10 Things to Do in Dubrovnik with Kids

Dubrovnik is one of the most popular destinations in Croatia and also one of the favourite places for family visits, so it offers many attractions for the little ones. Here are some of the best places to visit with children.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

10 min read

10 Things to Do in Dubrovnik with Kids

Park Gradac Waterfront Church |©Liz Lawley

If you're planning to visit Dubrovnik with your family and children, you'll be pleased to know that the city offers a wealth of options for children to enjoy with the little ones. From aquariums and themed excursions to magical city walls and gates that are part of the everyday landscape of this destination, visitors are often amazed.

Some of the best things to do in Dubrovnik with kids include taking a boat ride on a replica of a ship from the Middle Ages, snorkelling in the waters of the Adriatic Sea, taking the city's scenic cable car to Mount Srd and swimming off the beautiful shores of Banje Beach.

1. Take an excursion with a boat ride on a replica of the 16th century

Dubrovnik Harbour|©Manuel Ribeiro
Dubrovnik Harbour|©Manuel Ribeiro

If you want a different experience that will also fascinate children, you can take a boat trip on a 16th century replica that will immerse you in the history and maritime culture of the region. These historical replicas offer the opportunity to sail aboard ancient vessels and relive the golden age of sailing.

On board the boat, children will be delighted to see the authenticity of the replica and explore the different corners of the boat. They can learn about the sailing techniques of yesteryear, see how the sail was operated and take part in interactive activities that will teach them about life at sea.

During the boat ride they can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the coast and the Adriatic Sea. The little ones will be struck by the surroundings, the colours of the water and the fortresses on the coast as they sail like real sailors on one of the best boat trips in Dubrovnik.

In addition to the historical experience, some boat trips also offer on-board entertainment such as traditional music and storytelling that will make the experience even more captivating for children. In addition, they can enjoy refreshments and typical snacks while enjoying the scenery and the sea breeze.

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2. Take a Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik

Stradun|©Valerio_D
Stradun|©Valerio_D

Taking a Game of Thrones tour with kids in Dubrovnik can be an exciting and adventurous experience. The city of Dubrovnik is known for being one of the main settings of the popular TV series, so Game of Thrones fans and little explorers will enjoy discovering the iconic locations.

During the tour, children can visit places such as the Lovrijenac Fortress, which served as the famous Red Fortress in the series. There they can imagine the epic battles and political intrigues that took place in the fictional world of Westeros and that will be recreated in the best Game of Thrones excursions in Dubrovnik.

Another must-see is Dubrovnik's main street, the Stradun, which became the main artery of King's Landing. The little ones will be able to walk through these historic streets and recognise the locations where exciting scenes from the series took place.

Also, in the city you can find series themed tours specially designed for children, with guides who will tell them fun anecdotes and teach them interesting details about the filming and production of the series. They will also be able to recreate famous scenes and feel like real Game of Thrones characters.

Book a Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik

3. Take a walk along the city walls

City Walls|©Hector Galarza
City Walls|©Hector Galarza

Taking a walk along the Dubrovnik city walls with children is a unique experience that will allow them to discover the history and beauty of this ancient fortified city. Dubrovnik' s world-famous city walls offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea and do not go unnoticed by children, attracting their attention.

During the walk, children will be fascinated by the towers, bastions and imposing walls surrounding the city. They will be able to imagine what life was like in ancient Dubrovnik as they walk through these history-filled passages. You can also stop at strategic observation points to admire the views, the terracotta roofs of the historic buildings and the majesty of the city from above.

It is important to remember that the walls have steps and narrow sections, so caution and supervision of children is necessary at all times. However, the walk is accessible to most ages and offers the opportunity to explore the city from a unique perspective.

During the walk, you can also find refreshment and ice cream stands for the children to enjoy a break and recharge their batteries, especially if you plan to visit Dubrovnik in June or during the summer months when the heat can be pressing.

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4. Visit the Dubrovnik Aquarium

Dubrovnik - Aquarium|©aarcticles
Dubrovnik - Aquarium|©aarcticles

Visiting the Dubrovnik Aquarium with children is an exciting experience that will allow them to immerse themselves in the fascinating marine world. This aquarium, located in the city centre, houses a wide variety of marine species and offers the opportunity to learn and explore in a fun way.

Upon entering the aquarium, children will marvel at the colourful tropical fish, sea sponges and exotic creatures swimming in the tanks. They will be able to observe sharks, rays, sea turtles and many other ocean inhabitants up close, while learning about their habitats and behaviours, making it not only a great option to visit with children but also one of the best activities in Dubrovnik.

One of the most popular attractions for the little ones is the underwater tunnel, where they can walk through a glassed-in passage surrounded by water and admire the marine life swimming around them. This perspective will immerse children in a magical world under the sea and provide them with a unique experience, which is often recommended by expert guides on the best Dubrovnik excursions.

In addition to observing the tanks and exhibits, the Dubrovnik Aquarium also offers educational activities and interactive entertainment. Children can participate in educational workshops, informative talks and feed the fish under the supervision of marine life experts.

Join some of the best activities in Dubrovnik

5. Enjoy a kayak tour with the family

Kayaking on the shore|©Katie
Kayaking on the shore|©Katie

Enjoying a family kayaking trip in Dubrovnik is an interesting and intense way to explore the natural beauty of the Adriatic coast. With crystal clear waters and breathtaking scenery, this activity will give you the opportunity to enjoy the sea in an entertaining and safe environment.

During these excursions children will have fun paddling through the calm waters and discovering the hidden wonders of Dubrovnik's coastline. They can explore caves, hidden coves and remote beaches that are only accessible by kayak. You can also learn about the history and geography of the region.

Some of these tours also offer stops with snorkelling experiences to discover the local wildlife, although the availability of these options will depend on the weather, but they will certainly be available if you plan to visit Dubrovnik in September or during the summer months.

Join a kayak tour in Dubrovnik

6. Search for the magical gates of the Buza Bar

Buza Beach Bar|©Aleksei Kavasin
Buza Beach Bar|©Aleksei Kavasin

Searching for the magic doors of the Buza Bar in Dubrovnik can be an exciting adventure to enjoy with children and family. The Buza Bar is famous for its unique locations on the city walls, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.

This visit, which is usually proposed as a game, aims to find the two secret doors leading to the Buza Bar, which are the popular terraces on the cliffs of Dubrovnik. These doors are camouflaged in the city walls and require a bit of exploration and discovery. Children can have fun searching for the hidden doors and discover the way to this special place.

Once they find the magic doors, they can enter the Buza Bar, a charming place with a relaxed atmosphere and panoramic views. Children can enjoy refreshing drinks or ice cream while marvelling at the waterfront scenery, as it is a perfect place to relax and admire the beauty of Dubrovnik.

In addition to the fun of searching for the magic doors, the Buza Bar offers the opportunity to enjoy Dubrovnik's seaside environment. The little ones can explore the surroundings, swim in the crystal clear waters or even jump off the cliffs in designated areas. It's an exciting and safe experience to immerse yourself in the city as a family.

7. Have a snorkelling experience

Snorkelling person|© Miltiadis Fragkidis
Snorkelling person|© Miltiadis Fragkidis

For one of the top experiences the city has to offer, you can opt for a snorkelling experience off the Adriatic coast, allowing children to marvel at the beauty of the seabed. With its crystal clear waters and rich aquatic life, Dubrovnik is an ideal destination to dive into the underwater world and explore the reefs and their creatures.

During the snorkelling experience, children will be able to admire the diversity of colours and shapes of the corals and fish that inhabit these waters. There are numerous bays and coves along the coast that offer ideal conditions for family snorkelling and are very safe, and you can also choose to do it on an excursion from Dubrovnik.

In addition, to ensure the wellbeing of participants, most excursions offer proper snorkelling equipment and specialised guides who offer family-friendly snorkelling experiences, providing educational and safety information at all times.

A snorkelling experience in Dubrovnik will provide children with an unforgettable adventure that little explorers will remember for a long time and will strengthen the family bond through exploration and fun in the crystal clear waters of Dubrovnik.

Book an excursion from Dubrovnik

8. Take the cable car to Mount Srd

Dubrovnik cable car|©Susan Harbach
Dubrovnik cable car|©Susan Harbach

Taking the cable car to Mount Srd with children is an exciting adventure that will give them a spectacular panoramic view of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic coast. The cable car is a comfortable and safe way to ascend to the top of this mountain, offering children a unique and exciting experience, which will also be fun for them because of the eye-catching nature of this transport.

As the cable car rises above the city, the little ones, but also all visitors, will be amazed to see Dubrovnik getting smaller and smaller as they gain height. The panoramic view from the top of Mount Srd is quite striking, with the old town, the city walls and the Adriatic Sea providing an unbeatable backdrop.

Once at the top, children can explore the Srd fortress, which offers a fascinating insight into the military history of the region. They can also enjoy the observation areas, take pictures and learn about the strategic importance of this mountain over the centuries. From this location you can also take some of the best photographs of your trip.

At the top of Mount Srd you'll find a café and restaurant, so the little ones can enjoy a snack while taking in the panoramic views of one of the Adriatic's most beautiful cities. There are also hiking trails to explore, giving you the opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

9. Enjoy a swim at the beaches of Banje Beach.

Plage Banje, Dubrovnik|©Junichi
Plage Banje, Dubrovnik|©Junichi

Enjoying a swim at the beaches of Banje Beach is an excellent option for visiting with children, as it offers calm waters and a low tide. Located on the south coast of Dubrovnik, this beach is known for its soft sand and crystal clear waters, creating a safe and pleasant environment for children to enjoy the sea.

The calm waters of Banje Beach are ideal for children to swim and play without worry. The low tide allows the waves to be gentle, providing a safer and more enjoyable experience for little swimmers. In addition, the clarity of the water allows for excellent visibility, adding even more fun to your beach experience.

After enjoying the beach swim, Banje Beach offers a wide range of activities for the whole family. Kids can build sandcastles, play ball or just explore the shore, making it one of the must-visit places in town, even if you're planning a short stay. If that's the case, here's a list of things to do so you can get to know Dubrovnik in 3 days.

Banje Beach has facilities such as deck chairs and umbrellas available for rent, as well as nearby restaurants and cafes to enjoy a meal or a snack. Lifeguard services are also present to ensure the safety of swimmers.

10. Take a break at Gradac Park

Gradac Park|©Liz Lawley
Gradac Park|©Liz Lawley

If you want to take a break between excursions, walk along nature trails or simply relax during your tour in a child-friendly environment, you can take a break at Gradac Park, which is an oasis of calm located close to the old town, and offers a wide range of activities and spaces designed especially to entertain the little ones.

Gradac Park has playgrounds equipped with swings, slides and climbing structures, where children can release their energy and have fun in a safe environment.

In addition to the playground, the park has large green areas where children can run around, play football or enjoy a family picnic. The natural surroundings of the park offer a peaceful and pleasant environment, ideal for children to explore and connect with nature.

Gradac Park also offers a breathtaking view of the sea and the nearby islands, which adds a touch of beauty to the experience. Children can enjoy a stroll along the park's trails while appreciating the scenery and discovering new nooks and crannies.