Family holidays in Serbia!
Memories created on family holiday’s last a lifetime, which is why choosing the perfect destination is so important.
Whether you and your family are interested in adventure, culture or a relaxing countryside escape, Serbia is a destination that truly offers something for everyone.All that’s left is for you to pick which part of Serbia to explore, pack your bags, hit the road and your family will enjoy the holiday of a lifetime.
Belgrade and Its Wider Area
Belgrade and its wider area offer plentiful sites and activities ideal for the whole family.
Whether you crave a family retreat into nature, like an active holiday on Avala mountain or on the Ada Ciganlija river island, or you prefer to explore the underground world of Belgrade and its ancient fortresses rich in history, or perhaps something completely different – carting, for example – you will find it all in Serbia’s capital.
Ada Ciganlija, an island on the river Sava, stands out as a favourite family picnic area. Thousands of families visit the popular “Sea of Belgrade” every year to sunbathe on its beaches and swim in the lake. There is also a great deal of water sports for the whole family to choose from. This large river island is the ideal spot for families wanting to enjoy the natural surroundings and local wildlife with visits to the adventure park, or for those who are more daring bungee jumping, paintballing, free climbing… For most visitors though, simply bringing a ball to start a game of football or basketball in one of the many fields is all it takes to ensure a good time.
On the Great War Island on the Sava, the whole family can embark on a great kayak adventure. Kayaking, first with the help of an instructor, and then on your own, is a great way for you and your children to spend some time on the water, improve your fitness and develop your coordination.
Many say Belgrade is at its most beautiful when viewed from its rivers. Alongside the regular boat tours, you can also take your family on a cruise aboard the medieval battle ship Svibor Slavjana, an experience that will entertain both children and parents.
Avala, a mountain near Belgrade, is an ideal spot for families who enjoy spending their spare time in nature. While hiking on one of its many trails, you can teach your children about the unique local terrain and the plants, insects and birds that inhabit it. Children will be thrilled by the large playground on the mountain, as well as the opportunity to cycle on the road or on demanding dirt tracks. Whilst here, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the World War I Monument to the Unknown Hero at the summit and Mount Avala’s iconic landmark the TV tower, with a restaurant at 119 metres above ground, offering spectacular views of the city.
At Obedska Bara Special Nature Reserve, your children will be able to see well known plants and animal species. The large wetland area that the river Sava has created is a magical and unusual swamp teeming with life.
Jakovo, a town near Belgrade, has been inhabited since the Stone Age. Today, it boasts a wide variety of amenities. Start your tour by visiting Fenek monastery, which is believed to have been built in the 16th Century. Spend a fun day at the swimming pools of S Club aquapark, with large slides for children and adults. Not far from the aquapark lies Stremen Salaš, a traditional farm house where visitors can immerse themselves in Vojvodina village life and try horse-riding – great even for beginners.
If you’re looking to relax in an authentic rural environment, visit the ethno-village Babina reka in Lazarevac, surrounded by a forest, streams and a river – an ideal spot for a respite from urban hustle and bustle.
Horse lovers will also enjoy visiting the Belgrade Hippodrome, a horse racetrack, which is the oldest sport facility in Belgrade, having been built in 1920. You can spend the day watching horse races and other competitive disciplines or you can also put your own skills to the test. The racetrack also offers hippotherapy sessions, where horse-riding is used as a therapeutic and rehabilitative treatment of neuromotor disorders.
Kalemegdan, the magnificent Belgrade Fortress at the heart of the city, is at the centre of many cultural events. It holds regular exhibitions and concerts, including educational shows for children.
Nestled between the walls of Kalemegdan lies Dino Park, with interactive entertainment that will introduce your children to the magical world of prehistoric animals. Older children may be more interested in the Military Museum and the deep Roman Well, while the most fun in this area, regardless of your age, can be found at the Zoo and the amusement park!
You can continue your exploration of the animal kingdom at the Public Aquarium and Tropicarium Belgrade, where you can see fish, reptiles, insects and amphibians from all continents. The building has a reptile corner, where you can observe these amazing creatures in their natural habitat, as well as a bonsai corner, with miniature trees from the Serbian mountains.
If your children are tree-lovers, they will enjoy visiting Jeveremovac Botanical Garden. Opened in 1874 at the very heart of the city, it preserves more than a thousand different species of plants from all continents in an area covering more than five hectares. Learn all about European and exotic plants, relax at the Japanese garden or walk to the Children’s Corner.
The most attractive tour of the Serbian capital for families is the Underground Secrets of Belgrade. This tour of caves, dungeons, walled rivers and secret passages is a whole hidden world of the past, ideal for inspiring children’s wild imagination.
The city’s many museums hold various workshops that will educate your children through fun and games. At the Museum of Science and Technology, your children can experience optical illusions, test their balance and enjoy many other fun experiences.
You can continue your quest for knowledge at the Nikola Tesla Museum, where stories of the life of this renowned scientist can be discovered. Aspiring pilots will be thrilled by the old and modern aircraft on display at the Aeronautical Museum.
Central Serbia
Central Serbia is a densely forested region, a fact reflected in its name – Šumadija, from šuma, Serbian for forest. It is a true paradise, ideal for some down time with your family and filled with an abundance of cultural and historic sites to enrich your holiday. From popular mountain resorts to caves and canyons to aquaparks and adventure parks, Central Serbia offers something for every member of the family.
The peak of Bukulja mountain has stunning views of breath-taking landscapes of Šumadija and its marked hiking trails are ideal for a stroll with your family. Nestled at the foothill is the city of Aranđelovac, with a horse-riding club and a riding school. The centre of Aranđelovac also boasts Bukovička banja spa, with its spectacular park teeming with sculptures made of white marble from Venčac mountain.
Jagodina, with an impressive aquapark featuring 8 swimming pools of varying depth and sizes – an endless source of fun for children and adults alike. This city is also known for its zoo, where you’ll have the opportunity to see more than 250 animal species, including Jovanča the giraffe, a local celebrity and symbol of the Jagodina zoo.
The mountain tourism resort of Divčibare is especially popular in the winter, as it provides ideal skiing conditions for children and beginners and also offers a wide selection of winter games and sports to complete the magical winter experience. In the summer, it becomes a picnic ground with numerous sports fields and activities to entertain the whole family, including mountaineering, trail cycling, panoramic cable car rides and horse-riding.
Goč mountain is another favourite destination for visitors of all ages. Your children can make their first skiing attempts in the ski school, while older children and adults can enjoy the unrivalled experience of night skiing on specially lit ski slopes. Goč is also an oasis for Nordic skiing aficionados, featuring as many as five marked slopes for cross-country skiing.
Children who are slightly more adventurous should check out a hidden gem in the central region of our country: the Gradac river canyon. Thanks to its size and degree of difficulty, this canyon is ideal for children: while it is challenging enough for children, it is easy to navigate on foot and visibility is good, so your family’s safety is guaranteed.
Every child in Serbia knows where Tršić is and why this village is so important. Situated near the city of Loznica, it is the birthplace of the Serbian philologist and language reformer Vuk Stefanović Karadžić. Vuk’s memorial house, vajati (wooden houses used as sleeping quarters for couples), watermills and other authentic facilities at the ethno-park in Tršić tell the tale of ancient crafts and the history of folklore festivals. The park also often hosts linguistic, literary and other workshops for children.
Central Serbia is also the home region of Desanka Maksimović, a famous Serbian poet who dedicated many songs to her birth village of Brankovina. A tour of the village will take your family through the school that she attended, the 19th-Century church where she is buried and the National Museums’ collection in Valjevo.
An indispensable part of any family trip is learning about Serbian history. Younger visitors will undoubtedly be more interested in the story of Despot Stefan Lazarević, one of the first European knights of the Order of the Dragon. Apart from major battles, the Despot is also known for Manasija monastery, which he erected as his endowment in the early 15th Century. This monastery near the town of Despotovac also hosts Just Out festival, a gathering of modern-day knights from many European countries.
For some interesting insights into somewhat more modern types of combat, visit the Stara livnica (“Old Foundry”) museum in the city of Kragujevac. Built in the 19th Century as a weapons factory, it now showcases examples of weaponry, cannons and military equipment and tells tales of times gone by. Alternatively, you can take your children to explore the magical world of dinosaurs! The Dino Park within the Natural History Centre in Svilajnac offers children an opportunity to become familiar with these majestic creatures. On display are more than 20 detailed replicas of various dinosaur species, including Tyrannosaurus, Deinonychus, Allosaurus and many more. Inside the Natural History Centre, you will find meteorites, fragments of volcanic rocks and minerals, Neolithic sculptures and real remains of animals that became extinct during the ice age, including the mammoth, the woolly rhinoceros and the steppe bison. From the Natural History Park, step into the magical world of Central Serbian caves. The halls of Risovača Cave in Aranđelovac were once inhabited by prehistoric humans. Today, their existence has been painstakingly reconstructed as a museum collection, with four realistic figures of the Neanderthal species of archaic humans, who are shown going about their usual daily activities.
In Resava Cave near Despotovac, you will see impressive cave formations, some of which are approximately 45 million years old. For young adventurers there is the Adventure Park nearby with an obstacle course and a zip line amongst other attractions. A similar Adventure Park is situated in Kragujevac, where your children can enjoy a wide variety of sports and fun activities.
After a hard day, the whole family can rest in the deep shade of lush treetops on the shores of Šumarice Lake or visit downtown Kragujevac and see its historic landmarks.
Do not miss the opportunity to visit the botanical garden in Kragujevac, where your children can dive into the ancient woodland, grassland plains and other interesting flora from all over the world. A maze of plant species will help your children discover the specific features of Serbia’s plant life. If you prefer the underwater world to vegetation, we suggest you take your whole family to the Kragujevac Aquarium, with 600 different fish species from all corners of the earth, including lungfish, a relic species that predates dinosaurs.
Staying in rural households in Central Serbia allows you to discover a whole new way of life. At Kočin konak household in the village of Gornja Sabanta, you will find children’s playgrounds and obstacle courses, and you can also ask your hosts to arrange for you to go foraging and pick mushrooms, forest fruits and herbs. The village of Lužnice is a true paradise for children and adults alike. Children will be excited to see the mini zoo, while adults will enjoy relaxing by one of the two artificial lakes, surrounded by hundred-year-old ash trees.
At the very heart of Šumadija lies Čolović House, with old houses, traditional residences (konak), traditional wooden houses used as sleeping quarters for couples (vajat), as well as commercial structures which have been preserved in their original condition from the 19th and early 20th Century.
In Orašac, the village where the First Serbian Uprising began in 1804, you will find vajat wooden houses of Karađorđe, named after the leader of that uprising. Here you will have a unique opportunity to accommodate your family in vajati which are more than 2000 years old. The vajati have been transported here from nearby villages and fully renovated to satisfy the needs of any modern family. A stay in this traditional accommodation will give you the opportunity to teach your children not only about rural architecture and life in the country, but also about the turbulent history of this region.
A family trip to Vrnjačka banja, one of the largest spas in Serbia, will be a truly relaxing part of your trip. Numerous swimming pools, sports fields and cycling and hiking trails will give your family plenty of opportunities to take part in fun activities. Those who are slightly older will undoubtedly enjoy massages, saunas, the halotherapy and other relaxing therapies offered. The Japanese garden, with a tea house and a lake, is the best place to unwind after long walks along the promenade.
With more than 62 kilometres of ski slopes for alpine and Nordic skiing, Kopaonik mountain is Serbia’s largest ski resort. In addition to various ski slopes suited to skiers at various levels of ability, there is also a ski kindergarten for the youngest skiers, while the Outdoor Sports Valley also features the “Children’s Town”, where your children can ride snowmobiles. Adults will enjoy the Little Lake for night skiing. Kopaonik is a cool oasis in the summer months; retreating to the slopes can decrease the temperature by as much as 10 degrees Celsius. A panoramic cable car ride provides breath-taking views of nature and greenery. A thrilling bobsled roller coaster ride, tubing, zip lining, mountain carting and an adventure park are also available and will entertain the whole family.
Western Serbia
Western Serbia is known for its mountains that offer your family plenty of opportunities for rest and recreation throughout the year.
This is the reason families from all over the world choose the modern ski centre of Zlatibor Mountain. Tornik, the ski centre in Zlatibor, is an ideal place to get together with your children and enjoy winter activities such as skiing and sledding. In the winter you can make use of the ski lift for skiing and snowboarding, in the warmer months you can take a trip on the lift to enjoy the panoramic views of this beautiful mountain. The tubing slope can be used all year round, as can the easy walking paths that are accessible to all ages.
Near the tourist centre of Zlatibor is the only open-air museum in Serbia – the old village of Sirogojno. It consists of 50 structures brought from nearby Zlatibor villages whose unique architecture faithfully depicts how people used to live in the region. This is one of the few museums where you can spend the night – stay in one of seven comfortable, authentic log cabins and pretend you’re living the Zlatibor fairytale.
In the village of Zlakusa, near Užice, the children can watch traditional ceramic dishes being made – from a lump of clay to the final product. Available to buy on site, these dishes are ideal for cooking in; ensuring food tastes extra special.
Visit Terzića Avlija, an ethno-village in Zlakusa, where the ethnological heritage of the region is preserved in two traditionally built houses. The village also has a restaurant where you can taste traditional dishes, before continuing your exploration of the region with a visit to the nearby Potpećka Pećina Cave.
Artefacts from the Neolithic period – remains of pottery, crafted deer antlers, stone weapons – were found in Potpećka Pećina Cave. Once children enter the cave, they will feel like junior researchers, studying tools used by our ancestors.
Stopića Pećina Cave in the Zlatibor mountain is fully lit to showcase its magnificent halls and rimstone pools. When the humidity is high, the cascading water overflows from one pool to another, creating beautiful waterfalls.
Just 40km from the Zlatibor stands another mountain – the Zlatar, with a number of winding rivers, hidden little lakes and mystical caves. Hugely popular amongst teenagers, the longest ski slope in the Zlatar, Briježđa, is open for night skiing. For younger guests there is a special children’s slope, where children will be able to begin their ski journey. The Zlatar is a great place for family holidays no matter the time of year – in the summer months your family can enjoy the walking trails, tackle the obstacles in the adventure park or play sports at one of many courts and playgrounds.
The meandering Uvac River flows in the Zlatar which, coupled with the surrounding green forests, creates a picture postcard landscape. The unspoiled nature of the Ibar gorge will enchant you and – if you’re lucky enough – you’ll spot tremendous griffon vultures nestling on the cliffs and swooping through the gorge. The most complex cave system in Serbia is also found here which, no doubt, your guide will tell you all about.
The powerful Maglič fortress stands high above the cliffs, by the modern M22, between Kraljevo and Ušće. This distinctive fortress, built in the 13th century, derives its name from the word Magla, Serbian for fog, which it is often surrounded by. The strong walls of this once impregnable fortress will transport you back in time.
The parks of the Zlatar and Zlatibor mountains will be a fun addition to your family’s stay. The Zlatibor Adventure Park consists of six adventure trails of differing skill levels, to suit all ages and physical abilities, while the tree-top Zlatar Adrenaline Park is for adventurous older children only (15+). Not forgetting the Dino Park in Zlatibor, offering visitors a range of entertaining and educational content.
The Tara is one of the most visited mountains in Serbia and a cyclist’s paradise. It has kilometers of asphalt, gravel and dirt trails that are open all year round. You can also get the adrenaline pumping with a free-climbing experience led by experienced local guides.
Or, if you want to enjoy a more laid-back exploration of the Tara, take one of more than 30 marked hiking paths.
The mountain has seven ski slopes suitable for all skill levels. And if your children have not yet learned to ski they can join the local ski school and learn from the experts.
The mountain is also a designated national park, home to over a thousand different plant species, 130 bird species and many other interesting animals. In the tourist centre of Mitrovac, you can visit an interesting exhibition on the biology, geology, archaeology, and ethnography of the region. And keep an eye out for the Serbian spruce aka Pančićeva omorika, an endemic species of evergreen tree that only grows in this area.
Adventurous families should pay a visit to the Drina River which offers a range of watersports including kayaking, rafting and paddle-boarding – all of which will provide an unforgettable day of fun in a picturesque setting.
In the village of Gornja Koviljača, on the banks of the Drina River, you can relax in Sunčana Reka which has a horse farm, a beach and various sports facilities. You will also find the ethno-village of Vrhpolje . The nearby village of Drlače boasts authentic vajati, traditionally decorated, small wooden houses and the perfect place to relax.
Don’t miss the opportunity to take a picturesque train ride through Western Serbia. The restored Nostalgija train departs from Šargan Vitasi station, traveling along the famous Šargan Eight, a narrow-gauge railroad, all the way to the Mokra Gora national park. The fifteen-and-a-half-kilometer route takes passengers on a journey through 22 tunnels and five bridges, all through the beautiful mountain landscape.
Upon arrival in Mokra Gora you will be greeted by the sight of the magical town of Drvengrad. Drvengrad is an ethno-village created by famed film director Emir Kusturica. The village, filled with paved streets and wooden houses, will leave you feeling as though you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.
Southern Serbia
Southern Serbia was shaped by the South Morava River and its tributary the Nišava. The landscapes through which these two rivers flow reflect the diversity of the terrain and nature – from the broad and fertile river valleys to the narrow gorges and hardly accessible canyons.
Prolom Banja spa is one of the favourite places for family holidays in Southern Serbia. It is the ideal spot for recreation and relaxation – in addition to the therapeutic water and mud, there are several outdoor and indoor swimming pools and a well-equipped wellness centre. Youngsters will enjoy spending time in the playground with the kid’s entertainer. Not far from Prolom Banja is another spa – Lukovska Banja. During the winter months Lukovska Banja offers visitors the unique experience of enjoying a swim in the hot water pool whilst it’s snowing.
You and your family will have the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the region when hiking and mountaineering in the Jelašnička Klisura gorge. You don’t have to be a professional to enjoy the small victory of tackling the gorge, but if you are a fan of extreme sports, you can try free climbing with a guide.
Southern Serbia is great for exploring on two wheels – those curvy mountain bike trails will be loved by your little adventurers as they take you to some of the most magical corners of Serbia. One such being the Radan mountain.
The mountain boasts a rare natural phenomenon, formed by soil erosion, dubbed the Devil’s Town. Do not be duped by its name since the Devil’s Town is a scenic site composed of 202 beautiful natural human-shaped stone formations. A local guide will be able to share some of the many legends about this site that have been passed down from generation to generation and ensure your visit to the Devil’s Town is an even more interesting one.
Southern Serbia is an exciting region for adventurers and dynamic families. You can enjoy speleological expeditions, trekking, Jeep safaris, rifle ranges or rafting on the Nišava River! All of which can be tailored for individual families, so no need to worry about the finer details, instead, just relax and let the experienced guides prepare the ultimate adventure for your family.
Vlasina Lake, located at an altitude of 1,200 meters, is the ideal place to escape from the bustle of the city and enjoy a holiday surrounded by nature. Created on the former peat bog, the Vlasina Lake is one of the few lakes in the world that has numerous peat islands floating on the surface of the water.
Horseback riding has numerous positive effects both physically and mentally so a horseback ride along the south Morava River, on the slopes of the Seličevica Mountain, on the Veliki Jastrebac and the Mali Jastrebac mountains are not to be missed. Enriching for both body and soul, exploring on horseback is the perfect introduction to the natural beauty of the Niš region. Children will particularly enjoy the presence of these noble creatures as will learn more about the strong relationship between horse and human.
Southern Serbia is not only an area of outstanding beauty, there is also a significant number of cultural and historic sites that will be of interest to the entire family.
Your family’s journey through history can start at the archaeological site of Pločnik, in the Toplica region, near Prokuplje. Learn all about the life of people from the Younger Stone Age in the reconstructed blacksmiths and weavers, and enjoy workshops including the tradition of potting.
At the ancient site of Mediana in Niš, a former Roman settlement, you can see well-preserved remains of the imperial residences built by Emperor Constantine. The rooms are decorated with floor mosaics and stunning frescoes, while the marble sculptures from the site are part of the exhibition in the National Museum in Niš.
There is another important archaeological site from the Roman times located in Southern Serbia – a former administrative and ecclesiastical centre of the province of Illyricum called Caričin Grad. Also known as the Empress’s Town or Justiniana Prima, it was built by the Emperor Justinian, to imitate the big cities of the late antiquity. The power and splendor of Empress’s Town were huge but short-lived, and its remains can now be seen near the town of Lebane.
If you head south from Leskovac to Vranje, and carry on to the far South of Serbia, on the left bank of the River Pčinja, you will see a monastic complex from the 11th century. It is believed that the monastery of Prohor Pčinjski was built by the Byzantine Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes commemorating St. Prochorus who prophesied that he would become emperor. The original church was restored several times and over the centuries additional structures were added to complete the complex of the Monastery.
Eastern Serbia
From the mighty Đerdap Gorge (Iron Gate) to the beautiful villages around Zavojsko Lake, you will find areas of outstanding natural beauty as well as historical sites hidden around every corner of Eastern Serbia.
The whole family can start discovering Eastern Serbia at Viminacium Archaeological Park, near Požarevac. The remains of the former Roman city coupled with an interactive digital presentation will ignite your imagination and you’ll learn about the Roman settlements, military camps, Roman thermae, amphitheatres and more.
Close by is Mammoth Park which is ideal for children. Here you’ll find the remains of ’Vika’, our 5-million-year-old female mammoth. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the ice age and animals that lived in this region long ago.
For those with a particular interest in history, be sure to visit the Lepenski Vir Museum – one of the most important European archaeological sites from the Middle Stone Age. Adults and children alike will be enthralled with the stories of people who lived more than 9,000 years ago, learning about the ancient way of life and the art that flourished in this era.
Proudly standing on the cliffs of Đerdap National Park is the Golubac fortress where you’ll be hard pushed to find better views of the Danube. The fortress is situated at such a point that the Danube resembles a sea. This mystical city, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Đerdap Gorge will make you feel as though you’ve travelled back to a time of medieval kings, princes and princesses.
Đerdap Gorge is one of the most beautiful natural attractions that you can visit in Serbia and fills all that visit with a sense of awe. By far the best way to experience the gorge is to sail the Danube on an open-deck tourist boat. The area is rich with flora and fauna – home to more than 1000 species of plants and 200 species of birds – and is the perfect excursion for budding explorers.
Make sure to visit the hydroelectric plant Đerdap, the largest in Serbia too. Here children can learn about the basics of physics, hydrology and energy. The knowledgeable guides will explain how this powerful creation holds the mighty waters of the Danube and transforms its power into electricity for use in our homes.
If you’re visiting during the high-season, don’t miss out on the catamaran excursions organised by the Tourist Organisation of Kladovo to Tabula Traiana (Trajan’s Plaque). You will hear the legend of this unique Roman monument from the waters of the Danube.
Also on the banks of the Danube is Negotin – a town surrounded by rocks, mountains, waterfalls and the medieval monasteries of Vratna, Bukovo and Koroglaš. No stay in the town is complete without a visit to the Negotin Museum where you can learn more about the cultural and historical sights of the area. And then, why not take a walk to the nearby villages of Rogljevo and Rajac where the wine is still made and preserved in authentic wine cellars – the pivnice – according to the century’s old tradition.
The Zoo in the city of Bor is one of a few in the world where visitors can see the rare white lion. In total Bor Zoo has more than 70 different species of animals (ostriches, tigers, crocodiles, monkeys…) and they will undoubtedly bring a smile to the face of visitors of all ages.
No visit to the Bor region is complete without a visit to Bor Lake where you can make the most of the waterbased activities on offer – swimming, kayaking and paddle boat rides.
The ancient arhcaeological site located at Gamzigrad, near Zaječar, is also well worth a visit. The site of Gamzigrad, or Felix Romuliana, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While visiting the remains of the Emperor Galerius’ lavish palace built in honor of his mother Romula, local guides will tell you about the fort’s strong ramparts with many towers that used to protect the Imperial Palace from potential enemies. Children will be amazed to experience the grandeur of this imperial residence using modern hologram and 3D technology.
The region is full of natural wonders and the spas are no different. Sokobanja Spa is a favourite family holiday destination with both locals and global visitors. The Spa’s well-maintained parks are full of family friendly activities and the vicinity of the spa is ideal for picnics. You can also enjoy a walking trail that leads visitors to the sources of mineral and drinking water.
Located nearby is the Sokobanja aqua-park which will undoubtedly please children. The aqua-park boasts four swimming pools, exciting water slides and much much more. At the end of a busy day exploring the park, you can re-charge your batteries in one of the park’s two wellness centres.
If visitng the mountains are top of your family’s vacation wish-list, visit the Stara Planina Mountain. On an easy walk along the foot-trails you’ll experience the beauty of the mountain, rapid streams and vast fields of wild mushrooms, berries and medicinal herbs. The Star Planina is particularly wonderful in the winter months – ski slopes, ski lifts and a gondola overlooking the mountain forests will ensure your family enjoys a special kind of winter magic.
Among the many natural beauties of Eastern Serbia are its caves which children can’t help but be enthralled by. From the unusual natural ornaments to the echoes, low temperatures and the occasional bat – your children will feel like little adventurers!
Rajkova Pećina Cave near Majdanpek is named after the hajduk leader Rajko, who, according to legends, often found shelter under its arches. Nowadays children and adults alike are fascinated not only by the interesting legends but also by the stalactites, stalagmites and the rimstone pools that adorn the cave’s 2,304 meters long corridors.
Lazareva Pećina Cave’s trails are 900 meters in length. Due to the low temperatures, it’s very cool inside but visitors are rewarded with the splendor of the ornaments in its halls.
On the slopes of the Homolje mountains, the Ceremošnja Cave welcomes visitors with more than 400 meters of well-kept trails and three halls, one of which resembles a beautiful ancient amphitheater.
Ravništarka Cave, situated close to Ceremošnja Cave, has a long channel decorated with cave ornaments that will introduce your children into the interesting world of speleology. And if you get tired of exploring the caves, accommodation can be found nearby in one of the authentic rural households.
Vojvodina
The plains of Vojvodina in northern Serbia instils a sense of calm and serenity. If you’re looking for a countryside escape for your family, Vojvodina will undoubtedly meet all your expectations.
The region is a galloping horses’ paradise – stables and stud farms can be found all around the villages and plains of Vojvodina.
Karađorđevo, in Bačka Palanka has a long tradition of breeding Lipizzans – beautiful white horses that look as though they are from fairy tales. Let your children live out their own fairy tale fantasy with a horseback ride or ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Karađorđevo also has ponies to ensure even the youngest of children can join in the fun.
In Zobnatica there is a centuries-old horse farm as well as a riding school and museum where you can learn about the exciting history of Serbian equestrian sport.
Don’t miss the famous Kelebija stables in the far North of Serbia. In addition to horseback riding and visiting the farm, they organise horse-drawn carriage rides in the nearby Kelebijska Šuma forest.
The town of Bela Crkva has seven lakes, the perfect place for quality time as a family. Take the opportunity to explore the lakes in a pedal boat or kayak. The warmer months are ideal for children wanting to enjoy a scuba diving course.
Located nearby is the Deliblatska Peščara Sands featuring kilometres of well-kept hiking trails where you’ll be able to spot a great number of birds. And if you have time to cross the river – you can visit the mighty Ram Fortress built on the banks of the Danube, which is especially exciting for children.
Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the nature reserve of Zasavica. Several hundred species of birds, mammals and fish live in the reserve. More recent inhabitants include a colony of beavers who have skilfully built wooden dams along the little river of Zasavica and its tributary the Batar.
Lake Palić, in Subotica, is another spot ideal for families. Featuring an educational eco-trail, surrounded by watchtowers, children will be able to play at being ornithologists as they observe the numerous species of birds.
After hiking, you can relax at the resort on the south side, play volleyball, or try your hand at rowing, sailing or enjoy a pedal boat ride. The resort offers a wide range of activities and entertainment that to fill your day.
For children wanting to learn more about animals, a visit to Palić Zoo is a must. Children and adults will be able to learn about the importance of conservation of both domestic and exotic animals as well enjoying a visit to the petting zoo and kids’ playground.
To the West of Palić, there is one of the best-preserved marshlands in the country – Gornje Podunavlje known as the ‘European Amazon’. This special nature reserve forms part of the Biosphere reserve of Bačko Podunavlje which is under the protection of UNESCO. Professional guides will introduce you to the local flora and fauna of this internationally important nature reserve. Visitors are able to rent all-terrain vehicles and explore the open fields which are perfect for wild camping. If that sounds too adventurous, you can enjoy horse-drawn carriages, cycling, or even a catamaran or boat ride in order to explore the reserve by water.
The town of Pećinci boasts a unique and fascinating museum dedicated to bread. Founded by the painter Slobodan Jeremić – Jeremija, you will learn about growing wheat, flour making and baking through the centuries.
The education can continue at the archaeological site of Sirmium in Sremska Mitrovica. This ancient Roman city was one of the main strongholds of the Roman army and a major commercial city which eventually became a powerful capital. The life of the ancient Romans in the First centuries is brought to life by the hologram of a Roman Emperor in a virtual tour through Sirmium. During the Festival “Imperial Sirmium – city of legends”, you can sample food prepared using ancient Roman recipes, discover the ancient language and watch a theatre show.
In the town of Kovačica, you can take part in a workshop led by Jan Nemeček, the famous violin maker and Professor. Jan speaks with such passion about this beautiful instrument that it will undoubtedly capture you child’s imagination and it may well inspire them to take up a classical instrument of their own.
Go back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the earth by visiting Dino Park. Located in Novi Sad, this scientific amusement park contains 24 replicas of dinosaurs from the Mesozoic era and features a range of educational and entertaining content plus cinemas. Little ones will be enthralled by the sandpit where they can dig for fossils.
No visit to Novi Sad is complete without a trip to the blue Danube. Head to the water and enjoy either a kayak, catamaran or canoe ride. For those who would rather stay on dry land, rent bicycles and meander along the paths surrounding the river. There are also several museums in the city which cater to children and inspire creative play. Families can also pay a visit to the nearby Fruska Gora Mountain where hiking trails, beautiful vistas and stunning monasteries await.
No family vacation is as refreshing as a stay at one of the salaš in Vojvodina. Expect cosy bedrooms, huge dining rooms filled with the aromas of traditional regional cuisine and various domestic animals pottering around the yard, which will children will surely appreciate! The hospitality and friendliness of the hosts, clean air and enjoying a life that follows the ‘rhythm of nature’ means one visit to the Vojvodina plain is never enough.
Staying at a salaš means you will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful plains and meadows either on foot, by horse or in a traditional cart. Many salaš have summer kitchens where families can help prepare local dishes and homemade breads or even try your hand at traditional crafts. Once the children are warm in bed, you can relax with a local wine and spend the evening listening to mandolin players.
The Katai salaš is located in Mali Iđoš. Here you can ride a horse or a donkey or pick medicinal herbs while your children play at the local playground. There are also a number of museums that are well worth a visit including the museum of traditional crafts and the museum of baking where you can try your hand at making the famous Hungarian Kurtoškolač cake.
The Gnjezdo salaš is situated between Bački Petrovac and Čelarevo which is especially popular among families with pets and lovers of cycling.
When talking about fun family activities, the nearby aqua park Petroland in Bački Petrovac cannot be missed. During the hot summer months, it’s ideal for entertaining kids whilst keeping cool. With a complex of swimming pools, slides, wave machines, playground, trampolines and inflatable castle this is a real children’s paradise! And in the cooler months, the geothermal waters ensure that the aqua park is just as fun.
The special nature reserve of Carska Bara can be visited by boat or for the truly adventurous, by motor kite. Local guides lead canoe trips where you can take photos of the interesting and rare birds living in the reserve. There is also a hiking trail along the edges of the reserve and cycling trail for those wanting a quick and convenient tour of this unique place.
Near Zrenajanin, on the shore of the Carska bara, the ethno village of Tiganjica is located. Here the old way of life is preserved with traditional customs and hospitality. You can relax in an authentic Banat ethno house where each room is unique, furnished in the traditional style to reflect the rural setting.
Nearby, the eco-ethno centre ‘Belo Blato’ is located. An oasis of beauty and tranquillity, it has a range of fun, educational activities for children. You can also find accommodation in the Luise salaš, famous for its Mangalitsa pig stew that all members of the family will enjoy.