Family Croatia Vacation: 12-Day Kid-Friendly Adventure

An entire day of fun in the sun awaits as you transfer to idyllic Lokrum Island. After taking a brief 15-minute ferry ride where the kids will love watching the waves go by and feeling the wind whip their hair, you will arrive for a full day’s tour that will take you around nearly every inch of this pristine nature reserve. This exciting tour will take you to numerous destinations, including a lovely local lake that has been dubbed the Dead Sea, an authentic fort that is perched atop a high hill, and even an old monastery that has a mysterious aura about it, whispering stories from long ago. Keep your eyes open as you go as many lovely animals also call this beautiful haven home, including iridescent-feathered peacocks and wild rabbits.

Lifetime memories are waiting to be made on day three as your family ventures out on an exciting half-day sailing adventure. Your family will revel in this island-hopping romp to nearby the Islands of Brac and Solta. The chance to soak up the sun and ocean views on this cruise will be the perfect way to relax after a morning journey in the car. As the evening approaches, you may indulge in a relaxing stroll through the Old Town on a guided tour, which will take you through the charming alleyways that are flanked by a wealth of historical landmarks, including the Golden Gate, Diocletian’s Palace, the Temple of Jupiter, and the Cathedral of Domnius. After satisfying your curiosities while perusing every nook and cranny of the Old City, you can satisfy your appetites by dining on delicious, local cuisine at a nearby eatery.

A magical day awaits you as day four finds you and your family soaking up the sun and spending some quality time in the great outdoors at Marjan Forest Park. After arriving at the park, you and your family will have your pick from an abundance of activities on a guided tour. Roughly the size of New York’s Central Park, this pristine, green enclave boasts forested paths, numerous beaches, and eye-catching scenery, and on your tour, you will even stop by the charming Sv. Jere Church, which has been compared to a miniature Petra of Jordan. There is also a small zoo that the kids will adore as well. After your day in the sun, you will be returned to your hotel, where you will find a gourmet picnic laid out that is ready to be devoured. It will be complete with kid-friendly, fun-shaped food, as well as your favorites, all of which have been specially curated for you.

Mystery, intrigue, and excitement await you on day five, which will have you traveling to Zadar and diving into a riveting, riddle adventure tour. After arriving in Zadar, you and your family will meet with your guide who will take you on a thrilling journey around the most beloved sights of the city. Your kids will love this unique take on sightseeing as your family will receive mind-bending puzzles and clues to unravel, each one unlocking a unique story or fascinating fact behind one of Croatia’s most beloved landmarks. At the tour’s end, your family will have a newfound appreciation for all of the places and sights that make Zadar unique. As evening approaches and the sun sets, prepare to be amazed and inspired by two of the city’s famous public art installations, both of which center around dazzling arrays of light. You will be at a loss of breath as you witness the “Sun Salutation” and the “Sea Organ” on a viewing tour.

Day six will begin at sunrise for a full day’s tour through Krka National Park. After an early departure from Zadar and a short and comfortable hour-and-a-half drive, you will arrive at the national park and begin your family adventure, where you can wind your way through forested paths and cascading waterfalls before enjoying some free time to swim and splash. On the way back to Zadar, you will stop by Sibenik, which is a charming town that dates back to the 11th century. After exploring this idyllic enclave, including its UNESCO World Heritage site of St. James’ Cathedral, you will be dropped off at your hotel for a welcoming rest, so you all be ready for another day of adventurous fun tomorrow.

Today, you should wake up ready for yet another heavenly outdoor adventure as you and your family say goodbye to Zadar and transfer to the pristine Plitvice National Park for a tour that will take you through a fairytale world that is filled with waterfalls, enchanted forests, nature paths, and crystal-clear lakes. Your kids will feel as if they have stepped into a Disney movie, and while they frolic in this fantasy world, giggling with glee, your heart will feel so full knowing that you have given them such a magical memory. After an entire afternoon in this realm that would make even Walt Disney swoon, your family will be taken to your nearby accommodation for the night.

Day eight’s first destination, the charming Rastoke Village, is no less dazzling or wondrous than yesterday’s Plitvice National Park. Your driver will transfer you to this storybook enclave, where working watermills and a postcard-worthy main street set a magical scene. Harkening back to a simpler time, your family will love strolling arm in arm and soaking up the character that practically oozes from every pore of this sweet destination. You will then transfer to Zagreb, and after checking into your accommodation, your family will enjoy an exploration of the capital city’s picturesque Upper Town which is filled with cotton candy-colored buildings and awe-inspiring landmarks, including St. Mark’s Church, Zagreb Cathedral, and much more. As the sun sets, you will return with your family to your hotel.

The great outdoors calls on day nine as you and your kids embark on a magical trek up Mount Medvednica. What really makes this outdoor excursion special is the fact that the trek is also a treasure hunt. Both you and your children will love this endorphin-releasing, imagination-stretching trek that pairs confounding clues and stunning mountain views. After you have mastered the mountain, your driver will pick your family up and take you back to the hotel to rest a bit and freshen up. When evening approaches, your family will adore spending the evening indulging in a local Zagreb and nibbling on their favorite desserts. As you savor this time-honored Croatian tradition, as well as basking in quality family time within a relaxing and unique atmosphere, you will want to “freeze” this moment in time forever.

As day ten arrives, you and your family will spend the day amid a world of fairytale-worthy castles and one of the country’s most cheerful cities. Your tour’s first stop is Varazdin City, which is a charming hamlet that has earned the nickname “Little Vienna,” due to its lovely lanes and endearing aesthetic. You will be instantly smitten by the small-town feel of this special place as your family enjoys strolling along its pretty streets, stopping at quaint cafes and amazing boutiques, and much more. After a tour of Varazdin’s resident castle, you will make your way to Trakoscan Castle, which is Croatia’s most famous, royal-worthy abode. After returning to Zagreb before sunset, your driver will take you to Maksimir Park, where you will witness another stunning sunset while sharing family time outdoors.

Your little scientists will especially love day eleven’s destination: Zagreb’s Technical Museum. After being dropped off at the museum, your family will be led on a tour that will introduce you to all of the fascinating inner workings of science and technology. The best part of this experience will be that the museum’s exhibits are entertaining, hands-on, and full of fascinating facts that are conveyed in a kid-friendly and understandable way. You will give your brains a break as you leave the museum and spend the rest of the day, giving your bodies a run for their money at lovely Jarun Lake. An idyllic spot that is frequented by locals and tourists alike, this pristine nature park features an abundance of outdoor activities that are sure to keep your whole family busy and highly entertained.

You will spend your final morning, sharing breakfast together and soaking up the last precious moments of this unforgettable family journey. As your private driver transfers you to the airport, you will be sent off with a lovely Croatian goodbye gift and will already be planning your return.