Yes — Dubrovnik can be an amazing family destination if you plan around heat, stairs, and peak crowds. With the right planning, Dubrovnik family travel can be both fun and stress-free. You’ll get castles-and-walls vibes, beaches, boat rides, islands with wildlife, and plenty of “reward stops” (gelato, pancakes, playgrounds) to keep kids happy.
This guide is written from a local parent perspective (we have two kids). It’s packed with practical tips (stroller reality checks, where to go when it’s too hot, and how to dodge the busiest hours), plus the best activities for toddlers, kids, and teens.
Quick disclosure: We run Puzzle Punks / Dubrovnik Escape Room, and this guide includes our escape room as one option among many (we’ll also give you lots of free and non-commercial ideas).
If you only do 5 things:
1) Old Town early (before 9:00) – wander Stradun + “castle hunt” vibes
2) City Walls – start at Ploče Gate for fewer crowds + better flow
3) Lokrum Island – peacocks + bunnies + easy nature breaks (perfect kid reset)
4) Lapad promenade + beach time – shade, snacks, stroller-friendly walking
5) Puzzle Punks Escape Room (Lapad) – best indoor break for bonding + laughs (great for kids 8+ and teens)
Educational + fun game (great for families):
– Dubrovnik Legends – cultural immersion through stories, local history, and shared “wow” moments.
If you have an extra full day:
– Lopud + Šunj sandy beach (amazing, but it’s an all-day trip — best saved for Day 3+)
Hot-day strategy: Old Town early, beach/boat midday, viewpoint/activities late.
Traveling with kids is easier here when you plan around three things: crowds, heat, and walking/stairs. Here are the local tips that save families (and sanity).
Dubrovnik is compact — when cruise passengers arrive at once, Old Town can feel like a theme park queue. Before you pick your Old Town day, check the Port’s cruise schedule and plan outside-the-walls activities during peak arrival hours.
In recent years, Dubrovnik has introduced crowd-management measures (for example, limiting cruise arrivals and monitoring capacity). Current Port Dubrovnik materials discuss managing numbers around 8,000 cruise passengers/day in an effort to reduce the negative image associated with this type of unsustainable travel.
Rules and targets evolve, so always double-check the port cruise schedule close to your travel date.
With kids, the best Old Town window is early morning (before the day heats up and before tour groups peak). The second-best is late afternoon/evening, when it cools down and the light is gorgeous.
Parking is limited, expensive, and stressful around the Old Town. If you’re staying outside, it’s usually easier to take a bus or taxi/Uber and save your energy for exploring.
Old Town is beautiful, but it’s not stroller-perfect. If you can, use:
– a compact travel stroller with good wheels, or
– a baby carrier (often easiest for steps)
Plan “flat breaks” on Stradun and choose one or two key sights, rather than trying to do everything in one go
Bring refillable bottles — Dubrovnik has fountains and the tap water is safe. Add hats, sunscreen, and “shade breaks” (Lokrum, parks, Lapad promenade).
Old Town stone can get slippery — especially after rain. Comfortable shoes with grip will save you.
If you’ll use cars/taxis, plan ahead. Seat belts and child restraint systems are mandatory in Croatia (with limited exceptions depending on vehicle type and situation).
Safest options for families:
– Pre-book a transfer/taxi that confirms a child seat/booster, or
– Bring a lightweight travel booster for bigger kids, or
– rent a child seat/booster from Strollnroll, or
– Use the bus when it’s practical.
(Do not travel with small children unrestrained — it’s unsafe.)
If you plan to do the Walls + a museum or two (and use buses), the Dubrovnik Pass is often good value. The official pass includes City Walls, museums/galleries, and public transport access depending on duration. Prices and inclusions vary by season, so check the official site before buying.
Check this article for info on the most interesting Dubrovnik pass discounts.
For planning help, also check our guides to Lapad, Dubrovnik Pass, and what to do in Dubrovnik when it rains — they’ll save you time and help you avoid common mistakes
Families visiting Dubrovnik with toddlers should note that the Old Town has many stairs and uneven stone streets, making a baby carrier more practical than a stroller.
Because Dubrovnik is a compact and generally family-friendly city, it’s easy to combine sightseeing with relaxed kid-approved activities.
Here are our local recommendations on family friendly activities & top things to do in Dubrovnik with kids so you can have an unforgettable holiday the whole family will enjoy and talk about.
The entire Old Town is kid-friendly as no cars are allowed on the streets so you can have a stress-free stroll with your little ones. As soon as you walk through the drawbridge into Old town, you will feel like you stepped into a castle.
The place is very scenic and abundant with postcard photo material. Our favourite picture spots are Pile Bay with Lovrijenac fort, Porporela pier next to Old Harbour and the stone bridge on Ploče Gate.
Dubrovnik City Walls are a must-see for anyone visiting the city, and they’re particularly fascinating for kids. The walls date back to the 13th century and are one of the most impressive fortification systems in Europe. Walking along the walls with your children will give them a sense of the city’s history and let them experience it firsthand.
The walk takes around 1.5 hrs (1 hr for adults) and is included in the Dubrovnik pass. You don’t have to do the whole loop if you get tired, as there are multiple entrances to the city walls.
If going on the Dubrovnik city walls with kids, we recommend starting at Ploče gate, not Pile gate, for numerous reasons:
The best time to visit Dubrovnik city walls in the summer is definitely early morning or just before close.
Since there is a lot of walking (and probably sun) involved, make sure to have lots of water (expensive to buy on the city walls) and potentially some snacks for the little ones.
Because ice cream is aways a good idea 😃 Trust us, you will loooove this delicious gelato, that is creamier and yummier than an ice cream. Their location is close to Ploče gate, so you can use this to motivate your kids to push a little hard to finish those city walls.
Short 15 min boat ride away from the Old Town lies a real natural paradise Lokrum, a great day trip destination for families. This beautiful island is a perfect escape from the city heat and crowds since it’s filled with trees and shady pathways, with plenty of room to move around. The boat for Lokrum goes from the Old port and you can check the schedule online.
Your kids will love to see the peacocks and bunnies running freely around. They are used to people, so maybe you can even make some new friends as they are not too shy.
There is plenty to see on Lokrum, so you easily plan to spend half a day here. Besides the botanical gardens and the Monastery, you can visit the real Iron Throne from Game of Thrones that was filmed in Dubrovnik. Our favourite is the exhibition on Lokrum curse and King Richard the Lionheart shipwreck.
Go swimming in the dead sea, snorkelling and exploring the sea life, play in the kids park or just hide in the shades of the forest and enjoy the serenity of this island. Indeed it is a true gem & our favourite thing to do in Dubrovnik with kids!
Although modest, the Aquarium’s cool location in the stone vaults of St. John’s Fortress makes it a nice escape from the crowds and heat of the city. Expect to spend 20-30 minutes observing diverse Adriatic flora and fauna. See lobsters, octopus, seahorses, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, shells, crabs…
While there, you can also visit the Maritime Museum, exhibiting old maps, sailing equipment, ship models from different times…
Every day exactly at 12:00, when the bell strikes, hundreds of pigeons land on Gundulic square (old town market place) & wait for their lunch. Come a bit earlier to see them nesting on the rooftops and eagerly awaiting. The locals bring a bucket of grains and the entire scene is spectacular to see.
There are plenty of cats everywhere, they are friendly and love to be pet. The cats in Old Town are well cared for and healthy enough so you can feel comfortable interacting with them.
Fun fact: Dubrovnik cats are one of the oldest residents of the city as they were introduced in the 14th century when Dubrovnik was a major trading port between Europe and the Ottoman empire. The cats greatly helped fight the plague by killing the rats that spread the disease. That’s the main reason why the cats are well fed and respected!
*Pile park is under construction and not open for visitors yet*
The only children’s playground in the Old Town town is Pile park. Soon to be a leafy oasis just outside the Old Town walls, Pile Park will feature lush planting and dozens of new trees to create cool, shaded pathways. New urban furniture and lighting will replace the old, and at its heart a “City‑in‑miniature” playground will invite kids to explore Dubrovnik’s story in hands‑on style.
*Gradac park is under construction and not open for visitors in 2025*
If you are looking for shade, go to Gradac park, that is a 10 minute stroll from the Old Town. When you walk up the hill, you will have beautiful views of Fort Lovrijenac.
There is a brand new playground planned (currenly under construction) and it is a nice escape from the city hustle and a good place to let your kids roam around free. At the beginning of the park is a small fountain with turtles swimming in it. The forest provides enough shade for a pleasant walk during a hot summer day, while soaking up the view of the Adriatic.
For a breathtaking view of the city, take a cable car ride up to Mount Srd. The ride is quick and takes only a few minutes, but it offers an unforgettable panoramic view of Dubrovnik’s old town and the Adriatic Sea. Your kids will love the cable car ride and the views from the top.
Older kids (10+) might enjoy a more adventurous Dubrovnik activity. Take them to Buggy Safari, on top of Srdj, a thrilling ride where you get to explore ancient fortresses and the countryside.
Zipline on top of Srdj mountain offers breathtaking views together with an andrenaline rush. It is a family-friendly activity suitable even for smaller children, as they get all the necessary gear and safety training.
If you need a break from heat or walking, a 60-minute escape room can be the perfect family reset — especially for kids 8+ and teens.
Puzzle Punks Dubrovnik Escape Room is indoor, story-driven, and family-friendly. Booking ahead is strongly recommended in summer.
Coming from the point of view of a local with two small children, Lapad is definitely our favourite place to go in Dubrovnik with kids.
It is a very nice part of Dubrovnik with children activities your kids will enjoy; they can roam around free on the beautiful promenade by the sea, play arcade games, jump on the trampoline or the inflatable slides. The only sandy beach in the area is in Lapad (Sunset Beach) and it’s an ideal place to experience breathtaking sunsets.
This place is locals favourite for different family activities as parking is easier to find, there is shade and not as many crowds. If you get hungry or thirsty, there are plenty objects offering refreshments and food.
Parents and children really do love this one! This is your opportunity to bond over a shared challenge, to have fun together and create lasting memories.
Playing an escape room in Dubrovnik is also a fun and interactive way to learn about the city’s rich cultural heritage, while also developing important skills in your kids. These skills include problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, communication, teamwork, and time management.
For beginners, we recommend “Dubrovnik legends“, tailor‑made for young detectives: solve simple ciphers, hunt for hidden scrolls, and learn history while you play. Indoor, air‑conditioned, and perfect for hot or rainy afternoons.
If you’re looking for a unique and exciting activity to do in Dubrovnik, be sure to check out the city’s amazing escape rooms!
Dubrovnik’s escape rooms are not your average escape rooms. They are inspired by the city’s rich history, as well as the popular TV series, Game of Thrones. The themes and settings of the escape rooms are unique, creative, and totally immersive, making them a must-do activity for families visiting the city.
An absolute dream for any Game of Thrones fan & must to activity in Dubrovnik
Find out moreA fun and interactive way to learn about the city's rich cultural heritage!
Find out more
Best suited for kids 3-10 years old, expect to find many coin operated kiddie rides from horses, to dinosaurs, helicopters, motors and cars. Whether your kids are into small merry-go rides or into hammering in a whack a mole arcade game, it will surely be hard to leave this place. Expect to spend at least 30 minutes and a good amount of coins here.
If you have older kids they can either test the strength of their kicks in football kicking or sit back and ride in a racing video game.
There is no better way to tire a kid than to involve them in some physical activity. A floating playground of slides, trampolines, and bounce‐houses—perfect for burning off energy.
Visit the one and only sweet bar with bubble waffles and churros in Dubrovnik.
Think bubble waffles met ice cream’s cooler, trendier cousin—and had a delicious baby. Choose from Oreo, Snickers, or Raffaello flavors, watch your fruit and sweets get crushed, swirled into ice‑cold milk on a frozen slab, then rolled into perfect bite‑sized tubes.
It’s equal parts dessert theater and sweet tooth nirvana—don’t miss it on your family lap around Lapad!
Experience the magic of cinema under the stars at the Summer Cinema Lapad. Watch international movies in their original language, usually with Croatian subtitles. Tickets are incredibly affordable at just 2 euros.
All under an hour’s drive from Dubrovnik, these family‑friendly escapes are the perfect way to hit pause on city sights and dive into adventure—because sometimes even little explorers need a change of scenery.
Take a 1 hour boat ride from Gruž port to Lopud island (check the daily departures schedule) . No cars are allowed on the island, so you can truly relax & enjoy the nature. Take a stroll to the other side of the island (or hire a golf cart) in order to discover the best sandy beach in the whole county – Šunj beach.
Kids will love this beautiful sandy beach, because it is very shallow so they will have plenty of space to run and splash around. Take snorkelling gear, rent a kayak or pedal boats, swim and dive or just hide in the shade of parasols or the local bar, while your kids roam around joyously.
This family friendly beach is the locals favourite place to escape Dubrovnik in the summer.
Go to Kojan Koral in Konavle and choose your type of adventure activitiy: whether its horseback riding, ATV quad safari or buggy safari. Younger kids can enjoy meeting different animals living there: the horses, donkey, goats and chicken.
Beat the heat and dive underground—literally. At a refreshing 16 °C, this limestone labyrinth of stalactites and hidden grottoes feels like nature’s very own air‑conditioned playground. Kids will love playing “lost treasure hunters” among dripping rock curtain and echoing chambers.
Adventure park in Konavle, Cadmos Village, is fun for the whole family. Stay in the first treehouse in Croatia and enjoy fresh air on a 7m high open terrace and beautiful views of Konavle valley. Try homemade specialties and local wines in the family restaurant.
Adrenaline lovers will certainly enjoy park features and activities: 4 zip lines, giant swing, slingshot, fields for archery and paintball, sack jumping, pulling the rope, biking… This family activity is near Dubrovnik, around 30 minutes driving north.
Dubrovnik is famous for rocky and pebble beaches (bring or buy water shoes!), but there are still great kid-friendly options.
– Why kids like it: gentle entry compared to many rocky spots, lots of nearby snacks/ice cream
– Parent win: shade nearby, promenade for stroller walks, toilets/cafés close
– Why kids like it: inflatable water park to burn off energy, water activities, lots of room
– Parent win: easy “half-day beach” with facilities nearby
– Why kids like it: “we swam by the walls!” feeling
– Parent win: convenience — but go early/late to avoid crowds
If your kids beg for sand, Šunj is the classic: shallow water + sandy play. It’s a perfect “reset day” away from Old Town. Organize it as a full day trip for maximum pleasure.
These are built for real family pacing: one main sight + one fun break + one easy win each day.
– 08:00–9:30 City Walls (start at Ploče Gate, snack + water) + ice cream afterwards
– 9:30–11:30 Old Town wander + photo spots (keep it playful: “castle hunt”)
– 11:30-12:30 Lunch
– 13:00 – 17:00 escape to shade: boat to Lokrum (animals + nature = kid dopamine)
– 17:30 – Sunset Viewpoint (cable car to Srdj for best sunset view or gentle walk in Gradac park)
– 9:00 – 11:30: Lapad promenade walk + playground/arcade rides + swim break
– 11:30-12:30 Lunch
– 13:00 – 14:30 Escape the heat: play an escape room together
– 14:30–17:30 Cool down: beach time at the inflatable park (Lapad/Copacabana)
– 17:30–Sunset Viewpoint (Sunset Beach, Hotel President or Petka hill) + ice cream
– Evening: family activity (cinema under the stars / easy dinner)
Day 1: Old Town + Walls + Lokrum (as above)
Day 2: Lapad promenade + Beach + Escape Room + Sunset
Day 3: Pick one “big fun day”:
– Lopud + Šunj (best for sand + shallow water), OR
– Kayak trip (best for teens) + Cable car to Srđ + (older kids) zipline/buggy, OR
– Snorkel boat trip (best for escaping the crowds)
Mini swaps by age
– Toddlers: shorten Walls (do a partial section), prioritize Lokrum + Lapad shade
– Kids 6–10: Walls + Lokrum animals + beach + one “thrill” (cable car)
– Teens: sunset on Srđ + adventure add-on + evening activity
From island hopping and beaches to interactive museums and indoor games, Dubrovnik offers a wide range of kids activities that balance sightseeing with playtime.
Rain happens — and Dubrovnik stone gets slippery — so it’s good to have indoor backups.
– Escape room / puzzle activity (great for families, teens can play independently)
– Museums included in Dubrovnik Pass (pick 1–2, not 5)
– Cinema option (check local listings here and here)
– Indoor cafés with dessert breaks (sometimes the best vacation memory is pancakes + hot chocolate)
– Short covered shopping center stroll in Lapad/Gruž area for a low-effort reset
Dubrovnik with teens is especially rewarding thanks to adventure activities like ziplining, sea kayaking, cable car rides, and escape rooms. Older kids also tend to enjoy walking the city walls and exploring nearby islands, making Dubrovnik a great destination for families with teenagers.
Although the Old Town is beautiful and charming place to stay, we wouldn’t recommend it if you are staying in Dubrovnik with kids.
Parking in the Old Town is notoriously difficult to find, even for locals that have special permits and designated parking areas. If you have lots of luggage (which is difficult not to have when traveling with children) you are better off staying in a place that has close by parking, especially if you plan to do grocery shopping and some cooking at home. With kids, it’s hard (and very pricey) to eat every meal out.
The Old Town accommodation is expensive, and usually includes lots of stairs, which can be burdensome to climb after a long day out. It also tends to be very crowded, especially in the summer months. Since the entire place for built hundreds of years ago, the sound proofing isolation is poor and you might hear drunk tourists having the time of their lives in the nearby bars and streets.
The best place to stay in Dubrovnik as a family is Lapad peninsula. It is like a second, more modern city center, where most of the hotels and city beaches are, spaces are wider and parking is much easier to find.
Lapad is a great neighbourhood that is very kid-friendly. There is a long promenade, numerous beaches, bars and restaurants, children’s playground, arcade games and much more.
For more detailed info on Lapad area and why its a great place to visit in Dubrovnik with kids, check out our guide to Lapad.
Yes, Dubrovnik is a great destination for families with kids, especially those aged 5 and older. The city offers beaches, island trips, interactive activities, and safe pedestrian areas. Families should plan around summer heat and stairs in the Old Town, but overall Dubrovnik is very family-friendly.
The best age to visit Dubrovnik with kids is 5 years and up. School-age children and teens enjoy walking the city walls, boat trips, beaches, and adventure activities. Toddlers can still visit, but parents should expect lots of stairs, cobblestone streets, and limited stroller access in the Old Town.
Visiting Dubrovnik with toddlers is possible, but parents should plan for stairs, limited stroller access in the Old Town, and frequent breaks during hot summer days. There are many stairs, narrow streets, and uneven stone surfaces in Old Town. A baby carrier is a better option for sightseeing. Areas like Lapad, beaches, and modern neighborhoods are much easier to navigate with a stroller.
Most families need 3 to 4 days in Dubrovnik with kids. This allows time to explore the Old Town, enjoy beaches or Lokrum Island, and add one relaxed activity or day trip. Staying longer helps avoid rushing, especially when traveling with younger children.
The best things to do in Dubrovnik with kids include exploring the Old Town, visiting Lokrum Island, relaxing on family-friendly beaches, taking a cable car ride, and enjoying interactive indoor activities like an escape room during hot afternoons. A mix of sightseeing and play works best for children of all ages.
Dubrovnik can be very hot in July and August, with temperatures often above 30°C (86°F). Families should sightsee early in the morning, take midday breaks, stay hydrated, and plan beach or indoor activities during peak heat. Visiting in late spring or early fall is more comfortable with kids.
The best area to stay in Dubrovnik with kids is Lapad, as it offers beaches, promenades, playgrounds, restaurants, and easy transport to the Old Town. It is flatter, less crowded, and more relaxed than staying inside the Old Town walls.
Whether you are traveling with toddlers, school-age children, or teens, Dubrovnik offers enough variety to keep the whole family happy.
We hope these ideas of things to do in Dubrovnik with kids will keep all of you happy during your stay, kids and parents alike.
If you try one of these ideas, leave a comment with your kids’ ages and what they loved most — it helps other families plan better
Born and raised in Dubrovnik, but lucky enough to travel and experience different cultures (quite frequently unfortunately for my budget:))). I’m very passionate about travel, and love meeting new people. Being a true Croat means I am super proud and excited about my country, so I would love to show you a different experience and a new side of my hometown.
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5 responses
Thank you for your recommendations.
We are staying in Lapad (April 2024) and wondered if any hotels offered a day pass to use their pools? Thank you
Hello. Not sure if they have something like this, since we never used them. But if any might have, then it should be the Valamar Hotels in Babin Kuk. They also have a playground for kids, but that one is just for their guests ( for example, we, as locals, cannot go there with our kids.. )
…which is discriminatory and most likely against the law, but who are we to fight the big hotel corporation Valamar?
Huge thank you for this guide. We have arrived in our hotel in Babin Kuk today and look forward to exploring x
Hi Heather, glad you found our guide helpful. Hope you had great holidays!