Slovenia is a small country located in Central Europe, bordering Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. Despite its small size, Slovenia boasts stunning landscapes, picturesque cities, and a rich cultural heritage.
The country experiences a temperate climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The best time to visit Slovenia with your kids is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities and exploration. During this season, the temperature ranges from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, making it pleasant for both parents and children. In this guide, we will take a closer look at Slovenia as a travel destination for parents travelling with kids. We will also explore the best things to do in Slovenia with kids.
If you’re looking for more ideas, check out our Slovenia family-friendly travel guide or head to Booking With Kids for more inspiration.
Explore Ljubljana Castle
Getting to Ljubljana Castle is easy. You can take the funicular railway, or you can take a leisurely stroll up the castle hill. The walk is manageable for most children, and the route is lined with trees and benches. The castle features an interactive museum that explores the castle’s history and the city of Ljubljana, and there are also guided tours available. Your kids can try on medieval armour, walk around the castle walls and towers, and enjoy the stunning views of the city and the Alps. The castle’s viewing tower is a highlight for many families, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Your kids will love spotting the landmarks of Ljubljana from above, and you can even bring a picnic and enjoy a snack while taking in the views.
Lake Bled
Lake Bled is a must-do activity. This stunning lake, located in the Julian Alps, is famous for its picturesque island and the church that sits atop it. One of the best ways to experience Lake Bled is by taking a boat ride to the island. Your kids will love travelling on a traditional wooden boat. Once you reach the island, you can explore the charming church and its fascinating history. Your kids can ring the church bell for good luck. Afterwards, you can grab a bite to eat at the island’s café .Of course, no visit to Lake Bled would be complete without taking a swim in the crystal-clear waters. The lake is a popular spot for swimming, especially during the summer months when the water is warmer. Your kids will love splashing around in the calm waters, and you can relax on the shore and take in the stunning scenery. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also rent a paddleboat or kayak and explore the lake at your own pace.
Caves in Slovenia
Slovenia is home to some of the most spectacular underground caves in the world, and visiting them is an unforgettable experience for families travelling with kids. The two most famous caves are the Postojna Cave and the Škocjan Caves.
The Postojna Cave is the most popular tourist attraction in Slovenia. This cave features a stunning network of passages, chambers and galleries, and it’s home to some of the world’s most unique cave-dwelling animals, including the blind salamander. You and your kids can explore the cave by taking a train ride into the underground caverns, followed by a guided walking tour.
The Škocjan Caves, on the other hand, offer a completely different experience. These caves feature an underground river canyon and caverns that are truly breath-taking. You and your kids can walk across a suspended bridge and explore the fascinating stalactites and stalagmites that line the cavern walls. Both caves are easily accessible by car or public transport, and guided tours are available in English. They are also very child-friendly, with plenty of opportunities for your kids to learn about geology, ecology, and the history of these remarkable caves.
Museums of Illusions Ljubljana
If you’re travelling with kids to Ljubljana, make sure to check out the Museum of Illusions. With its interactive exhibits and mind-bending optical illusions, it’s a perfect place to spend a few hours on a rainy day or to take a break from sightseeing. The museum features over 40 different exhibits, each designed to trick your mind and challenge your perception of reality. Your kids will love trying to solve the optical illusions and brain teasers, and they’ll have a blast posing for photos that look like they’re defying the laws of physics. One of the most popular exhibits is the Infinity Room, which uses mirrors to create an endless reflection. There’s also the Ames Room, which uses clever angles and perspective to create the illusion that people are shrinking or growing in size as they move around the room. The museum also has a range of interactive exhibits that encourage hands-on learning and experimentation. For example, the Anti-Gravity Room allows visitors to experience what it’s like to walk on walls and ceilings, while the Rotated Room will leave your kids feeling like they’re walking on the ceiling. The Museum of Illusions is a fun and educational experience that will engage both kids and adults.
Piran Beach
This picturesque coastal town is the perfect place for a family getaway, with plenty of fun activities to keep your kids entertained. One of the main draws of Piran Beach is its beautiful beaches and seafront promenade. Your little ones will love splashing around in the crystal-clear waters, building sandcastles on the beach, and taking a stroll along the promenade. The beach is also perfect for a family picnic, so make sure to pack some snacks and drinks. But, that’s not all there is to do in Piran. Your kids will also enjoy exploring the charming town itself, with its narrow cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and bustling marketplaces. And for a little bit of history and culture, take a trip to the town’s historic monuments and museums. No matter what your family enjoys, Piran Beach has something for everyone.
Dragon Bridge Ljubljana
Definitely add Dragon Bridge to your itinerary! This iconic bridge is a must-see attraction in the city and is sure to be a hit with your kids. The Dragon Bridge is famous for its four dragon statues that guard each corner of the bridge. Your kids will love taking a photo with these mythical creatures and pretending to be dragon slayers. The bridge itself is also a work of art, with amazing designs and beautiful architecture. Crossing the Dragon Bridge is a fun and unique experience that your kids will never forget. As you walk across, take in the stunning views of the Ljubljanica River and the cityscape. It’s the perfect opportunity for some family bonding and to create some unforgettable memories.
Zoos in Slovenia
Make sure to visit one of the many amazing zoos in the country! They’re also a fun and educational experience for the whole family. One of the must-visit zoos in Slovenia is the Ljubljana Zoo. Your kids will love seeing all the different animals from around the world, from lions to kangaroos. The zoo also offers special events and activities for children, like animal feedings and workshops. Another great option is Mini Zoo land – a zoo and a theme park all in one! Your kids will have a blast exploring the park’s different areas, which include a dinosaur park, a farm, and a playground, they’ll get to see lots of animals too, like llamas, deer, and even zebras.
If you’re looking for a more unique zoo experience, check out Sikalu Zoo. This zoo focuses on local animals, like brown bears and wolves. Your kids will love learning about the native wildlife of Slovenia and seeing these majestic creatures up close. And, for a truly immersive experience, visit Rožman Zoo Park. This zoo is more like a wildlife sanctuary, with spacious habitats for the animals and a focus on conservation and education. Your kids will be amazed by the variety of animals they’ll see, from big cats and primates to birds and reptiles. No matter which zoo in Slovenia, your kids are sure to have a great time. It’s the perfect way to combine learning and fun, and to create some unforgettable family memories.
Outdoor activities in Slovenia
Make sure to take advantage of the country’s amazing outdoor activities! From rafting and ziplining to mountain biking and more, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. One of the most exciting outdoor activities in Slovenia is rafting on the Soča River. Your kids will love the thrill of riding the rapids and taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great way to experience the beauty of Slovenia’s natural landscape. If you’re looking for something a bit more adrenaline-fueled, check out the zipline at Kanin. Your kids will love soaring high above the treetops.
Soča Fun Park offers a variety of outdoor activities like mini-golf, archery, and a ropes course. Your kids will have a blast trying out new challenges and working on their skills in a safe environment. If your family loves mountain biking, make sure to check out the MTB trail centre in Kočevje. The centre offers a variety of trails for all levels of experience, from easy family-friendly rides to more challenging routes for advanced riders. Your kids will love exploring the trails and experiencing the thrill of biking in Slovenia’s beautiful countryside.
Winter activities in Slovenia
Skiing is a popular winter activity in Slovenia, and there are several ski resorts that cater to families. Rogla is a great option, with a fun park, the little Devil’s Island, and a treetop walk. Kranjska Gora is another top ski destination for families. It offers plenty of kid-friendly ski slopes and a variety of activities like ice-skating, snowshoeing, and more. Krvavec is an exceptional ski resort that offers a variety of activities including night sledding, snow park, ski touring, and ice-skating. If you’re looking for a more family-friendly ski resort, Vogel is a great option. It offers a children’s park and a snow park where your kids can try out new tricks and enjoy the snow.
Golte is another great ski resort for families, with a children’s playground, sledding, and snowshoeing activities. Your kids will love exploring this resort. Ski Centre Cerkno is perfect for families with young children, as it has a children’s ski kindergarten where your little ones can learn to ski and have fun in the snow. All of these ski resorts in Slovenia offer fun and exciting winter activities for families.
Overall, Slovenia is a wonderful family-friendly destination that offers a range of activities for all ages to enjoy. So, pack your bags and head to Slovenia for an unforgettable trip with your loved ones. With tantrum-free travel and so many activities to choose from, your family is sure to have a fantastic time.
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