Family Adventures in Sri Lanka

No matter your child’s age or interests, they’ll find their ideal adventure on Sri Lanka’s shores. From the hills of tea country to the bustling streets of Colombo, family is central to Sri Lankan culture, and warm smiles welcome children everywhere. Moreover, for families that relish nature, Sri Lanka is a haven for kid-friendly activities.

The true charm of Sri Lanka lies in its ability to seamlessly blend cultural exploration, wildlife adventures, and sun-soaked beaches, offering visitors a diverse experience no matter where they venture.

Is Sri Lanka Good for Kids?

Whether your older kids delight in learning about history or your younger ones squeal with joy at animal encounters, the “pearl of the Indian Ocean” has something for everyone. Sri Lanka is an ideal family destination for its range of accommodations and transportation options that cater to every budget (and under-12s usually stay for free).

From intimate homestays immersing guests in local life to lush hotels with attentive butlers, accommodation in Sri Lanka usually provides hassle-free dining, with full- or half-board options including your meals in your stay.

High chairs are scarce, however, so it’s advisable to bring a travel version if your child requires one. It’s worth noting that changing tables are rare, but changing diapers in public areas isn’t frowned upon in Sri Lanka.

Train travel is a popular choice for families, particularly the Kandy to Ella route. Despite winding roads and lengthy travel days, strategic stops during your Sri Lankan road trip will create lasting family memories. Traditional playgrounds may be scarce, but gardens and public spaces offer opportunities for little ones to stretch their legs during your travels.

If car sickness isn’t a concern, hiring a private driver is best for a comfortable and flexible journey. Consequently, this allows you to take breaks at your leisure, with roadside vendors offering everything from fresh coconut water to kothu roti, a popular street food item. Your driver will also know the best toilet and rest stops on route – a godsend when traveling with little ones in Sri Lanka!

While not obligatory, it’s advisable to travel with your own baby or child-booster seats (even though some tour agencies may provide them). Also, call ahead to confirm that your vehicle has properly fitted seat belts, as these aren’t always guaranteed.

Where is Best in Sri Lanka with Kids?

Colombo offers a vibrant city life and varied urban experiences. However, you can enjoy a slower pace and serene change in scenery by heading towards the beach towns or hillside.

Explore the southern reaches of the country by visiting Bentota for water sports and whale-watching excursions. For kids who enjoy history and culture, don’t miss out on a visit to Galle to see the Galle Fort.

If you’ve got younger kids, venture towards Kandy and Dambulla in the central province for a taste of ancient Sri Lanka – where the temperatures are usually much cooler compared to the beach towns of the south.

When planning your activities in Sri Lanka with kids, consider the varying monsoon seasons on each coast and time your visit accordingly.

Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka with Children

Immerse Yourself in the World of Wildlife

Sri Lanka’s unmatched diversity in wildlife makes it a great place for kids to learn about ecology. Sunny days at Turtle Beach offer numerous turtle sightings. Hatcheries in Galle and Hikkaduwa play a crucial role in relocating sea turtle eggs to safer environments, providing an immersive educational experience that may involve releasing hatchlings into the wild.

Joining a whale-watching trip in Mirissa or Dondra Harbour is a must – humpback, sperm, or blue whales enchant both kids and adults, alongside dolphins also making an appearance. Be mindful of varying sea conditions and stay in contact with your tour operator as they often share weather updates for a seamless excursion.

Do not miss the chance to safari in one of Sri Lanka’s many national parks. Families will create lasting memories watching elephants, leopards, monkeys, water buffalos, and more in the wild.

Embark on a Culinary Adventure and Savor Unfamiliar Flavors

Sri Lankan cuisine is genuinely distinctive and diverse. Amid the spicy curries found in restaurants, there are also kid-friendly options. For pickier eaters, there’s always the reliable choice of fries, fresh fruit, or locally made plain, creamy curd (similar to yogurt).

Your family can elevate the culinary experience by joining a cooking class, where you can have fun learning skills like opening and scraping a coconut or preparing a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast together.

Embrace Adventure and Explore the Unknown

Besides the pearlescent beaches, Sri Lanka’s coastlines offer various exciting activities. You can surf in Arugam Bay and Hikkaduwa, master the art of kiteboarding, navigate exhilarating rapids whitewater rafting, and soar through Ella’s treetops on a zipline.

Most tour companies provide a range of options catering to various skill levels, ensuring that even young children can actively participate and make the most of these exhilarating experiences.

Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka with Tweens and Teens

For older kids, include activities such as climbing Sigiriya, exploring Pigeon Island at Nilaveli Beach, and cycling through the ancient city of Anuradhapura in your itinerary. Affordable surf camps in places like Weligama welcome kids eager to learn to “hang ten,” and vibrant coral reefs make for excellent snorkeling. Many tours provide guidance and gear for a stress-free experience.

If your teenagers prefer city vibes, the Port City development in Colombo has plenty of activities, from horse riding to ATV-ing and boogie boarding.

Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka with Babies and Toddlers

Children are warmly welcomed everywhere, enabling you to take them to restaurants or embark on hikes such as Adam’s Peak (don’t forget the baby carrier!). Exploring temples like the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic will certainly entertain young ones with their colorful flowers and soothing prayer chants.

If you’re traveling with babies and toddlers, it’s best to stay at resorts instead of homestays if your budget allows. Apart from unwinding poolside, you’re guaranteed access to cribs.

Consider heading north to Jaffna, a great option for those looking for a smaller city with easy access to beaches, temples, and historical sites. This off-the-beaten-path area provides tranquility at Manar Island and the picturesque Casuarina Beach.

Planning Tips

As welcoming as Sri Lanka is to families, a few tips can ensure a seamless trip. Confirm the presence of an air conditioning unit in your accommodation, as many guest houses may not offer this amenity. Although Sri Lanka is malaria-free, it’s best to be vigilant about mosquitoes and carry bug bite cream.

For parents of young children traveling in South Asia, obtaining recommended vaccinations and maintaining a steady supply of diapers and bottled water is crucial, particularly when exploring smaller towns. Larger-sized diapers are challenging to find, so be sure to travel with a sufficient stock. Swap the stroller for a baby carrier for better mobility.

If you need to stay within a budget, most hotels and sightseeing tours are free or discounted for children under the age of 12. Contact tours ahead of your trip to confirm.