Traveling to Sri Lanka with Kids

The Ultimate Family Guide (2025)

I’ve lived in Sri Lanka for over 12 years, and travelled all across the island with my kids. From the surfing beaches in the south to the temples of Jaffna in the north. 🏝️🐘 We’ve gone on safaris, hiked mountains, explored jungles, and dipped into countless hotel pools along the way.

I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to make a family trip here fun, safe and stress-free.

In this guide, I’ll share honest, practical tips you can trust 💛 from one mother to another.

Merete and the kids, Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, 2025

Why Sri Lanka is Perfect for Families:

Sri Lanka is one of those rare destinations that truly offers something for everyone.
Parents love the comfort and diversity, while kids are wowed by the animals, beaches, and endless space to explore.

Here’s why families fall in love with this island:

Compact size: you can see a lot without long, exhausting drives.
Friendly locals who adore children.
Amazing wildlife : elephants, monkeys, leopards and turtles!
Rich culture that’s easy to introduce to kids.
Delicious food (and plenty of kid-friendly options).
Great value for money for hotels, activities, and private tours.

Getting Around Safely and Comfortably:

Public transport in Sri Lanka can be chaotic, hot, and unpredictable – especially with kids.
That’s why most families prefer traveling with a private driver.

A professional driver makes your trip:
✔️ Safer: experienced local driving in unfamiliar traffic
✔️ Flexible: stop for snacks, breaks, and photo moments whenever you want
✔️ Stress-free: no need to navigate, book trains, or find taxis
✔️ Comfortable: air-conditioned vehicle, luggage space, and child seats

With At Ease Tours & Transport, you can book a reliable private driver and get a tailor-made itinerary designed to fit your family’s pace and interests:

👉 Fill out our short travel form and get your free, tailor-made Sri Lanka itinerary!

Top Places to Visit in Sri Lanka with Kids:

I have separated this into 2 parts: Best family friendly sights in Sri Lanka, and Fun things to do with bigger kids (see below)

Sri Lanka offers a wonderful mix of nature, adventure, and culture. Here are some of the top family-friendly destinations and what makes them special:

🏖️ Hikkaduwa & The South Coast

Relax on palm-fringed beaches, snorkel with colourful fish, and spot sea turtles swimming free. Visit a turtle hatchery, learn about marine life, or take a river safari through the mangroves on the Madu River. End the day with ice cream and a sunset by the ocean.

🐘 Udawalawe or Minneriya

Go on a thrilling jeep safari to watch wild elephants roam freely, A highlight for kids and parents alike! If spotting 🐆leopards is on the bucket list, then Yala or Wilpattu National Park should be on your list.

🪷 Sigiriya & Dambulla

Climb the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress (a fun challenge for older kids!) and explore the ancient cave temples of Dambulla. Visit a nearby village to learn how locals farm, cook, and live.

✨ Temples

Temple visits can also be exciting as long as they aren’t too long. There are lots of smells, colors, and fascinating customs to discover. The Tooth Temple in Kandy becomes even more interesting when you see a stuffed elephant on display! At the temple in Kataragama, the resident monkeys provide their own entertainment by snatching any fruit they can find. You can also find bat caves at several temples.

🚂 Kandy to Ella

Take the iconic blue train ride through tea plantations and misty hills — one of the most scenic journeys in the world. Kids love leaning out the open doors for photos!

⛰️ Ella

Perfect for little adventurers! Hike Little Adam’s Peak, walk across the Nine Arches Bridge, or splash by hidden waterfalls.

🛺 Ride a tuk-tuk

Our three-wheeled taxi is the most common way to get around here and is an experience in itself. Kids love them!

🛍 Colombo

The capital, isn’t the most kid-friendly city, unfortunately. But if you are there, a quick stop at the playground in Viharamahadevi Park can break up a dull shopping trip. At sunset, head to Galle Face Green, where families can fly kites together (kites are sold on site) and enjoy the lively seaside atmosphere.

🌊 East Coast (June–September)

Head to Trincomalee or Pasikudah for calm, kid-friendly seas. Snorkel at Pigeon Island National Park, build sandcastles, and enjoy endless beach days under the sun.

Left: Me and my kids (then 8 and 4) climbing Sigiriya. Right: Hikkaduwa beach.

👉 Check out an example of our family-friendly round tour HERE. (link coming soon - sorry for the wait)

🎒 Fun Things to do with bigger kids in Sri Lanka

There’s never a dull moment on this island! Here are some of the most popular activities for families with kids 10 and up:

🏄‍♀️ Surfing or boogie boarding in Hikkaduwa, Weligama, or Arugam Bay (July to September)

🤿 Diving: Hikkaduwa is a top spot for diving. From age 10, kids can get a PADI certification, or enjoy fun dives with an instructor

🐠 Snorkeling: Grab a mask and snorkel to explore colourful coral reefs and swim with turtles. Remember: look, don’t touch!

🐘 Safari adventures: Spot leopards, elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, and peacocks in their natural habitat

⛰️ Waterfalls and nature hikes: Perfect for active families who love exploring

😊 Ziplining in Ella: An adrenaline boost with breathtaking views

🚣🏿 White-water rafting in Kitulgala: Exciting for thrill-seekers

🥁 Cultural shows: Music, drums, and traditional dance performances the whole family will enjoy

🍲 Cooking classes: Hands-on fun, learning to make local dishes together

Practical Tips for Parents

Sri Lanka is a safe country to travel to. However a but mental prepartion before visiting is a must:

Make sure you have the best travel insurance, and always book transport with reliable transport and child seats. Don’t overplan! leave room for beach days and spontaneous fun, and embrace the slower pace that makes island life so special.

I made a 👉full packing guide for Sri Lanka here __LINK --, however a few things I will higlight for the kids is sun protection, sun lotion, UV+Rash guards and reusable water bottle.

Food & Eating Out 🍛

Sri Lankan food, like rice and curry, is traditionally very flavorful and often 🌶️🌶️🌶️spicy, which can worry parents traveling with kids. The good news is that in most tourist areas, restaurants are happy to adjust the spice level, so just ask for “not spicy” when ordering.

Picky eaters usually find something they enjoy, like fried rice, dhal (lentil curry), stringhoppers, roti with banana or Nutella, hoppers, and a variety of tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, and pineapple.

Western food and familiar snacks are also widely available, making mealtimes easier for families.

Don’t forget to keep everyone hydrated throughout the day. Try the fresh local coconut water 🥥 it’s a delicious way to stay refreshed in the tropical heat.

🏨 Choosing Family-Friendly Hotels

Sri Lanka has great options for families, from larger beach resorts to small boutique hotels. Look for larger family rooms, which are not always easy to find, quiet locations away from busy roads, and direct beach access.

When traveling with children, I would prioritize a swimming pool over most other amenities, especially in the hot, humid lowlands. Even in major beach towns, the sea can be rough or unsafe to swim on many days, so having a pool can save the day and keep everyone happy 💦.

One of the best examples is At Ease Beach Hotel in Hikkaduwa 🌴💙 It’s directly on the beach, has a pool, a restaurant, and a friendly team who love welcoming families. The famous turtle / snorkling beach is just a short tuktuk ride away

Why Tailor-Made Tours is the best for families

When traveling with kids, the best trips are flexible, balanced, and fun. Not rushed or packed with too many temple visits. And definitely private, so you don’t have to adjust your plans to a whole group of people you don’t know.

That’s why so many parents prefer a custom-made tour with a private driver, family-friendly hotels, and personal support along the way.

For more than 12 years, we’ve helped European families explore Sri Lanka just like this. And we know with confidence what can make or break a family holiday.

👉 Fill out the quick form and get your free, personalized Sri Lanka itinerary today!

Tell us your travel dates, preferences, and budget, and we’ll create the perfect tailor-made itinerary that fits your family’s pace and interests.

Traveling Sri Lanka with kids is not just a vacation – it’s an adventure full of laughter, discoveries, and moments you’ll remember forever.

Let our local travel experts at At Ease Tours & Transport take care of the details – from safe drivers and family-friendly hotels to all the fun stops along the way.