Best things to do in Split, Croatia with kids

Visiting Split with our kids was one of our favourite things during our road trip through the cost of Croatia.

Split really lives up to the fame of being the most vibrant coastal gem of Croatia. A city where history and the Adriatic vibes instantly made us feel at home.

Our kids loved to explore Split because every corner of the city hides a story, a new point of view, or a local creamery worth discovering.

In this guide I gathered all our favourite spots and family-friendly activities in Split so you and your kids can make the most of your time in one of the Adriatic’s most beautiful cities.

Best spots to visit in Split with kids

Split is one of those rare cities where the UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just a monument, it’s the centre of daily life.

In fact, you’ll be walking through Roman alleys while stopping for ice cream or chasing pigeons in the most beautiful historic squares.

How incredible is this?

Here are the highlights of our visit that I think your family shouldn’t miss:

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1. Diocletian’s Palace

When we told the kids we were going to visit a Roman palace, they were super excited. But they thought we were visiting something like a museum.

That definitely changed the moment we stepped inside Diocletian’s Palace.  

This massive structure isn’t a traditional palace; it’s a living part of the city filled with shops, homes, cafés, and hidden alleys.

In fact, there’s not a single “entrance” where you can access only if you have a ticket. You just walk right into history, straight to the palace complex where you can walk around and explore.

Did you know?
Today around 3000 people live on the territory of Diocletian’s palace.

One of the few paid visits in the Diocletian’s Palace are the underground cellars which are particularly impressive (and cool on hot days).

Since it is one of the filming locations of Games of Thrones I recommend booking your visit in advance.

Practical information

• Open 24/7 as it’s part of the public space.
• The cellars and some monuments inside may have individual entrance fees (around €7 per adult, kids are often free or discounted).

2. Saint Domnius Cathedral

This is one of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in the world still in use and is located right in the heart of the Diocletian’s Palace.

The cathedral itself is beautiful, but the real highlight is definitely climbing the bell tower and enjoy the views over Split. I will talk about it later in this article as the tower deserves a chapter of it’s own.

Practical info:

• There are separate tickets for the cathedral, crypt, baptistery, and bell tower. Entry costs around €3–5 per section.
• There are also combo tickets available for around €13
• Open every day 7:30 AM – 6 PM except Sunday (12-6 PM).

3. Golden Gate

The Golden Gate is one of the original Roman entrances to the palace. As you can imagine it is an imposing and impressive structure.

Just outside, you’ll find the massive statue of Gregory of Nin, a powerful Croatian bishop who lived in the 900s. He is remembered for a very brave decision: he insisted that church services should be held in the Croatian language, not just Latin, so everybody could understand it.

Fun fact
Legend says rubbing his big toe brings good luck!

4. Vestibul

This grand circular space was once the entrance to Diocletian’s private chambers. Today, it’s an acoustic wonder where local singers sometimes perform traditional klapa music.

If you’re lucky enough to catch one, stop and let the kids sit for a minute. It’s a magical sound to hear!

Practical info:

• Free to access.
• No fixed schedule for performances but usually mid-morning during tourist season.

5. People’s Square or Pjaca

The People’s Square is a lively and beautiful square just outside the palace walls.  

Surrounded by Renaissance buildings, this is a great place to rest, enjoy a coffee or a fresh juice, and watch daily life unfold.

When visiting the People’s Square, there are some points you shouldn’t miss:

• Old clock tower: this 15th century tower displays a 24-hour clock face, a rare feature in European cities.
• Priora Petra Street: one of the narrowest streets in the world       
• Old Town Hall, which often hosts free exhibitions.

^{Our favourite walking tour in Split Old Town}

6. Riva Promenade

No visit to Split is complete without a stroll down the Riva, the city’s iconic waterfront promenade.

Stretching along the edge of the Old Town, this palm-lined boulevard is where locals gather, tourists wander, and kids can run freely. It’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the coastal breeze.

In the evening, the Riva comes alive with music, market stalls, and a festive atmosphere. This is the heart of Split’s social life, and your family will feel right at home.

Good to know
If you didn’t book your tours in Split online in advance, the Riva Promenade is where you will find the tours’ stands. You will be able to book boat excursions to nearby islands or guided tours to the famous Blue Cave.

7. Republic Square (Prokurative)

Just a few steps from the Riva, Republic Square ( also called Prokurative) is one of Split’s most elegant spots.

Surrounded by red neo-Renaissance buildings and opening up to the sea, it has a very Italian feel and is often compared to Venice’s St. Mark’s Square.

It’s a great place to take a break, let the kids run around safely, and enjoy a coffee at one of the terraces. In summer, you might catch live music or a local event here.

Fun fact
Its nickname comes from the procurators’ offices that used to be housed in the surrounding buildings.

8. Pazar Farmer’s Market

Just outside the Silver Gate of Diocletian’s Palace, you will find the Pazar, Split’s main farmer’s market.

It’s a lively and colourful spot where locals do their shopping and visitors come to get a taste of real Croatian life.

You’ll find all sorts of local products here, from fruit and vegetables to lavender bags, cheeses, olives, nuts, dried meats, and even beach toys and sun hats.

It’s the perfect place to grab some picnic.

Practical info:

• The market is open every day, from early morning until around 2 PM.
• It’s best to go before 10 AM, when everything is fresh and it’s not too crowded.
• Most stalls take cash only, so have some kuna or euros with you just in case.

Best spots to escape the heat

Croatia gets hot in the summer, really hot. When the city walls start to radiate heat, it’s time to head for the coast or find some shade.

Luckily, Split has plenty of spots where your family can cool off.

9. Plaža Ježinac

This beach is a favourite among families. Calm waters, natural shade from pine trees, and plenty of space to spread your towel make it ideal for kids.

Like most beaches in Croatia it is pebbled, so bring water shoes, but the gentle slope into the sea makes it one of the safest beaches in Split for small kids.

There are also rocky ledges nearby where older kids love to jump in. Follow the locals to be sure where to dive.

Practical info:

• Located about a 30-minute walk or 10-minute drive from the city centre.
• There is limited nearby parking, so I recommend arriving early.
• No showers or lockers, but there’s usually a beach kiosk open in summer where you can find water.

10. Kasjuni Beach

More secluded than Ježinac and backed by cliffs and vegetation, Kašjuni feels like a postcard. The pebbly beach leads to clear, shallow waters perfect for the little ones. There’s even a beach café where you can grab a snack or coffee.

Practical info:

• There is paid parking available nearby, but you can also access by walk from Ježinac Beach.

Travellers Tip:

There’s limited shade here. If you are travelling with kids and plan to stay long it is best to bring an umbrella. You can easily find it in the Pazar Farmer’s Market.

11. Go island hopping

Split is the ideal departure port for some boat tours and explore the surrounding islands.

In fact, the coast around Split is full of beautiful islands, clear blue lagoons, and hidden caves, each one more magical than the last.

You can take a boat trip to visit the famous Blue Cave, where the water glows bright blue inside, or head out to Vis Island, one of the most remote places in Croatia. Perfect to play Pirates.  

There’s so much to explore by sea, and it’s a fun way for the whole family to see a different side of the Dalmatian coast.

^{Split is the perfect starting point to visit the famous Blue Lagoon or the Blue Cave}

12. Marjan Forest Park

For shade, panoramic views, and a break from the city bustle, Marjan Hill is your answer. This huge green space is filled with trails, viewpoints, and hidden beaches. The locals call it “The lungs of Split”.

Marjan Forest Park is the perfect escape for nature lovers, with plenty of space for hiking, biking, and even rock climbing for the more adventurous.

This is definitely a most visit spot when in Split with kids.

Practical Info

• Marjan Forest Park is completely free to visit and is open 24/7 all year round.

Chasing the Best views

If your family loves a good photo spot and enjoys amazing views here are our three favourite places in Split:

13. Saint Domnius Bell Tower

As I mentioned above, the bell tower of Saint Domnius Cathedral offers incredible views of Split’s red rooftops and the sea beyond.

Being the highest construction in the Old Town, it offers an open 360º view.

Good to know
It’s a steep and narrow climb with 200+ steps but our 3 kids did it quite well (Mya was 3 years old at that time).

Pratical Information

• You can buy tickets only for the Bell Tower, without accessing to the Cathedral.
• the tickets cost about 4€ per person

14. Marjan Hill Stairs

The official viewpoint is about 300 stairs up, at the entrance to the park.

And while it sounds daunting, the shaded path and the impressive views all the way up usually keep everyone motivated.

But don’t despair. If you are driving, you can easily go up with your car.

You won’t have the whole experience, and it won’t be as fulfilling as climbing the stairs. But it is an effective way to enjoy the view over Split if it is too hot of if you are short in time.

15. Matejuška (Marina)

This is the locals’ favourite sunset spot. And it’s easy to understand why.

Come in the late afternoon, grab some pastries or ice cream, and sit by the boats as the sun sets into the sea. It’s simple, beautiful, and free entertainment for the kids when in Split.

In the summer the sunset usually ends in a myriad of pink hues. Split dresses up in beautiful colours. It’s a beautiful sight to see.

Our favourite places to eat

Traveling with kids means we’re always hunting for places that are welcoming, delicious, and preferably fast. Here are our top picks in Split. All approved by our kids.

Restaurants

• Ćiri Biri Bela Restaurant : A cozy restaurant with a beautiful garden setting and lots of vegetarian and kid-friendly options. The staff were lovely with the kids.
• Ba!Ce: If you’re looking for Croatian comfort food with a modern twist, this is a great pick. The atmosphere is simple but cheerful, and they have a kids’ menu too.
• ST Burek: A local gem. Grab a warm slice of burek (a savory pastry filled with cheese, meat, or spinach) and eat it on the go. Our kids asked to go back the next day.

Best ice cream in Split

• Gelateria Emiliana: Hands down, the best gelato in town. The flavours are rich, the texture creamy, and the staff friendly with little ones. We may have stopped here more than once…

For a picnic

• Green Market (Pazar) : Located just east of the palace, the Green Market is a colourful maze of fruit stalls, local cheeses, dried figs, and Croatian specialties. It’s perfect for assembling a family picnic before heading to the beach or Marjan Hill.

The best Day trips from Split

Split is not just a destination. It’s also an amazing home base to explore around.

If you have a few extra days, these are the excursions we recommend for families:

Krka National Park

Just over an hour away from Split, Krka National Park park is famous for its waterfalls and walkable wooden trails. Some areas even allow swimming. Our kids were mesmerized by the turquoise waters and the butterflies flitting about. A good alternative to Plitvice Lakes National Park if you don’t have a lot of time.

^{You can buy the tickets directly on Krka website or combine it with a guided tour to Sibenik}

Klis Fortress

If your kids are into knights or if you are into “Game of Thrones,” this hilltop fortress is a must. It’s less crowded than other sites and offers dramatic views.

^{Buy your tickets to the Klis Fortress or find a guided tour}

Šibenik

A beautiful coastal town with a UNESCO-listed cathedral and a relaxed vibe. Šibenik is less touristy than Split, and great for a slow afternoon.

Exploring Sibenik:
Šibenik is small enough to explore in a few hours but is full of atmosphere, beauty and history.
There are some original ways to explore around: Tuk Tuk Panorama Tour, Sea Kayaking Tour, Evening Walking Tour

Trogir

An island town with narrow alleyways, great restaurants, and a scenic promenade. Trogir is very close to Split and makes for an easy half-day trip.

^{Find the best family-friendly activities in Trogir}

Brac Island

Just a short ferry ride away, Brac Island offers stunning beaches, including the famous Zlatni Rat. Ferries run regularly and are super kid friendly.

That being said I totally recommend staying more than a day in Brac.

Where to stay in Split

Split has accommodations for all budgets. We recommend staying near the Old Town if you want to walk everywhere.

Our favourite family-friendly accommodations in Split

Contarini Apartment

Located in the Old Town perfect for families

Camera Hotel

Family suites and very good location

Apartment Satureja Montana

Perfect for big families

Find more family friendly hotels in Split >

How to get to Split

One of the great things about this vibrant coastal city is how accessible it is, whether you’re coming from elsewhere in Croatia or flying in from abroad.

Here are the main ways to reach Split with kids in tow:

By Car

If you’re exploring Croatia on a road trip (which we highly recommend!), getting to Split by car is straightforward. The country has a well-maintained network of highways, and the drive along the Dalmatian coast is nothing short of breath-taking.

From Zagreb, the drive takes about 4–5 hours via the A1 motorway.

From Zadar it will take you around 2 hours, going through Sibnik and Trogir along the way.

If you’re coming from Dubrovnik, plan around 3.5 hours, though the route can get busy during summer.

^{Have you considered a family van trip through Croatia?}

Travellers Tip:

Plan for a few scenic stops along the way. There are lovely viewpoints and picnic areas, especially as you approach the coast.

By Air

Split Airport (SPU), also known as Resnik Airport, is just 25 minutes from the city centre and serves many international and domestic flights, especially in high season.

There are direct flights from major European cities, including Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt, as well as seasonal flights from other parts of the world.

Once you land, getting to the city is easy:

• Taxi or rideshare: Around 30 minutes.
• Airport shuttle: A budget-friendly option that takes you to the main bus terminal near the port.
• Car rental: Ideal if you’re planning to explore other parts of the Dalmatian coast.

Travellers Tip:

The airport is small and manageable. Great for families with young children. But in summer, expect some queues, so bring water and a bit of patience!

By Boat

Coming to Split by ferry is not only practical but also a beautiful experience. Especially if you’re arriving from the nearby islands like Brač, Hvar, or Vis.

Split is a major ferry hub, with daily services connecting it to several Croatian islands and even international routes to Ancona in Italy.

• From the islands: Ferries and catamarans run frequently and are very family-friendly. Kids love the boat ride, and it’s a scenic, relaxing way to travel.
• From Italy: There are overnight ferries from Ancona to Split during high season. Great for mixing travel and adventure if you are travelling across Europe.

Good to know
The ferry port is located right next to the historic centre, so you can step off the boat and be exploring Diocletian’s Palace within minutes! This is super handy if you are traveling to Split by boat with small kids.

Getting around

You won’t need a car for the city itself. Most attractions are within walking distance, even if you are visiting Split with kids.

For beaches and day trips, a rental car or guided tours work well.

Local buses are also reliable and inexpensive but present more limitations when it comes to schedules.

Final Thoughts

Split is a dream destination for families with young kids. It combines ancient history with beachside fun, stunning views with delicious food, and just the right amount of adventure.

Our kids still talk about the palace, the beaches, and that amazing ice cream.

We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable family trip to Split. If you have questions or need more ideas for your itinerary, feel free to leave a comment below or send a message on Instagram.

Safe family travels!