Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities in Sri Lanka
-
Take the scenic train journey from Kandy to Ella through misty tea plantations and mountains.
-
Learn to surf in the calm, family-friendly waters of Unawatuna or Weligama beaches.
-
Visit the ethical Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project to learn about marine conservation.
-
Go on a responsible wildlife safari in Yala National Park to spot leopards and birds in their natural habitat.
-
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Galle Fort with its colonial architecture and family-friendly cafes.
-
Take a traditional cooking class to learn about Sri Lankan cuisine as a family.
-
Enjoy a gentle bike ride through rural villages and coconut plantations.
-
Visit ancient temples in Kandy, including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
-
Go whale watching with ethical operators like 'Raja and the Whales' to spot dolphins and whales.
-
Trek through the tea country hills on family-friendly walking trails in Ella or Nuwara Eliya.
The Best Luxury Family Hotels and Resorts in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's luxury family resorts combine world-class amenities with authentic local hospitality, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for families seeking an upscale escape. These carefully selected properties provide exceptional facilities, dedicated children's programmes and stunning locations along Sri Lanka's pristine coastline.
Heritance Ahungalla
-
5-star beachfront resort located on a golden stretch of sand
-
Two large swimming pools with dedicated children's areas
-
Kids' club offering daily activities and entertainment
-
Family rooms and suites with interconnecting options
-
Multiple restaurants serving international and local cuisine
-
Water sports centre for family activities
-
Traditional cultural performances and entertainment
Taj Bentota Resort & Spa
-
Premium oceanfront location with panoramic sea views
-
Spacious family suites with private balconies
-
Kids' activity centre with supervised programmes
-
Four restaurants offering diverse dining options
-
Large infinity pool and separate children's pool
-
Extensive spa facilities with family treatments
-
Direct access to Bentota's famous beach
Jetwing Lighthouse
-
Iconic Geoffrey Bawa-designed luxury resort
-
Family-friendly rooms with ocean views
-
Children's pool and main swimming pool
-
Educational nature and cultural activities for families
-
Multiple dining venues with child-friendly menus
-
Easy access to Galle Fort UNESCO site
-
Beachfront location perfect for sunset walks
Family Dining in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka offers a wonderful culinary journey for families, from authentic local dishes to international cuisine. Many luxury resorts feature child-friendly menus and themed dining experiences, while local restaurants welcome families with warm hospitality and accommodating service.
Traditional Family Feasts
Introduce your children to the vibrant flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine through family-style rice and curry meals, served with milder spicing options for young palates. Many restaurants offer cooking demonstrations where families can learn to make traditional dishes together, creating lasting memories of your culinary adventure.
Family-Friendly Dining Spots
-
Beachfront cafés serving fresh seafood and international favourites
-
Resort restaurants with dedicated kids' menus and high chairs
-
Casual dining venues offering familiar Western options
-
Family-friendly cafés in Galle Fort with relaxed atmospheres
Shopping Adventures for the Whole Family
Sri Lanka presents excellent shopping opportunities that cater to all ages, from traditional handicrafts to modern retail experiences.
Where to Shop
-
Paradise Road in Colombo for unique homeware and souvenirs
-
Local markets for colourful textiles and traditional crafts
-
Handloom workshops where families can watch traditional weaving
-
Tea centres offering tastings and educational experiences
-
Gem and jewellery stores in Colombo, Galle, and Negombo
Family Shopping Tips
Look for authentic handmade items like traditional masks and locally made toys. Many shops offer demonstrations of traditional crafts, making shopping an educational experience for children while supporting local artisans.
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka with Kids
Planning your family trip to Sri Lanka requires careful consideration of the weather patterns across different regions. For the popular west and south coasts, December to March offers perfect conditions with sunny days, calm seas and temperatures around 30°C - ideal for beach activities and wildlife safaris. The east coast is best visited between April and September, while the central highlands provide a cool retreat year-round. January is particularly family-friendly, offering excellent weather throughout the island with minimal rainfall and optimal conditions for activities like whale watching, beach fun and cultural excursions.