Ubud offers a completely different side of Bali—one filled with jungle landscapes, rice terraces, and cultural experiences that go beyond the beach.
Over a few days, you can balance outdoor adventure with slower moments, giving kids space to explore while also experiencing the traditions and landscapes that make Bali unique.
Here’s how we’d recommend spending 3 days in Ubud with kids.
Day 1: Rice Farming & Balinese Dancing
Start your time in Ubud with a hands-on experience at a local rice farm. Spend the day learning how rice is grown and harvested, try your hand at planting, and help prepare a few traditional dishes—something our boys especially enjoyed.
Learn More: Learning to Rice Farm: A Family Experience in Ubud, Bali
In the evening, attend a traditional Balinese dance performance. We watched the Kecak Fire and Trance Dance, which combines rhythmic chanting, storytelling, and elaborate costumes. The energy and dramatic scenes kept the boys engaged, making it an enjoyable way to experience Balinese culture as a family.
Day 2: Mount Batur Adventure
Located about 1.5 hours from Ubud, Mount Batur makes a great day trip for families with older kids and teens looking for an outdoor adventure.
Many travellers opt for the sunrise hike, leaving in the early hours (often around 2 am) to reach the summit as the sun rises. We chose to explore the area by bike instead, cycling around the base of the active volcano through lava fields, villages, and scenic countryside.
Despite a few hiccups, it turned into one of our most memorable days in Bali—and a great way to experience the landscape without having to wake up early.
To plan your own cycling tour, read our full post: Biking Mount Batur with Kids
Day 3: Rice Terraces and Cultural Experiences
Campuhan Ridge Walk
After a more active day, slow things down with a morning walk along the Campuhan Ridge. Starting near Gunung Lebah Temple, the trail climbs gently before levelling out along an open ridge with lush jungle views.
The walk is an out-and-back trail (about 2 km each way), with open space where kids can run and stretch their legs. It’s a peaceful way to start the day before the heat sets in.
Afternoon Downtime or Temples
We chose to spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool—a welcome break after a few busy days.
If you’re looking to add more cultural experiences, this is a good time to visit one of Ubud’s nearby temples. Popular options include:
- Pura Taman Saraswati (lotus temple in central Ubud)
- Tirta Empul (sacred water temple)
- Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
In the late afternoon, head to one of Bali’s most iconic landscapes—the Tegallalang Rice Terraces.
While the entrance area can feel busy and commercial, take the time to walk down into the valley and across to the far side. As you move away from the main viewpoints, the crowds thin out, and you’ll find quieter trails. The layered rice fields are especially beautiful in the softer evening light.
Optional add-on: Try one of the famous swings in the rice terrace area if it appeals to your family.
Monkey Forest
If you’re looking to add another stop, the Sacred Monkey Forest is one of Ubud’s most popular attractions, but it comes with mixed reviews. The macaques are very comfortable around people and can be playful—but also aggressive at times. We chose to skip it, but if you’re interested, it’s worth doing a bit of research to decide if it’s the right fit for your family.
Where to Stay in Ubud
We stayed at Arana Garden House, which offered a quiet retreat just off a busy street. Once inside the property, the atmosphere shifted completely to a calm garden setting with a pool and open courtyard.
Having a peaceful place to return to at the end of the day made a big difference in Ubud.
Local Food Worth Trying
Ubud has no shortage of great food, but one meal still stands out.
Warung Makan Bu Rus is an incredible local restaurant. From the street, the smell of BBQ drifts from a large open grill, drawing you in. But as you move past the busy entrance, the space opens into a peaceful garden surrounded by greenery and soft music.
It felt calm and removed from the bustle of town—and the food matched the setting. To this day, we still talk about “the best ribs we have ever had” there.
Beyond Bali’s Beaches
Ubud is a destination that adds depth to a Bali itinerary. From cycling around volcanoes to walking through rice terraces and experiencing Balinese culture, each day offers something different—while still leaving space to slow down, enjoy time together, and create lasting memories.
Ready to Explore Indonesia?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
• 4-Week Indonesia Itinerary with Kids
• 16-Day Bali & Gili Island Itinerary with Kids
• Deep in the Sumatra Jungle: A Family Orangutan Trek in Indonesia
• A One-Day Family Adventure in Komodo National Park, Indonesia
• Fun Things to Do with Kids on Gili Island, Indonesia
• Fun Things to do with Kids in Ubud, Bali
• Learning to Rice Farm: A Family Experience in Ubud, Bali
• Biking Mount Batur, Bali: A Family Adventure
