September 8, 2023 – We have explored the options, and though it’s not a big country, Croatia offers an incredible amount of places and activities for just about anyone. To help you find your perfect spot, let’s first see if we can locate the best places to take kids on vacation in Eastern Croatia.
As much as I hate saying or even thinking this, another summer in Croatia is nearing its end. The weather, as chaotic as it has been, is currently nice and sunny, but the heat is not as tough anymore. Perfect for another little break to bid summer farewell. And since school has started, the little ones could surely do with one last booster before the intense winter learning period starts.
As we have written before, there are so many reasons why Croatia is the perfect spot for a vacation with kids, be that in the summer or during pre- or post-season (my personal favourite). Not only that but there are so many places to explore all over the country. To narrow it down, today we’ll look at some of the most fun places where you can take your little ones for an exciting autumn weekend in eastern Croatia.
Eastern Croatia: Fun Vacation for Kids Behind Every Corner
This might be slightly biased, but the memories of growing up in Slavonia simply demand that I call Croatia’s most relaxed region one of the best places to take kids on vacation. In autumn or otherwise. The sheer vastness of space, fields and meadows, rivers, and hidden pockets of history are enough to have your little ones run around exploring all day. A few places come to mind instantly.
Papuk: Jankovac, Adrenaline Park Duboka, Požega-Slavonia County
Papuk is the most popular hiking destination in eastern Croatia. Some trails are more demanding than others, and not all might be suitable for little kids. The Jankovac trail, however, is perfect for all ages and skill levels. The start is easily accessible by car, with plenty of parking, a playground, and a restaurant. The Jankovac trail takes about 2 hours at an average pace and hides some pretty exciting surprises. And to ensure you get all the energy out, we suggest checking out the Duboka Adrenaline Park.
After a day in the hills, the rest of the vacation can be more relaxed. Based on personal experience, we can happily recommend hopping a few villages over and visiting Pleternica, Požega, and Velika. Start in Pleternica, where you can enjoy one of the best tourist train rides we’ve had the pleasure of taking, discover whales in an interactive, immersive experience at Terra Panonica, or battle it out at the new Museum of Bećarac. Move on towards Požega for a walk and ice cream, and then treat your little ones to some more splashy times at the Shhhuma Aquapark. Stay for dinner, as their restaurant serves some pretty interesting food, along with the kids’ favourite pizza.
Kid Vacation Spots in Baranja
Slowly but surely, Baranja has established itself as the top continental tourism destination in Croatia. While many will know all about its wine tradition, it also deserves a top spot on the list of fun vacations for kids. Nature Park Kopački Rit is the perfect place to start. Go out birdwatching, check out the interactive exhibition, or take a boat ride for the ultimate experience.
For lunch, head over to one of many of Baranja’s many exciting spots serving fresh fish and all kinds of local delicacies, or move on straight to Baranjska kuća, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch and proceed to take a walk down the Street of Forgotten Time.
Osijek
A big city might not sound like one of the best places for a fun vacation with kids. And they all might claim the same, but Osijek really is different. Proudly carrying the title of the greenest city in Croatia, its parks and playgrounds alone will keep the littles entertained for days. Add ice cream or bubble tea, have lunch in one of Osijek’s fun little cafes, and you’re sorted. Take a stroll down the promenade, explore Osijek’s old town and try to find its hidden treasure, and you’ll see your day out watching the sunset on the banks of the mighty Drava.
For the experience of a lifetime, though, imagine a night at the zoo. Book a stay at the Zoo Hotel and take a stroll over the beautiful Osijek bridge, or ride the legendary kompa (a type of raft/boat), spend the night at the lively hotel, and head straight to the zoo in the morning. That will for sure put your kids in a playful mood, so to get the zoomies out, we suggest visiting the brand new play arena in the city center where your family can have a little shoot-off playing laser tag or work as a team to make it out of the escape room.
The Danube Region
If you’re looking for somewhere to spend a completely relaxed weekend in nature without much planning and running around, nothing beats the Danube region. There are kilometers and kilometers of cycling and walking trails along the river. There are little boats, fishermen, monuments, and fortresses; there’s ice cream and cakes. And with spots serving the finest river fish and Baranja wines, there’s plenty of content for adults there, too. Oh, and let’s not forget Croatia’s most underrated museum, which will leave the kids and the big ones equally in awe.
From Vukovar to Ilok
For the ultimate road trip, start in Vukovar and make your way toward Ilok. Spend a night in Vukovar and explore its museums, especially the Vučedol Culture Museum, which hides many excitements. For perfect souvenirs, may we suggest matching shoes for the whole family – pick a pair each out of the many colourful designs that Borovo shoes offer, and hop on cheerfully. For the full experience, make them your kids’ dedicated school shoes like they used to be for all Vukovar schoolkids (which caused a somewhat complicated relationship with the shoe).
Finally, enjoy the ride on your way to the easternmost city in Croatia. The roads are just about bumpy enough for the kids to scream with laughter, and the parents will love the scenery of vineyards and orchards stretching as far as the eye can see. You’ll pass through quirky little places, see a mammoth or two, gasp at the perfect meeting point of the Danube and the sky, and you’ll know you’ve arrived in Ilok once the streets become narrow. And the feeling could be described as royal, for some reason.
Besides the Odeschalchi Castle, you might want to check out the Principovac estate, where you could try golf and enjoy a glass of Traminac or a delicious dessert with a view. For some movement, simply drive down to the bank of the Danube, find some hiking sticks in the woods, and turn into explorers. As simple as it sounds, this is one of my most cherished memories and could easily top the list of the best places to take your kids for a vacation. Sit down for a meal at the Hotel Dunav restaurant, witness yet another romantic river sunset, and plan your next trip over.
