A Guide to a Fun Family Road Trip Around Zagreb

A Guide to a Fun Family Road Trip Around Zagreb

Zagreb is a great base city for a family road trip in Croatia because many kid-friendly places are close to the centre. You can reach lakes, hills, farms, and small towns in under an hour. The city is safe, easy to walk, and full of green parks where kids can rest before or after trips. You will also find many family cafés and playgrounds in areas like Maksimir and Jarun. Renting a car in Zagreb helps you follow your own plan. You can stop for snacks, take breaks, and change your route based on your kids’ moods.

How to Prepare for a Zagreb Road Trip

Here’s how to plan your family vacation in Zagreb.

Choose the Right Family Car or Rental Vehicle

If you’re renting, pick a car with enough space for everyone and your luggage. A mid-size SUV or estate (station wagon) is a popular choice since it can fit child safety seats and strollers easily. Be sure to reserve appropriate car seats in advance. Croatian law requires proper child seats or boosters for kids in the back seat.

If you’re not used to a manual transmission, look or request for an automatic when booking. Also, ensure the car has air conditioning and consider renting a GPS device or using your phone’s navigation for easier driving. Before you set off, adjust the mirrors and familiarise yourself with the car’s controls.

Bring the Essential Road Trip Items for Kids and Parents

Having these items ready means you won’t have to make emergency shopping stops and can handle most minor needs on the go.

• Snacks and Drinks: Bring plenty of snacks your kids enjoy, such as crackers, fruit, or biscuits, and water bottles for each person.
• Comfort and Entertainment: Take your children’s favorite comfort items, like a stuffed toy or blanket. Prepare some car-friendly entertainment, such as coloring books, stickers, or a tablet with cartoons and headphones.
• Clothing and Gear: Keep a light jacket or hoodie for everyone, in case the weather changes. It can be cool in the evenings or at higher altitudes. Pack an extra set of clothes for each child in the daypack. Don’t forget hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen for outdoor excursions.
• First Aid and Essentials: Bring a small first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications. Motion sickness bands or medicine can be a trip-saver if your kids are prone to car sickness. Also include hand sanitizer and toilet paper.

Take Note of the Tips for Driving in Croatia

Driving in and around Zagreb is fairly easy, but keep these tips in mind:

• Rules of the Road: Croatians drive on the right-hand side. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and children must ride in the back with appropriate restraints. Headlights should be on after dark and during daylight in winter months.
• Speed Limits: Generally 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on highways. Always watch for posted signs, as limits can vary near schools or in construction zones.
• Highways and Tolls: Croatian highways are well-maintained and mostly tolled. You’ll take a ticket when you enter the motorway and pay (in cash EUR or by card) when you exit. For example, the A2 highway from Zagreb toward Trakošćan has a toll, but prices are reasonable for short distances. To avoid tolls, you can use parallel local roads for free. On toll highways, look for the lane with a cashier or credit card symbols. Avoid the “ENC” lanes, which are for electronic passes.
• Parking: In Zagreb, street parking is zoned by time. You pay at a meter or by SMS for a designated duration. An easier option is to use public parking lots or garages in the city center. For instance, the Tuskanac or Langov Trg garages, and then walk or use transit.
• Fuel and Gas Stations: Gasoline is called “Benzin” (95 or 100 octane) and diesel is “Dizel”. Stations are common and most accept credit cards. In Zagreb and on highways, many stations have convenience stores and restrooms.

5 Ways to Spend a Family Road Trip in Zagreb

Exploring Zagreb with kids offers numerous options, as the city boasts museums, outdoor spaces, and safe neighborhoods. Here are different ways to enjoy a fun family trip:

1. Explore Zagreb’s Historic and Modern Highlights

Zagreb’s city center is compact and easily accessible on foot. In one day, you can experience the Upper Town and the lively parks and squares of the Lower Town. Zagreb’s downtown is very walkable, and nearly everything here can be reached within a 15-minute walk. If little legs get tired, the city’s blue trams are a fun way to rest and still see the sights.

Upper Town

In Upper Town (Gornji Grad), begin at Ban Jelačić Square, the main plaza of Zagreb. Don’t miss St. Mark’s Church, with its famous mosaic tile roof. Its bright-colored tiles forming coats of arms make it one of the city’s most photographed spots. Nearby is the Lotrščak Tower, which fires a cannon every day at noon. You can climb Lotrščak Tower for a small fee to get a panoramic view of the city rooftops.

Stroll along the Strossmayer Promenade, a leafy walkway where artists sometimes perform, and enjoy views of Zagreb below. You’ll come upon the Stone Gate, the last remaining old city gate. Inside is a shrine with candles, dedicated to a painting of the Virgin Mary. Keep voices low as it’s a place of reflection. Upper Town also houses the Croatian Parliament and many historic homes. You can explore a few streets, such as Catherine's Square, with its baroque church, and the Museum of Broken Relationships, if you have older kids or teens.

Lower Town

Down the hill in Lower Town (Donji Grad), you enter the 19th-century expansion of the city. Dolac Market, right behind the main square, is a must-see in the morning. Under rows of red umbrellas, vendors sell fresh fruits, veggies, and local specialties. Let the kids pick some strawberries or try a sample of Croatian cheese. Lower Town is renowned for its “Green Horseshoe,” a series of interconnected parks and squares that form a U-shape through the city.

Walk through Zrinjevac Park with its music pavilion and old fountains. Then, continue past the beautiful buildings of King Tomislav Square and look for the statue of the horseman (King Tomislav) leading to the Botanical Garden. There are often ice cream stands where you can try a scoop of Croatian gelato. If your family enjoys museums, the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum features vintage aircraft, old engines, a planetarium, and hands-on demonstrations of Tesla’s inventions. Another popular spot is the Museum of Illusions, which is full of optical tricks and interactive exhibits, including a mirror maze and a rotating tunnel.

2. Road Trip to Samobor

Ready for a short trip out of the city? Samobor is a small town about 30 kilometres west of Zagreb and a 30-minute drive on the highway. It’s a favorite excursion for local families because of its relaxing atmosphere and delicious cake. To get there by car, take the A3 highway toward Ljubljana and exit for Samobor or drive the local road through the suburbs for a toll-free scenic route. Either way, it’s a quick trip. In Samobor, you’ll find parking lots near the center – follow the “P” signs. Once parked, everything is within easy walking distance.

What to Do in Samobor

• Explore the Main Square (Trg Kralja Tomislava): Samobor’s heart is its main square, lined with pastel-colored buildings, cafés, and a town well. It’s pedestrian-friendly, so the kids can wander a bit. There’s an old fountain in the middle. Overlooking the square is a church of St. Anastasia and the Samobor hills.
• Taste Kremšnita: You cannot visit Samobor without trying its famous dessert, Samoborska kremšnita. This vanilla cream custard cake is beloved across Croatia. Choose one of the café-patisseries on the square. Sit on the terrace and indulge in a slice of this heavenly cake. You can pair it with a strong Croatian coffee or a cup of Bermet.
• Visit St. Anastasia Church: Take a peek inside the yellow baroque church on the square. You may hear gentle organ music if someone is practicing. Outside, the church steps are a nice spot to sit and people-watch while the kids finish licking up the last crumbs of kremšnita.
• Stroll Along the Creek: A small creek, the Gradna, runs through Samobor. A short walk from the square leads to a little park along the water. There are wooden bridges, ducks to feed, and a playground where local children climb and swing.
• Medieval Castle Ruins: For a bit of adventure, you can hike up to the Samobor Castle ruins. It’s about a 20-minute uphill walk through the woods to reach the ivy-covered remains of a 13th-century fortress on the hill. The path starts near a small chapel at the foot of the mountain. At the top, you’ll find crumbling stone walls, great views, and plenty of spots for imaginative play. There are no safety railings, so keep younger children close.

3. Nature Adventure to Medvednica Mountain and Sljeme

One of the best things about Zagreb is how quickly you can go from city streets to mountain trails. Just a 50-minute drive from Zagreb is the Medvednica Nature Park, a wooded mountain range with its highest peak, Sljeme, at approximately 1,035 meters. The road up Medvednica winds through leafy suburbs and then dense forest. Alternatively, Zagreb’s new Sljeme cable car can carry you up the mountain if you prefer not to drive. By car, follow signs to Sljeme or Medvednica (from Gračani or Mihaljevac areas). There’s parking near the summit area.

What to Do on Medvednica

• Sljeme Summit: Once at the top, you’ll notice a small cluster of buildings, including a tall TV tower. From various points, you get panoramic views. One side overlooks Zagreb far below, the other side stretches toward the Zagorje hills. Breathe in the fresh pine-scented air. In winter, you can enjoy the snow as Sljeme is a ski area.
• Mountain Huts (Planinarski Domovi): A big part of the Medvednica experience is eating at a mountain hut. These are cozy rustic restaurants that serve hearty local food. Two popular ones are very close to the top. They offer dishes like bean soup, čevapčići (grilled meat fingers) with fries, and hot chocolate.
• Hiking and Play: There are easy trails around the summit, along with plenty of spots for a forest picnic. One path leads to Kraljičin Zdenac (the Queen’s Well). It’s a 30-minute walk through the woods to a natural spring. But even without a specific destination, just walking a few hundred meters into the woods to collect pine cones or watch for squirrels is fun. Medvednica is home to deer and various birds, and you’ll hear birdsong and see interesting bugs or mushrooms.
• Medvedgrad Castle: On the southern slope of Medvednica is Medvedgrad, a medieval castle fortress that has been restored. You can drive or hike to it on your way down the mountain. It now houses a small museum and has ramparts you can climb for an unbeatable view of Zagreb.

4. A Family Escape to Varaždin and Trakošćan Castle

For a full-day trip filled with culture and fantasy, drive an hour north to the town of Varaždin and the Trakošćan Castle. This trip takes you to Croatia’s baroque architecture and a dash of knights-and-princesses adventure. Varaždin (Little Vienna) is known as Croatia’s “Baroque capital.” This city has well-preserved 18th-century buildings. You will immediately spot the Old Town Castle, a white fortress with round towers and a moat. You can walk around it and take photos. Visit the City Museum’s collection of armor, antique furniture, and artifacts. The highlight is the Knight’s Hall, featuring medieval weapons. Even if you skip the museum, the grounds are fun to explore.

Stroll through Varaždin's pedestrian-friendly center. The Main Square (Korzo) features pastel-colored mansions and a tall town hall. Keep an eye out for the rooster on its small clock tower. Wander the streets, and peek into the Cathedral or St. Nicholas Church, which features baroque interiors.

After Varaždin, drive about 50 minutes to Trakošćan Castle. Winding through the Zagorje hills, you’ll know you’re close when you see the castle’s ivory-colored towers rising above the treetops. Park at the foot of the hill and walk up the short path to the castle gate. Trakošćan is one of Croatia’s most beautiful castles. Inside, you’ll climb through different rooms, such as a dining room with antique china, a music salon with vintage instruments, and bedrooms with canopy beds. The highlight is the armory (Knight’s Hall), which displays swords, lances, and suits of armor on the walls.

5. Spend a Day at Zagreb’s Surrounding Lakes and Parks

Zagreb has wonderful green spaces for a family day. You can easily spend a day at these spots without long drives:

• Jarun Lake is Zagreb’s recreational lake in the southwest of the city, with pebble beaches for swimming, paved biking/skating trails, playgrounds, and pedal boat rentals. In summer, locals call it “Zagreb’s Sea.” You’ll find designated swimming areas, and you can rent bikes or rollerblades to circle the lake on a smooth 6-kilometre path. Cafés and ice cream stands dot the shore.
• Bundek Park in New Zagreb features a small lake, walking paths, and multiple playgrounds. It has a large picnic zone with free BBQ grills and plenty of green space. You can feed ducks on the lake, run on the lawns, and enjoy the three playgrounds with swings, slides, and sandpits. In spring, Bundek hosts a big flower show.
• Maksimir Park and Zoo is a vast wooded park located east of Zagreb, ideal for strolls and picnics, and home to the Zagreb Zoo. Maksimir Park is like a forest in the city, with meadows, lakes, and resident swans and turtles. It’s free to enter and explore. The zoo is not too large and features lions, giraffes, bears, monkeys, and more than 250 other animal species.

Takeaway

Spending a day at any of these places is a lovely way to enjoy a family trip. The kids can play freely, and you can relax like a local. You might choose Jarun for a swim and bike ride, Bundek for a picnic and time at the playground, or Maksimir for nature and animals. These activities are either free or budget-friendly, making Zagreb an excellent destination for families.

Rent a car in Zagreb with Final Rentals and choose a vehicle that matches your travel needs. You can pick a small, medium, or SUV model and pick up at Zagreb Airport. Our platform shows clear prices and vehicle features, so you know what to expect before you explore parks, lakes, and nearby towns. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.