Best Things to Do in Split With Kids: Fun Family Ideas

Looking for the best things to do in Split with kids? Discover family-friendly ideas

4/4/20265 min read

Panoramic view of Split, Croatia with red rooftops, the Adriatic Sea and Marjan Hill in the backgrou
Panoramic view of Split, Croatia with red rooftops, the Adriatic Sea and Marjan Hill in the backgrou

Split is one of the best places in Croatia for a family holiday. The city combines history, beaches, parks, sea views and plenty of family-friendly attractions, which makes it easy to keep children entertained.

If you are wondering what to do in Split with kids, there are plenty of options. You can explore the old town, walk by the sea, stop for ice cream, spend time at the beach and enjoy one of the most fun indoor attractions in the city: Selfie Experience Museum.

Here are some of the best family-friendly things to do in Split.

Aerial view of Split old town with Diocletian’s Palace, Saint Domnius Cathedral and the harbour
Aerial view of Split old town with Diocletian’s Palace, Saint Domnius Cathedral and the harbour

Explore Diocletian’s Palace

Start your day in the heart of Split by exploring Diocletian’s Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most famous places in Croatia and one of the best things to do in Split with kids.

The old stone streets, hidden alleys, ancient gates and open squares make the city feel like a giant maze. Children usually enjoy simply wandering through the palace and discovering something around every corner.

You do not need to turn it into a long history lesson. Instead, keep it simple:

  • walk through the old town

  • explore the small streets inside the palace walls

  • stop in Peristyle Square

  • take a few family photos

  • let children imagine what life in the palace looked like

Because the old town is pedestrian-only, it is easy and safe to explore with children.

Close-up of a hand touching the golden toe of the Grgur Ninski statue in Split for good luck
Close-up of a hand touching the golden toe of the Grgur Ninski statue in Split for good luck

Touch Gregory of Nin’s Toe and Make a Wish

Just outside the palace, near the Golden Gate, you will find the large statue of Gregory of Nin. One of the most famous traditions in Split is to touch his shiny toe and make a wish.

Most children love this part because it feels like a little treasure hunt hidden in the city.

It only takes a minute, but it is one of those small experiences that many families remember after visiting Split.

Palm-lined Riva promenade in Split with people walking and boats in the harbour
Palm-lined Riva promenade in Split with people walking and boats in the harbour

Walk Along the Riva

After exploring the old town, continue towards the Riva promenade.

The Riva is one of the nicest places in Split for families. It is wide, flat, easy to walk with children and full of life. There are palm trees, boats, cafés and plenty of space to stop and enjoy the view.

For families, this is a perfect place to slow down for a while.

You can:

  • walk along the waterfront

  • sit in the shade

  • watch the boats

  • take family photos with the harbour in the background

  • stop for a drink or snack

The walk from Diocletian’s Palace to the Riva only takes a few minutes, which makes this itinerary easy even with younger children.

Ice cream cone in front of Emiliana Gelateria in the old town of Split
Ice cream cone in front of Emiliana Gelateria in the old town of Split

Stop for Ice Cream at Emiliana

No family day in Split is complete without ice cream.

After your walk along the Riva, stop at Emiliana for a break. It is one of the best places for ice cream in Split and a favourite with both locals and tourists.

A short ice cream stop is also useful before continuing the day, especially during the warmer months.

Family having fun at Selfie Experience Museum in Split, posing in themed costumes
Family having fun at Selfie Experience Museum in Split, posing in themed costumes

Visit Selfie Experience Museum

Selfie Experience Museum is one of the best indoor things to do in Split with kids. Unlike a traditional museum, this is an interactive experience where children and parents can explore different themed rooms, take photos, record videos and have fun together.

It is especially useful if:

  • you need a break from the heat

  • you are visiting Split with teens or older children

  • the weather changes

  • you want family photos that are more fun than standard holiday pictures

Inside, families can explore colourful rooms and creative spaces that make children want to move, play and take part.

Selfie Experience Museum is particularly popular because it works for different ages. Younger children enjoy the bright and unusual rooms, while older children and teenagers love taking photos and videos.

For many families, this becomes the most memorable part of the day because it feels completely different from normal sightseeing.

People swimming and relaxing at Kašjuni Beach in Split with crystal clear sea and pine-covered hills in the background
People swimming and relaxing at Kašjuni Beach in Split with crystal clear sea and pine-covered hills in the background

Spend Time at the Beach

After spending some time indoors, finish the day at the beach.

One of the advantages of Split is that you can combine history, city walks and beach time all in the same day.

Depending on how much time and energy you have left, simply choose a nearby beach and enjoy a more relaxed part of the afternoon. Our suggestion is to visit beach Kašjuni.

For children, this often becomes the perfect ending to the day:

  • a swim

  • playing by the sea

  • collecting stones or shells

  • watching the sunset

Scenic walking path on Marjan Hill overlooking the city and harbour of Split
Scenic walking path on Marjan Hill overlooking the city and harbour of Split

Enjoy Marjan Forest Park

If your family still has some energy left before dinner, Marjan Forest Park is another great place to visit.

Marjan is often called the “green heart” of Split. It offers walking paths, pine trees, viewpoints and more space for children to run around.

You do not need to spend hours there. Even a short walk can be a nice way to finish the day before returning to the city centre.

Why These Are Some of the Best Things to Do in Split With Kids

What makes Split so good for families is that everything is close together. You can easily combine the old town, the waterfront, beaches, parks and indoor attractions without needing long journeys.

For many families, the highlights of Split include:

  • exploring Diocletian’s Palace

  • touching Gregory of Nin’s toe for luck

  • walking along the Riva

  • stopping for ice cream at Emiliana

  • visiting Selfie Experience Museum

  • spending time at the beach

  • enjoying Marjan Forest Park

If you are searching for the best things to do in Split with kids, these are some of the easiest and most enjoyable ideas.

The famous Grgur Ninski statue in Split surrounded by trees and park paths
The famous Grgur Ninski statue in Split surrounded by trees and park paths