Best Things to Do in Zagreb with Kids + 2025 City Break Guide

Thinking of visiting Zagreb with the kids?

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia, located in Eastern Europe, around 6 hours North of the coastal city of Split and Croatia’s islands. The city has a rich history waiting to be explored and plenty to do for kids of all ages.

Here is a complete guide to a city break in Zagreb with kids to help you plan the perfect trip for you and your family.

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Top 10 Things to Do in Zagreb with Kids

There is plenty to do in Zagreb whether you’re traveling with a baby, toddler, child, or teen. Here are our top picks:

1. Zagreb Funicular

The funicular railway also called a cable car or tram, is for quick travels up and down the hill—just across the street from Ilica Street. This is great if you visit with kids because they can see the city from above.

One of the stops on this funicular is close to the Jelačić Square. Behind that square is Strossmayerovac Park, which has an excellent playground for kids.

2. Museum Mimara

If your children are older, we recommend checking out some art at the Mimara Museum, located near Jelačić Square. It’s best to go to the top floor first, where there is a giant map of Croatia, and the kids can color in the parts they have been to or would like to visit.

The lower level has some interesting modern art displays and a free audio tour for those who need it.

3. Museum of Broken Relationships

Although the name might seem a little sad to kids, this museum is quite delightful and has some interesting stories behind each item.

If you need a good laugh or want something to talk about at your next family gathering, this is definitely the place to go.

The museum also has an excellent gift shop for those looking for something fun and unique to take home.

4. Jarun Lake and Park

One of the best places to visit with kids in Zagreb is Jarun Lake, which has a popular shallow beach area and a public pool nearby.

In addition to all this fun in the sun, there are inexpensive restaurants for those who want to enjoy a good meal with a view.

5. Croatian Museum of Naïve Art

This museum is not just one of the best things to do in Zagreb with kids; it also happens to be one of the best museums in Croatia. The Croatian Museum of Naïve Art is home to many paintings and sculptures from folk artists around Croatia.

6. Maksimir Park

If you want a place where everyone can enjoy nature, I suggest visiting Maksimir Park. This park has a zoo and one of Croatia’s two botanical gardens.

There is also a playground for young children, which includes a petting zoo and many other activities.

There is no fee to enter this beautiful park (there is one for the zoo), and it can be a very relaxing spot for parents who want to enjoy some time out in the fresh air while the kids run around.

7. Funicular Up Sljeme

In addition to the funicular that goes from Jelačić Square to the top of the hill, there is another one in Zagreb which takes you up Sljeme and the surrounding areas. It offers spectacular city views with a beautiful valley backdrop.

8. Medvedgrad Fortress Ruins

If you want to learn more about Zagreb’s history, visit Medvedgrad Fortress on Sljeme mountain.

Unfortunately, the only way to get there is by car, but Uber is always an affordable option in Croatia.

9. Crkva Svetog Marka (St. Mark’s Church)

St. Mark’s Church is one of Zagreb’s most beautiful churches. It is also home to several gorgeous displays and exhibits honoring various saints and events that have taken place throughout the city’s history.

10. Meštrović Gallery (Zagreb Museum of Contemporary Art)

The Meštrović gallery houses some interesting sculptures, paintings, and drawings from Croatia’s most prominent sculptor, Ivan Meštrović – including his famous Pietà sculpture, which can be seen at many other places around town.

The museum also exhibits several foreign artists, which gives the children a chance to learn about art from different parts of the world.

How to Get to Zagreb

The best way to get to Zagreb is by plane or bus. We recommend flying as the journey by bus will take much longer. We wouldn’t recommend traveling by train as Croatian railways are not very fast and at times inefficient.

You can book your flights on all major flight booking websites and apps. Booking is quick and straightforward, with many options for different budgets – so it’s worth checking out all your options.

When is the best time to visit Zagreb?

The best thing about Zagreb is that the city offers so much, no matter what time of year you choose to visit Zagreb!

The most magical time of the year is December when Zagreb hosts a magical Christmas market, an ideal attraction for kids. It was declared the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe.

Zagreb also features many green parks like Zrinjevac or Bundek, which make perfect locations for romantic walks in autumn or springtime.

During summer, Zagreb has numerous festivals worth visiting, like Zagreb Summer Evenings, which is perfect for an evening walk with kids.

Where to Stay in Zagreb with Kids

There are two areas that will be a memorable experience for your kids: Gornji Grad and Donji Grad.

Donji Grad started out as a town built along the medieval walls of Zagreb. Today, it has been redeveloped into a cultural center divided into three distinct neighborhoods:

Upper Town (Gornji Grad), Lower Town (Donji Grad), and Kaptol. There is much to see and do here for visitors of all ages.

The upper part of the town contains museums like MUMOK (Museum Moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig Wien) and the Mimara Museum, while Lower townhouses have many galleries such as the Gallery of Contemporary Art and Strossmayer Gallery.

Here are a few accommodations with excellent facilities for your kids!

Budget: Hotel Garden

Hotel Garden is the perfect choice for budget travelers. The hotel offers rooms starting at just 72 Euros per night.

The hotel’s central location is its biggest draw since it is only a few minutes walk from Muzej Mirama and Botanički Vrt. There are tram stops directly in front of the hotel.

While the hotel caters to budget travelers, it still provides guests with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and complimentary toiletries. The hotel also provides a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and clean bathrooms.

There is an on-site restaurant that serves a buffet breakfast (for an extra charge) as well as a bar. There are multiple places to eat just steps away from the entrance.

Mid Range: Hotel Dubrovnik

Hotel Dubrovnik is a child-friendly hotel in the center of Zagreb with affordable rates and excellent service.

They offer comfortable accommodation in a warm and friendly environment. Hotel Dubrovnik has been in business since 1929. and it all started with just 12 rooms.

Today they have 237 rooms and suites decorated with artistic paintings on the wall and several modern interior design elements that give it a cool contemporary look.

You can choose between single- or double-bedded rooms, either with a view of the street or overlooking one of their three inner courtyards.

All rooms are equipped with complimentary high-speed wireless internet access, a desk/working area, cable TV, a safe, a hairdryer, and a spacious bathroom with a shower and complimentary toiletries.

The hotel offers free baby cots on demand (must be requested before arrival).

The Hotel Dubrovnik is conveniently located in the city center, surrounded by great attractions, landmarks, and historical sites. One such site is the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art, which exhibits paintings from many Croatian artists, most of them considered eclectic artists.

It’s only a minute’s walk to Ban Jelacic square, where you can find beautiful architecture, such as St Mark’s Church, with its 98-meter tower, the second-largest building in Zagreb.

Also nearby are Lotrscak Tower [built in the 13th century], The Cathedral [built in the 11th century], and Kaptol -the seat of the Archbishop of Zagreb.

The hotel offers free parking in an enclosed garage with CCTV. They have a terrace overlooking one of the inner courtyards perfect for enjoying a drink or snack with family and friends.

Hotel Dubrovnik has a traditional restaurant that offers Croatian cuisine and Mediterranean dishes. The chefs use fresh ingredients to create flavorful dishes.

They also have a breakfast hall where they serve many typical Croatian breakfast items such as ham, salami, cheese, eggs, yogurt, honey, different kinds of bread/cakes, cereals, fruit juices, and much more.

Worth a Splurge: Hotel Esplanade

The Esplanade Zagreb is a five-star luxury hotel located in the center of the Lower Town of the historical part of Zagreb. 

It offers its guests magnificent views of this beautiful city and numerous facilities that will make your stay pleasant and comfortable.

It has luxurious rooms, a spa & wellness area, an award-winning restaurant & cocktail bar, a parking garage, or even one of the largest suites in Eastern Europe.

Hotel Esplanade Zagreb makes an effort to make sure that guests with children feel at home and enjoy their stay just as much as everyone else.

To make your stay even more pleasant, one of the most important things to know before booking a room in the hotel is that kids under 11 years old are accommodated for free. Baby cribs are also included free of charge but must be requested before arrival.

View more accommodation options in Zagreb here >>>

Where to Eat in Zagreb with Kids

Eating out with the kids in Zagreb? No problem!

Whether you’re looking for a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet, family-friendly chain restaurants, local dishes, or even international cuisine, there is something for everyone on this list of kid-friendly restaurants in Zagreb.   

You May Like: Zagreb 4 Hour Food Tour

Vagabund

Vagabund is a cozy cafe in Zagreb’s Upper town. This local hotspot offers delicious food and friendly service. The food is upscale, but you can get a great meal without breaking the bank.

Price: 30-50kn/ Adult, 20-30kn/ Child

Address: Antuna Mihanovica 12, 10000 Zagreb

PRI ZVONCU

Pri Zvoncu is a traditional restaurant in the heart of Zagreb. It serves fantastic traditional Croatian dishes as well as international cuisine from all over the world.

They have a kids’ menu for those picky eaters, but beware that they may just let them order from the adult menu! There is a pet-friendly patio and an indoor playground to keep children entertained while you enjoy your meal.

Price: 70-150kn/Adult, 30-90kn/Child

Address: Ilica 72, 10000 Zagreb

L’oro di Napoli

Do you want to indulge in delicious Italian cuisine while visiting Zagreb? Look no further than L’oro di Napoli! It is an upscale Italian restaurant with plenty of child-friendly options, including pizza and pasta.

The prices are a bit higher here, but the quality of the food is worth it.

Price: 100-200kn/Adult, 60-120kn/ Child

Address: Mesnićka ulica 6, 10000 Zagreb

Batak Grill Cvjetni

For incredibly delicious international food, Batak Grill Cvjetni is the place to go! It has a buffet option or a menu for those who prefer to order off the menu.

The prices are very affordable, and if you have space after your meal, there is an indoor playground right next door where the kids can burn off their energy before heading home!  

Price: 40-90kn/ Adult, 30-70kn/ Child

Address: Ilica 4., 10000 Zagreb 

Vincek Slastičarnica

 Do you have a sweet tooth? Then Vincek Slastičarnica is the place for you! Try some of their homemade cakes, ice cream, or even coffee. Fun fact! Did you know it means “The Sweet Shop” in Croatian? Yum!

There are plenty of sweets to go around, so bring your friends and family here for an entire party dedicated to sugar!  

Price: 10-20kn/ Adult, 0-10kn/ Child

Address: Petrinjska 14, 10000 Zagreb 

How to Spend 2 Days in Zagreb with Kids

When traveling to Zagreb with kids, you are sure to spend a lot of time walking around the city. Bring comfortable shoes!

One great thing about staying in Zagreb with kids is you will have many options to keep them entertained. They can play at the park or visit different museums and monuments.

If you’re a culture vulture, Zagreb is a fantastic place to explore.

Day 1: 1 Day in Zagreb with Kids

 Morning: Zagreb’s architecture makes it a fantastic city to explore with kids. There are plenty of buildings and street sculptures they can run around.

Be sure to explore Saint Mark’s and Jelačić Squares, as they offer several hidden streets ideal for exploration. Also, you can find most of the museums in the city centre.

One of the best ways to end a busy day in Zagreb with kids is by visiting Tkalčićeva Street. Here, you can take part in many fun activities, like taking photos at The Dancing House and watching children’s theatre performances.

Your little ones will love eating gelato and watching street performers at the Dolac Market while you shop and eat some traditional meals at local restaurants.

Afternoon: Zagreb is a beautiful city where you can explore on foot and enjoy all the sights. There are also many great cafes and restaurants, so after a day of sightseeing, your kids will have plenty of energy to go out for dinner!

Why not get a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket and minimize walking? View prices and details here.

Zagreb is a multicultural hub with tons to experience. If you’re traveling with kids, you can see the best of Zagreb in just two days.

Day 2:

Morning: You might start your day exploring the historical part of town that surrounds Zrinjevac Park. Kids will love the statues depicting Croatia’s history; they may even want to sit on some of them! After breakfast, take them to Mount Sljeme, where they can enjoy incredible views over Zagreb.

Afternoon: Depending on their age, plenty of activities can keep children entertained throughout the day. For example, teens and children who enjoy art may want to go see the Mimara Museum. And everyone is sure to love taking a ride on the Zagreb Eye!

After that, you can enjoy a nice dessert in Vincek Slastičarnica, nearby. Kids will love the Samoborske kremšnite!

3 Days in Zagreb with Kids

Morning: Visit Jarun Lake! It is surrounded by five different sports fields and numerous basketball courts.

There are also three playgrounds, a skateboarding area, a beach volleyball court, two open-air stages for concerts during the summer season, cafes, and restaurants.

It’s a must-visit if you want to enjoy a nice walk next to this beautiful lake.

Afternoon: To complete a day in Zagreb with kids, don’t forget to visit The Art Pavilion, a gallery focused more on modern art, as well as the nearby Mestrovic Gallery. The Pavilion is a 20th-century building that hosts exhibitions of contemporary artists from all around the world.

You can also enjoy concerts here throughout the year!

Next to it is an important museum for Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrović. In this place, you can admire his most valuable works and learn more about his life story and Croatia’s history during different periods.

4 Days in Zagreb with Kids

Morning: Zagreb is a city with many activities and places where you can spend time with the kids. One such example is visiting the Botanical Garden of Zagreb, which is not only educational but also fun.

The garden has about 5,000 different types of plants from all over the world, and it’s bound to keep your little ones busy for hours! It’s also small enough that they won’t get too tired of walking.

Afternoon: If you are visiting with kids between March and October, your visit should be planned to include Zagreb Zoo.

They run different types of coupons throughout the year, so be sure to check before purchasing your ticket. The best deal for families with children is a ‘Family Ticket,’ which costs 100 kunas (15 euros) and offers free entry for two adults, two kids under 15 years old, one kid aged between 15 and 20, or one adult above 20.

This special ticket price is only valid from March through October. If you visit Zagreb from November through February, the prices are much higher, but they offer half-price entry on Wednesdays, which might be convenient if you plan your trip well.

Day Trips from Zagreb with Kids

The capital, Zagreb, is a great starting point for many day trips! If you haven’t taken advantage of it yet, taking your kids out will show them more than just your apartment they’ve only seen the inside of. 

Here are some suggestions about what can be done around Zagreb with kids.

Day Trip to Samobor from Zagreb – A Taste of Old Croatia

It’s not far from Zagreb at all – just 30 km west – so it’ll take you only an hour or so by car. Samobor is a picturesque little town that has managed to preserve its historical architecture, including narrow streets and baroque buildings.

They have managed to maintain the town’s traditional look while being on the main traffic route.

You’ll find many attractions in Samobor – visit the castle, square, museum, or a local performance. Your kids can also enjoy quality family time by having delicious ice cream everywhere.

Plitvice Lakes National Park – One Day Trip from Zagreb

The most popular attraction in Croatia is, without a doubt, Plitvice Lakes National Park, located about 130 km from Zagreb city center.

It’s easy to get there via organzed tours or taxis, and it’s an ideal way to make it an all-day activity, especially if you are traveling with children since they are curious about nature.

You’ll learn that Plitvice Lakes National Park has 16 lakes, all filled with water originating from underground springs in the same area.    

You may also discover some rare plant species and animal life, so bring your binoculars.

Varaždin – Day Trip from Zagreb for History Lovers

Once an important city during medieval times, Varaždin is home to many museums and art galleries. Its old town is a beautiful sight, built during the time of Varaždin’s former glory.

If you’re lucky, you might find some street performers, so your kids can enjoy their show or maybe even participate. Take a walk through the old town and enjoy the sights while you learn more about Varaždin’s interesting history.

Getting around Zagreb with Kids

It’s usually much easier to get around Zagreb by tram, bus, or taxi than by car.

Public transportation in Zagreb is widespread and reliable. Tickets are valid for all trams and buses. A single-ride ticket costs 12kn (~1.6€) and is valid for one ride with unlimited transfers on trams, buses, or within 15 minutes of walking distance.

If you plan to take several rides over the same period, it’s better to buy a 30kn (~4€) day ticket, allowing you to use all public transport inside the city limits for 24 hours.

Taxis are generally metered, but Uber is a far cheaper option (and accepts cards). You should generally avoid taking taxis near Trg bana Jelačića (Jelačić Square) because they will try to charge you much higher rates – often tenfold what you would pay elsewhere. It should be noted that almost no Ubers have child seats, while regular taxis often do.

Renting a car is also a great option if you’re planning any day trips. Companies like Carwizz or Hertz offer rental options.

About the author: This article was originally written by Sylvie Simpson and has been edited by Kirsten Maxwell.