12 Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik With Kids

You’ll find Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls transform into a 2km adventure playground where kids can pretend they’re defending medieval fortresses while enjoying stunning Adriatic views. Take the ferry to car-free Lokrum Island, where peacocks roam freely and children giggle while floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea pool. The cable car ride to Mount Srd offers breathtaking panoramas, while family-friendly beaches provide perfect spots for swimming and building memories your little explorers will treasure forever.

Walk the Ancient City Walls for Panoramic Views

While most travelers rush straight to the limestone streets below, you’ll want to start your Dubrovnik adventure by climbing these magnificent 13th-century walls that wrap around the Old Town like a protective embrace. These UNESCO World Heritage fortifications stretch 2km with 16 towers, offering breathtaking views of red-roofed buildings and the sparkling Adriatic Sea.

Your kids will love transforming into knights defending the castle, hiding in guardposts, and pretending to fire the ancient cannons. The narrow walkways follow a one-way system, taking about 90 minutes to complete.

Start early at Ul. Svetog Dominika gate when energy’s highest and crowds are thinner. Pack water and sunscreen—there’s only one bathroom midway. Four-year-olds can walk the entire route, but younger ones might need carrying toward the end. The cobblestone surfaces make strollers impossible to navigate, so bring a baby carrier for little ones who can’t walk the distance.

Take a Ferry to Car-Free Lokrum Island

Just ten minutes across the sparkling Adriatic from Dubrovnik’s Old Port, Lokrum Island beckons families with its car-free paths, roaming peacoons, and mysterious monastery ruins that’ll spark your children’s imaginations.

You’ll catch official ferries every 15-30 minutes during summer from near Pile Gate. The 27-30 EUR round-trip tickets include island entrance and are sold at kiosks by the boats—no advance booking needed.

Kids love spotting the colorful peacocks wandering freely through botanical gardens, while the Dead Sea lake offers unique swimming. The peacocks are descendants of birds once kept by Austrian Archduke Maximilian, adding a royal touch to your family adventure.

Pack comfortable walking shoes, water, and sunscreen since there aren’t any shops on the island.

Check the last ferry time before exploring—you don’t want to miss your ride back to Dubrovnik’s mainland.

Ride the Cable Car to Mount Srd Summit

For breathtaking views that’ll have your kids pressing their faces against the windows, the cable car ride to Mount Srd’s summit delivers Dubrovnik’s most spectacular panorama in just four thrilling minutes.

Position yourselves near the town-facing windows during ascent for the best shots of the Old Town emerging below.

At 412 meters up, your children can use binoculars to spot tiny people walking the city walls while you enjoy coffee at Panorama Restaurant.

The spacious cabins hold 32 passengers, so there’s room for excited kids to move around safely. The cable car includes free Wi-Fi onboard, perfect for instantly sharing those amazing summit photos with family back home.

Pro tip: Visit at opening time to skip crowds and snag window spots easily.

Round-trip tickets cost €27 for adults and just €7 for children 4-12, making this aerial adventure surprisingly affordable for families.

Relax at Family-Friendly Beaches

After soaking in those panoramic views from above, you’ll want to cool off at Dubrovnik’s stunning beaches where your kids can splash in crystal-clear Adriatic waters.

Banje Beach offers the closest option to Old Town, with fine pebbles perfect for little feet and shallow waters ideal for young swimmers. Your children will love the banana boat rides while you admire views of Lokrum Island.

For sandcastle builders, take a boat trip to Sunj Beach on Lopud Island – it’s the sandiest option with gorgeous turquoise shallows.

Closer to the city, Copacabana Beach provides calm vibes and luxury cabanas if you’re seeking comfort.

Lapad Beach wins for amenities, featuring playgrounds, trampolines, and a long promenade with cafes – perfect for full beach days. Don’t forget to pack water shoes since many of Croatia’s beaches feature pebbles or rocky surfaces that can be slippery for little ones.

Explore the Dead Sea Pool on Lokrum

Why settle for ordinary swimming when your kids can experience floating like astronauts in Lokrum’s legendary Dead Sea Pool? This natural saltwater lake sits in Lokrum’s southwest corner, just 10 minutes by boat from Dubrovnik.

The high salt content makes floating effortless – your children will giggle as they bob like corks in the calm, warm water.

The 30-foot-deep pool connects to the Adriatic through underground channels, creating unique green-tinted water that’s perfect for photos. You’ll easily swim across its entire length with the kids.

Pack water shoes for the surrounding rocky areas, and grab refreshments at nearby Cocktail Bar Lake afterward. While exploring the area, you might spot the island’s famous peacocks roaming freely around the pool, delighting children with their colorful displays.

Watch for colorful anemones along the edges, but remind kids not to touch them to avoid irritation.

Go Sea Kayaking Around the City Walls

How often do your kids get to paddle alongside medieval fortress walls while spotting where dragons once “soared” on screen? This sea kayaking adventure around Dubrovnik’s ancient walls delivers exactly that magic. Perfect for families with children aged 4-110, these 2-3 hour tours require zero experience and accommodate groups up to 20 people.

You’ll start at Pile Gate, where guides provide safety briefings and equipment.

The route includes paddling around the iconic city walls, visiting Betina Cave beach for swimming breaks, and stops near Lokrum Island for snorkeling. My family loved the relaxed pace—plenty of time for photos and sunbathing on pebbly beaches.

Tours include complete equipment packages with kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and waterproof bags to keep your family’s belongings safe and dry throughout the adventure.

Book morning sessions to avoid peak sun, and expect to pay 30-40€ per person. The 4.9-star ratings speak volumes about this unforgettable experience.

Take a Blue Cave and Elaphiti Islands Boat Tour

While sea kayaking offers an intimate view of Dubrovnik’s coastline, a Blue Cave and Elaphiti Islands boat tour opens up an entire archipelago of adventures for your family. You’ll visit three stunning islands—Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan—each offering unique experiences perfect for children.

The highlight’s swimming into the Blue Cave on Koločep, where electric turquoise water creates an otherworldly experience kids won’t forget.

Šunj Beach on Lopud provides shallow, sandy waters ideal for little swimmers, while Koločep’s car-free environment lets children explore safely. Your local skipper will share insider knowledge of hidden spots throughout the journey, making the experience both educational and entertaining for curious young minds.

Small group tours accommodate up to 12 guests, ensuring personalized attention. Snorkeling equipment’s included, plus complimentary drinks and fresh fruit keep everyone happy.

With prices starting at $59.25 and flexible cancellation policies, it’s an accessible family adventure.

Visit Game of Thrones Filming Locations

Seven major Game of Thrones filming locations scattered throughout Dubrovnik transform your family walk into an epic treasure hunt through Westeros.

Start at Fort Lovrijenac, the Red Keep, where kids can imagine King Joffrey’s tournament while enjoying panoramic views of Pile Bay.

The Jesuit Staircase becomes an interactive history lesson as you explain Cersei’s walk of shame beneath St. Ignatius Church—though you’ll want age-appropriate explanations.

Walk the ancient city walls where your children can spot Fort Bokar’s dramatic fortifications and pretend they’re defending King’s Landing.

Minceta Tower doubles as the House of the Undying, perfect for dragon-hunting games.

West Harbour’s pier offers waterfront photo opportunities where pivotal character conversations occurred.

The Rector’s Palace provides another filming highlight where Daenerys meets the Spice King in memorable scenes.

Even non-fans appreciate the stunning medieval architecture and storytelling opportunities these iconic locations provide.

Hike to Fort Royal on Lokrum Island

After exploring Dubrovnik’s medieval streets, you’ll want to venture beyond the city walls for an adventure that combines history with breathtaking views.

Take the morning ferry from Dubrovnik’s Old Port to Lokrum Island and hike the Path of Paradise to Fort Royal, a 19th-century Napoleonic fortress perched at the island’s highest point.

The 15-20 minute hike winds through pine and cypress trees, offering shade and moderate difficulty.

While the rocky, steep sections aren’t suitable for strollers, older kids will love spotting peacocks and rabbits along the trail.

Pack sturdy shoes and water bottles—you’ll need them for the incline. The island functions as a nature reserve, so bringing your own supplies is essential for a comfortable visit.

Once you reach the fort, climb to the top for spectacular 360-degree views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea.

Discover Marine Life at Dubrovnik Aquarium

When your little explorers need a break from Dubrovnik’s sun-soaked stone streets, head to the medieval fortress of St. John for an underwater adventure at Dubrovnik Aquarium. This unique attraction transforms historic cannon niches into 31 seawater tanks showcasing Adriatic marine life.

Your kids will be mesmerized by the resident loggerhead turtle who’s called this place home since 1953. They’ll spot moray eels hiding in rocky crevices, colorful sea anemones swaying in the current, and maybe even catch a glimpse of an octopus changing colors.

The dark, atmospheric setting creates perfect viewing conditions for the backlit tanks. The fresh sea water is continuously circulated through the tanks using a sophisticated pump system that ensures optimal conditions for all marine inhabitants.

Budget about an hour for your visit and bring 10 euros per person. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM.

Explore the Maritime Museum

Just steps away from your aquarium adventure, the Maritime Museum offers another perfect escape from Dubrovnik’s midday heat while keeping curious minds engaged. Located along the City Walls walk, this compact museum fits perfectly into your wall tour itinerary and comes included with your Dubrovnik City Pass.

Your kids will be fascinated by the detailed ship model replicas upstairs, each telling stories of historic voyages across the Mediterranean. The first floor showcases authentic navigational tools like sextants and artifacts from shipwrecks that’ll spark their imagination about ancient seafaring adventures.

The dedicated children’s area upstairs features a scaled-down wooden ship for hands-on play and drawing activities. You’ll appreciate the cool brick-arched rooms with breezy windows, making this 30-minute to 2-hour visit both educational and revitalizing. The upstairs kids’ maritime model area provides an especially engaging space where little ones can get hands-on with maritime history.

Play in Gradac Park and See the Fountain Turtles

Five minutes from Pile Gate, Gradac Park offers your family a shaded retreat where kids can watch tiny turtles paddle around in the entrance fountain. These red-eared sliders captivate children who’ll spend ages observing their swimming patterns and interactions in the clear water.

The park’s tree-lined paths provide perfect relief from Dubrovnik’s summer heat, making it ideal for families needing a cooling break. Your kids can explore the rocky outcrop at Dance Bay, where brave ones might jump into the crystal-clear water under supervision.

Game of Thrones fans will recognize this filming location from King Joffrey’s Purple Wedding scene. The entire park takes under an hour to explore, combining well with nearby historical sites. It’s free, features benches for parents, and offers stunning Adriatic sunset views. The fountain’s unique tufa limestone structure has grown naturally over time, creating an enchanting habitat that makes this turtle-watching experience truly special.

The Sum Up

You’ve got an incredible adventure waiting in Dubrovnik with your little ones. From my experience, kids absolutely love the cable car ride and spotting peacocks on Lokrum Island – my daughter still talks about feeding them! Don’t try to cram everything into one day; you’ll exhaust everyone. Pick two or three activities, pack plenty of snacks, and let your children’s curiosity guide the pace. You’ll create magical memories they’ll treasure forever.