Looking for tips and tricks to find things to do with kids in Split Croatia to make traveling with kids easier and more fun?
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Before you decide to visit Split and its islands with children, find out which period of the year is best for such a decision. I've found this travel blog about visiting Split with kids, very useful!
Things to do with kids in Split - pros and cons
Visiting Split Croatia can be tiring and challenging if you travel with kids for several reasons. Some of them are:
CONS
- Split is a busy and crowded city, especially in the summer season, which can make it hard to navigate with strollers, car seats, or backpacks. You might have to deal with traffic, noise, heat, and long lines for attractions or restaurants. Avoid visiting Split from mid-July to mid-August with kids.
- Split is a historic city with many ancient monuments and buildings, such as Diocletian’s Palace, which can be fascinating for adults but boring or confusing for kids. You might have to balance your interest in culture and history with your kids’ need for fun and entertainment.
- Split is a coastal city with many beaches and water activities, such as swimming, kayaking, or sailing, which can be enjoyable for kids but also risky or exhausting. You might have to watch out for sunburns, dehydration, jellyfish, or sea urchins.
PROS
However, visiting Split Croatia can also be rewarding and memorable if you travel with kids. There are many things to do in Split with Kids that can make your family holiday enjoyable and educational.
5 BEST KIDS ACTIVITIES IN SPLIT CROATIA
Choosing activities when traveling with kids in big cities can be challenging, but also rewarding. Here are some tips that might help you:
N° 1 WALKING TOUR
Limit tours to two to three hours and take a maximum of one guided tour per day. Kids might get bored or tired if the tours are too long or too frequent.
Split has kid-friendly attractions and activities. Choose things to do with kids to make traveling more accessible and more fun. Walking tours can be an interesting choice.
Visiting Split Diocletian Palace city center is one of the must-do kids' activities to explore this 1700-year-old town. Riva Promenade is the best place to start. Kids will be delighted to play on this free-of-traffic promenade, which you can not miss.
No doubt your day will start and probably end up on Riva, a large, spacious promenade in the city center, in front of the everlasting palace, filled with cafes, trees, palms, benches, flowers, and flowers, and people of all ages, locals and tourists.
N° 2 - Explore Diocletian’s Palace
Overlooking the Split harbor, the 1700 years old palace is one of the most important architectural heritage of the Roman Empire, where you will spend most of your time in Split.
Visiting Split Diocletian Palace city center is one of the must-do kid's activities to explore this 1700-year-old town. If the kids are not too small, take them to the top of the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and its bell tower.
The Palace Basement: This is a series of underground chambers that were used for storage and service rooms. They are remarkably preserved and give an idea of how the palace looked like in its original state. You can also see some props and costumes from Game of Thrones, as this was a filming location for the show.
The cathedral is open every day from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm and the admission fee is about 6 euros per person. Today you can climb the steps to the top of the bell tower, where a spectacular view of the entire Split awaits you.
The Vestibule is a large circular room with a domed ceiling and a hole in the center. It was once the entrance to Diocletian’s private quarters. You can see some colorful frescoes and listen to local singers performing traditional songs.
Kids can play on Peristyle Square, exploring sphinxes, while the parents can control them while having a coffee at a nearby bar. Take them to the statue of Grgur Ninski and rub his thumb and make a wish.
N° 3. ENJOY THE SPLIT BEACHES
Visiting Diocletian's Palace with children (especially those under the age of 5) can be very tiring and demanding. In that case, it would be best to visit one of the nearby beaches if you are in the swimming season.
One of the most popular and closest beaches to the city center is Bacvice Beach, which is a sandy beach with shallow waters and a Blue Flag award for cleanliness and safety.
It also has a leisure park with slides, a trampoline, and a rubber castle for kids.
Another beach that is suitable for kids is Kasjuni Beach, which is located at the foot of Marjan Hill. It has small pebbles, calm water, and a pine forest for shade. It is also less crowded than Bacvice Beach and has some cafes and restaurants nearby.
You can also check out Znjan Beach, which is a long pebble beach with many facilities and activities for kids, such as playgrounds, water slides, bouncy castles, and pedal boats. It also has a promenade with bars, ice cream shops, and fast-food stalls.
N° 4 Split’s Magic City
If you visiting with kids in Split Croatia, when it's not swimming time, visit Magic City (Carobni Grad). The kids will love it.
The Magic City is a huge indoor playground with various rooms decorated according to different themes, such as a pirate attack, soccer place, doll house, kitchen area, and more.
Your kids can have fun with slides, trampolines, ball pits, climbing walls, and more. While your kids are playing, you can relax in the cafe and lounge area, where you can order drinks, snacks, and cakes
You can check the program at the entrance on a blackboard or their website. The Magic City is an excellent place if you are looking for things to do with kids in Split, especially when the weather is not great or you need a break from sightseeing.
It’s open every day from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and the entrance fee is 5 Euros per hour for kids and free for adults. Here you can check how to get there!
N°5 THE BEST GELATO IN SPLIT
The first thing you should offer your children, regardless of their age, must be ice cream.
While exploring the streets of Split, you’ll see many local places selling their gelato, so don’t miss the chance to try them.
Gelato stands are everywhere in Split and it can be tough to choose one when you’re craving something sweet and cold in the summer heat. So here’s a guide to the best gelato in Split.
Activities and things to do with kids in split croatia
There are many kids' activities in Split and Dalmatian islands that will make your family holidays memorable.
Depending on your child's (children's) age it’s important to make your Split or Dalmatian Islands holiday activities as much as possible amusing, simple, and learning that will keep the little ones busy and animated.
CYCLING
One of the most popular things to do with kids in Split is cycling activities. For small kids, you can ask for additional children's seats or rent an electric bike so you won’t be tired at the end of the ride.
See Split’s main highlights in just a few hours on this small-group bike tour of the city. Meet your guide in the heart of town, and pick up your bicycle and helmet.
Eco City Tour Split
If you are traveling with small children, avoiding the hustle and bustle of a city like Spli, one of the things to do with kids is to hire a Tuk-Tuk eco-tour.
Explore Split from aboard an eco-friendly, electric autorickshaw, or tuk-tuk, with your private tour guide. Your driver will pick you up and take you around town, stopping at the famous Bacvice Beach along with Diocletian's Palace and the massive Grgur Ninski Statue.
MARJAN HILL PARK
One of the things to do with kids, you shouldn't miss, is Marjan Hill a green city lung, an inevitable place for kids' activities.
The park offers promenades, vista views, nature paths, playgrounds, bird and rare plant watching, and the Split Zoo. The best way to get to Marjan from the city climbing the stairs to Vidilica is from the Varos neighborhood, west of Riva promenade.
If you are traveling with older children (over 10 years of age), I suggest booking Now and paying later for a three hours walking tour with a professional local English-speaking guide, for only 25 Euros.
Split Private Rickshaw Tour
Planning things to do with kids in Split to see more of Split in less time, and travel in comfort than a rickshaw tour ( 4 hours) for 40 Euros, is the best choice.
If you select the more extensive full-city tour, you can also stop for a drink and a swim at one of the city's most beautiful beaches.
The rickshaw capacity is two persons and one child (up to ten years)
The recommended tour is Riva, Ferry port, Green Market, Diocletian’s Palace, HNK(Croatian National Theatre), Stari Plac, Hill Marjan (Northside), Hill Marjan (South side), Zvončac, West Coast.
KLIS FORTRESS
When deciding what kind of kids' activities will be best for children and the whole family, visiting the nearby famous Klis fortress is exciting. Find more about fortress history!
This medieval fortress overlooks Split and was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones. You can learn about the region's history and culture and see amazing views.
A beautiful blog article titled “top things to Do with Kids in Split” is about a family visiting Split Croatia, where you will find more information about Klis Fortress.
There are two bus lines from Split to Klis, bus numbers 35 and 22. By taxi, it will take 20 minutes ( 25 Euros), and by private car, it will take you 18 minutes.
The fourth way (recommended) is to book a guided tour from Split. There are two tours:
- Visit Klis Fortress & Olive Museum Klis – Self-guided visit to Klis Fortress: explore at your own pace with admission tickets to both attractions included. (1 to 3 hours (approx.)
- Game of Thrones Walking Tour in Split (tickets included) – Klis Fortress where Daenerys Targaryen launched an attack on the mountaintop city of Meereen (3 hours).
Krka National Park
Is it worth visiting Krka National Park with kinds when visiting Split Croatia? Visiting Krka National Park with kids when visiting Split Croatia can be a wonderful experience, depending on your preferences and expectations.
Krka National Park is a beautiful natural area with lush green vegetation and stunning waterfalls. It is about 1.5 hour's drive away from Split and you can get there by car, bus, or organized tour.
Some of the reasons why it might be worth adding Krka National Park among things to do with kids:
You can see and swim in the famous Skradinski Buk Falls, which are the largest and most impressive waterfalls in the park. They tumble into a vast emerald pool that is perfect for cooling off on a hot day. Swimming in the waterfalls is a unique and memorable experience that kids will love.
You can explore the trails and viewpoints around the park and admire the scenery and wildlife. You can also visit some cultural and historical attractions, such as the old mills, the ethno village, the monastery and the museum.
You can enjoy a boat ride along the Krka River and see some other parts of the park that are less crowded and more peaceful. You can also visit some other waterfalls, such as Roski Slap and Visovac Island.
Some of the reasons why it might not be worth visiting Krka National Park with kids are:
The park can get very crowded and busy during peak season, especially at Skradinski Buk Falls. You might have to wait in long lines to get tickets, board the ferry or enter the swimming area. You might also have to share the water with hundreds of other people, which can be less enjoyable and relaxing.
The park has limited facilities and amenities for families with kids. There are not many places to eat or drink, except for some snack bars and vending machines. There are also not many toilets or changing rooms, which can be inconvenient if you want to swim or change clothes. It can be deciding when you plan things to do with kids.
Sometimes some restrictions can decide parents not to plan all things to do with kids in Split. For example, you cannot bring any food or drinks into the park, except for water. You also cannot use any sunscreen or insect repellent before swimming in the waterfalls, as they can harm the environment. You also need to wear appropriate footwear and clothing for walking on slippery rocks and paths.
Whether it is worth putting Krka National Park on the list of things to do with kids depends on your personal preferences and expectations.
If you love nature and waterfalls and don’t mind crowds and rules, you will probably have a great time. If you prefer more comfort and convenience and less hassle and noise, you might want to skip it or visit it off-season.
Where to Stay in Split with Kids
If you have already decided what things to do with kids in Split, it will be very important to decide where to stay.
Old Town Split is the best place to stay in Split with kids. In Old Town Split, you’ll find the best restaurants, shopping and the majority of the things to do with kids in Split for are there.
I remind you that accommodation in Split Old Town has become very expensive. If you visit Split Croatia with children, you might want to stay in a family-friendly accommodation that offers comfort, convenience, and amenities for you and your children.
Here are some possible options for where to stay in Split Croatia with kids:
Split apartments are the best and the cheapest option for a family with kids. Chose to stay at a Split vacation home rental to enjoy the family-friendly amenities like separate bedrooms, a kitchen and laundry facilities. Opt on location just outside of Old Town Split as they are more affordable.
It is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Split Old Town, within walking distance of Diocletian’s Palace and other attractions. Some rooms have balconies or terraces with city views. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a terrace, and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel is suitable for couples and families with older kids who appreciate history and culture.
Radisson Blu, a 4-star hotel near the beach and the city center, offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the islands. Some rooms have balconies or terraces with sea views. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a kids’ club. The hotel is suitable for families with younger kids who enjoy beach activities and relaxation.
Slavija, a 3-star hotel located within Diocletian’s Palace, offers a unique experience of staying in a historic building. The hotel offers cozy and simple rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and refrigerators. Some rooms have city views. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel is suitable for budget travelers who want to be close to the main attractions
Hotel Park Split, a 5-star hotel near Bacvice Beach and the city center, offers luxury and elegance. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a playground. The hotel is suitable for beach lovers who want to indulge in comfort and style.