Family-Friendly Activities on Croatia’s Coast

You may be wondering if Croatia is good for kids, especially if you have a sailing vacation planned with the family this summer.

But your sailing holiday in Croatia doesn’t have to be limited to the sea. 

Hop off the sailboat and unearth Croatia’s coastline, enhanced by active adventures, natural gems, and historical charms. With something for everyone in the family to enjoy, you’ll never encounter a dull moment if you trust our family-friendly guide to Croatia’s coast.

Istralandia Aquapark: 
If you’re chartering a sailboat from the largest peninsula in the Adriatic, then you can’t miss a stop at this award-winning aquapark. Istralandia is an 81,000 m2 water oasis of water slides and the largest artificial wave pool in this part of Europe, with pirate ships, thrilling rides, and animated programs. With 23 attractions, this amusement park has something for everyone in the family, and it’s no surprise it was named the 2nd best water park in Europe in 2018!

Ziplining on Krk: 
Not far from the famous Glagolitic Trail on Krk Island is an action-packed attraction for anyone looking to speed up their adventure meter. With 8 lines totaling over 2 kilometers, ziplining on Krk offers views overlooking the southern part of the island, the town of Baška, and Prvić Island. From karst landscape to spanning Adriatic seascapes, this sky-high activity is one for the memory books.

Sea Organ and Greetings to the Sun: 
Grabbing a charter from Zadar? Head into town, and soon enough, you’ll stumble upon two rather unusual (and new) attractions that have helped transform Zadar into a booming tourist destination. Thanks to the brains of Croatian architect Nikola Basic, experience the sounds of the Sea Organ powered by waves, while the colorful Greetings to the Sun light display will heighten your senses thanks to 300 solar-driven panels.

Admire the waterfalls of Krka National Park: 
Just 10 kilometers from the town of Sibenik is Krka National Park, Croatia’s seventh national park proclaimed in 1985. Standing to serve science, culture, education, and recreation, the park is formed around the 72.5 km long Krka River, with seven travertine waterfalls to admire on the park’s trails. While swimming used to be allowed at Skradinski Buk waterfall, it has been banned since 2021 in an effort to conserve its resources and biodiversity. Nevertheless, getting to experience this natural work of art is a must!

Ride e-bikes on Solta: 
Exploring Solta is a no-brainer on your sailing holiday, as the island of honey has so much more to offer outside of this sweet treat. E-bike excursions have become a wildly popular island activity and a foolproof family favorite. Fit for all ages, e-bikes allow you to enjoy an easy-going ride examining Solta’s gourmet charm, with mapped bike routes connecting the island towns and villages and well-maintained trails enveloped by world-class views.

Windsurfing on Brac: 
When on Croatia’s coast, you must delve into the world of watersports – and you haven’t really delved into watersports until you’ve tried windsurfing! The island of Brac and the illustrious Zlatni Rat beach in Bol is known as one of the best spots in the country to test your windsurfing skills thanks to the steady Mistral wind that gusts around 4 on the Beaufort scale. Windsurfing in the area welcomes all levels, and no prior experience is needed, so why not try something new and let the wind be your guide?

Split museums:
If your sailing holiday takes you anywhere near Split, hop onto dry land and head over to the best family-fun museums in the city, particularly the Museum of Illusions and Museum of Senses. Whether you’re looking to awaken your senses or trick your mind, these two museums have become enticing institutions and a must-visit on your family holiday in Croatia. And if that’s not enough? Take part in Croatia’s number one virtual reality experience at Diocletian’s Dream to watch the 305 AD Diocletian’s Palace recreate before your eyes!

Adventure tourism in Omis: 
Just down the coast from Split is a paradise for adrenaline seekers – hello, Omis! Set in the Cetina Canyon, Omis abounds in adventure. From zipline tours with 8 thrill- seeking wires 150 meters above ground to cliff-jumping into waterfalls, swimming through rapids, and easing off in natural pools on a canyoning tour, the pristine Omis environment has it all. It’s also great for rock climbing, hiking, and kayaking!

Scuba diving on Hvar: 
Uncover the spectacular underwater world of Hvar Island, from the Kabal Peninsula to the corals of Zala Luka and the Tatinja boat wreck, where you can explore the remnants of its cargo from 1864! Whether you’ve never taken the plunge or are seasoned in the scuba world, Hvar’s fascinating underwater landscapes will never fail to surprise you.

Take in the Dubrovnik views: 
The Adriatic Pearl certainly earned its name. And if you’re looking for the best way to take in its beauty, you have a plethora of options. Families can opt for the more traditional route and walk the city’s ancient walls, promising a 360-degree experience with a historical fact at every step. But if you’re a connoisseur of heights, head up to Srd Hill and catch a panorama of Dubrovnik from the high-in-demand cable car. On a clear day, the visibility is up to 60 kilometres!

Sailing – Fun for the Whole Family

Naturally, there are plenty of ways to keep your family entertained aboard without spending extra money on activities. However, if you are interested in spicing up your family holiday with fun activities, know that there are plenty of options.

Whether you book a private family sailing holiday, join one of our family flotillas, we can help you plan the perfect family holiday that works for you. Visit our website for more information or contact our team for questions and inquiries.