As a parent planning a trip to Bali, you’re likely looking for that one magical experience—something special that your children will talk about for years to come. You’ve probably seen photos of twinkling fireflies and wondered: Is a firefly tour right for my family? Is it safe? Will my kids get bored?
We are a local family of guides from the ancient village of Taro, and many of us are parents ourselves. We want to give you an honest, parent-to-parent guide to our firefly experience. Because for us, this isn’t just about seeing glowing lights; it’s about sharing a quiet, authentic piece of our home with your family.
First Things First: Is the Firefly Tour Safe for Children?
This is the most important question for any parent, and the answer is yes, absolutely. We designed this experience with family safety as our number one priority.
The walk through the rice paddies is gentle and slow-paced. It’s not a difficult hike. We know the paths can be uneven and sometimes a little muddy, which is why we provide clean, knee-high boots for everyone, including children. This keeps their feet clean, dry, and protected.
Most importantly, you are never alone. Our local guides, who are all part of our family and community, are with you every step of the way, carrying flashlights and ensuring everyone feels secure in the gentle darkness of the evening.
Will My Kids Get Bored Before the Fireflies Even Appear?
This is a secret that many of our parent guests discover: often, the fireflies aren’t even their kids’ favorite part! The entire evening is an adventure designed to keep young minds engaged.
Before it gets dark, the journey begins on our organic farm. It’s a sensory experience for kids. They won’t just see plants; they’ll get to:
- Smell real cinnamon scraped right off the tree.
- See what a vanilla bean or a cocoa pod looks like before it becomes chocolate.
- Touch and feel the different herbs and spices that we use in our cooking.
After the farm walk comes the dinner, and as one of our guests, Eva, said, “the dinner is the best Balinese food I have had in Bali so far!” We make sure the food is delicious but not too spicy, so it’s a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a generous, family-style feast where everyone can relax. In fact, many families who enjoy the farm visit also love our hands-on Ubud Farm-to-Table Cooking Class, where kids can get even more involved with the food!
A Parent’s Quick-Fire Questions
What is the best age for this tour?
The tour is wonderful for curious children aged 6 and up who can enjoy a relaxed evening walk. For very young toddlers, the late evening might be past their bedtime, but you know your child best!
Are there a lot of mosquitos?
We are in a natural environment, so there can be some insects. However, we walk in open fields where mosquitos are less common, and we provide a thoughtful touch that parents appreciate: a natural, locally-made mosquito repellent for everyone to use before we start.
Will my kids actually get to see fireflies up close?
Yes! While we never touch or harm the fireflies, our guides are experts at gently catching one or two in a jar. Your children can see the magical glow up close and learn how they light up before we safely release them back into the night. It’s a moment of pure wonder for them. For more helpful information, check out our 5 Tips for the Best Firefly Experience.
Is it too dark and scary for kids?
The darkness is part of the magic! It’s not a pitch-black, scary darkness, but a soft, quiet evening filled with the gentle sounds of frogs and crickets. Our guides have flashlights, and the glow of the fireflies creates a comforting, fairytale-like atmosphere.
The Verdict: More Than a Tour, a Core Memory
A firefly tour with us isn’t just an activity to check off a list. It’s an evening spent connecting—with nature, with our culture, and most importantly, with each other. It’s a chance for your children to see a world away from screens, to taste real food from the earth, and to witness a quiet, natural magic that is becoming increasingly rare.
As one of our guests, Kristy, mentioned, the highlight for her was the visit to our village. It’s these authentic moments—the food, the stories, the warm welcome—that make the evening so special. It’s the core of our family’s philosophy.
If you are looking for a relaxing, educational, and truly magical evening for your family, we would be honored to share our village’s secret with you.
Ready to create a memory your family will never forget?
