Plitvice with Kids: Where to Stay and What to See?

Planning a trip to Plitvice with kids means thinking about every little detail: How long will the visit take? Will the kids be able to walk that far? Where can we take a break? What else should we see? These are just some of the many questions parents ask themselves before setting off. And every one of them is perfectly understandable.

Plitvice Lakes are beautiful, but spending a day in nature with children does require a little more planning. That is why you don’t have to plan your entire stay around a single visit to the national park.

Plitvice Lakes can be just the beginning of your family’s adventure in this part of Lika. Over the course of a few days, you can walk alongside the park’s waterfalls and lakes, take a trip to Rastoke, explore the underground world at Speleon or visit Deer Valley. The Plitvice area has plenty to offer!

Below, we share our suggestions for planning a trip to Plitvice with kids, along with a few tips to help you prepare.

Are Plitvice Lakes a Good Destination for a Family Trip?

Absolutely – but Plitvice Lakes are not a destination where everything revolves around a child’s routine. It is a place immersed in nature, which means walking, stairs, uneven surfaces, changing weather conditions and several hours spent outdoors.

That doesn’t mean you need to wait until your children are older. It simply means that your itinerary and choice of activities should be adapted to them.

If you’re travelling with a baby or young children, one of the most important things to consider is how you will carry them through the park. Our first piece of advice is to leave the stroller behind when visiting the national park. While a stroller may seem like the easiest option, uneven paths, stairs and uphill sections can make it difficult to navigate. Instead, we recommend using a baby carrier or another suitable child carrier.

It is equally important not to turn your visit into a race. If your children want to stop, look at something or take a break, those extra ten minutes won’t ruin your plans. On the contrary, they can make the day more enjoyable and relaxing for the whole family.

Where to Stay When Visiting Plitvice with Kids?

After a day spent exploring the trails of Plitvice Lakes, it is important to have a comfortable place where both you and your children can truly relax. No searching for a restaurant, no extra driving and no wondering where everyone can sit down and take a break.

That is what makes Lyra Hotel Plitvice such a great choice for families. Its peaceful surroundings, spacious rooms and proximity to numerous attractions in the Plitvice area make Lyra an excellent base for a family holiday.

With Lyra as your base, you can experience the best of the Plitvice area with your family.

Lyra Hotel Plitvice is located in Ličko Petrovo Selo, surrounded by the beautiful forests of Lika, and offers everything a family needs for a relaxing stay: complete peace and quiet, a fine dining restaurant on site, spacious rooms, an outdoor pool… and the list goes on!

Kids’ Playroom and Playground

Younger guests can enjoy even more fun at Lyra Hotel Plitvice thanks to the children’s playroom and outdoor playground. While the little ones enjoy their own space, you can sit back with a great cup of coffee on the hotel terrace – the perfect combination for a fun family getaway in Plitvice!

The playground and playroom are available to hotel guests staying overnight, as well as visitors who come to the hotel for a delicious lunch or a coffee with a view of the beautiful Lika forest!

Family Package at Lyra Hotel Plitvice

To help you make the most of everything Lyra Hotel Plitvice has to offer, there is also a Family Package*, which includes two 27 m² Comfort Rooms, a welcome drink, free Wi-Fi, parking and access to the gym.

Have you booked your stay yet?

*up to two children aged 16 or under

What Should You Know Before Travelling to Plitvice with Kids?

One of the biggest mistakes when planning a family trip to Plitvice is trying to fit too many activities into a single day.

If you’re visiting the national park with children, make sure you leave enough time to enjoy the park itself. After several hours of walking, there is no need to immediately head off to the next attraction.

The Plitvice area is made for slow travel and relaxation, so there is no reason to rush.

Here are a few of our tips and tricks for visiting Plitvice with kids:

• Bring clothes for different weather conditions, even if you’ve already checked the forecast.
• Always carry enough water and something to eat with you, although there are places in the park where you can buy food and drinks.
• If you’re travelling with very young children, it is best to leave the stroller at the hotel or in the car and use a baby carrier instead.
• Choose a route that matches your children’s abilities and stamina.
• Take advantage of special experiences such as a boat ride or renting a small rowboat.
• Plan your visit for quieter periods, for example in early autumn, and start your day in the morning to avoid the busiest times.

What to See with Kids in Plitvice and the Surrounding Area?

If you’re staying in Plitvice for a few days, don’t limit your visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park. The wider Plitvice area has plenty to discover!

Plitvice Lakes

Of course, Plitvice Lakes National Park is the main reason people come to this part of Croatia. Spectacular waterfalls, turquoise lakes and breathtaking, untouched nature create views that are hard to forget!

Rastoke

Rastoke is also known as Little Plitvice, thanks to its beautiful scenery and cascading waterfalls.

Here, the Slunjčica River flows over travertine barriers, creating a series of waterfalls, while old houses and watermills are nestled between them. It is a truly fairytale-like setting!

Speleon – Underground Heritage Centre

If you’d like a break from forests, lakes and waterfalls, head underground and discover the fascinating subterranean world of the Lika region.

Speleon is an interpretation centre dedicated to underground heritage, speleology and life inside caves. Its interactive exhibits make it an engaging experience for children too, especially school-age kids who can learn about animals, fossils and the world hidden far beneath the surface.

The centre is located next to Barać Caves, which you can visit as well, making it easy to spend an afternoon exploring, having fun and learning something new.

Dolina jelena – Deer Valley

What if you could experience wildlife up close in a completely different way?

Deer Valley offers exactly that kind of experience and can be a wonderful addition to a family itinerary. After a more active day exploring Plitvice, spending time with the deer can be a more relaxed way to enjoy the outdoors.

At Deer Valley, visitors can pet and hand-feed the deer and roe deer, while a guided tour of the property gives you the chance to learn more about the lives of these beautiful animals.

Plitvice is waiting for you.