Family vacations are one of the most memorable travel experiences for kids and adults. Every summer families pack up their suitcases and head to their traditional spot or go on an adventure to a new location. It's a challenge sometimes to know where the best family fun and kid friendly options are, whether that's for younger children or teens. Here are the top-rated activities and hotels for families with kids visiting north coast Croatia:
I highly recommend the Crikvenica Riviera as one of the premier family fun and kid friendly locations to stay in north coast Croatia. Visit the towns of Jadranovo, Dramalj, Crikvenica and Selce with miles of beaches, shops, restaurants, cafes, marinas, boat tours and several outdoor activities. The area is especially geared for families, offering several kinds of playgrounds in the sea and on the beach, water sports, ferris wheel, mini golf, paintball, tennis, volleyball, soccer, table tennis, arcade games and much more! Take the river walk along the Dubračina River through the Vinodol Valley to the town of Tribalj. Hike on the Love Path up to Badanj Castle or up to the abandoned village of Kotor.
Amusement Parks:
Aquapark Aquacolors in Poreč, Istria
This waterpark offers several kinds of water slides, a lazy river, wave pool and kids zone, as well as dining options.
Aquapark Istralandia in Nova Vas, Istria
This waterpark offers many kinds of water slides, a wave pool, multiple dining options and family, kids and adrenaline zones.
Dinopark Funtana in Funtana, Istria
This dinosaur themed park offers several rides and attractions full of fun and adventure for the entire family with multiple dining options as well.
READ: Summer in Croatia
Ziplines:
Zip Line Pazin Cave in Pazin, Istria
This zipline ride takes you over the canyon and cave of Pazin, right in the center of the city.
Zipline Edison on the island of Krk
Offering eight different ziplines through the valley towards the sea with their about two hour long “canopy tour” where you take a jeep ride to the highest point and then make your way down through the adventurous landscape.
Caves:
Baredine Cave in Nova Vas, Istria
This karst cave or “jama” in Croatian, is a geomorphological monument of nature. Learn about the different stalactites and stalagmites, the legend of the cave and the olm amphibian cave inhabitant. Also offering private and group tours, speleo climbing, a buffet restaurant and gift shop.
Biserujka Cave in Rudine on the island of Krk
This cave offers a unique experience of exploring the underground world of stalactites and stalagmites and even has a concert hall.
Animals:
Pula Aquarium in Pula, Istria
This large aquarium is located in the old Austro-Hungarian Verudela Fortress containing hundreds of species of sea life from Croatia and the Adriatic Sea.
Beli Visitor and Rescue Centre for Griffon Vultures in Beli on the island of Cres
This rehabilitation hospital and museum is dedicated to preserving the rare griffon vulture of Croatia that has lived on the island of Cres for more than a million years. Offering educational programs and other resources.
Castles:
There are tons of castles along north coast Croatia, however, these are the most kid friendly ones considering they are well intact, have fairly easy access to the castle and there are nearby amenities.
This castle sits at the top of a hill overlooking the city of Rijeka and the Kvarner Bay. It was built by the Frankopans and contains towers, a courtyard, cistern and main entrance with a drawbridge.
Krk Castle in the city of Krk, on the island of Krk
This medieval castle is located in the center of the city and was built by the first Frankopans, the Counts of Krk, between the 12th and 15th centuries. It includes Roman ramparts, four towers, walls, atrium and cistern.
This castle is located on a hill right next to the sea at the entrance of Bakar Bay. The Frankopans used Kraljevica harbor for their town of Hreljin, and let the Zrinskis, who married into the family, stay in Kraljevica. A rectangular shape with four large towers, an inner courtyard, a basement, ground floor, first floor and a later built second floor. The inside of the castle was very luxurious with leather wallpaper, marble fireplaces, marble mosaic floors, marble door frames and a special room called the Museum.
This castle is located on a small hill overlooking the Vinodol Valley and was originally wooden. The Frankopans built round towers, high walls and an enclosed courtyard with residential buildings, storerooms, cellars and cisterns. The entrance used to have a drawbridge over a moat. Next to the castle is the Church of St. Stephen, the Parish Church of St. Domnius and Drivenik Cemetery.
* This castle holds a special place in my heart because when I’m in Croatia I get to look at it every day. The town of Drivenik is where my father-in-law was from and where he is now buried with other relatives. This is also where my husband grew up, he even has a tattoo of this castle on his arm.
For even more locations of castles READ: Castles in North Coast Croatia
Hotels:
Park Plaza Histria Pula in Pula, Istria
This 4 star hotel offers a private beach, indoor and outdoor pools, spa, fitness center, restaurant, as well as a kids and teens club and playground.
Family Hotel Amarin in Rovinj, Istria
This 4 star hotel is located outside the old town and right next to the beach offering indoor and outdoor pools, spa, wellness center, gardens, multiple restaurants and bars, as well as family rooms, kids club, educational programs and schools, games room, playgrounds, kids buffet and baby corner, baby equipment and babysitting options.
Aminess Maestral Hotel in Novigrad. Istria
This 4 star hotel is located near the old town and right on the beach. Offering indoor and outdoor pools, spa, wellness center, restaurants and bars, as well as a kid’s club and kid’s zone.
Valamar Atrium Baška Residence in Baška, island of Krk
This 4 star hotel is located next to the beach and offers a spa, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, a restaurant, playground, kids club and other entertainment options for kids and teens.
This 4 star hotel is located in the center of town, right on the beach and offers an indoor and outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, cinema, gaming room and playroom for kids.
So whether your tots or teens are interested in amusement parks, zip lines, caves or animals there are plenty of wonderful nearby hotels that are full of family fun and kid friendly amenities. Let north coast Croatia's charm bring out the child in everyone big and small.
Many have been to the southern coastal part of the country, like Dubrovnik to take a "Game of Thrones Tour", visited the city of Split as one of their cruise itinerary ports, or stopped off at one of the islands, like Korčula, Hvar and Brač, but most have not seen the north coast regions of Croatia and we highly recommend you do.
Whether it's your first time traveling to the country or just the next time you're here wanting a more authentic, less touristy experience. Europeans have been vacationing at this hidden gem for decades but others seem to completely overlook it. Come see for yourself what makes the north coast so special.
North Coast Croatia Travel Agency specializes in travel to Croatia and surrounding European countries. Providing consultations, custom itineraries, pre-designed theme itineraries, summer beach rentals and a travel blog. Booking flights, accommodations, cruises, tours, rental cars, transfers, bus/train/ferry tickets, travel insurance and more!
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