In short: northern Slovenia is ideal for children — Bled and Bohinj with their lakes and pletna boats, the Vogel cable car, thermal spas (Ptuj, Maribor) and easily reached Alpine nature.
Northern Slovenia is one of the most rewarding destinations for a holiday with children: it is compact, safe and combines Alpine lakes, thermal pools, castles and mountain cable cars in a small space. In this guide we go through family experiences by town, and if you are also planning the Belgrade to Northern Slovenia minibus transfer, how to get there is at the end.
Why Slovenia with children
The distances between places are small, the roads good, and nature and towns are within reach — in a week children see a lake, a mountain, a castle and pools without long drives. On top of that, we drive all the routes door to door, so there are no changeovers or carrying cases with children.
Bled and Bohinj — lakes for families
Bled (Belgrade to Bled transfer) is a classic: the flat path around the lake is suitable for prams and bikes, the ride on the traditional pletna boat to the island is a real experience for children, and in summer there are landscaped bathing areas with a shallower entry. In more detail in the guide what to see in Bled.
Nearby Bohinj (Belgrade to Bohinj transfer) is calmer and wilder, in the heart of Triglav National Park — shallows by the shore for swimming, a trip to the Savica waterfall and a ride on the Vogel cable car to the viewpoint. More in the guide what to see in Bohinj.
Spas and pools — Ptuj and Maribor
For days without sun (or after the beach) there are the thermal complexes. Ptuj (Belgrade to Ptuj transfer) has Terme Ptuj with the largest system of water slides in Slovenia and indoor and outdoor pools — a real hit for children, in summer and winter. See what to see in Ptuj.
Maribor (Belgrade to Maribor transfer) offers a gondola to Pohorje, where in summer there are an adventure park and trails, and in winter sledding and skiing. More in the guide what to see in Maribor.
Castles and adventures — Celje and Kranj
Celje (Belgrade to Celje transfer) is graced by the largest medieval fortress in Slovenia — the climb to the Old Castle and the summer “living history” knightly programmes are unforgettable for children, and nearby is the Logar Valley too. See what to see in Celje.
Kranj (Belgrade to Kranj transfer) hides a network of underground tunnels beneath the old core — the tour is a real little adventure, and a circular path along the river Kokra leads through greenery right by the town. More in the guide what to see in Kranj.
A suggested route with children
For a week, Bled and Bohinj (the lakes, pletna, Vogel), a trip to Kranj (the tunnels) and one “pool” day at Terme Ptuj or on Pohorje near Maribor combine nicely. Those who love castles add Celje. Everything is at short distances, so children do not spend a day driving.
How to get to Slovenia from Belgrade
For the Belgrade to Northern Slovenia minibus transfer we drive door to door, with a night departure from Belgrade (around 23:00h) and the Bregana border crossing. Maribor and Ptuj are the closest (about 500 km), Bled and Bohinj somewhat further; the children sleep through most of the journey.
The price is fixed and free of hidden costs — see the price list and all the towns of northern Slovenia (transfer to Northern Slovenia). Before the trip, check the border crossings and live cameras, and read about the region in the guide northern Slovenia.
Frequently asked questions
Is Slovenia good for a holiday with children?
It is — it is compact and safe, with lakes, thermal pools, castles and mountain cable cars at short distances, so children see a lot without long drives.
What to do with children in Bled and Bohinj?
In Bled, the pletna ride to the island, a walk around the lake and swimming; in Bohinj, the shallows, a trip to the Savica waterfall and the Vogel cable car to the viewpoint.
Which are the best spas in Slovenia for children?
Terme Ptuj has the largest system of water slides in Slovenia and pools for the whole family, and operates all year round. An alternative is Pohorje near Maribor with summer and winter facilities.
How many days to set aside for Slovenia with children?
For the lakes, one pool day and a castle or two, 5–7 days are enough. The distances are small, so several places are easily combined without tiring out.
How to get to Slovenia from Belgrade with children?
By minibus, door to door, with a night departure (around 23:00h) via the Bregana crossing; the children sleep through most of the journey and arrive in the morning, with no changeovers.
