Split with Kids 2026: The Ultimate Family-Friendly Guide

Your Ultimate Guide to a Family Holiday in Split, Croatia (2026)

Split, the vibrant heart of Dalmatia, is more than just a historical port city; it's a fantastic playground for families. With its unique blend of ancient history, accessible beaches, and a relaxed Mediterranean vibe, Split offers a perfect backdrop for creating lasting family memories. This guide provides everything you need to know about finding the best family-friendly apartments and planning activities that will keep children of all ages engaged and excited.

Why Split is a Great Choice for a Family Holiday

Split excels as a family destination for several key reasons:

• Walkability: The city's core, including the Riva promenade and Diocletian's Palace, is largely pedestrianized, making it safe for children to walk around.
• Beach Variety: From the sandy, shallow waters of Bačvice to the long pebble stretches of Žnjan, there's a beach for every family's preference.
• Engaging History: Diocletian's Palace isn't a stuffy museum; it's a living, breathing labyrinth of alleys, cellars, and courtyards that kids can explore like ancient adventurers.
• Excellent Base for Day Trips: Split's port is a gateway to stunning islands like Brač and Hvar, while nearby attractions like Klis Fortress are just a short bus ride away.

Best Neighborhoods in Split for Families

Choosing the right neighborhood is key to a successful family trip. Here are the top areas that offer convenience, safety, and access to kid-friendly amenities.

Bačvice: Beach Fun and Convenience

This area is famous for Bačvice beach, Split's only major sandy beach. Its incredibly shallow and warm water makes it perfect for toddlers and young children. The neighborhood is just a 10-15 minute walk (around 1 km) from the Old Town, offering the best of both worlds. You'll find numerous apartments with kitchens, close to supermarkets and casual eateries.

Meje: Quiet, Green, and Close to Marjan Hill

Located at the foot of Marjan Hill, Meje is a more residential and peaceful neighborhood. It's ideal for families who want to be close to nature, with easy access to the park's hiking trails, playgrounds, and the beautiful Kašjuni and Bene beaches. While quieter, it's still only a 15-20 minute walk to the city center.

Žnjan: Modern Apartments and Pebbled Beaches

Žnjan is a newer district located about 3-4 km east of the Old Town. It boasts a long stretch of pebble beach with numerous cafes, playgrounds, and water sports facilities. The apartments here are often more modern and spacious, with amenities like swimming pools and free parking, making it a great option if you have a car. It's well-connected to the center by bus line 8.

Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Split

Split is packed with activities that are fun for the entire family. Here are the top attractions you shouldn't miss.

1. Explore Diocletian's Palace

Think of the palace not as a single building but as a giant, open-air maze. Let your kids lead the way through the narrow stone streets. Challenge them to find the Peristyle courtyard, rub the toe of the Gregory of Nin statue for good luck, and descend into the cool, spooky cellars.

• Price: Free to walk around; Cellars cost approx. €7 for adults, free for kids under 7.
• Insider Tip: The eastern part of the palace cellars is often free to enter and provides a fantastic escape from the midday summer heat.

2. Splash Around at Bačvice Beach

This is the ultimate kid-friendly beach in Split. The fine sand and shallow entry mean you can relax while the little ones splash safely. It's also the birthplace of picigin, a local ball game played in the shallows that's fun to watch or even try.

• Price: Free
• Facilities: Showers, changing rooms, cafes, and sunbed rentals (approx. €15/day for two).

3. Hike or Bike on Marjan Hill

Often called the 'lungs of Split', Marjan Hill is a forested peninsula offering stunning views and a network of easy trails. You can walk to the first viewpoint ('Prva Vidilica') in about 15 minutes from the Riva. Further in, you'll find playgrounds, a small botanical garden, and the secluded Bene beach.

• Price: Free
• Getting there: Walk up the stairs from the Varoš neighborhood or take bus line 12.

4. Take a Boat Trip to the Blue Lagoon

For a truly memorable day, book a half-day boat trip to the Blue Lagoon at Drvenik Veli island. The turquoise water is crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling. Most tours provide snorkel gear and are a fantastic way for kids to experience the Adriatic Sea.

• Price: Starts from €40-€60 per person for a half-day tour.
• Insider Tip: Choose a tour on a smaller boat for a more personal experience and easier access to the best swimming spots.

5. Visit the Froggyland Museum

This quirky and unique museum is a guaranteed hit with kids. It features a collection of over 500 taxidermied frogs arranged in human-like scenes – playing cards, attending school, and even going to the dentist. It's bizarre, hilarious, and unforgettable.

• Location: Ulica kralja Tomislava 5
• Price: Approx. €10 for adults, €7 for children.
• Opening Hours: 10:00 - 23:00 (Summer)

6. Day Trip to Klis Fortress (Game of Thrones Fans!)

Perched on a cliff overlooking Split, this medieval fortress is a real-life castle perfect for igniting a child's imagination. It was famously used as the city of Meereen in Game of Thrones. Kids will love climbing the walls and towers.

• Price: €10 for adults, €3 for children.
• Getting there: Take bus line 22 from the local bus station (Sukoišan), a 25-minute ride.

7. Discover the Split City Museum

Located within the Papalić Palace inside Diocletian's Palace, this museum is small enough not to overwhelm kids. It offers a glimpse into the city's past with artifacts, weapons, and old furniture, providing context to the city they are exploring.

• Price: Approx. €5 for adults.

8. Play at Zvončac Park

Just west of the Riva, near the ACI Marina, Zvončac Park has one of the best public playgrounds in the city. It's a great spot for kids to burn off energy while parents relax with a coffee from a nearby cafe.

• Price: Free

9. Go Sea Kayaking

For families with older children or teens, a guided sea kayaking tour around Marjan Hill offers a different perspective of the city. Paddle along the coast, discover hidden coves, and enjoy a swim away from the crowds.

• Price: Approx. €35-€45 per person for a 3-4 hour tour.

10. Indulge in Ice Cream and Palačinke

No family holiday is complete without treats. Split has fantastic gelato shops ('sladoled') on every corner. Also, be sure to try palačinke, Croatian crepes filled with chocolate, jam, or nuts. Luka Ice Cream & Cakes and Gelateria Emiliana are local favorites.

• Price: €2-€3 per scoop of ice cream.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants and Cafes in Split

• Konoba Fetivi: A family-run restaurant in the Varoš neighborhood serving simple, authentic Dalmatian food. It's casual and welcoming to families.
• Pizzeria Galija: A long-standing favorite for its delicious pizzas, located just outside the palace walls. Perfect for a relaxed family dinner.
• Kantun Paulina: Not a restaurant, but a must-visit for a quick, cheap, and delicious lunch. They serve traditional ćevapi (grilled minced meat sausages) in flatbread. Kids love it.
• Zbirac: A beach bar at Bačvice with a very relaxed, bohemian vibe. Parents can enjoy a coffee or a drink while kids play in the sand just meters away.

Practical Tips for Visiting Split with a Family

• Getting Around: The Old Town is pedestrian-only. A lightweight stroller can handle the Riva, but a baby carrier is far more practical for the palace's uneven cobblestones and stairs.
• Best Time to Visit: May, June, and September are ideal. The weather is warm and sunny, but the crowds are smaller and prices are lower than in the peak months of July and August.
• What to Pack: Sunscreen, hats, and reusable water bottles are essential. Pack water shoes for the pebble beaches and comfortable walking shoes for exploring.
• Local Supermarkets: Look for Studenac, Konzum, or Tommy supermarkets to stock up on snacks, drinks, and essentials for your apartment. The Green Market (Pazar) is great for fresh fruit.