From tots to teens (and the ages in between), travelling with youngsters is no mean feat. So, let’s take the hassle out of holiday planning for your seven-day getaway in and around Pula with some activity inspo to get you started... 

Day 1 – Beach day  

Switch up your typical Monday with a day at the beach! Plus, everyone’s a winner where a beach day’s involved – active ones who’re itching to try water sports? Tick. Grandparents who simply want to laze on the pebbles? Tick. Kids who’ve been promised an ice cream? Tick. Check out spots like Beach Ambrela and Belvedere Beach (or why not try both?).

Day 2 – Explore nature and have a picnic 

Name a better way to spend a Tuesday than surrounded by nature. Depending on where you’re staying, you’ll have plenty of places to pick from. The hugely popular Plitvice Lakes National Park has pride of place on the UNESCO World Heritage list, with cascading waterfalls, jade-hued backdrops and wonderful woodland walks. The Brijuni Islands are a firm favourite too, with their vast stretches of meadows, surrounded by the deep turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea. There’s even a safari park! Pack a picnic and pick a spot to eat al fresco – the kids will love it (and your purse will too!).  

Day 3 – Aquacolors waterpark or Funtana Dino Park 

Yay, it’s waterpark time! Water babies of all ages will love Aquacolors in Porec. Get ready for thrilling waterslides, kid-friendly pools and relaxing zones that come together to keep the whole family smiling for hours. Or if you’re travelling with kids who’d prefer dinosaurs to waterslides, an afternoon spent at nearby Funtana Dino Park could be all it takes to sway the day! Life-size dinosaurs, live shows and wild rides are just the start – plus it’s had some exciting recent upgrades – they're pretty roar-some! 

Day 4 – Grab an ice cream in Rovinj Old Town 

After an action-packed start to your holiday, you and the little ones might be ready for some downtime. How’s a lazy stroll and an ice cream in Rovinj’s Old Town sound? We thought so. From winding cobbled streets to colourful little shops and shady spots perfect for a pause, it’s easy to let the kids lead the way here. Today’s a day to slow things down – holiday style. 

Day 5 – Go history hunting in Pula and watch the Lighting Giants show 

Who says culture can’t be kid-friendly? Start with the Pula Arena – it's seriously impressive, and even the teens in tow might be tempted to look up from their phones. Today, families can wander through the underground chambers where animals and fighters were once kept, explore exhibitions on Roman life and stand on the arena floor imagining the roar of the crowd.  

Next, Pula Castle awaits, boasting panoramic views that create the perfect backdrop for a family photo. Come evening, stick around for something magical – The Lighting Giants at Uljanik Shipyard. As the sun sets, the towering cranes burst into life, shining bright with 16,000 different colour schemes. A memorable end to the day that won’t break the bank.

Day 6 – Adventure day 

So, you’ve ticked off the beach, you’ve bagged your souvenirs, and you’ve experienced Istria’s rich culture? What’s next, you ask? One last adventure, of course! If your crew loves adrenaline, Glavani Park, Istria’s biggest adventure park has got zip lines, rope courses and climbing challenges for older kids, plus gentler sections for younger adventurers. For water babies, Istrialandia Aquapark’s got you covered, with top-notch safety, great facilities and splash-tastic slides for all ages. Neither option fitting the bill? Nothing beats a boat trip along the Istrian coastline! 

Day 7 – One last splash  

For your final day, keep things flexible. A relaxed morning at the beach, maybe revisiting a favourite from day one, or one last dip in the pool! There might even be time for a spot of snorkelling if you’re lucky.  

Alternatively, head inland to a traditional konoba (tavern) for a leisurely lunch, where adults can sample local truffles or olive oil, while kids tuck into simple, hearty dishes. End the trip the Istrian way – gelato in hand, sun on your face and the feeling that seven days just wasn’t quite enough.