Planning a family vacation can be a daunting task, especially when trying to find activities that everyone in the family will enjoy. Luckily, Bosnia and Herzegovina has something to offer every member of your family. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, culture enthusiast or an outdoor type of family, we singled out 5 different activities to do with your kids in Bosnia and Herzegovina!
1. Swimming in rivers/waterfalls 🌊
Bosnia and Herzegovina is the country of springs, waterfalls and rivers. In the summer when temperatures get as high as 40 degrees, it is best to take your family swimming in one of the multiple rivers or waterfalls. The temperatures of the rivers can get as low as 8 degrees, as is the case of the River Neretva, making it a refreshing pastime. A popular recommendation is the Kravice Waterfall near Ljubuški. Not only is the waterfall beautiful to the eyes, but it has a vast space for swimming. During the summer months, there even is a small cafe for the parents to take a break and drink a coffee or something stronger!
However, as tourists from all over the region come for day trips to Kravice, we recommend checking out the Pjene Waterfall in Stolac. Known mostly by locals, the Pjene waterfall sits on the Bregava River in the picturesque town of Stolac. Keep in mind that waterfalls and rivers are colder in temperature than the average sea temperatures, so no sudden dips! Discover more water wonders in Bosnia and Herzegovina here.
Note: River and waterfall temperatures are lower than average sea temperatures, so enter with care!
2. Wild Horses Photo Safari on Kruzi (A Signature Experience ✨) 🐎
Doesn’t matter if it’s a winter or summer vacation, the wild horses of Livno can always be found with the expert senses of your guides. This herd has 900 horses that outlived their domestic use in the 60s with the industrialization of the agricultural sector. Today, they are living on Kruzi in smaller groups with their own hierarchies and battles for dominance. Ask your guide, and they’ll tell you how the horses organise themselves, how to recognise male from female horses and how they defend themselves from predators!
And don’t forget, this is a photo safari! It means you’ll get your professionally shot family photos to share with your friends!
Note: Make sure to listen to your guide and understand the proper behaviour around wild horses!
3. Graffiti Workshop on the Olympic Bobsleigh (A Signature Experience ✨) 🖌️
Wondering what to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina with creative kids? We recommend doing a graffiti workshop together! This unique experience comes with a quick tour of the meaning of art for the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo. Many citizens of this war-torn capital in the 90s have found their retreat in art, especially street art. With a 5-minute cable car ride, you’ll arrive to the Trebević mountain, overlooking the capital. The canvas for your art will be the Olympic Bobsleigh from the 1984 Winter Olympics! It’s a fantastic way to introduce your children to the capital’s complex art while immersing them in a fun experience! These walls will provide utter freedom of expression for your kids to test their street art creativity! It will feel like leaving a gift to the city!
4. Hiking 🏞️
Besides infinite water resources, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a real hikers treat! For all the active families, we recommend taking your children to one of the many nature parks or hiking trails. One of the most popular nature parks is the Una National Park, known for its stunning landscapes of the River Una. The best family vacation photos you’ll get at Štrbački buk, the Park’s highest and most impressive waterfall. Fear not, because the Park has many activities – camping, hiking, rafting, fishing and of course great food!
If you prefer hiking on the mountains, we recommend you visit the Sutjeska National Park. Sutjeska holds many impressive nature wonders of the country. From the highest peaks of Bosnia and Herzegovina to numerous lakes, there isn’t something that you can’t find in Sutjeska! We recommend booking a tour to hike through the oldest surviving rainforest in Europe, Perućica. Not only is it 20,000 years old, but it is also the largest remaining rainforest in Europe. It has wonderful landscape sights making it perfect for an educational and active day trip with your family!
Note: Accessing the rainforest without a guide is not permittable.
5. Zmijanje Embroidery in Banja Luka(A Signature Experience ✨) 🪡
For a cultural and artistic experience, the Zmijanje Embroidery workshop is a must. This UNESCO-recognized tradition from the Zmijanje region is known for its intricate patterns and deep cultural significance.
Instructed by the lovely ladies from the DUGA Association, the workshop offers families a hands-on opportunity to learn this traditional craft from the local women who continue to practice the craft. Kids will enjoy trying their hand at embroidery, creating their own small pieces to take home as souvenirs. The experience not only teaches children about the artistic heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina but also provides a deeper understanding of the country’s cultural identity. It’s a beautiful way to spend time together as a family while immersing yourselves in local traditions.
