What to Do on a 10-Day Trip With Your Family in Croatia

But with so many beautiful spots, planning can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly why it pays to plan early – so you can lock in ferries, family-friendly stays and excursions, and then simply enjoy your holiday with total peace of mind. Are you ready to start planning?

10-day Family Itinerary for an Unforgettable Week in Croatia

This 10-day itinerary will give your family a taste of Croatia’s most loved coastal regions in one unforgettable week. You’ll start in Istria, staying near the sparkling shores of Poreč, before cruising down to the sun-soaked Dalmatian coast, where Makarska and Dubrovnik deliver postcard-perfect beaches, historic towns and gentle adventure. This itinerary is ideal for families who don’t mind a bit of travel time and are excited to experience multiple regions rather than settling in just one place.

Day 1 – 4: Welcome to Poreč: Your Perfect Base in Istria

Istria is a gentle and stress-free start to your Croatian adventure: short driving distances, calm and clear sea, and a fantastic selection of family-oriented hotels and resorts. 

If you choose to stay in Poreč, you’ll find yourself perfectly positioned to experience the very best of Istria at an easy, family-friendly pace. This region is known for its beautiful beaches, fragrant pine forests and colourful old towns such as Pula and Labin, but Poreč offers the perfect balance of seaside relaxation and cultural charm all in one place.

From your base in Poreč, families can enjoy relaxed beach and pool days with plenty of on-site activities for children, then head out for easy half-day adventures. Staying here means you can unpack once and explore Istria at a comfortable pace – blending seaside relaxation with cultural discoveries, all while enjoying the town’s warm and welcoming charm.

Capturing family moments in the old town of Poreč, where warm stone streets and golden afternoon light create the perfect holiday memory.

A boat trip to Brijuni National Park is a wonderful family day out, combining a scenic coastal ride with time to cycle around the island, explore Roman ruins and visit the small safari park, all surrounded by wide open spaces perfect for children to roam safely. For more high-energy fun, spend a day at Aquacolors Poreč, where slides, splash zones, a lazy river and dedicated kids’ areas guarantee hours of excitement. Adventure-loving families will also enjoy Glavani Park, an outdoor adventure park with climbing courses and zip lines, as well as Dinopark Funtana, where life-sized dinosaurs and interactive attractions create a fun and memorable prehistoric experience for younger children.

Where to Stay in Poreč

• Opening this March, Pical Family Hotel, part of the Pical Resort 5*, Valamar Collection, is set to become one of the most exciting new family-friendly destinations in Poreč. Thoughtfully designed around the needs of modern families, the hotel features an impressive 3,000 m² of carefully curated indoor and outdoor spaces dedicated to family fun and relaxation: the ideal backdrop for creating lasting memories together. With 11 indoor and outdoor swimming pools, guests of all ages, especially little ones, can enjoy hours of fun, from sunny splash sessions to year-round comfort and relaxation. Parents can truly switch off knowing that all-day childcare is available, while children discover, learn and play in professionally organised kids’ clubs tailored to different age groups. Every element of the experience has been crafted to deliver a seamless, joyful and genuinely family-focused holiday.

A colourful pirate-themed splash park set among pine trees, offering endless fun for little adventurers while parents relax nearby in comfort.

• Located on the peaceful island of Sveti Nikola, just a short boat ride from Poreč, Isabella Island Resort, Valamar Collection offers families a unique blend of seaside relaxation and adventure. 

A relaxed family stroll by the sea on the island of Sveti Nikola, where palm-lined paths and sparkling Adriatic views set the scene for effortless holiday moments together.

Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and pine forests, the resort provides spacious family accommodation, safe beaches, multiple swimming pools and dedicated children’s programmes in Maro playrooms designed for different age groups. Little ones can enjoy supervised activities and creative workshops, while parents unwind by the sea or explore scenic walking trails around the island. With its car-free setting, natural surroundings and easy access to Poreč’s old town, Isabella Island Resort creates a secure, carefree and memorable holiday experience for families of all ages.

Day 5-6: Kid-Approved Fun on the Makarska Riviera

Makarska is a brilliant stop for kids, tucked between the turquoise sea and the dramatic slopes of Biokovo Mountain, so there’s always something exciting to look at or do. Families can spend the afternoon on Makarska town beach, where children can splash in the sea, build pebble towers and try pedal boats, then wander along the long, tree-lined promenade packed with playgrounds, ice-cream stops and space for scooters or bikes.

Sunset at the Biokovo Skywalk above Makarska, where a glass platform offers breathtaking views over the Adriatic Sea and surrounding islands.

For a little adventure, you can add an easy sunset walk or mini-hike on the lower Biokovo slopes, perfect for older kids who like to explore and spot the town from above. If your crew enjoys a “wow” moment, plan an excursion to the Biokovo Skywalk, where children can (safely) stand on a glass platform high above the sea and mountains – a thrilling, memory-making experience that feels like walking on air.

Where to Stay in Makarska

Valamar Meteor Hotel in Makarska is a bright, modern hotel right on a pebble beach near the town centre, with indoor and outdoor pools, a sun terrace overlooking the sea, and family-friendly facilities and entertainment.

The family-friendly splash pool at Valamar Meteor Makarska offers a bright and playful space for children to enjoy while parents relax nearby.

Sunny Makarska by Valamar is a relaxed, family-friendly hotel on the Makarska Riviera, just steps from the beach and surrounded by greenery. It offers comfortable rooms, pools with fun features for kids, and easy access to seaside activities, making it a great choice for families who want a simple, cheerful holiday by the Adriatic Sea.

A child enjoys a sunny day at the pool in Sunny Makarska.

Day 7-10: Dubrovnik – Living History for the Whole Family

Dubrovnik is especially magical for children, so start your visit in a way that keeps them comfortable: arrive by morning drive, then check into accommodation just outside the city walls, where it’s quieter, greener, and still only a quick walk or bus ride from the action. 

A family enjoys a scenic electric tuk-tuk ride with sweeping views of the Dubrovnik coastline and historic town.

In the afternoon, take the kids into the Dubrovnik Old Town, a real-life movie set of narrow streets, hidden squares and splashing fountains that younger ones love to explore at their own pace. Older kids and teens can tackle the famous city walls, best done early or late when it’s cooler, turning it into a fun mini-adventure with unbeatable sea views. For families visiting Dubrovnik, a tuk-tuk tour or the short cable car ride up Mount Srđ is often a highlight for younger children, giving them the exciting feeling of “flying” above the rooftops before enjoying a drink or snack at the top while taking in the breathtaking panoramic views of the city and sea.

For your final day in Dubrovnik, keep things easy and fun for the kids with a short, exciting boat ride to Lokrum Island, where children love following the shaded forest paths, spotting friendly rabbits and peacocks, and dipping into calm swimming spots along the rocks before enjoying a relaxed picnic and a final swim. 

A tranquil cove on Lokrum Island, where crystal-clear waters meet pine-covered shores just off the coast of Dubrovnik.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

Valamar Tirena Hotel is a great “home base” for families visiting Dubrovnik, tucked away on the green and peaceful Babin Kuk peninsula, yet only a short ride from the Old Town. It’s built with families in mind: rooms are spacious, and you can often request cribs or interconnecting rooms so kids and parents sleep comfortably.

Guests unwind in hanging lounge chairs by the pool as a child strolls past.

The real highlight for children is Maro World: a 1,800 m² entertainment centre included for hotel guests, with dedicated zones for toddlers, little kids and older children – think soft-play, crafts and games for ages 0 to12, PS5 and Nintendo Switch lounges, trampoline and adrenaline-zone fun, kid-friendly pools with slides, and even evening shows, magic, movies or mini-discos.  Kids can splash in the pools, slide and swim, pick ice-cream by the poolside, or play safely while parents relax at the bars or enjoy a quiet walk through the garden grounds. 

Maro World – a vibrant adventure park with trampolines, overlooking a sparkling bay in Dubrovnik.

Best Time to Visit Croatia with Kids & Getting Around

The ideal time to visit Croatia with kids is late May to June and September, when the sea is warm, the crowds are smaller, and prices are more family-friendly, while July and August are hotter and busier, so ferries and family rooms should be booked well in advance. 

Picking up your car at the airports in Pula, Rijeka or Trieste and dropping it off in Dubrovnik helps you travel smoothly along the coast without unnecessary backtracking.

Organising Your Holiday Ahead of Time

Families receive personalised holiday tips and activity recommendations at the Experience Concierge desk.

Booking early and organising your holiday ahead of time makes a huge difference for families, because you get access to the best family rooms and interconnecting options, which disappear quickly in peak season.  It also means you can choose the guides and activities that suit kids best – whether that’s a private boat day, a national park excursion, or a flexible city tour tailored to short attention spans. Most importantly, early planning dramatically lowers stress: once the backbone of the trip is in place, the only decisions left are the fun ones, like which ice-cream flavour to try next.

Croatia is Made for Families

Croatia is made for families: safe, welcoming, easy to navigate and endlessly beautiful. With a smart route that links Istria,  Makarska,  and Dubrovnik,  and a bit of early planning, you can see a surprising amount in just ten days, without feeling like you’re on a race.