Croatia’s coastal gem, Split, is more than just a picturesque port—it’s a family-friendly city that seamlessly blends ancient history with vibrant Adriatic fun. Whether you’re wandering through the Old Town, splashing at the beach, or sailing off to island adventures, Split offers something for every kind of traveller.
Here’s a roundup of fun things to do in Split with kids.
Explore Diocletian’s Palace and the Old Town
Walking through the gates of Diocletian’s Palace feels like stepping into the past. Built over 1,700 years ago by a Roman emperor, the palace is now part of Split’s living, breathing Old Town. Don’t expect a roped-off ruin—this UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with shops, homes, cafés, and local life.
Wander narrow stone alleys draped in bougainvillea, listen to musicians echoing through the courtyards, and take in the scent of fresh lavender from street stalls.
Kids will love climbing the Bell Tower of St. Domnius Cathedral and searching for one of the many sphinx statues throughout the palace. For more fun ways to explore Diocletian’s Palace, check out our full post:
Walk the Riva Boardwalk
Just outside the palace walls lies the palm-lined Riva promenade, perfect for an early evening stroll. Kids can run, scoot, or stop to watch street performers while parents sip coffee at one of the waterfront cafés.
Delight in Sweet Treats
Split’s Old Town is a sugar-lover’s dream. You’ll find gelato shops on every corner, with flavours as creative as they are delicious—lavender, rose peach, green apple, and lemon mint were some of our favourites.
But the sweet fun doesn’t stop there. The pastry shops are incredible, offering flaky strudels, creamy tarts, and melt-in-your-mouth cakes that are as beautiful as they are tasty.
And for kids, the candy stores are pure magic with walls lined with barrels of colourful sweets. It’s the kind of place where wide eyes and sticky fingers are guaranteed.
Don’t miss:
- Luka Ice Cream & Cakes: Try the vanilla meringue pie or raspberry tart.
- Mr. Pozzetti Premium Ice Cream: Known for its chimney cones and toppings.
Visit Klis Fortress
Just a 20-minute drive from Split, Klis Fortress sits high on a rocky ridge overlooking the Dalmatian coast. This dramatic stone stronghold dates back over 2,000 years and played a crucial role in protecting the region, often acting as the gateway between the Adriatic coast and inland Croatia. Its strategic position made it the site of fierce battles and royal intrigue throughout the Middle Ages.
Today, the fortress is mostly in ruins, but it remains incredibly atmospheric. Kids can explore winding staircases, climb the old defensive walls, and imagine they’re knights guarding the city below. The small museum rooms also feature exhibits on medieval weaponry and local history.
And for pop culture fans, Klis gained modern fame as a filming location for Meereen in Game of Thrones. Photo Opportunity: Don’t miss getting your picture taken with dragons in the background—an illusion created on-site to look like a real scene from the show.
Island Hop and Snorkel
Split makes a perfect base for island adventures. You can book a boat tour or use the ferry system to explore the nearby islands.
We opted for a full-day boat trip that included:
- Čečujam Bay – Snorkel over the shallow Kontesa shipwreck, purposely sunk in just 3 meters of water.
- Krknjaši Bay (Blue Lagoon) – Shallow turquoise waters perfect for swimming and relaxing.
- Maslinica (Šolta Island) – A quiet, traditional fishing village with stone houses and seaside charm.
Interested in going deeper? For those looking to explore the Dalmatian Islands in more depth, check out our full post – Sailing Croatia with Kids: A Two-Week Family Adventure
Play at Bačvice Beach
Bačvice Beach is a small, rocky stretch of coastline popular with locals and a fun, low-key spot for families. The water is warm, shallow, and calm, making it perfect for little swimmers. Older kids will love the inflatable obstacle course floating just offshore, which provides hours of entertainment.
It wasn’t overly crowded during our visit, and it had a more relaxed, local vibe than many touristy beaches. Bring water shoes for navigating the rocky shoreline and seabed.
Watch a Football Game
If you’re lucky enough to be in town during a match, catch a game at Poljud Stadium, home of Hajduk Split. The fans are loud, passionate, and full of energy—expect fireworks, chanting, and an electric atmosphere. We watched a Friday night game against rivals Dinamo Zagreb—an unforgettable experience even if you don’t know much about football.
Go Ice Skating (Seasonal)
Visiting in winter? Split has a festive vibe during the holidays, complete with an outdoor ice skating rink near the Riva, Christmas lights strung across the Old Town, and plenty of warm fritule (Croatian doughnuts) to snack on.
Take a Day Trip
Split’s central location on the Dalmatian coast makes it an ideal jumping-off point for exploring more of Croatia. From ancient towns to stunning national parks, there’s a wide range of family-friendly destinations within easy reach. Renting a car gave us the flexibility to explore at our own pace, stopping wherever the scenery or snacks looked appealing.
Here are a few of our favourite excursions:
Krka National Park (1 hour)
Boardwalks through lush forest and waterfalls. Swimming is no longer allowed at Skradinski Buk, but boat rides and walking trails still make for a fun visit.
Zadar (1.5 hours)
Visit the Sea Organ, where waves create enchanting musical tones through hidden pipes beneath the promenade. Then stroll the Old Town and enjoy some fresh seafood by the water.
Plitvice Lakes (2.5 hours)
Croatia’s most famous national park, with turquoise lakes and waterfalls. Go early to beat the crowds.
Dubrovnik (3 hours)
If you have a bit more time, Dubrovnik makes an unforgettable overnight trip. Walk the city walls, explore the Old Town’s marble streets, and soak in sweeping views of the Adriatic. It’s further afield, but well worth the journey for a taste of Croatia’s most famous walled city.
Split: A City We Fell in Love With
We came for a summer visit and loved it so much, we returned in the fall and lived in Split for two months during our world trip. It was the perfect place to slow down, soak up local life, and let the rhythm of the Adriatic shape our days. Whether you’re staying for a few days or settling in for longer, Split is a place that invites you to linger.
Ready to Explore Croatia?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
