Lake Bled with a Toddler: Best Things to Do, Eat & Travel Tips for Families
- rachnamone
- Jul 22, 2019
- 10 min read
Updated: Dec 17, 2025
I had never heard of Lake Bled until I stumbled upon a blog post while planning our Europe trip. One photo led to another, then another blog… and before I knew it, I was deep into a Lake Bled rabbit hole. The emerald lake, the tiny island church, the castle perched dramatically above it — it looked straight out of a fairytale. The more I read, the more convinced I became that we had to include it in our itinerary. And yes, even with a toddler in tow.
Why Visit Lake Bled with a Toddler?
Lake Bled is one of those rare destinations that feels almost made for traveling families. It’s compact, scenic, calm, and easy to navigate — all things that matter so much when you’re exploring a new place with a toddler. Unlike fast-paced cities or destinations that require long drives or strenuous sightseeing, Lake Bled invites you to slow down, take it easy, and truly enjoy the journey as a family.
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How to Get to Lake Bled
Getting to Lake Bled is easy and straightforward, even when traveling with a toddler. The most convenient option is to take a bus from Ljubljana city to Lake Bled, which costs approximately €7 one way. The journey is comfortable and hassle-free, making it a great choice for families who prefer not to drive.
While it’s possible to visit Lake Bled as a day trip from Ljubljana, I would highly recommend staying for at least 3 days. Spending a few nights here allows you to explore not just Lake Bled itself, but also the stunning surroundings — without feeling rushed or exhausted.
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A Relaxed 3-Day Lake Bled Itinerary with a Toddler
Day 1: Explore Lake Bled
Take it slow with an easy walk around the lake, stop at viewpoints, watch the ducks, and enjoy plenty of snack breaks. This is the perfect introduction to the area.
Day 2: Visit Vintgar Gorge
Just a short drive or bus ride away, Vintgar Gorge is incredibly scenic and manageable with kids (a carrier works best here). Plan for a relaxed half-day visit.
Day 3: Day Trip to Lake Bohinj
Quieter and less crowded than Bled, Lake Bohinj is ideal for a peaceful day in nature with wide open spaces for toddlers to roam.
Things to Do in Lake Bled with a Toddler
Lake Bled is truly one of the most stunning places I have ever visited. In the simplest words, it’s absolutely enchanting. What makes it even more special is that, despite being incredibly scenic, Lake Bled is a small and manageable town — making it a wonderful destination when visiting Lake Bled with a toddler or young kids.
Here’s how you can easily spend a day exploring Lake Bled with kids, while still keeping the pace relaxed.
1) Mala Osojnica & Mala Ojstrica Viewpoints
If you’re looking for the most iconic views of Lake Bled, the hikes to Mala Osojnica and Mala Ojstrica are hard to beat. While the hike itself isn’t very long, it can be a bit challenging when visiting Lake Bled with a toddler.
The trail becomes narrow and slippery in parts, isn’t very well marked, and is not suitable for strollers. If you’re attempting this with a toddler, a carrier is essential.
The hike takes around 30–45 minutes to reach the top, with the final stretch involving a very steep climb — more like a metal ladder than regular steps. It does require some effort, but the reward is well worth it. The panoramic views of Lake Bled from the top are absolutely breathtaking — easily some of the best viewpoints in the area.
It should take about a couple of hours to make your way back down to the lake, and trust me — by the time you’re back, you’re going to be very hungry. Which brings me to the next (and most delicious) thing to do when visiting Lake Bled with a toddler.
2) Try the Famous Bled Cream Cake (Kremšnita)
Yes, there is literally a cake named after Lake Bled — and if that’s not reason enough to try it, I don’t know what is! For us, it was the perfect excuse to slow down, sit by the lake, and enjoy dessert after a morning of exploring.
The Bled cream cake (Kremšnita) is a rich combination of smooth vanilla custard and fresh cream, layered between light, fluffy pastry on the top and base. It’s indulgent, filling, and definitely best shared — especially after a hike.
We tried the Bled cake at Hotel Mlino, and it was hands down one of the yummiest desserts we had in Slovenia. Highly recommended if you’re visiting Lake Bled with kids and want a relaxed café stop with a view.t.
3) Chill by the Lake
After an adventurous hike and a delicious slice of Bled cream cake, it’s the perfect time to relax by the lake. Whether you want to lie down on the grass, sit on one of the benches along the shore, or just soak in the view, Lake Bled offers plenty of spots to unwind.
For families with toddlers, simply strolling along the lakeside paths and watching the ducks or swans is a simple yet magical experience. If your little one loves water, you can also take a gentle swim — the lake is calm and safe in designated areas.
For a bit of extra fun, stand-up paddleboards, rowboats, and pedal boats are available to rent, making it easy to enjoy the lake at your own pace. Lake Bled with a toddler doesn’t have to be rushed — sometimes the best memories come from simply sitting back and soaking in the stunning scenery.
You can also opt for a gandola ride to the church in the centre of the lake and back at the cost of around 10 euros per person.
4) Straza Bled – Fun & Adrenaline for All Ages
For a little thrill while visiting Lake Bled with a toddler, head to Straza Bled. This family-friendly activity spot offers a variety of fun experiences suitable for all ages — but the highlight is definitely the Toboggan ride!
The area is just a 500-meter walk from the lake, making it easy to reach without a long trek. The Toboggan ride includes a chair lift up, costing €8 per person for a single ride, or €12 for two rides. The best part? Toddlers can ride with an adult at no extra cost, so the whole family can enjoy it together.
Straza Bled is perfect for a fun-filled afternoon, but note that it closes at 6 PM, so plan accordingly. The combination of a short walk, a scenic ride, and some adrenaline makes this an unforgettable experience when visiting Lake Bled with kids.
5) Rent a Bicycle Around Lake Bled
One of the best ways to explore Lake Bled with a toddler (or young kids) is by renting a bike. Several rental shops in Bled city centre make it easy to pick up a bike for a few hours or the whole day.
The circumference of the lake is around 5 km, making it a manageable and scenic ride for families. For toddlers, consider a child seat or a trailer, so everyone can enjoy the ride safely. Cycling around the lake is not only fun but also gives you the freedom to stop at viewpoints, cafés, or grassy spots for some downtime.
6) Visit Bled Castle
Perched dramatically on a hill overlooking the lake, Bled Castle is one of Slovenia’s oldest and most visited castles. The climb up is manageable even with kids (a stroller can work for the lower parts), and the panoramic views of Lake Bled are absolutely stunning.
Inside, the castle has exhibitions, a small museum, and a charming chapel — perfect for little ones to explore while parents take in the scenery. Don’t forget to capture a few family photos from the terrace; the castle’s vantage point offers one of the most iconic views of Lake Bled with a toddler in tow.
7) Enjoy a Beautiful Sunset by the Lake
Ending your day at Lake Bled with a toddler is best done by soaking in a breathtaking sunset. As the sun dips behind the surrounding mountains, the sky lights up with magical shades of pink, orange, and gold — creating a picture-perfect moment.
Choose a restaurant or café with a lake view for dinner or a relaxed drink, and watch the colours reflect off the water. It’s a serene and magical way to wrap up a day at Lake Bled, and even little ones will be mesmerized by the calm and beauty around them.
Where to Eat in Lake Bled with a Toddler
Lake Bled offers a variety of restaurants and cafés that are perfect for families traveling with young children. You can choose to dine in the city centre, where there’s a lively atmosphere and plenty of options, or head to the farther end of the lake for a quieter experience with fewer crowds and closer views of the water.
Many restaurants are toddler-friendly, with high chairs and space for strollers. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a hearty lunch, or a relaxed dinner with a view, Lake Bled with a toddler gives you plenty of options to enjoy good food while soaking in the stunning scenery.
As far as restaurants are concerned, our favourite was Mlino. It was close to our farmstay , the service was fantastic and the food was good! Plus they have very delicious Bled cake.
Vegetarian options though limited, are available and also taste good. Gnocchi in mushroom sauce was my favourite. For Indian taste buds, they do have curry chicken with rice and it tastes as close to home as it can get! We loved it!
Expect to pay 11 to 15 euros for vegetarian main dish and 15 to 25 euros for a chicken main dish. Radler costs around 2.5 to 3 euros at most places and tap water costs 1.5 euros a jug.
However ,eating at restaurants can be a little expensive ,so if you don’t want to eat out, then either cook your meals or opt for ready-made sandwiches, bakery items and drinks available at a very reasonable cost at stores like Mercator. Also shop for grocery here. Buy water if you need from a grocery store as it works out way cheaper than buying water in restaurants, where you are charged 1.5 euros for a jug of tap water.
Where to Stay in Lake Bled with a Toddler
When visiting Lake Bled with a toddler, choosing a comfortable and convenient place to stay can make all the difference. We opted for a charming farmstay in Selo village, which is about 1.6 km walk to Lake Bled and roughly 2 km further to reach the city centre.
Staying slightly outside the busiest areas gave us a peaceful retreat while still keeping the lake and town within easy reach. Many family-friendly accommodations around Lake Bled offer amenities like cribs, high chairs, and extra space for toddlers, making it easier to relax after a day of exploring.
👉Love slow travel? Save this list of Slovenia’s best farmstays for your next family holiday!
We chose this place to experience local culture and stay in a Slovenian home and it turned out just great! The walk from the farm in the morning through the village , with fruit laden trees along the road is refreshing! And if its been a while (or never before) that you have walked under a sky full of stars – get here! Also there are plenty of tourist farms to choose from in Selo village – its cheaper, away from the crowded city center and gives a more authentic experience.
Other Accommodation Options
If you want something a little different, glamping or camping around Lake Bled is a fun option for families. Garden Hotel offers a few camping and glamping choices, but availability can be limited, so it’s best to book ahead to get good rates. We weren’t able to try the glamping option during our visit, but it looks like a fantastic way to experience Lake Bled with a toddler close to nature.
Tips for Visiting Lake Bled with a Toddler
Allot at least 3 days to explore Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj properly. We stayed 2 days and ended up missing Lake Bohinj, which is definitely worth a visit.
Plan day trips to Vintgar Gorge and Lake Bohinj — both are easily accessible and perfect for a slow-paced family adventure.
Traveling with a toddler means the pace will naturally be slower, so factor in plenty of snack breaks, playtime, and “just-look-around-and-soak-in-the-beauty” moments.
Visiting Lake Bled with a toddler is truly a magical experience. From scenic hikes and boat rides to indulging in the famous Bled cream cake and relaxing by the lake, there’s something for every pace and preference. Staying in a local farmstay or exploring glamping options adds a unique touch to your trip, while day trips to Vintgar Gorge and Lake Bohinj ensure you make the most of your visit. Lake Bled isn’t just a destination; it’s a place to slow down, soak in the beauty, and create memories with your little ones that you’ll cherish forever.
Want to add one more unforgettable stop to your Slovenia itinerary?
Don’t miss our family guide to Predjama Castle -
FAQ: Visiting Lake Bled with a Toddler
1. Is Lake Bled toddler-friendly?
Yes! The town is walkable, scenic, and safe, with plenty of open spaces, benches, and stroller-friendly paths.
2. How many days should we spend at Lake Bled?
We recommend at least 3 days to explore Lake Bled, Vintgar Gorge, and Lake Bohinj at a relaxed pace.
3. Can toddlers do the Mala Osojnica hike?
The hike is doable with a toddler in a carrier, but it’s not stroller-friendly. The final stretch is steep, so caution is needed.
4. Where is the best place to eat with a toddler?
Both city centre cafés and lakeside restaurants work well. Many are toddler-friendly, with high chairs and plenty of space for strollers. Don’t miss the famous Bled cream cake!
5. Are there family-friendly accommodation options?
Yes! Options include farmstays in Selo village, lakeside hotels, and glamping sites. Book ahead, especially for glamping, for the best rates and availability.
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