn’t.
- Hotel shuttles. Many bali family resorts offer free transport to beaches or shopping centers nearby. Grand Hyatt, Melia, Courtyard Seminyak, and Andaz Sanur all run regular shuttles.
- GoCar (part of the Gojek app). If you do use a ride-hailing app, GoCar is better than Grab for families. Easier to find drivers with bigger cars. But again, car seats are rarely available with these unless you bring your own.
And yes, the roads here are nuts sometimes. That’s why locals know the back roads, timing, and where the potholes are. Plus, kids nap better in a big ol’ van than squished on a scooter. Trust me.
What To Pack (And What You’ll Kick Yourself For Forgetting)
You don’t need to bring everything. Bali’s got shops, pharmacies, even baby gear rentals. But there’s a few key things I’ve seen parents panic over:
- Sunscreen. Bring your own. The local stuff is either too greasy or weirdly expensive.
- Floaties / swim diapers. Not every resort shop stocks these, and when they do? They cost double.
- Snacks. Especially if your kid’s picky. Bring what you can from home. Granola bars, puffs, crackers—lifesavers on day trips.
- Bug spray + after-bite cream. Some resorts have mosquito coils or repellents, but better to have your own brand you trust.
- Baby formula / special milk. Bali supermarkets have formula, but not always your usual brand. Better to bring enough to cover your trip if your kid’s used to one kind.
Don’t bother packing a stroller unless it’s a lightweight one. Bali sidewalks can be uneven or non-existent. You’ll end up carrying it half the time.
Real-Life Stories From Families I’ve Driven (The Good, The Stressy, The Funny)
Just to give you some perspective—here’s a few quick stories that might help ya out:
The Tan Family from Singapore: Booked a luxury villa in Canggu, no fence around the pool. First night, the 3-year-old jumped in with her pajamas on. Next morning, they called me to help them move to a resort with better safety features. We found them a family suite at InterContinental Jimbaran within the hour.
The Wilsons from Perth: Took my advice and stayed at Melia Bali. Said it was perfect. Kids made friends at the kids’ club, and the parents had alone time at the spa. The dad told me, “We needed this. Like, badly.”
The Johnsons from L.A.: Tried to do Ubud with no driver and three kids under 6. Big mistake. They got lost, kids screamed the whole time, mom cried. Eventually, they messaged me and I picked them up the next day. Moral of the story? Don’t DIY Ubud unless you love chaos.
Is It Worth Booking Direct With Resorts or Using Booking.com?
Another thing I get asked a lot—should you book directly with the resort or go through Booking.com, Agoda, etc.?
Here’s my two cents:
- Booking sites often have better deals, especially last-minute. But watch out for hidden fees and “non-refundable” traps.
- Booking direct sometimes gets you perks like free airport pickup, breakfast included, or room upgrades. Hyatt and Westin are good for this.
Also—check if the resort has a WhatsApp number. Many Bali resorts let you chat directly, send photos of rooms, confirm amenities. It’s fast and way more personal than waiting for an email response.
And if you ever get stuck or unsure? Just ask your driver. We know the current deals, we’ve seen the rooms, and we know who’s got the best nasi goreng on the buffet.
Bali Tua 