Bulgaria is a perfect destination for families, especially if you’re looking for a vacation that combines magical nature, attractions for children, stunning landscapes, and affordable prices. Every family can find what they are looking for here, whether it’s a relaxing beach vacation or adventures in diverse natural surroundings. Based on our stay in Bulgaria, we recommend that every family include central areas like Sofia and Bansko, or Varna and the stunning Golden Sands.
Bulgaria offers a variety of attractions for all ages, from interactive museums to golden sandy beaches. All the destinations we’ve covered are not only family-friendly, but also offer experiences that connect history, culture, and the breathtaking nature of the country.
Recommend Itinerary: Sofia – Bansko – It’s also recommended to include Plovdiv if you have time. Sofia – The capital of Bulgaria
We arrived in Sofia as part of our Bulgaria trip, with the first part being a two-night stay in the city, followed by a drive to Bansko. In Sofia, we found amazing places for activities with the kids, and despite the short time, we were able to enjoy attractions that are suitable for families. Read more about Sofia with Kids. 
Family-friendly hotels in Sofia
Attractions in Sofia
If you’re with kids, don’t miss Muzeiko. It’s a modern museum suitable for children of all ages, offering interactive experiences that spark the imagination. There are areas designed for younger children like Sophie, while Maya enjoyed experimenting with technological exhibits.
This is the oldest park in the city, with a lake and walking paths, making it an excellent place for a family outing. You can rent bikes and enjoy a restaurant by the lake.
We found colorful and cool stairs near the hotel – a fun place where the girls loved climbing and playing.
If you have time and are in the mood for an adventure, don’t forget the Illusion Museum in the city. We experienced several amazing illusions that excited everyone.Restaurants in Sofia
Bansko – An Ideal Place for Families
After Sofia, we continued to the famous ski town of Bansko. During the summer, Bansko has become an ideal family destination thanks to attractions for all ages. For a detailed post with everything to do in Bansko, click on the post Things to Do in Bansko with Kids. 
How to get to Bansko?
We booked a car from Sofia Airport through the search engine Pappm Pappm. The rental was with Goldcar, which is owned by Europcar. Driving in Bulgaria is not particularly difficult. We drove from Sofia to Bansko, a journey of about two hours. The road is mostly smooth and flat, but it does wind a bit in the last twenty minutes of the drive. Kempinski Hotel
The hotel was an amazing experience. Beautiful design, an indoor pool, and a jacuzzi with an adults-only area made the stay especially comfortable. There’s a kids’ club that took care of the older kids while we stayed with the younger Sophie. Another attraction was the cable car that took us to an area with children’s facilities, such as inflatables and slides. Attractions in Bansko
The cable car was an unforgettable experience. We reached the top of the mountain and were surprised to find various activities like inflatables and a playground. Maya especially enjoyed it, even though she couldn’t try the water slides because she was too small.
We visited a magical park with lots of attractions for kids. It’s an enjoyable place for the whole family, including a roller coaster you can sit in and control the speed.
If you love nature, the Bear Sanctuary near Bansko is a great place to see bears in their natural habitat. The tour allows for close-up observation and includes educational information.
We experienced horseback riding at the Kosherina Horse Farm, a lovely place with play equipment and resting areas. It’s recommended if you want an agricultural experience with kids.
Itinerary : Varna – Golden Sands Varna
Is a Bulgarian beach city on the Black Sea coast, offering the perfect combination of beautiful beaches, cultural and historical attractions such as museums and parks, making it an ideal destination for families. In addition, the city offers affordable vacation experiences with well-maintained beaches, good restaurants, and activities for children.
For all the things we did in Varna, check out the post Our top things to do in Varna.
For hotel recommendations in Varna, check out the post Recommended hotels in Varna. 
Recommended beaches in Varna
Interesting Attractions in Varna
Trips outside of Varna
If you have extra time, you can rent a car and take trips around the city. Balchik and Golden Sands are excellent sites within a short drive. You can also visit Nessebar, a small but interesting town with an old town and historical buildings.
- Strandzha Nature Reserve – For nature lovers, the Strandzha reserve on the Turkish border offers forests, rivers, waterfalls, and abundant natural beauty.
Kid-Friendly Attractions in Varna
- Varna Dolphinarium – The place offers dolphin shows that thrill the kids.
- Mini Golf Park – The mini-golf experience along the Golden Sands promenade is perfect for families.
- Zoo – The city’s zoo is also a great place for family enjoyment.
Golden Sands – A Paradise for a Vacation with Kids
Golden Sands is one of the most popular places for a vacation in Bulgaria. Everything you need to know to get there: After arriving in Varna, you can take a taxi or bus number 409 from the airport directly to the Golden Sands beach. For a detailed post about what we did in Golden Sands, check out the post 8 Recommended things to do in Golden Sands, Bulgaria. 
Family-friendly hotels in Golden Sands
At HVD Viva Club Hotel, we found everything needed for a family vacation – all-inclusive services, a pool, entertainment staff, and various activities. If you’re looking for a place that provides all the needs for a family, this hotel is an excellent choice. Activities for kids in Golden Sands
As part of the trip, you can take the kids to play mini-golf along the promenade, walk along the beach, ride a small train that travels along the promenade, or visit Varna for a fun day trip.
- Priroden Park Zlatni Pyasatsi – Hiking trails of different difficulty levels, perfect for families looking for a natural and refreshing activity.
Recommended beaches in Golden Sands
Golden Sands beaches are well-maintained, with sunbeds and umbrellas. Additionally, the private beach of HVD Viva Club Hotel was a great place to spend our days, but a walk along the promenade also revealed more amazing beaches such as Riviera Beach and Golden Sands Beach.
Summary
Bulgaria is an excellent vacation destination for families. From the stunning beaches of Varna to the breathtaking mountains of Bansko, the country offers a wide range of attractions that cater to both kids and parents. Interactive experiences, natural parks, fascinating museums, and many opportunities for family outings – all these make Bulgaria a preferred destination for families seeking unique experiences. If you’re looking for a vacation that will take you to new heights, Bulgaria is definitely worth it! Pin below to save on Pinterest
More posts I wrote on that
Recommended hotels in Varna
8 Recommended things to do in Golden Sands, Bulgaria
A recommended all-inclusive hotel in Golden Sands, Varna
Balchik – A magical town in Bulgaria
Restaurants and coffee shops in Varna that you don’t want to miss
Our top things to do in Varna
Things to Do in Bansko with Kids
Sofia with Kids