Family-friendly hotels abound in Sri Lanka, where little ones can race along vast sandy beaches, spot elephants and leopards on Jeep safaris, or splash around in swimming pools surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Teens will love learning to surf on the trendy south coast, or hiking to dramatic viewpoints up in the hills. You'll find that Sri Lankans adore children, making this is a magical destination for holidays with little ones. Expect to feel very welcome at beach resorts and boutique boltholes alike. Our selection of the best family friendly hotels in Sri Lanka are scattered across the island, but you can expect to find the liveliest vibe on the popular south coast, a more tranquil experience in the outdoorsy retreats of the hills, and a real sense of escapism on the remote east coast. Combine them all for a well-rounded flavour of the teardrop island!

9 Family-Friendly Hotels in Sri Lanka

For Boutique Chic

Why House, in lovely Mihiripenna, is a wonderful boutique hotel with 10 guest bedrooms set within lush tropical gardens. Additional cots and twin beds make this a great spot for families, who will adore the gardens, big pool and the friendly team — including playful dachshund Violet. Manager Hen is full of local recommendations & hosts fabulous events at the hotel. The sheltered lagoon of nearby Dalawella beach is brilliant for little ones to swim with turtles.
Halcyon Mawella is another 10-bedroom boutique spot, this time overlooking the ocean close to Tangalle. Two of the design-led rooms are specifically for families, and all are mere metres from the pool. Step straight onto enormous Mawella beach for seaside strolls & beach games, ride boogie boards in the waves, kayak on the nearby lake or take sailing lessons (rare in Sri Lanka!). Ideal for families with older kids or teenagers.

For Nature Lovers

Banyan Camp is a simple lodge on 15 acres of wilderness bordering tranquil Lake Hambegamuwa. Wattle and daub lodges with two double beds are great for families, who can take narrow canoe trips on the lake with families, enjoy river swims and picnics, or spot larger wildlife on Jeep safaris in the Udawalawe National Park. There are board games in the main lodge, and monkeys swinging through the trees. Created by keen wildlife enthusiasts for wild, back-to-basics bliss.
Ulagalla Resort, just 30 minutes from Anuradhapura, has 25 sumptuous villas with plunge pools. The largest has two bedrooms and bathrooms, but one-bedroom options can be adapted for young families, too. Zip around the 58 acres of grounds by bicycle, and enjoy horse riding, cooking classes and guided nature walks with the hotel's rangers. Eager wildlife aficionados will adore the Junior Ranger workshops, and the hotel's conservation efforts are a wonderful learning opportunity.

For a Seaside Resort

Jetwing Lighthouse, just outside Galle, is a striking seaside hotel designed by acclaimed architect Geoffrey Bawa. Spacious rooms and suites offer family options, and there's a dedicated kids' pool as well as a tennis court. Expect children's menus at the main restaurant, a great pizzeria and grassy gardens to explore. Galle Fort is ten minutes away, for rampart strolls and ice cream with the whole family.
Cape Weligama promises absolute luxury on a craggy headland overlooking enormous Weligama Bay. Multi-bedroom villas with private pools will delight families, as will the plethora of activities — from kayaking to outdoor cinema nights. Weligama is a top spot for learning to surf, too. Five-star style for all ages.
Karpaha Sands, on Sri Lanka's little-visited east coast, is well worth the longer journey. Unwind in tented suites, the largest of which sleep up to five guests in two bedrooms, connected by a spacious sitting room. Play games on the huge quiet beach, sink into the pool, or hide away in the games room in the late afternoon. Don't miss gazing up at the stars from the beanbags in your villa's garden.

For a Hideaway in the Hills

Living Heritage Koslanda boasts one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful infinity pools. It also has indulgent villa suites and forest pavilions set amidst vast, verdant grounds. Villa Suites sleep four guests, and are just steps from the restaurant where Sri Lankan and Western dishes can be savoured. Walk to the waterfall for refreshing swims, take cooking classes and roast marshmallows under the stars.
Taylor's Hill is a five-bedroom escape for active families in the hills. South of Kandy, this was once a retreat frequented be tea planter James Taylor and his friends. Book a suite with space for up to four guests, and spend your days playing tennis, croquet and badminton in the gardens, hiking through the tea fields or splashing around in the pool. Quiet and remote but with stacks of outdoor activities.

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Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Sri Lanka.
Alternatively, check out our list of 9 of the Best Wildlife Hotels in Sri Lanka.
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9 Fabulous Hotels for Families in Sri Lanka

Ulagalla Resort

Anuradhapura (Anuradhapura)

A serene eco-resort nestled amid 58 acres of gardens, forest and paddy fields close to Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. Sumptuous villas with private plunge pools & indulgent bathrooms overlook the grounds. With a spa, two restaurants & stacks of activities, this is a very special luxury retreat.

Romantic Break - Secluded villas with private pools are perfect for couples, who will also adore private dining & couples' spa treatments
Wildlife Area - Speak to the team in the Elephant Conservation Centre about the elephants wandering past in the evening & early morning
Active Holiday - With horse riding, cycling, walking and 4WD tours, this is a brilliant choice for active travellers of all ages
Restaurant - Savour traditional cooking at Kamatha, surrounded by paddies, or dine on Sri Lankan and western cuisine at LiyaWela Restaurant

from AU$746 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Cape Weligama

Weligama (Sri Lanka)

The long awaited palm fringed resort has arrived - with stunning views of the Indian Ocean beyond the infinity pool. All interiors are elegant with a clean edge and private gardens. In-room spa treatments are available too. Delicious cuisine, good for families or a romantic retreat.

Families - Multi-bedroom private villas with swimming pools are ideal for families, who will also adore the child-friendly activities
Surfing - Weligama Bay is one of the top surf spots on the island for beginners - don't miss the chance to take lessons
Honeymoons - Honeymooners will adore the sumptuous suites, candlelit dinners and superb spa treatments
Hotel boats for hire - Private sunset cruises or whale and dolphin watching trips can be arranged

from AU$658 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Why House

Mihiripenna (Sri Lanka)

A verdant oasis of laid-back luxury, with a wonderfully warm welcome and superb sociable vibe — ideal for families and those looking to soak up a slice of paradise! Four poster beds, white linens and large windows that let in the breeze.

Wildlife Area - Take little ones to swim with turtles in the sheltered lagoon of Dalawella beach, before gobbling pizzas at the Wijaya beach bar
Total relaxation - A fantastic little hotel for unwinding with rejuvenating massages, beautiful guest rooms, a refreshing pool & excellent cuisine
Hotel Entertainment - The hotel hosts parties, quiz nights, traditional performances and lively themed dinners, perfect for sociable travellers
Families - A fabulous family-friendly hotel, with spacious suites, lovely gardens and a big swimming pool

from AU$545 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Living Heritage Koslanda

Haputale (Sri Lanka)

This gorgeous eco-retreat on a former rubber plantation showcases traditional building techniques and striking antiques, with spacious Villa Suites, quirky Forest Pavilions and a stunning infinity pool overlooking the verdant hills.

Great walks - Wander down to the village with a friendly guide, meeting families and getting a sense of life in Sri Lanka's rural interior
Back to Nature - Surrounded by hills and waterfalls, this is a beautiful oasis for reconnecting with nature through organic architecture
Romantic Break - Sumptuous suites with private plunge pools and tented forest pavilions are brilliant for romantic breaks & honeymoons
Trekking - Take guided nature treks through the surrounding jungle and forest, enjoying refreshing waterfall swims

from AU$264 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Jetwing Lighthouse

Galle (Sri Lanka)

A chic design hotel, blending clean lines with characterful quirks. Bedrooms are light and bright with large bathrooms. There are hotel activities aplenty, from tennis to cooking classes, making it great for the whole family. Interiors make the most of unspoilt sea views.

Sights nearby - Take a 10-minute ride to gorgeous Galle Fort, a walled town brimming with boutiques, eateries & heritage landmarks
Tennis - Play a game of tennis at one of the only hotel courts in the south of the island - and an impressive one at that
Beach Life - A striking coastal hotel promising beautiful sunsets, set just minutes from Galle Fort and some superb beaches
Families - With plenty of on-site activities as well as babysitting services, this property is great for all ages

from AU$314 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Karpaha Sands

Pasikudah (Sri Lanka)

A stunning and remote glamping hotel nestled amongst the coconut trees on Kalkudah Beach. Luxurious tents offer double beds, outdoor seating, and creative bathrooms guaranteed to please. The restaurant serves fresh local seafood and curries cooked to perfection- there is no liquor but you can BYOB.

Great walks - Wander this almost deserted and wonderfully pristine beach, the only folks you'll see will be local fishermen casting their nets
Honeymoons - Hidden away on 12 miles of pristine beach, with romantic luxe tents, double ended bathtubs and fabulous food
Families - The Seed tents sleep five comfortably and the hotel offers a kids menu, kids pool and boogie boards
Cycling - Borrow the hotel's bicycels to explore this tranquil area under your own steam

from AU$314 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Halcyon Mawella

Tangalle (Moraketiara)

A gorgeous beach pad on picturesque Mawella Bay, Halcyon is a real gem for couples, friends or families looking to unwind in blissful surroundings. The friendly team and impeccable design make this place particularly special.

Kayaking - Spot bats and nibble lotus seeds on a guided kayaking tour of Mawella Lagoon, or try sea kayaking right in front of the hotel
Birdwatching - Drift through Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary on a guided raft excursion, spotting a fantastic array of birdlife
Romantic Break - Couples can hide away in beautifully designed rooms, relax on private terraces & sip cocktails at the bar
Families - Families will adore the relaxed, friendly feel, the swimming pool & the flexible room options

from AU$242 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Banyan Camp

Udawalawa (Udawalawe)

A rustic off-grid escape for laid-back nature enthusiasts close to Udawalawe National Park in south-eastern Sri Lanka. Quirky individual lodges overlook a tranquil lake, and guests are invited to savour Sri Lankan cuisine after boat trips, river swims and wildlife-spotting excursions. A delight.

Eco break - Rustic lodges of mortar & recycled materials exemplify the camp's eco ethos - this is a real eco break with no hot water or A/C
Hotel boats for hire - Speak to the team about a lake tour with local fishermen, spotting birds & buffalo, and marvelling at enormous banyan trees
Safari - Early morning or evening safaris at Udawalawe National Park are brilliant for admiring wild elephants
Great walks - Hop in the camp's jeep to a quiet part of the rivers for scenic walks, swims and a lunchtine picnic

from AU$117 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

9 Fabulous Hotels for Families in Sri Lanka

9 Family-Friendly Hotels in Sri Lanka

For Boutique Chic

For Nature Lovers

For a Seaside Resort

For a Hideaway in the Hills

STILL NOT SURE?

9 Fabulous Hotels for Families in Sri Lanka

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