Two Weeks in Slovenia with Kids: A Nature-Lover’s Paradise

Zelenci nature reserve in Slovenia

Slovenia is a small yet stunning country brimming with natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for families who love outdoor adventures. This two-week itinerary will guide you through the country’s highlights, from the lively capital of Ljubljana to the serene lakes of Bled and Bohinj, passing through wine regions, magical caves, and the magnificent Triglav National Park. Whether your family is into hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying scenic views, Slovenia has something for everyone. Let’s dive into your family adventure on your Slovenia with kids trip!

Day 1: Arrival in bustling Ljubljana

Ljubljana in Slovenia with kids to the market

Kick off your Slovenian adventure in Ljubljana, the capital. After settling in, head to the heart of the city and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the charming Ljubljanica River.

Visit the Central Market, bustling with food stalls offering local delicacies. It’s a perfect way to introduce yourself to Slovenian cuisine while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Whether it’s fresh bread, local cheese, or delicious pastries, the market is a foodie’s paradise that the kids will love too.

Day 2: Postojna Caves & Predjama Castle

Postojna Caves slovenia with kids wanderlustwithourfamily

Today involves a bit of driving, but it’s worth it for what’s ahead! Head south to the Postojna Caves, one of Slovenia’s most famous natural attractions. This 24,000-meter-long karst cave system is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Kids will love the train ride that takes you through the caverns, revealing impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and unique rock formations. Our son was so proud of the trainride and talked about it for days. 

Predjama castle | slovenia with kids

A short 20-minute drive from the caves brings you to Predjama Castle, a fairytale fortress dramatically built into the side of a cliff. Explore the castle’s hidden passages and chambers—it’s sure to ignite the imaginations of young adventurers.

Days 3-4: Goriska Brda – Slovenia’s Hidden Tuscany

Welcome to Goriska Brda, a hidden gem often referred to as Slovenia’s Tuscany. This beautiful wine region is perfect for a more relaxed couple of days with the family. Start with a visit to the Gonjace Tower, where you can climb to the top for sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and rolling hills.

Take a break at Grad Dobrovo, a medieval castle with a playground nearby, perfect for the kids to run around. Continue to the quaint village of Smartno for a leisurely lunch in one of the local restaurants, offering a cozy atmosphere and delicious regional food.

goriska BRDA with kids | wanderlustwithourfamily.com

The next day, explore the area at your own pace. Rent bikes and tour the scenic countryside, pack a picnic, do some winetasting or simply enjoy a slow day in the vineyards. Goriska Brda is all about relaxation and soaking in the beauty of the landscape.

Days 5-6: Adventure in the Soca Valley

overview of the soca valley taken in the Tolmin gorge in Slovenia with kids

The Soca Valley is a paradise for adventure lovers. Start your exploration with a hike through Tolmin Gorge, a 2-km trail that winds through narrow gorges, crystal-clear water, and lush green surroundings—perfect for a family outing.

For those looking for more adventure, spend a day at Soca Lake. Relax by the water, swim, or try family-friendly rafting. Even children as young as 4 can enjoy gentle rafting trips down the river, making it an exciting yet safe experience for the whole family.

Days 7-9: Exploring Triglav National Park

Base yourself in Kranjska Gora, a picturesque alpine town nestled in the Julian Alps and the perfect gateway to Triglav National Park. These next few days are filled with scenic hikes, stunning waterfalls, and peaceful moments in nature, making it an ideal retreat for families . With plenty of family-friendly trails and jaw-dropping vistas, you’ll fall in love with Slovenia’s majestic alpine beauty.

Day 7: Scenic Route to Kranjska Gora

On your way to Kranjska Gora, take a detour to the Italian border and stop at the breathtaking Lago di Fusine. Follow the circular path around Lago di Fusine Superiore, which winds through enchanting woods while offering tranquil lake views. Don’t miss the chance to visit Lago di Fusine Inferiore, where you can search for the iconic mirror-like reflections of the surrounding mountains in the still water.

lago di Fusine

After your Italian pitstop, it is time for your Slovenia with kids trip again!

Before reaching Kranjska Gora, make a pitstop at Zelenci Nature Reserve, a stunning emerald-green spring with incredible reflections and crystal-clear waters. Arriving at sunset will give you an extra magical atmosphere, with the peaceful surroundings making for the perfect end to your journey.

Zelenci Nature reserve in Slovenia with kids

Day 8: Hiking Slemenova Špica

Today will be the most challenging yet rewarding day of the trip as you hike to Slemenova Špica, a 5.5-km (around 3-4 hours) round-trip hike. This trail offers some of the best alpine views in Slovenia, with panoramas that are absolutely worth the effort. While it’s a tough hike, there are plenty of spots to rest and take in the scenery, making it doable for active families.

At the base of the trail, there’s a cozy mountain hut where you can reward yourself with a hot meal or a drink. The hot chocolate we had afterward was the perfect treat! If you still have energy in the afternoon, visit the nearby Russian Chapel, a historic wooden church built by Russian prisoners of war during WWI, nestled in the forest.

Day 9: Peričnik Waterfall & Lake Jasna

Start the day with an early morning visit to the breathtaking Peričnik Waterfall, one of Slovenia’s most beautiful natural wonders. The hike to the waterfall takes around 15 minutes but is steep, so be prepared! The unique part of this experience is that you can walk behind the waterfall, offering a thrilling view of the cascading water from a different perspective. Though the path is marked as “dangerous,” it’s actually quite wide and safe, just a little wet, so proper hiking shoes are recommended.

After exploring the waterfall, spend a relaxing afternoon at Lake Jasna, a pristine alpine lake with incredibly clear, blue water. Surrounded by mountains, it’s an ideal spot for a picnic or simply unwinding by the shore after days of hiking and exploring.

Days 10-13: Exploring Lakes Bohinj & Bled

Next on your itinerary are two of Slovenia’s most iconic lakes: Bohinj and Bled. Though both offer breathtaking beauty, they have different vibes, allowing you to experience two unique sides of Slovenia. Choose one as your base and explore both lakes at a relaxed pace.

Day 10: En Route to yet another gorgeous gorge

On your way from Kranjska Gora to Bled, be sure to stop by the stunning Vintgar Gorge. Walk along the wooden pathways that cling to the cliffs above the rushing Radovna River. It’s an easy yet dramatic way to kick off your day with nature’s beauty before reaching Lake Bled.

Day 11: Day Trip to Dramatic Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj is a quieter, less touristy alternative to Bled, yet equally captivating. Start your day with a scenic boat tour across the lake. The dramatic mountains surrounding Bohinj create a picture-perfect setting, and the boat tour here is more affordable and far less crowded than Bled.

If you’re feeling adventurous afterward, take the Mt. Vogel cable car for sweeping views over Lake Bohinj and the surrounding mountains. Another option is to visit the charming Savica Waterfall nearby.

Day 13: Magical Lake Bled

Kick off your day at Lake Bled by hiking up to Mala Osojnica. The effort is rewarded with one of the most iconic views in Slovenia: a panoramic lookout over Lake Bled and its tiny island.

Lake bled Mala osojnica viewpoint | slovenia with kids

Afterward, head to Camping Bled, where you can take a relaxing swim in the lake, just steps away from the hike. This campsite offers a quiet spot to unwind, surrounded by nature’s best.

End your day with a stroll around the lake, perhaps indulging in the famous Bled cream cake at one of the lakeside cafes.

Day 14: Return to Ljubljana and Head Home

On your final day, make your way back to Ljubljana airport, taking time to reflect on the incredible natural beauty and memorable family experiences of your two-week Slovenian adventure.

Extra Time? Visit Logar Valley

If you can’t get enough of your Slovenia with kids trip and you have extra time, extend your trip with a stay at a traditional farm in the Logar Valley.

Here, your family can:

  • Wander through the Fairytale Forest, a magical place for young kids.
  • Hike from the valley to nearby peaks like Kamnik-Savinja Alps for stunning alpine views.
  • Enjoy peaceful walks or bicycle rides through the valley’s pristine nature.
  • Visit the majestic Slap Rinka waterfall, one of Slovenia’s most beautiful waterfalls.

Now you have all the ingredients for a perfect Slovenia with kids. 

Slovenia with kids: go on your nature adventure

As we wrapped up our two weeks in Slovenia, we reflected on the incredible variety of experiences this beautiful country offers. From the enchanting lakes of Bled and Bohinj to the majestic Julian Alps, Slovenia is a paradise for nature-loving families. Whether hiking through stunning national parks, wandering picturesque towns, or discovering hidden waterfalls, Slovenia with kids is an adventure filled with unforgettable memories. We left inspired by the breathtaking landscapes and the warmth of the people. Most importantly, we cherished sharing these special moments with our little ones. Slovenia, we’ll be back!