Free things to do in Dubrovnik with kids

Dubrovnik may not be your name when you travel with a kid on a budget in Europe.

But today, you will learn why this is a great choice for you and your family.

With pedestrian old town, gorgeous Game of Thrones shooting locations, and beautiful, mild climate from March to November, it is one of the best places for family activities in Europe.

But what about the cost? Yes, traveling with kids in Croatia can be expensive. That's why we wrote the best free things to do with the kids to make your travel planning easier.

Related readings: Your guide to visit Dubrovnik, Croatia!

Here is an overview:

Free family attractions in Dubrovnik

This is the highest free family-friendly attraction in Dubrovnik that all ages love!

Strolling in the old town

UNESCO Listed Dubrovnik's old town It is the first place we recommend exploring with your little one. The streets not only tell the story of Croatian history, but also have no cars at all. This means your family can wander safely without traffic pressure.

Children can pretend to be knights, princesses and warriors in the stone wall. Additionally, narrow alleys, hidden stairs and stately fountains (such as the Onofrio's fountain) offer plenty of photo opportunities.

hint: Book a free hike to get a perspective on the local city’s historical perspective.

Visit Lokrum Island

While admission costs 27 Euros per adult in parts of Lokrum Island, the ferry is usually free and is an experience in itself. Navigate the crystal blue waters as you set out to the wonderland of flora and fauna.

Imagine a place where peacocks and rabbits roam freely. Nature is trimmed into lush botanical gardens and shadow vows. You can also enjoy exploring the ruins of the Benedictine monastery as this is not a free adventure as the entrance is not free.

If your kids love animals and explore the outdoors, this should be a top priority on your list!

Explore Game of Thrones shooting locations

Is your teenager a game of Game of Thrones buff? Dubrovnik will feel like a unique Easter egg hunt.

Skip paid trips and use mobile guides or free walking maps to scout familiar backgrounds.

Some have admission fees, but here are family-friendly games that are free to access:

• Dubrovnik West Harbour Aka Return to Water Bay
• Fort lovrijenac (As well as the Red Navy)
• Pile door
• Jesuit Staircase (below the Church of St. Ignatius)

Bathing in the sun

Want a free cable car alternative? You can drive or walk!

The walk was quite far hike and took about 50 minutes at medium speed, but the view was spectacular when you got there.

The cold starts to walk in the morning and wear plenty of sun protection during the summer months. We also warn against doing this walk with kids, but the desire for good hiking, teenagers and teens will love it!

View boats and local fishermen in Dubrovnik port

If your kids are angry with the boat, they will love walking along the coastline along the Dubrovnik port or any of the docks on many marinas.

See real boats and local fishermen to resist the scenery of aquamarine waters. There are many opportunities to take family photos and eat fresh fish in local restaurants.

Outdoor activities in Dubrovnik are fun

Want to explore the outdoor activities in Dubrovnik with your kids? Here is what we recommend doing with outdoor kids in Dubrovnik:

Hit the beach

Is there anything more glorious than relaxing with your family on the beach in Dubrovnik?

Our favorite attractions (free entry) are:

• Lapa Bay Beach: Family-friendly beach with calm water and shadows. However, the ground is pebbles, so wear suitable shoes
• Banjie Beach: The popular pebble beach is hugely located from the stones of the Old Town. Quick fill, so get there early.
• Copacabana Beach (Babin Kuk): Dubrovnik is 7 minutes' drive away. Great for home as it has shallow water and plenty of sand play space.

Get off-season hiking for free

The local tourism board offers free hiking during the off-season on Saturday morning (November to March). This is a great free activity to do with your children in Dubrovnik as they will learn about Croatia's history and culture through new lenses.

Even better, occasionally there are folk singing and dance performances in the old town to make your family happy.

Find a hiking or walking trail

If you have older kids who love scenic walks, here are our recommended hiking trails in Dubrovnik:

• Velika Petka Hill (Lapad Peninsula): This relatively easy two-hour trail is for kids and is available year-round.
• Srđ Mountain Trail: Enjoy about 50 minutes of uphill hike and enjoy the magnificent panoramic views.

hint: Pay attention to the weather. In summer, the temperature can rise to 30c/86f.

Watch street performers in the old town

On a summer night, Dubrovnik is filled with statues of musicians, dancers and humans. Your children will love the colorful costumes and joyful rhythms of čilipi folk music and dance. The performance is open and free to everyone.

Dubrovnik children's free historic sites will like

If your kids are history lovers, these historical attractions in Dubrovnik are must see.

Pile door and old town wall (external viewpoint)

Pretend you saved the city in a medieval fortress, saved from the dragon above the wall! The old city wall has its own story, but it is also an ideal place to imagine the new wall. You can have your kids hosting for hours, imagine their charming castle and take incredible photos.

The Principal's Palace & Luža Square

Not only is the architecture sublime, but there is often live music outside to add to the atmosphere.

This is a great photo opportunity for you and your family. The Palace now has a Museum of Cultural History, and the entrance fee for this museum is small if you want to explore the interior.

Church in the Old Town

The old town of Dubrovnik has amazing churches with complex buildings and free entry. We like:

• Dubrovnik Cathedral
• St. Bryce Church
• Church of St. Ignatius
• Franciscan Monastery*

*There is an entry fee for the museum part.

Bell Tower and Bells (Stradun)

The bell tower and bell sound are a unique place in Luža Square. It is 31 meters high and was built in the 14th century.

Kids love watching the mechanical characters and the clocks of their hours!

fortress

Dubrovnik is the site of several fortresses, which gives the city a magical historical quality. Your kids will love the stunning view below and pretend they are terrible knights

Here are some family-friendly fortresses that can be visited in Dubrovnik:

• Fort Lovrijnak: Amazing in the distance, especially at sunset.
• Revelin Fort near the Ploče Gate: Wandering outside the large open space.
• Fort St. John: The entrance to the old port with cannons.

Best free parks and playgrounds in Dubrovnik for family days

Find the best free parks and playgrounds in Dubrovnik where your kids can explore during your vacation.

Pile door (Boninovo area)

This playground is popular among tourists and locals. It has swings, slides and plenty of shadows. This is a great rest stop when you explore the Old Town.

Park Gradac (above the dance beach)

If you want a place that isn't very touristy, local families bring their kids to Park Gradac. It is a shadow of pine trees and enjoys a peaceful sea view.

Uvala Lapad Playground

This playground is located near the café and beach in Lapad, so you can relax with your coffee while your kids play. There are plenty of playground facilities here, such as slideshows, swings and bouncing machines.

Gruž Market

Want a good family picnic in Dubrovnik? Public green space near Gruzzi Market is quiet in the morning and afternoon on a picnic.

There is it there! The best free things to do in Dubrovnik with kids. To make your holiday possible, we provide you with some extra tips:

• Choose the right season: Avoid rush in summer if you can. In late autumn or late spring, crowds and more local culture mean less. Plus, the weather is still great!
• Bring snacks and water bottles: Food and drinks in Dubrovnik can be expensive. Bringing your own snacks while exploring will ensure your holiday doesn’t ruin the bank.
• Use public fountains: The fountain in Onofrio provides free drinking water.
• Ask your hotel about local activities: Your Airbnb host or hotel reception can let you know about any free concerts, puppet shows or days of opening the museum during your stay.

Related readings: Best Day Trip in Dubrovnik: Hidden Gems Beyond the Walls