Welcome to the second part of Croatia for children in 2021 series! *updated in April 2021
This one is dedicated to Istria, one of the best regions to visit with children in Croatia. Istria may be the smallest region in the country but it is quite popular with tourists.
Pula is the largest city in Istria, while Pula, Medulin, Rovinj, Poreč and Umag, which hosts the Croatia Open tennis tournament, are the most visited places in the region.
The beaches everywhere in Istria are stunning
Dinosaurs
If your kids love dinosaurs, then look no further than Istria in the Northern part of the country.
You must definitely visit National Park Brijuni. It is a group of 14 small islands, located very close to Pula and famous for the dinosaur footprints discovered here. The park is also a holiday resort with several hotels available and regular ferry connections.
The children will be fascinated by the dinosaur stuff at Brijuni, but toddlers and kids may not appreciate it as much as older children and teenagers. Don’t worry though. You can visit a whole amusement park dedicated to dinosaurs, which is a joy to the whole family! Dinopark Funtana (opened 30 May 2020) is the largest theme park in Croatia, so plan a day here. It is very close to Poreč and features a train ride, dino shows and much more.
Tennis
Istria has the most developed tennis tradition in Croatia. With the Croatia Open tournament taking place annually in Umag, the whole region has built a great tennis environment for both children and adults. Umag Tennis Academy offers Tennis Fun and Intensive programs for kids and if your kid happens to play tennis, why not choosing Umag for your holiday.
Aqua fun
Istria has probably the best aqua park in the country. Istralandia in Brtonigla has received the 2016 European Star Award for Europe’s Best Water Parks. It is guaranteed fun for the whole family, but since it is a famous spot, it gets thousands of daily visitors in the high summer season. Pools, slides, water sports, you name it – it’s there!
This amazing aqua park will re-open soon – they are still to announce the date as of mid-June 2020.
Pula Arena in Pula
This one may not sound like the perfect place for kids at first, but the amphitheater in Pula can be a lot of fun for the little ones! If you happen to be in Pula or close, don’t miss the opportunity to check the city’s landmark.
Visiting this Arena is similar to visiting the Colosseum in Rome. If your kids enjoyed that, they’ll love this old Roman monument as well. Still, the Pula Arena is smaller than the Colosseum and not so full of tourists, which is an advantage when traveling with kids.
The beautiful Pula Arena from inside
You’ll be able to walk, run and climb around, sit on the original banks, and enjoy the place. Also, there are regular dress ups, and visitors can request dressing up like gladiators, which every kid would probably enjoy.
Rijeka
Rijeka is one of the most exciting cities around. It was the European Capital of Culture in 2020 and there were many events presenting the city’s cultural profile up until late February 2021. Despite this was last year, Rijeka usually offers many concerts, exhibitions, and fun in general! Be sure to check the current program when in town!
Computer museum in Rijeka
PEEK&POKE Computer museum is a unique museum in Rijeka, dedicated to the history of computers and offering a walk through the past of technologies. This unusual museum will be appreciated by teenagers for sure, but younger audiences would love the experience, too.
One of the exhibits in the museum – Hewlett Packard 9100B
Source: https://www.peekpoke.hr/muzej/hewlett-packard-9100b/
Looking for more travel options with kids in Croatia in 2021?
Check out our first part of the series Croatia for kids! And here is how to stay safe in Croatia in 2021.