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This beautiful city in the middle of the Adriatic coast is a bit of a secret gem, and as well boasting a fascinating town centre, it’s surrounded by epic mountains, sandy beaches and beautiful islands, all of which are easily reachable as adventurous day trips. Also perfect for family holidays, kids of all ages will find plenty to keep them busy here, from kayaking around islands to rock climbing in jaw-dropping mountains and seeking out the secret history of this ancient city on foot or by bike.
The Best Family Friendly Things to do in Zadar
Explore Zadar's Old Town
Roman emperors, medieval knights, Venetian artisans – history comes alive in Zadar’s Old Town, where narrow cobbled streets hide Roman ruins, medieval churches, foodie markets and lots of vibrant squares where you can stop and grab an ice-cream. The city’s two most famous attractions are a bit of a kid magnet, too. Explore the wonderful Sea Organ, a modern architectural marvel on the edge of the water. Designed to produce music through sea waves, kids of all ages will love climbing over the Organ and listening to its natural acoustics. Watch one of Zadar’s famous sunsets from the harbourside before checking out the ‘Greeting to the Sun’, a solar-powered light installation that dazzles at night.
Family cycling adventures in Zadar
If you and your littles are keen cyclists or just like the idea of seeing the sights by bike, Zadar is the perfect place to get about by pedal power. The city is surrounded by a network of cycling routes that lead to the Old Town (guided bike tours are also available) and beyond into green countryside and towards the sparkling coastline. Cycle from Zadar to Nin for a beach day by bike, try a loop of pretty Vir Island or tackle exciting mountain biking trails on the moonlike island of Pag.
Kayaking the islands
Catch a boat from Zadar to explore one of the hundreds of islands that dot the coast. There’s Pag, known for its amazing rocky landscape (and great cheese), Ugljan, home to olive groves and ancient fortresses, and the Kornati archipelago, which is mostly uninhabited and a haven for nature. Our favourite for adventures is Dugi Otok – this peaceful island’s rugged coastline and sapphire waters make it a dream for family kayaking. Start in Brbinj, where you can rent stable sit-on-top kayaks perfect for kids, and paddle along limestone cliffs stopping at Sakarun Beach for a swim in shallow, turquoise waters or brave a trip inside the eerie sea caves at Brbišćica Bay.
Embark on a magical mystery tour
Make exploring Zadar’s streets even more fascinating on an interactive adventure. Jadera Secrets offer alfresco escape games that involve solving puzzles and uncovering hidden gems throughout the city centre as you walk. When you begin, a game manager will meet you and give you a suitcase packed with puzzles - open each of the six padlocks to move on to the next stage and win your final reward. Great for budding detectives.
Rock out in Paklenica National Park
The jewel in Zadar’s crown, Paklenica National Park’s spectacular limestone landscape is world-renowned by hikers and climbers. There are 150 kilometres of trails to follow on foot and plenty of routes are suitable for smaller hikers – try the Velika Paklenica Canyon 1.5 km hike, which leads to Paklenica Visitor Centre, where kids can learn about climbing and the park's unique geology in underground bunkers. Fancy getting up close and personal with the rock? Guided roped climbing sessions suitable for kids and beginners are available in the park.
Dip your toe in the water
If sandcastles, sea dips and chilling out in the sunshine are top of your favourite family activities, head to the coastal town of Nin, 20 minutes from central Zadar and home to wide beaches with shallow waters perfect for younger children to paddle in. If you’re visiting with bigger kids, you can swim in crystal-clear city beaches just outside of Zadar City itself, or head to Kolovare Beach, where there’s a seawater pool and fun diving boards to jump off.
Inspired to take a family trip? We've teamed up with Zadar to give away an epic family holiday in Zadar worth over £1,400! Enter here for your chance to win!
And for more information about family holidays in Zadar, go to zadar.hr
