What To Expect When Traveling To Croatia With Kids & Babies

Here is a practical guide on traveling to Croatia with kids. What can you expect? Should you change your mind and go elsewhere? Find out here.

Begonja Family. Mate, Sj, Roko, Vladimir - Family Photo Shot6

So you’re planning on traveling to Croatia for a family holiday and want to know if Croatia is a family-friendly place to visit. You’ve undoubtedly googled and come up short with the answers – am I right?

That’s what happened to Chamisa; she wrote about her experience when traveling to Croatia for ten days with her three boys, and it got me thinking about the lack of information she found. Holidays with kids can be so much fun, so I was surprised at the lack of real knowledge.

As a mother of two kids living in and non-stop traveling around Croatia, I can tell you now that Croatia is a great place to come with kids. However, there are lots of questions that I get asked. Let me answer a few for you:

What Does A Kid-Friendly Or A Family-Friendly Holiday Mean

As you’re planning a Croatian family holiday, I’ll tell you what you need to know.

Is Croatia Family Friendly?

Yes, overwhelming. Of course, you need to pick and choose your accommodation options and avoid the upscale restaurants as you would in any country to avoid ‘those looks.’

Does Croatia Have Child-Sized Toilets, Sinks, And Changing Tables For Babies?

Roko & Vladimir - Family Photo Shot1

No. My years of traveling Croatia with a baby and toddler were always proven a little tricky in this regard. There are so very few changing tables available. New shopping centers and restaurants (or renovated ones) will offer a place for you to hide away and change your baby. But those places are very few are far between, and none have child-sized sinks and toilets.

However, changing your child while they are in a stroller or pram in a park or the corner of a bustling town square is acceptable, and no one will bat an evil eye toward you. Pack with you small plastic or paper bags to stuff the offending material into and pop it into a public trash can as soon as you spot one.

Do Rental Car Places In Croatia Offer Car Seats?

Yes, we have rented several cars in Croatia and have generally been able to secure a car seat with advance booking. If you need to hire car seats with your car rental, I would strongly advise booking as far in advance as possible, especially if you plan to visit between June and September.

NOTE: Croatian law requires children under 135 cm to be seated in an appropriate child restraint or booster seat.

Do Croatian Hotels And Restaurants Welcome Children

We’ve stayed in dozens of places, eaten, and enjoyed drinks in many bars, restaurants, and cafes, and we have never yet been let down. When dining out, our children, on many occasions, have been picked up by the staff and always treated well.

Little people make a big mess, and I always attempt to clean up and apologize. As I do, staff often tell me that ‘kids are kids and to leave it and that they will clean it up. No eye-rolling, no face-pulling from the staff.

Find the best Croatia Family Resorts & Hotels For Family Holidays in Croatia here.

Jenna at This is my happiness said for her; it’s things like diaper changing tables, family bathrooms in big public areas like airports, and high chairs at restaurants.

Brands We Use And Trust

Do Restaurants In Croatia Have High Chairs?

Not often enough. All of the small cafes and family-run places we tend to enjoy never have any available. It does prove difficult as our son likes to try to run off, so we end up taking turns to try and get him to sit still while the other person enjoys a meal.

When we have come across a place with a highchair, it’s such a treat for us. We now never comment on how old or rickety it may be if we still lived in Australia and instead relish having two hands to eat and drink with.

Places that always have highchairs available are all-inclusive resorts. Those hotel chains cater wonderfully to children of all ages.

If you want a chair 100% of the time, purchase a travel highchair that easily folds up.

Can You Find Family Bathrooms In Croatia?

Family Hotel Amarin: Playing Games WIth Letters

No. As I’ve mentioned, baby changing tables are rare, and I have rarely seen dedicated family bathrooms in the dozens of places we’ve traveled to. That said, many other children are with their parents in public toilets, so you, of course, won’t be the only one.

By nature, most Croatian people are giving and kind, and on more than one occasion, I have been offered to skip the line & go ahead with my son. 

What Food In Croatia Is Good For Kids? Do They Have Children’s Menus?

I giggle at this when people ask me. Once you have been here and seen the food on offer, you’ll laugh too. Croatia has a wide variety of food available. You may find a children’s menu in some massive restaurants in big cities, but that is seldom the case.

Fresh ingredients make up the regular menu, which many places gladly serve you ‘family style’ so food can be shared among the whole table. You and your kids will enjoy pasta, risotto, stews, and pastries.

If you don’t see anything, do what we do and ask the chef to grill a chicken breast – no one has ever once said no to my little boys.

If all else fails, feed your kids ice cream, pizza, and the yummiest Croatian pastry known as burek, which can be found on every corner. 

Is Croatia Safe And Clean?

Rijeka Carnival_Family Event

The Homeland War in Croatia ended in 1995, despite what some people still think. We often comment on how safe and relaxed we feel here, more so than we ever felt when traveling in the United States or other parts of Europe. And yes, Croatia is very safe.

Take the usual precautions for pick-pockets and keeping valuables safe in hotels, and you won’t have an issue.

If you plan to drive in Croatia, then you should be prepared for fast drivers, cars overtaking in ways that may feel aggressive to visitors used to slower-paced driving cultures, and parking in tight spaces, particularly in older town centers.

That aside, driving in Croatia is also safe and a great way to see many more sites than you could on a bus or train.

Can You Drink The Water In Croatia?

Yes. Tap water across Croatia is generally safe to drink. In rare cases where it is not recommended, posted signage will indicate this. Still, if you are worried, bottled water is available everywhere, typically costing €0.80–€2.50 depending on location.

What About Buying Diapers And Other Baby And Kid Essentials?

Coming to Croatia with a baby, Easy peasy. Baby essentials are found all over. Most supermarkets and many convenience stores sell wipes and diapers/nappies. All supermarkets sell baby food for all ages, and you’ll find organic baby food in larger stores like the DM chain.

I always suggest people bring enough for two days, after that, you’ll find what you are looking for.

Are There Many Parks Or Playgrounds In Croatia?

RaftTrek Baby Donkey Roko

Yes, yes, and yes! Most towns and many villages have at least one playground – often more than one to keep your children happy. You never have to go very far to find one.

I should say that much of the time, the equipment is older than you would find across the USA or Australia, but it is generally well-maintained and safe. And because Croatians love coffee so much, a cafe bar can be found close by, a win for the entire family.

In addition to free parks, Croatia has dozens and dozens of adventure parks dotted all over the country, offering something for older kids like paintball or climbing.

Plus, if you are looking to turn this trip into a family adventure holiday, consider time in the outdoors at Croatia’s only UNESCO Geopark or get tickets to Aquapark Istralandia, white water rafting, rock climbing, zip-lining, bike hire, or hop around the family-friendly islands. 

How Far Away Is A Good Hospital & Will I Be Able To Communicate With The Doctors And Nurses In Croatia?

Roko in Zadar Hospital - Living in Hospital

We feature places and activities on our travel blog that are not always in the center of town and, therefore, are not always within easy reach of a hospital.

Big cities like Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, and Zagreb (among many others) have local hospitals with emergency care. But you should know that some Croatian islands lack full-service hospitals. In certain cases, transfer to a mainland hospital may take several hours, depending on location and weather.

English is widely spoken in Croatia, and most hospitals and pharmacies have at least one English-speaking staff member.

Be sure to have adequate family health insurance coverage, as hospitals and clinics in Croatia generally accept credit and debit cards, but upfront payment may be required for non-residents without EU health coverage.

My kids have been to the hospital several times. Though the hospitals are old and need repairs, I have never once doubted the staff or the level of care they provide.

If not, it could ruin your Croatian vacation.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, DIAL 112 FROM ANY PHONE IN CROATIA TO REACH FIRE, AMBULANCE, OR POLICE.

Pushchairs, Strollers, And Prams In Croatia – Should I Take One?

Hmmm, by all means, bring your pushchair to Croatia; I use mine almost daily. But, you should know that many of the countries’ best tourist sites are ancient and in nature. The Byzantines and Romans left many historic sites across my new homeland, none of which include lifts, ramps, or any other comforts you’d like when pushing a baby or toddler. 

The maze of cobblestone streets in places like Zadar draws crowds and adds to Croatia’s charm, but they make it tough on your back and arms to push your stroller. Maybe you could consider using a baby carrier? I do love mine.

What Language Do Kids In Croatia Speak?

Lots.

Here in Croatia, children typically begin learning English in primary school, often from the first or second grade. Although children much younger can speak essential English thanks to TV, iPad games, and relatives abroad. While at the playground, remind your children that the kids around them may not understand them – but to ask if they speak English, and the chances are they will.

Fun fact: Croatian kids also learn other languages at school, such as German and Italian. 

Is Croatia A Good Place To Take Kids?

For me, yes. Croatia is undoubtedly child-friendly. A vacation with kids in Croatia is a great idea. 

Change tables I can go without. I care nothing for small hand basins or family bathrooms. For me, I love that the chef is always happy to serve up some grilled chicken and chips for my toddler and that my kids run around the beach making noise without people glaring at them to pipe down.

If you need a smooth sidewalk to push your pram along and long for a quiet mother’s corner to nurse in, you may want to skip coming to Croatia until your children are older.

Do you think traveling to Croatia with kids is suitable for your family? What are the must-have things for your next family vacation?

Where To Stay In Croatia With Kids?

There are loads of places to stay with kids. After nine years, we have found some of the best. I suggest that you try one of these tried-and-tested kid-friendly hotels and resorts.

More Tips On Travel To Croatia With Kids