Day Trip Ideas in Croatia for Families

If you are planning a holiday in Croatia with your family, well, first of all, congratulate yourself for making such a sound decision! After all, beautiful historic Croatia offers a perfect adventure and a superb journey for the whole family. You can explore historical sites, dine with the locals and enjoy the blend of nature and culture like never before.

There is no denying that Croatia is a great place to travel with kids as the cities are kid-friendly, walkable, and offer plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. There are beaches, national parks, Roman ruins, fishing trips, and plenty of other ways to explore the country with your family.

Here are some great ideas for day trips within Croatia.

Diocletian’s Palace - If you are in Split for even a day, you must visit the4th-century Diocletian’s Palace built by a Roman emperor. Your children would love walking through the labyrinth of alleys and passageways and bustling squares surrounded by centuries-old buildings.

Dalmatian Islands – A trip to the Dalmatian Islands has something for everyone. For kids, it is like exploring a miniature version of Croatia, which is like an exciting activity.  You can relax on the beaches or enjoy snorkeling in crystal clear waters.

Plitvice Lakes National Park - Families who love the outdoors will love being in Plitvice Lakes National Park, which boasts of a landscape of lakes and waterfalls. There are plenty of beaches to enjoy as well as wooden walkways for viewing and picture-taking.

Zadar – You can spend the entire day exploring the ancient walled port city of Zadar, which is filled with ruins, churches, cafés, and quality museums. Your children will love the intriguing city with unique attractions as they stroll the marble streets of the famous Old Town.

Krapanj  - The smallest inhabited island in Croatia makes for a perfect day trip. You can relax on the beach studded coastline and later take a short walk to the monastery and cemetery. The island has a long history of deep-sea diving.

Trogir – Trogir is a small ancient coastal city that is set on a small island. You can visit the Garagnin-Fanfogna Palace and Cathedral of St. Lawrence with your children to admire the 13th-century Romanesque style.

Hvar - Board a catamaran to the island of Hvar, which is a popular destination with tourists. The highlights of your trip will include a hilltop fortress, main square, and the Renaissance-era Cathedral from the13th-century. 

Game of Thrones tours - The Game of Thrones tours are immensely popular in Dubrovnik but are more enjoyable for older kids, as the younger ones are too young to know about the show. Still, it can be intriguing to see those dragon-related souvenirs in the shops and know more about them.

When traveling with kids, it is highly recommended to rent a car and stay in apartments that have kitchens. As children under nine are entitled to major discounts for most attractions in Croatia, take advantage of those offers. Avoid the peak season months of July and August when it is peak summer, more crowded and expensive.