Planning a Bali Family Holiday? 10 Tips to Make It Easy with Kids

Let’s be honest, holidays with kids don’t always feel like holidays. Between packing, entertaining, feeding, and calming the chaos, you can end up more exhausted than before you left.But what if we told you that a family trip to Bali could be different? A Bali Villa Holiday with kids makes life so easy, plus we provide all the toys and baby equipment so you can pack light!At Bali Family Villas, we don’t just book you a place to stay—we help create the kind of holiday that feels like a break, even with little ones in tow. With the right support, travelling with kids becomes smoother and genuinely enjoyable.Here are our top 10 tried-and-tested tips to make your Bali family holiday easier. 

1. Start With the Right Villa Setup

When you stay in a private villa that’s designed with families in mind, everything gets easier. We handpick every property for its family-friendliness. Some offer in-house chefs, bunk-bed rooms, pool fences, and family rooms.. We provide baby monitors, stairgates, cots, highchairs, car seats, and toys. You can even pre-arrange a grocery shop, so snacks and milk are waiting when you arrive.Need extra baby gear or an extra bed? Just let us know, we provide complimentary cots, high chairs, pool floats, travel strollers, baby baths, bottle sterilisers, and more.Here just some of our family-friendly villas:Canggu: Villa Waha, Villa Myki, Villa Canggu HouseSeminyak:  Villa Namu, Villa JosulomaUbud: Villa San, Villa LumiaLooking for more family-ready villas in other Bali locations? Browse all our villas here and find the perfect fit, wherever your adventure takes you.  

2. Let Our Bali Family Concierge Be Your Holiday Lifeline

Our Bali Concierge Service for Families is what sets us apart. We go far beyond online bookings. We know Bali inside out and we’ve spent years building a trusted list of partners, from nannies to drivers to kids party planners.Need a pool fence, car seat, home-visit doctor, birthday cake, or a toy basket for your villa? Done.Want a driver for a day trip, a kids’ party with balloons and Balinese dancers, or in-villa sound healing while the baby naps? We’ll take care of it.You just let us know what your family needs—and we’ll make it happen. 

3. Bring These Essentials from Home

Bali is well-stocked when it comes to basics—You’ll find baby wipes, fresh produce, and even familiar snack brands. But…Many items are still best brought from home:

• Nappies & Swim Nappies – Nappies can be purchased easily but we recommend bringing a supply of quality Huggies or similar for night time use as they are more absorbent than the locally available product. Swim Nappies can be hard to find in Bali.
• High-SPF Sunscreen – quite expensive here and might not have a high level of protection.
• The right medical supplies – Bali has great pharmacies, but brands, dosages, and instructions are often different, and not always in English. 
• Your child’s favourite snacks – to help with that first early morning post-arrival. Rusks, corn cakes, muesli bars, fruit bars and sugar free toddler snacks are not easy to locate.

And yes, you can absolutely bring packaged food in your check-in luggage—those 5AM wakeups are much easier with snacks ready to go. 

4. How to Deal with Laundry

 Packing for a family trip is hard. How many clothes is too much? Too little? What if they go through three outfits a day? We hear you. Laundry is one of those things no one wants to deal with on holiday—but in Bali, it’s surprisingly easy.Here’s why you don’t need to stress:

• Many of our villas offer local laundry services, the staff can arrange for wash, dry and fold for you at a minimal charge.
• Local laundries are fast, affordable, and reliable, and your villa team can take care of the whole process for you.
• Pack lighter and smarter—just bring a soft laundry bag or zip pouch for used clothes.

You’ll love going home with a suitcase of clean clothes—and one less thing to think about. All bed linen, bath and pool towels are provided for you of course! 

5. Double Up on Swim Gear

In Bali, kids will live in their swimmers—and you’ll want a dry pair on hand always. What no one tells you this: Between pool time, beach trips, and even more pool time, the first pair is always wet, and nothing dries quickly in Bali humidity.Pro packing tip:

• Bring at least two sets of swimwear per child
• Throw in an extra rashie, sunhat, and compact microfiber towel
• Pack a few ziplock bags or wet/dry pouches for outings

It’s easier than convincing a toddler to put on a cold, soggy swimsuit. And if you’re ever caught short, just ask let us know! We know all the best local kids shops and can point you to the cutest and most practical beachwear on the island.

6. Don’t Overplan the Week

You might be tempted to squeeze in every waterfall, rice terrace and market, especially if it’s your first Bali trip. But families run best with rhythm and breathing room. Trust us, one major outing per day is more than enough. The rest? Pool time, naps, and leisurely meals.We can help tailor your itinerary with a mix of suggested activities, downtime, and memorable local experiences based on your family’s pace. You can check out our detailed family guide for activities based on your area of stay here. 

7. Airport Arrival Sorted (With Car Seats)

Our team will collect you at the airport with age appropriate car seats ready! After a long flight having an airconditioned car ready for you with water and tissues is a god send!  

8. Prep for Early Wakeups Like a Pro

Jet lag and early sunrises mean most kids are up at the crack of dawn—often by 5AM in the first few days. Here’s what most parents don’t realise until it’s too late: Bali mornings are quiet many cafes don’t open until 8 or 9AM, and nothing feels longer than two hours with hangry toddlers and nowhere to go. Our concierge team will let you know where the closest early bird cafe is within walking distance! We know all the 6 and 7 am openings! Here’s how to prep like a pro:

• Pre-arrange a villa breakfast or snack basket for your first morning.
• Pack or buy dry cereal, UHT milk, fruit bars, or mini pancakes ahead of time.
• Ask our concierge for early breakfast delivery options or a stocked fridge upon arrival.

A few small tweaks can turn chaotic mornings into peaceful starts. 

9. Bottled Water Only

Bottled drinking water will be provided at your villa, and it’s the only water you should use for drinking, brushing teeth, or cleaning bottles. Large Gallons are ready for your arrival with supply in the bathrooms also.Tap water in Bali isn’t safe to consume, but don’t worry, you’ll find bottled water everywhere, including in minimarts and local convenience stores.If you’re travelling with babies or toddlers, let us know in advance and we’ll ensure you have what you need for sterilising bottles. Many of our villas come equipped with bottle sterilisers, and we can also provide pots for boiling water.

10. Mosquito Safety

Our villas are regularly fogged to reduce mosquito presence, but dengue mosquitoes can still be active during daylight hours. We recommend using child-friendly repellent (especially in the morning) and dressing little ones in light coloured clothing and long sleeves at night. Keeping doors closed with air-conditioning on during the evenings is also a good idea.Worried? Just ask us, we’ll help you source the right products and share our local know-how.

 

Ready to Feel Like You’re on Holiday—Even with the Kids?

The biggest compliment we get from families is: “That was the first real holiday we’ve had in years.” Because when the logistics are handled, the space is right, and the kids are happy—you can finally exhale. With the right support, Bali isn’t just doable with kids—it’s relaxing. We’ve helped hundreds of families plan their best trips yet, and we’re here to help you too.

• Explore our family-ready villas and let us handle the rest—from cots to cocktails.
• Need a deeper dive? Check out our Bali Family Guide here for practical tips, packing advice, and all the local insight you won’t find in a travel brochure.

Because you deserve a holiday that feels like one.