Slovenia may not be the first country that springs to mind for a family holiday, but trust us—it should be. This little gem in central Europe packs a huge punch when it comes to beauty, history, and fun for the whole family. We spent just 3 days exploring Ljubljana (pronounced loo-blee-yah-nah) and beyond with our kids, and it was the perfect mix of culture, adventure, and delicious food.
Staying in the Heart of the City
We chose to base ourselves right in the centre of Ljubljana, booking a gorgeous apartment on Airbnb: here is the link to the exact apartment we stayed in. This place had several rooms, a full kitchen and a washer and dryer (always a must for families). It also had views of the river and of the castle. It felt magical.
They also had a gorgeous restaurant below and an icecream store 2 door down! Staying in the city centre meant we could step out our door and be immediately surrounded by cobblestone streets, pastel-coloured buildings, lively cafés, and the gentle hum of locals and tourists enjoying the city. It also meant no long treks for tired little legs after a day of sightseeing—always a win for families! Remember the centre is CAR FREE. It's heavenly, but choosing an appartment that you can easily access is a challenge. This one is right on the edge of the walking only zone, so you could park close by (100m).
Discovering Ljubljana by Bike
One of the best ways to see Ljubljana is on two wheels. We booked a 3.5-hour guided bike tour through Airbnb Experiences with a friendly local guide who showed us the city through the eyes of someone who calls it home.
Our route took us from the city centre to the colourful Metelkova alternative culture centre, through the leafy Tivoli Park, along the river Ljubljanica. We visited the iconic Dragon Bridge and had icecream in a huge playground. We biked to hidden spots we never would have found on our own. Along the way, our guide shared fascinating history, fun local stories, and plenty of “wow” views. The kids loved the variety—one minute we were learning about ancient architecture, the next we were spotting street art or whizzing down shady paths under towering trees.
Pizza, Nightlife & River Views
After our bike ride, we had dinner at Pops Pizza, a popular riverside spot with delicious woodfired pizzas and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. The kids devoured theirs in record time (a sure sign of approval), while we enjoyed a well-earned drink overlooking the river.
Ljubljana at night is magical—the city’s bridges and buildings are softly lit, and the riverside promenade buzzes with energy. Live music floated through the air as we strolled along the water, soaking in the atmosphere.
Cruising the Ljubljanica River
No trip to Ljubljana is complete without taking a river boat cruise. It’s a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective, gliding under its famous bridges and past the iconic Triple Bridge, castle hill, and colourful baroque buildings. The kids loved spotting places we’d seen earlier on our bike ride.
A Day Trip to Lake Bled
On our final day, we made the short trip to Lake Bled, and it was everything we hoped for—and more. The shimmering turquoise water, framed by mountains and crowned with a tiny island church, looked like something from a fairytale.
We spent the morning swimming in the lake (refreshing is an understatement!) before heading up to the mountain luge—a thrilling ride with sweeping views over the lake. The kids would have gone ten more times if we’d let them.
Why Slovenia with Kids Works
Ljubljana and its surroundings offer so much for families—walkable streets, friendly locals, beautiful nature, and plenty of kid-approved activities. Whether you’re cycling through the city, cruising down the river, or hurtling down a mountain luge, there’s never a dull moment.
Slovenia may be small, but when it comes to family adventures, it’s a giant.
