5 Best Things To Do On A Family Vacation In Croatia

No matter the age of the children, Croatia is a remarkable destination for a family vacation. Whether looking for pristine beaches, exploring castles and museums, or spending time in the country’s national parks, look no further than Croatia. What makes the country even more special is that it is more affordable than many of the most popular European destinations. Have fun reading up on five of the best things to do on a family vacation in Croatia.

1. Head to the beach in Croatia

While Croatia’s coastline and islands have endless pebble and sand beaches to choose from, some are perfect for families with young children. One recommended sandy spot is Paradise Beach (Rajska plaža) on the Lopar peninsula on Rab Island. Here, the shallow waters make it safe to splash around and the beach is ideal for building sandcastles.  Other excellent choices are Sotorišće Beach on the island of Silba and Big Beach (Velika plaža) in Omiš.

As an alternative, Punta Rata Beach in Brela on the Makarska Riviera is a pebble beach that is ideal for young and older kids. Here, the kids can spend time snorkeling in the crystal clear water or having fun pedal boating, kayaking, or stand-up paddle boarding.

2. Castles and fortresses to explore

Families of all ages will be fascinated by visiting one of Croatia’s many castles and fortresses. For example, the 17th century Barone Fortress is a kid-friendly experience due to its visitor’s center where they can have fun with the interactive Augmented Reality exhibits, taking them back in time. Alternatively, Morosini-Grimani Castle in Svetvinčenat in Istria dates back to the 15th century and is the perfect adventure for the family to explore. Stroll around the castle’s dungeon and towers, searching for the king’s throne.

For those families seeking a fairytale castle, Trakošćan Castle in the Zagorje region is set in beautiful parkland overlooking a lake. Exploring inside reveals three floors displaying armory and swords, sure to bring out the adventurous spirit in teens. Meanwhile, Veliki Tabor Castle dates from the 16th century and displays collections of everyday household items from the past.

3. Have fun in nature in Croatia

Croatia is renowned for its national parks, but two truly stand out for families on vacation. The most popular is the Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park, with their turquoise lakes and waterfalls, surrounded by green and lush nature. However, these options are best for older kids and teens as they involve a lot of walking, especially on the wooden walkways connecting the lakes.

Alternatively, Brijuni National Park is perfect for a family day trip, with its archipelago of beautiful islands off the coast of Istria. This park is easier for the kids to navigate, thanks to a motorized train that takes the family around the island. Other fun options include renting bicycles and golf carts to explore the island.

4. Water and adventure parks

Croatia has many water and adventure parks to suit all ages, but the most popular is Aquapark Aquacolors. Here, families can choose to splash in the wave pool or other outdoor pools, or have fun on the 12 water slides. Meanwhile, the park has a 1,640-ft lazy river to explore as well as two water rides.

If the teens are getting bored, take them to Fun Park Biograd, with its rollercoasters, zero gravity zone, and space car simulator. As for the little ones, toy trains and other rides are perfect to keep them happy. End the day on the Adria Eye Ferris Wheel to enjoy panoramic views over the Adriatic Sea from the top.

5. Rainy days at the museum in Croatia

When the weather turns rainy on a visit to Croatia, kid-friendly museums are the perfect option. Visit the Museum of Illusions in Zagreb, with its fascinating optical illusions, holograms and mirrors. In fact, this museum is also available in Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar.

For those families interested in history, the Museum of the Krapina Neanderthal is sure to be a hit. The museum features high-tech exhibits and displays, giving a view of the history of earth and humanity. Meanwhile, the Kumrovec Staro Selo open-air ethnographic museum in Zagorje reveals fascinating objects of life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Take the family to Croatia in 2023 for beach fun, adventures in nature, fascinating history and so much more.