Croatia with kids – Are Croatia family holidays a good idea in 2025?

One of the most popular destinations for a family holiday in Croatia is the Istrian Peninsula, where you can explore charming old towns, go cycling or hiking in the hills, and spend some time on the beach.

The biggest advantage of Istria is its geographical location – as the northwestern part of Croatia, Istria is closer to Western and Central Europe, making it more suitable for weekend travellers from Italy, Germany, and even the UK. For the same reason, the tourist season in Istria starts a little earlier than in Dalmatia (the southern part of Croatia), so it may be more suitable for families who need to adjust their vacation schedule to the school holidays.

Then again, Dalmatia, especially the islands, has so much to offer to a family thirsty for sun, sea, and culture. Take Hvar, for example – it boasts the highest number of UNESCO-protected heritage elements of any island in the world. On top of those six UNESCO listings, Hvar has 936 more monuments. Wherever you look, there’s a piece of nature, history, or both.

And of course, the island will pamper your family with beaches and safety. There are no dangerous animals in the Adriatic Sea, and Croatian streets are extremely safe, even at night – especially in smaller towns.

No one wants to worry about bumps in the night or getting home safely from an evening meal. When it comes to safety and peace of mind, Croatia is hard to beat. It is the safest destination in Europe. It’s so safe that the World of Statistics has ranked Croatia at the top of a survey of 41 European countries for personal safety at night in 2024 and 2025.

According to the U.S. Department of State, it’s two spots ahead of Norway and 117 spots ahead of the United States in terms of overall safety and peace.

Those who are familiar with the region’s history are aware that Croatia suffered a brutal war with Serbia in the 1990s. Because of this, some people still associate the region with instability and violence. However, that war ended in 1995, three decades ago.

Since then, a lot of change has happened, and Croatia now enjoys one of the lowest rates of violent crime in Europe. According to Eurostat in 2025, Croatia is the country where you’re least likely to experience violence, vandalism, or witness neighbourhood crime. Even in parts of Croatia that are at risk of poverty don’t see any increased crime rates. In Greece, in 2023, 23.7% of people reported crime, violence, or vandalism. In Croatia, in the same period, only 1.5%.

Gun ownership in Croatia is both culturally and legally discouraged, and levels of mutual trust are high. This is especially so in smaller towns, where many people still leave their doors unlocked.

In the off-season, it is quite common to see cars parked with the key in the ignition so that someone else can move the vehicle if they need to get in and out of a tight parking space or street. However, we do not suggest that visitors try this strategy.

It only goes to show how relatively safe Croatia is!

The biggest potential drawback of visiting Croatia is traffic.

In cities like Dubrovnik, roads can be very narrow and rough.

Local drivers can be careless, and rental drivers might be clueless. Both can increase the chances of accidents.

Things are improving because the fatality numbers have decreased in line with the EU average over the past decade or so. There is still room for improvement, though. According to the latest data from the European Commission, Croatia is fourth out of the 27 EU countries in terms of the highest numbers of fatalities per million inhabitants. In 2021, Croatia recorded 72 road deaths per million inhabitants while the average in the EU was 45.

However, if you follow the traffic rules whilst driving in Croatia, you shouldn’t have any unpleasant experiences.

We know it goes without saying, but drive carefully while your children are in the car.

Scooters and quad bikes are quite common in Croatia, and, as in other countries, this form of transportation remains poorly regulated. So, it can be quite dangerous both for riders and bystanders. It’s very important to look out for careless riders and only cross the street when the road is absolutely free, and emphasise to your kids to always pay attention.

Bottom line: Croatia is a safe and peaceful place and one of the best destinations for a vacation with your kids.

This should go without saying, but learning about the food is a key piece of the happy-kid puzzle.

An unfamiliar cuisine can put picky eaters into overdrive, turning relaxing family dinners into a masterclass in patience and negotiation. Fortunately, Croatian culinary traditions tend to offer a lot of “safe” options for kids.

Croatian dishes are influenced by Mediterranean, Eastern European, and Balkan flavours.

This results in a range of cooking methods that lead to some amazing cuisine.

Typically, this cuisine includes simple but flavorsome seasonings, which makes it popular with children.

Most menus in Croatia include pizza, burgers, chicken nuggets, pasta, and grilled meats, which are always safe bets for kids.

Some popular Croatian dishes include:

1. Ćevapi: Grilled minced meat rolled into small bits, served with pita bread and onion. These are popular with kids because they look fun and new.

2. Peka: Slow-cooked meat and vegetables prepared under a bell-shaped lid.

3. Pljeskavica: Minced meat, shaped into a patty and grilled – sometimes filled with cheese.

4. Burek: Pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. The name and the filling are a conversation starter in the region. Ask about it; kids love stories.

5. Kulen: Dried spicy sausage made with pork and paprika. Enjoy it thinly sliced as an appetizer or in a sandwich.

6. Strudel: Sweet pastry filled with fruits.

7. Fritule: Small, fried doughnuts dusted with powdered sugar.

8. Black risotto: A flavourful dish made with cuttlefish ink, rice, and cuttlefish. Probably more of an adult choice than kids’.

9. Zagrebački odrezak: Fried breaded veal cutlet filled with ham and cheese.

10. Octopus salad: Boiled octopus, potatoes, onions, parsley, and olive oil mixed into a refreshing salad.

Coastal Croatia is most famous for its seafood, which is often caught fresh from the Adriatic Sea.

Dishes like grilled fish, calamari, and mussels are popular in coastal towns and cities like Zadar and Split. However, it’s important to take note that fish is usually served whole.

Croatian chefs are friendly and responsive to requests, especially with kids. So, you might ask them to remove the fish head in the kitchen (if your kid is the nothing-with-eyes type).

It’s common sense, but be vigilant for small bones, and do not serve whole fish to young children to avoid accidents.

Little travel buddies can add up to big expenses.

They want to experience everything! Fortunately, Croatia tends to be wallet-friendly for families, thanks to the relatively low cost of living and many cheap or free kid-friendly activities. However, if you solely eat out at Croatian restaurants during your stay, the expenses will add up.

One of the best ways to control your spending during your holidays is to cook some meals in your apartment or villa. That’s an opportunity to connect with local ingredients, maybe learn something new, and leave more of your budget to invest into travel experiences, which usually come with a discount for smaller children.

Prices in Croatia have increased since the euro became the official currency in 2023. Now, Croatian prices are similar to many EU countries, such as France, Belgium, and Italy. Therefore, if budget is a concern, it pays to be smart and stay away from the destinations that become most popular in peak season. Learn more about Croatia's two most-overtouristed destinations and where to go instead.

You can also find a fantastic Croatia travel budget breakdown from Never Ending Footsteps, which details how much you can expect to pay for a Croatian holiday in 2025.

You can also save a lot by renting a villa while you’re in Croatia. In fact, the larger your group, the more money you can save.

Hotels can be pricey and tend to come with several restrictions, but with a villa, you and your family can experience true freedom. Not only is the value per square metre far better than a hotel, but you also have access to your own kitchen, storage, and laundry, which means you can travel much lighter when you explore the city.

You’ll have a kitchen space to yourselves, which means you get to prepare the meals that you and your family prefer at grocery-store prices and not rely on hotel or restaurant dishes, which can be expensive.

And, as villas often come with appliances like washing machines, you can save on the extra cost of laundry services.

Beyond that, your little ones would certainly love the experience of having an entire space all to themselves. They can play on your private pool terrace and maybe make new friends with other visiting families if you are staying in a village or town.

Renting a villa in a city like Dubrovnik, for example, is a sure way for you and your kids to enjoy an authentic local experience and see how Croatian families live.

We believe that the best strategy for reducing both cost and stress on a family vacation is to choose a home base and limit additional travel to day trips. As tempting as it is to hit all the “must-see” spots, memories of those whirlwind tours can fade fast, and much time is lost in transit and orientation.

In fact, trying to visit too many places is one of the five most common mistakes that ruin a Croatian holiday. For many children, a hike or a day at the beach can be more memorable than visiting six different towns they will forget as soon as the holiday ends.

Picking a spot that is even a little bit outside of the red-hot centre of tourist traffic results in huge savings and usually offers a safer and less hectic environment for kids.

Adventures in the great outdoors offer the triple win of getting kids away from screens, using up some of their boundless energy, and costing a lot less compared to alternatives. Croatia is teeming with incredible outdoor offerings suitable for kids of all ages. Here are some ideas.

Many coastal towns and islands offer kayaking or canoeing tours that allow you to explore the local coastline and sea caves. This can be a fun and exciting activity for kids and adults alike. You can split the family into groups for kayaking contests.

Prices may vary depending on location. On Hvar Island, you can rent a kayak for two people for a full day for €69, or take a half-day guided tour for €60 per person – an affordable and healthy way to make memories with your family.

Croatia’s islands have many beautiful bays that can be reached only by boat.

Kids will love exploring the beaches, snorkelling, and discovering the local culture and traditions.

Almost every island has two or three “hidden” konobas (local restaurants) that are easily accessible only by boat. Ask your boat rental operator for tips and help making a reservation. A full-day rental for a small motorboat on Hvar usually starts at €140.

The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great destination for kids.

It is one of Europe’s oldest national parks, established in 1949 with no shortage of natural wonders. It has 16 interconnected lakes arranged in cascades, with stunning turquoise-blue waters caused by mineral deposits. There are over 90 waterfalls throughout the park, with Veliki Slap being the highest at 78 metres.

The park has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, making it the oldest national park in Croatia. However, tickets for these 16 lakes connected by waterfalls might come at a significant expense, depending on the size and ages of your family members.

Adult tickets for Plitvice Lakes in 2025, in the peak season, are €40 per person. Children between 7 and 18 years of age pay €15, while kids under 7 can make memories in the country's biggest national park without paying an entrance fee. That policy is valid in most Croatian parks and monuments, whilst private tour operators might have different children discount policies.

Another great place to visit while in Croatia is Krka National Park.

It’s also beautiful and home to a series of waterfalls and natural pools that are perfect for swimming and exploring.

Children will love the chance to cool off in the refreshing water and climb over the rocks. For adults, tickets to the main areas are €20; and for children over 7, tickets are €12. Children under 7 can enter free of charge.

One of the most famous attractions in Croatia is the Blue Cave, even though the island of Biševo where it is located is not a national park. The Blue Cave is a mesmerising place that cuts into one’s soul. Yet, it might not be an ideal way to spend a day with kids because it involves a lot of waiting and riding on a speedboat, which young ones might find a little boring.

Visiting Blue Cave from Split takes a whole day and, in our opinion, isn’t worth the money or the time. Especially because so much depends on the weather and time of the year and day that you visit the cave. Booking a Blue Cave tour from Hvar makes more sense logistically because it’s a shorter trip, so children are more likely to be able to endure the journey without a repetitive chorus of “are we there yet?”.

If you are planning a visit to Croatia in 2025, read the Hvar Away guide to the Blue Cave. It will help you gain clarity on the hype surrounding that tour, and make an informed decision if it’s worth it for your family.

Croatia has thousands of free hiking trails that are suitable for families with kids.

The Velebit Nature Park and the Paklenica National Park are both great options for families who want to explore the local flora and fauna.

Helpfully, Croatia’s hiking society has published a list of hiking trails that are great to check out. For especially adventurous kids, there’s a chance to spend the night in one of several full-service mountain huts called “planinarski dom.”

This is sure to be an unforgettable experience for your little ones.

Many towns and cities in Croatia offer bike tours that allow you to explore the local area and countryside.

This can be a fun and active way for kids to experience the local culture and scenery. Bike rentals in Croatia usually cost around €15-20 per day, and some cities now have bike share programs that offer by-the-hour options for cruising the town. That said, it is important to take extra care when riding in the city. Ensure your kids are fully kitted up, complete with helmets.

These are just a few ideas for outdoor activities in Croatia that are suitable for kids. There are many other options available, depending on your interests and the region you are staying in. To get the best experience, be sure to research activities in advance and check for age restrictions and safety guidelines.

Hvar is extremely kid-friendly – there’s one single traffic light on the entire island, the main road is outside the towns and villages, and there are numerous family activities.

We know that too much choice can lead to Netflix syndrome – paralysis with having too many options – so we wrote a guide to Hvar's tours and its great outdoors to help you decide which are ideal for your family, and which might cause more stress than joy.

Hvar is also home to The Field School of Hvar, a summer school/camp focused on experiential learning, climate action, and a culture of beauty. It’s a great way to ensure your children have professional supervision while exploring Hvar – and allows you and your partner to relax by the pool in your villa and enjoy some well-deserved quiet time.

Croatians, like people in any other country, are human beings, which means they have varying attitudes and opinions regarding children. That said, Croatia is an overwhelmingly Catholic country, and generally, the culture strongly values family and children. It is not uncommon for Croatians to have large families and to prioritise spending time with children.

Kids are often the stars of the show during various cultural events and holidays, such as Children's Day on June 1st and Carnival, which centres on a masked parade for children.

On summer nights in neighbourhoods like Old Town in Dubrovnik, it is common to see children playing soccer on the piazza while their parents sit at the cafes nearby, confident that their children are safe under the collective gaze of neighbours and extended family.

Kids and their parents rule certain beaches that are specifically considered “family” beaches because of their shallow waters and protection from sun and wind.

Croatia has a relatively high birth rate compared to many other European countries, and having children is still considered an important part of life for many Croatians.

Don’t be surprised (or freaked out) if a stranger smiles at your baby, offers your child candy (of course, you don’t have to accept), or even gives your little one a pat on the head.

As in Italy and other parts of the Mediterranean, children are seen as a precious gift and collective blessing.

We hope you’re feeling both well-informed and excited about visiting Croatia.

Here are six additional tips for making the most of your stay:

Look for hotels, resorts, or vacation rentals that offer family-friendly amenities such as children's play areas, swimming pools, and activities. As we’ve said before, your best bet might be renting a villa, as this ensures that you have a stable base that feels just like home and gives you the freedom to make your own meals, as well as several other benefits.

If you’re considering a stay on Hvar Island in Croatia, browse our collection of family-friendly villas on Hvar.

Croatia can get quite hot during the summer months, so make sure to pack sunscreen, hats, and lightweight clothing for your kids.

Since you’ll likely be moving about on your vacation in Croatia with kids, it’s probably best to rent a car.

A rental car helps you cut transportation costs while offering you and your kids comfort.

If you’ll be using public transportation such as buses or trains, it’s best to research family tickets and check luggage allowances.

Croatia is a popular tourist destination.

Be prepared for crowds. Talk to your children before each activity that might test their patience, and try to explain to them what awaits them once they get to the front of the line. If you’re waiting to enter the Dubrovnik walls, for example, pass the time with stories about the Dubrovnik Republic and its power that lasted until Napoleon. Alternatively, bring toys, picture books, or gadgets that will help your kids forget they are waiting in line.

You know your kids the best. If you know they get impatient while waiting in lines, visit the local sights outside of peak times, or choose less crowded Croatian towns such as Jelsa or Stari Grad on Hvar Island.

It's always helpful to know a few basic words and phrases in the local language, such as 'hello' and 'thank you'. It can also be a fun way for your kids to engage with the local culture and people.

You can bet that long after the trip is over, they’ll enjoy reliving the memories of the trip by exchanging some of the Croatian words they learned.

To give you a headstart before you visit Croatia, here are some basic Croatian words:

We hope that you now have a clearer picture of what to expect from a family holiday in Croatia. Overall, Croatia, especially its smaller towns and villages, are ideal for children because of the unmatched safety, rich history, and untouched nature. We covered all the most important questions parents usually have before a trip to a new country, but if you have any specific questions you can reach out to us.

If you are already set on Croatia as your holiday destination for 2025, we wish you the very best for your time away, and to create family memories your kids will relay to your grandchildren with stars in their eyes.