What to Do in Lombok with Kids? Fun Family Activities You’ll Love

Planning a family trip to Lombok and wondering what to do in Lombok with kids? This stunning Indonesian island offers a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation for families with children of all ages. Unlike its busier neighbor Bali, Lombok provides a more laid-back atmosphere with fewer crowds, making it ideal for parents traveling with little ones.

From baby-friendly beaches and gentle water activities to exciting animal encounters and cultural experiences, Lombok is packed with fun-filled adventures that will create lifelong memories. Whether you're traveling with toddlers who need stroller-friendly spots or older kids craving outdoor exploration, this guide covers the best family-friendly activities in Lombok your family will love.

Let’s get into the top things to do, along with practical tips to make your family vacation smooth and enjoyable!

 

What to Do in Lombok with Kids?

Beach Fun & Water Activities

Learn to Surf at Selong Belanak Beach

Image Source: tripadvisor

This is the perfect spot for kids to try surfing for the first time! The waves here are gentle and the beach is sandy, making it safe even for young children. You can either find a surf instructor right on the beach or book a complete package that includes pickup from your hotel. Sasak Soul is a trusted company that charges around 450,000 rupiah per person - this includes transport, beach training, and two hours in the water. There's nothing quite like seeing your child catch their first wave!

Snorkel at the Secret Gilis

Gili Nanggu is perfect for first-time snorkelers, especially kids. The water is shallow near the shore, so even nervous children can see lots of colorful fish just a few steps from the beach. Children who can't swim yet can wear life jackets and stay close to parents or guides. Mimpi Manis offers full-day snorkel trips starting at 500,000 rupiah per person, including hotel pickup.

Swim with Sea Turtles

For older or more adventurous kids, take a snorkeling trip to Turtle Point near Gili Meno. You're almost guaranteed to see sea turtles up close - it's an unforgettable experience! If you don't have an underwater camera, many shops on the islands rent GoPros.

Go Beach Combing

At low tide, explore the shallow waters with your kids to find amazing sea creatures in tidal pools. You might spot starfish, sea snails, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins. Remember to look but don't touch - it's better for both you and the sea creatures!

 

What to Do in Lombok with Family?

Animal Encounters

Meet the Gili Horses

Image Source: thewanderingquinn

Visit The Horses of Gili charity on Gili Trawangan and make a donation. Your child can spend an hour with rescued horses - maybe taking a beach walk, helping with grooming and feeding, or even riding. It's a wonderful way to help animals while giving your kids a special experience.

Hang Out with Monkeys

There are two great spots to see monkeys:

• Pusak Pass in North Lombok: If you're traveling to or from the Gilis, ask your driver to take this scenic mountain route. You'll find several spots where friendly monkeys gather.
• Monkey Beach (western end of Kuta Beach): Early morning or late afternoon is best, when monkeys come down from the hills to play on the beach and hunt for crabs.

Keep a safe distance and don't feed them, but they're fun to watch!

 

What to Do in Lombok with Baby?

Traveling with a baby in Lombok is totally doable! Here are the best baby-friendly activities and tips:

Beach Time for Babies

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Selong Belanak Beach is perfect for babies - the sand is soft, the water is calm and shallow, and you can rent beach chairs to create a comfortable base. The gentle waves make it safe for little ones to splash around while you relax nearby.

Kuta Beach is another great option with its wide, clean stretch of sand. Perfect for crawling babies to explore safely, and the friendly locals often love meeting little visitors.

Gentle Activities

• Beach walks during cooler morning or evening hours
• Hotel pool time - many resorts have very shallow baby areas
• Sunset watching from beachside restaurants while baby naps in stroller
• Short boat trips to nearby Gili Nanggu (calm waters, gentle ride)

Baby Essentials Tips

• Bring plenty of sunscreen and UV protection clothing
• Pack extra diapers - familiar brands may be hard to find
• Consider a portable beach tent for shade
• Bring or buy a good quality baby carrier for easy transport
• Stock up on baby food/formula in Mataram or Senggigi

The key with babies in Lombok is keeping things simple, staying flexible with timing, and choosing activities that let you relax while baby explores safely!

 

Indoor Fun

Visit Epicentrum Mall

Image Source: firstlomboktour

When kids need a break from outdoor adventures, Lombok's biggest mall has plenty to offer:

• Multi-screen cinema with VIP recliner seats (50,000 rupiah midweek)
• Arcade games
• Play area for toddlers
• Virtual reality rides
• Archery
• Small train rides for little ones

Splash at Kura Kura Water Park

This turtle-themed water park has something for everyone:

• Separate pools for adults and kids
• Water slides
• Lazy river
• Bucket dump ride
• Dry activities like trampolines, billiards, and a gym

Visit midweek during school hours to avoid crowds.

 

Must-See Beaches

Image Source: novomonde

Kuta Beach Lombok

Don't confuse this with Bali's Kuta! This southern Lombok beach is much quieter and less developed. The beach is long, wide, and surprisingly clean. While it's known for surfing, the waves near shore are gentle and perfect for swimming. The locals are super friendly and love chatting with visitors.

Tanjung Aan Beach

This stunning double bay with white sand and turquoise water feels like paradise! It's about 7km east of Kuta Beach. The scenery is incredible - all lush mountains and palm trees. There are basic local restaurants (warungs) but no major development. Perfect for swimming, though watch out for seaweed that might wrap around your feet.

Note: Only squat toilets available here, so prepare young kids in advance!

Mawun Beach

A beautiful, secluded half-moon bay about 8km west of Kuta. Crystal clear water, pristine sand, and just a few drink stalls. You can rent sun loungers for about 50,000 rupiah per day.

Selong Belanak Beach

Many consider this the best beach in Lombok. Gorgeous white sand, bright blue calm water, and the locals do a great job keeping it clean. Perfect for little ones! Beach chairs cost around 50,000 rupiah per day.

 

What to Do in Lombok with Kids?

Cultural Experiences

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Visit a Traditional Sasak Village

Learn about Lombok's indigenous people at a traditional village in Kuta. While it can feel touristy, getting a guide makes the experience much more educational and interesting for kids.

Adventure Activities (For Older Kids)

Lombok Waterfalls

The north of the island has beautiful waterfalls like Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile. Bring swimwear - you can jump in! Day trips are available if you don't have your own transport.

Mount Rinjani Trek

This multi-day volcano hike is for older, experienced hikers only. The view of the crater lake at the top is incredible, but it's definitely not suitable for young children.

Island Hopping

Gili Islands Day Trip

Even if you're not staying on the Gilis, a day trip is worth it. Take a fast boat from Bangsal Harbour - they leave regularly throughout the day. Spend the day snorkeling, swimming, or exploring by bicycle.

Gili Nanggu Snorkeling Trip

The water around Gili Nanggu is so clear you can see your feet even when it's shoulder-deep. The fish are incredibly friendly and colorful - like swimming in an aquarium. Most trips also visit Gili Sudak and tiny Gili Kedis.

You can arrange this cheaply by riding a motorbike to Tawun Harbour and finding a boat, or book an organized tour through your hotel.

 

Practical Tips for Visiting Lombok with Kids

Best Time to Visit Lombok with Kids

• Dry season (May–September) – Best weather, less humidity.
• Avoid peak months (July & August) – More tourists, higher prices.

What to Bring for Babies and Toddlers

✔ Baby carrier (many places aren’t stroller-friendly)
✔ Swim diapers (not sold everywhere)
✔ Lightweight UV-protection clothing
✔ Portable snacks (some remote areas lack kid-friendly food)

 

FAQ

Is Lombok good for families?

Yes! It’s safer and less crowded than Bali, with plenty of kid-friendly resorts and activities.

Which is better for kids, Bali or Lombok?

• Bali has more theme parks and kid clubs.
• Lombok is better for nature-loving families who prefer quieter beaches.

Are the Gili Islands safe for kids?

Yes, but stick to Gili Air or Gili Meno (calmer than Gili Trawangan).

 

Book Wahdah Indonesia for Family-Friendly Transport

Renting a private car with WAHDAH Indonesia makes traveling with kids stress-free:

Unlimited Mileage – Explore without worrying about extra costs.
Baby Car Seats Available – Keep your little ones safe.
Flexible Pick-Up/Drop-Off – Hotels, airports, or any location.

Book now for the best family vacation in Lombok!