Where to go with kids in Croatia: hotels and campsites with water zones

In Croatia there are thousands of islands, pine-shaded beaches and a mild climate. But for a family with kids the deciding question is different: where to ride water slides. The water zone at your hotel determines what you will do with the children on a hot afternoon. Istria is home to the country's largest camping resorts, and in Šibenik the Amadria Park hotel has the Dalmatia water park. Below is a selection of hotels, campsites and apartments in Croatia with a water park and water slides, with the location and water zone of each.

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How to choose a hotel with a water park in Croatia

💡 In short:

• In Istria (Poreč, Umag, Rovinj) there are more campsites with water parks, while Šibenik and Zadar have family hotels with water worlds.
• Check in advance whether the water park is included in the room rate or is a separate paid area of the resort.
• For toddlers look for a shallow children's pool, for teenagers high slides.
• Prices, water parks and water slides: 09/2026, verified on the official Valamar website.

In Croatia the word "water park" means different things. At Istrian campsites it is a large pool complex with slides right on the grounds. At family hotels in Šibenik and Zadar it is a separate water world with children's areas and a spa. Before booking, check two things. First: whether slide access is already included in the price or sold separately. Second: the depth of the children's pool, because a toddler needs waist-deep water, not chest-deep. Then you won't have to look for entertainment outside the hotel and pay for it twice.

Below is a table for quick comparison: location, type of water zone and who each property is for.

1. Mobile Homes Camping Santa Marina, Rabac

The campsite sits in the shade of a pine forest near Rabac in Istria. You stay not in a hotel room but in a mobile home, tent lodge or camper. Some homes have their own hot tub on the terrace and a small private pool. The campsite operates under the name Boutique Camping Santa Marina. Families come here for the pool complex with water slides and attractions. Nearby there is the Da Giusto restaurant, a mini market and a transport rental point. Take a home closer to the pool, so you won't have to walk across the whole complex with towels.

• Location: near Rabac in Istria, easiest by car.
• Water zone: central pool with slides, sunbathing areas with loungers and umbrellas.
• Who it's for: families who want a campsite instead of a hotel and are ready to cook for themselves.
• The catch: you need to drive to the waterfront and the center of Rabac.

Prices at Santa Marina Lanterna on Trip.com

2. Falkensteiner family hotel Diadora

© Markus Unger from Vienna, Austria · CC BYPhoto: Markus Unger from Vienna, Austria, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The hotel occupies a secluded Punta Skala peninsula near Petrčane and Zadar. The resort is built around a children's theme, so the water zone and playgrounds are at the center of everything here. Your kids get an outdoor pool, a water world with slides and the Falky Land park with a garden, cinema and arcade games. Dining at the restaurant is all-inclusive, so the question of meals is settled. Every day there are animation programs for toddlers, while adults get a sauna, basketball and a tennis court. Verified 09/15/2026 on the official Falkensteiner website.

• Location: Punta Skala peninsula in Dalmatia, near Zadar.
• Water zone: outdoor pool, water parks with slides, a separate water world for kids.
• Who it's for: families with children who want activities and dining in one place.
• Not for: those looking for a quiet vacation without kids' programs.

Prices for Falkensteiner Diadora on Trip.com

3. Valamar Tamaris Resort

© Viktar Palstsiuk · CC BY-SAPhoto: Viktar Palstsiuk, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The resort occupies the green Lanterna peninsula surrounded by pine trees, not far from Poreč. Guests come here for the family atmosphere and a wide range of activities on water and on land. You get outdoor pools, mini golf, horseback riding and water sports. Bikes are available on the property free of charge, so it's easy to explore the surroundings without a car. For kids, there's the Maro Play zone with a dedicated play area, and every evening features a program with music and entertainment. The resort's restaurants serve Mediterranean and local cuisine.

• Location: Lanterna peninsula, near Poreč.
• Water zone: outdoor pools and water activities, beaches nearby.
• Who it's for: families and active couples who want sports and water.
• Not for: those who want an intimate hotel with just a couple dozen rooms.

Prices for Valamar Tamaris on Trip.com

4. Park plaza verudela Pula

© Silverije · CC BY-SAPhoto: Silverije, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

This apartment complex sits on the Verudela peninsula not far from the historic center of Pula. It's an option for those who combine beach time with sports and city walks. You get modern apartments with views of the beaches and the Adriatic Sea, seawater pools and water slides. The property has a sports and wellness center, tennis courts, squash and five-a-side soccer. In the evening, guests gather at the amphitheater for show programs, and kids have a playroom and mini clubs. Nearby there's a creative workshop where you can try drawing or clay modeling.

• Location: Verudela peninsula, Pula, not far from the city center.
• Water zone: seawater pools and water slides.
• Who it's for: families with children and sports enthusiasts.
• Not for: those who want to stay right in the historic center of Pula.

Prices for Park Plaza Verudela on Trip.com

5. Amadria Park Andrija

© Sztudva Gyöngyi · CC BY-SAPhoto: Sztudva Gyöngyi, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The hotel is part of the Amadria Park resort complex in Šibenik and is designed for family vacations. The surrounding green area has pools and paths that are easy to navigate with a stroller. You get outdoor freshwater pools, a spa center and a massage room. Kids spend time at the Mini Club and Summer Club while adults enjoy treatments. A special feature of this resort is a family cruise on the Galija Explorer ship with a pirate theme. Guests are shown the restored 1914 vessel and taken along the bays and swimming spots.

• Location: Šibenik, Amadria Park resort area.
• Water zone: outdoor freshwater pools, the resort's water park nearby.
• Who it's for: families with children who want pools and a spa close by.
• Not for: those looking for a quiet beach away from the resort area.

Prices for Amadria Park Andrija on Trip.com

6. Family Hotel Vespera

© Mihael Grmek · CC BY-SAPhoto: Mihael Grmek, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The hotel sits in a scenic spot near the center of Mali Lošinj on the island of Lošinj. People come here for a relaxed family vacation and the island's mild climate. You have access to pools, a spa center, aqua aerobics classes, and a gym. Kids spend the day at the playground or in the playroom under a nanny's supervision, and the Pino Baby mini club has board games and game consoles for them. Evenings are filled with discos, show programs, and live music. The restaurant serves European and local cuisine.

• Location: Mali Lošinj, island of Lošinj.
• Water area: pools and aqua aerobics, no large water slides.
• Who it's for: families with kids who are happy with a pool and spa.
• Not for: those who come to Croatia for a big water park.

Prices at Family Hotel Vespera on Trip.com

7. Amadria Park Jakov

© Dguendel · CC BYPhoto: Dguendel, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The hotel is on the same Amadria Park grounds in Šibenik, but leans toward quiet and greenery. Its grounds are full of flowers and are great for long walks with kids. You have access to soccer fields, a golf course, a playroom, and pebble beaches with sandy sections. Kids have playgrounds and a water playground, and a little train runs along the beach to all the attractions. The restaurants serve buffet-style meals, and once a week they host a national cuisine evening. Check current prices and water park hours on the official Amadria Park website.

• Location: Šibenik, Amadria Park grounds.
• Water area: resort water park nearby, water playground for kids.
• Who it's for: families with kids who want sports and a beach in one place.
• Not for: those looking for a secluded hotel away from neighboring buildings.

Prices at Amadria Park Jakov on Trip.com

8. Miramì family village holiday homes

© Berthold Werner · CC BY-SAPhoto: Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

This is a mobile home complex on the Adriatic coast, near Novigrad. The resort is entirely geared toward family vacations and is surrounded by greenery. You stay in a separate mobile home, with all the infrastructure just a short walk away. On-site coaches run soccer, basketball, and handball sessions, and there are workshops and a pool. Kids take part in mini Olympic games and go to mini clubs. A supermarket and a beach cafe are nearby, so cooking and eating out are both easy.

• Location: Novigrad area, on the seafront.
• Water area: pool and beach, no large water park.
• Who it's for: families who want to stay in a mobile home by the sea.
• Not for: those looking for a big pool with tall slides.

Prices at Miramì Family Village on Trip.com

9. Falkensteiner club funimation Borik

The club hotel is set in blooming gardens in the Borik area near Zadar. The buildings have a modern design, so the grounds look neat and well planned. You have access to a landscaped beach, a Thalasso & SPA center, and a wellness club. Kids and adults can ride water slides, and the rooms overlook the Adriatic Sea. The restaurants serve Croatian and international dishes, with separate options for those on a diet. A few kilometers away is the old town with its long history, which makes for an easy day trip.

• Location: Borik area, Zadar.
• Water area: water slides and outdoor pools, beach nearby.
• Who it's for: families and couples who want water and spa.
• Not for: those looking for a quiet hotel without entertainment programs.

Prices at Falkensteiner Borik on Trip.com

10. Lanterna premium camping resort by Valamar

One of Croatia's largest camping resorts occupies a green area between Novigrad and Poreč. Guests value it for the chance to get away among pines and oaks. All mobile homes are fully equipped and have a terrace with a seating area. Families come here for the Aquamar Lanterna water park: according to Valamar, the grounds have 16 pools, including a family water park. Nearby there is a sandy beach, snorkeling, massage, and a kids' club, and evenings are filled with live music and entertainment.

• Location: between Novigrad and Poreč, Lanterna peninsula.
• Water area: Aquamar water park and numerous pools.
• Who it's for: families who want camping and a big water park nearby.
• Not for: those who don't want to stay in a mobile home.

Prices at Lanterna Premium Camping on Trip.com

11. Hotel Sol Garden Istra for Plava Laguna

© Марк Загура · CC BYPhoto: Марк Загура, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The hotel sits among pines and oaks near Umag in northern Istria. Rooms offer sea views, and the building itself is decorated in a modern style. You have access to a spa center, a water park with pools and water attractions, as well as basketball, handball, and other sports. Daytime and evening entertainment programs are organized for guests. A public beach with umbrellas and loungers is a couple of minutes' walk from the building. Breakfast is served buffet style, and the lounge cafe prepares signature dishes and refreshing drinks.

• Location: Umag, Istria.
• Water area: water park with pools and water attractions.
• Who it's for: families with children and sports enthusiasts.
• Not for: those who prefer a small boutique hotel.

Prices at Sol Garden Istra on Trip.com

12. Apartments Sol Amfora for Plava Laguna

Family apartments are located in the center of the Umag resort, so shops and restaurants are nearby. You can walk to the sandy beach and pine forest in a few minutes. You have access to seawater pools, a tennis center, and a gym. Restaurants and cafes operate on the property, so you don't have to cook every day. If you like, you can rent a boat and see the coast from the water or take a trip to the hilltop villages of Istria. From May to September, daytime fitness classes and workshops are added, and dance programs run in the evenings.

• Location: Umag center, beach within walking distance.
• Water area: seawater pools.
• Who it's for: families who want apartments and a pool near the beach.
• Not for: those who need a hotel with full board.

Prices at Sol Amfora on Trip.com

13. Apartments Bellevue Plava Laguna

The apartments are surrounded by greenery, and you can walk to the sea. This is an option for a family or a group of friends who want to combine beach time and activities. You have access to tennis, mini golf, bicycles to the center of Poreč, diving, and skydiving. You can spend a relaxed day by the pool or on the beach, and in the evening book a massage or head to the local disco. Laguna Bellevue staff look after children: games, contests, and face painting on request. Check seasonal programs and accommodation conditions with the Plava Laguna resort before your trip.

• Location: near Poreč, sea within walking distance.
• Water area: pool and beach, no separate water park.
• Who it's for: families and groups of friends.
• Not for: those who want a large water park on the property.

Prices at Bellevue Plava Laguna on Trip.com

14. Villas Rubin Resort

© Bjoertvedt · CC BY-SAPhoto: Bjoertvedt, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The resort is designed in a Mediterranean style and occupies a large area with pines and firs. It's easy to fill your whole day here, which is why active families come. You have access to a pool complex, land and water activities, shops, and souvenir stalls. The surroundings are easy to explore by bike, rollerblades, or a boat you can rent. Evening concerts and performances are organized for children, while adults get discos and live music. The restaurant offers vegetarian cuisine, and the cafe serves a grill menu.

• Location: Rovinj, Istria.
• Water area: pool complex and water activities.
• Who it's for: families and active vacationers.
• Not for: those looking for a quiet spa hotel for the weekend.

Prices at Villas Rubin Resort on Trip.com

15. Mobile Homes Polari

© Dario Dominico · CC BYPhoto: Dario Dominico, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The campground sits in a scenic bay south of Rovinj, and it's another option for a stay in a mobile home. You get a long stretch of beaches with loungers and umbrellas, where it's easy to spend the whole day with kids. Snorkeling and diving let you explore the underwater life of the Adriatic. The property has several pools, restaurants and bars, plus a kids' playground and mini club. Activities include tennis, beach volleyball, basketball and handball, along with a daily entertainment program. A short drive from the resort is the ancient city of Pula with its Roman amphitheater.

• Location: a bay south of Rovinj, Istria.
• Water zone: several pools, no large slides.
• Who it's for: families who want a campground near Rovinj.
• Not for: those who want a hotel with room service.

Rates at Mobile Homes Polari on Trip.com

Croatia hotels with a water park on the map

Below is an interactive map with all the properties in this selection. Open it to get a sense of the distances between Poreč, Umag, Rovinj, Šibenik and Zadar. It makes it easier to plan your route and decide where to stay for the first night.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where in Croatia can I find a hotel with a water park for kids?

Large water zones with slides are available at Lanterna Premium Camping Resort with the Aquamar water park and at Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora on the Punta Skala peninsula. In Šibenik, next to Amadria Park Jakov, you'll find the Dalmatia water park and a kids' water playground. All three options are designed for family vacations and operate in the warm season.

When are pools and water parks open?

Outdoor pools and water slides in Croatia operate in the warm season, usually from May to September. Exact dates depend on the resort and the weather, so check the season on the hotel's website before your trip.

How much does a stay at a hotel with a water park cost?

The price depends on the season and the type of accommodation. In summer, family hotels in Istria cost noticeably more than in May or September. Campgrounds and apartments work out cheaper than a hotel. Check exact rates and included services on the resort's website before booking.

What should I choose with kids: a hotel, apartments or a campground?

A hotel is more convenient when you want dining and entertainment in one place. Apartments suit independent trips and self-catering. Campgrounds are chosen by families who love nature and are happy to stay in a mobile home. In Istria, water parks are most often found at campgrounds.

Do I need a car in Istria?

For most places in Istria, a car is useful because campgrounds and resorts sit on peninsulas away from towns. A car makes trips to beaches and water parks much easier. Some hotels in Šibenik and Zadar welcome guests close to the center, and you can get there by taxi.

In short: what to book

The choice depends on who you're traveling with and how you want to spend your days.

• If you have young kids and need a water park with slides: go for Lanterna Premium Camping Resort with Aquamar or Amadria Park Jakov.
• If you want a hotel with a water world and dining: Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora is a good fit.
• If you're driving and love nature: look at the Istria campgrounds, Santa Marina and Polari.
• If you're on a budget and cook for yourself: choose the Plava Laguna apartments in Umag.

You can easily compare availability for all the properties in this selection on Trip.com.