Dreaming of an affordable trip for the school break? A family holiday in North Macedonia might not be the first destination that comes to mind, but it really should be. This small Balkan country is packed with lakes, mountains, fortresses and outdoor adventures, and is both exciting and easy to explore with children.
Better still, it’s far more budget friendly than nearby destinations like Croatia or Greece, making it ideal for families travelling during peak times. Flights are affordable, distances between major sights are short, food and drink is cheap, and there are many activities suitable for young children as well as teenagers.
Another big advantage: locals genuinely love children. Family life is central to Balkan culture, and kids are welcomed everywhere.
Below the FAQs are our favourite things to do in North Macedonia with kids— all tried, tested and approved by the Undiscovered Balkans founders’ own offspring. And, all these acitivites are all found on our 7 day North Macedonia Activity holiday.
Quick FAQs: Macedonia with kids
What is the weather like in Macedonia?
If you’re wondering what time of year’s best for a family holiday in North Macedonia, then plan for May to September. Summers are hot and sunny, with July and August perfect for swimming in the lakes and rivers. Spring and early autumn offer perfect conditions for exploring, with daytime temperatures in the 20s.
Is North Macedonia safe for a family holiday?
The Balkans are very family-oriented and children are highly valued in society. Visitors generally find North Macedonia welcoming and safe for children who will be looked after. Like anywhere, pickpockets are around in cities, especially Skopje, so watch out for your valuables.
What things are there to do in Macedonia with teenagers?
If you’re visiting Macedonia with teens, lots! Popular activities include: Paragliding in Krushevo, yacht trips on Lake Ohrid, adrenaline parks in the mountains, shopping for Ohrid pearls, attending the Ohrid Summer Festival, not to forget outdoor sports like kayaking and SUP boarding.
Is North Macedonia cheaper than Croatia or Greece?
Absolutely. Accommodation, food and activities are significantly cheaper, which makes it a great option for family travel.
Planning a Family Holiday in North Macedonia
Visiting Macedonia as a family offers a satisfying combination of beautiful nature, fascinating history and outdoor adventure, all within relatively short travel distances. Make sure to bring cash (many places don’t accept card or phone payments) and don’t rush. Macedonia is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
For parents who prefer not to organise everything independently, our 7-day North Macedonia Activity Holiday brings together many of the experiences above in one relaxingly adventurous itinerary combining kayaking, swimming, mountain hikes and fun cultural activities like bee-keeping.
Keep reading for our top 7 things to do in North Macedonia with kids…
1. Things to do around Lake Ohrid
Lake Ohrid is the star attraction of Macedonia, and it’s easy to see why. Affectionately known as “Macedonia’s Freshwater Sea”, it has unbelievably clear waters that glow with an iridescent blue colour and it’s one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. It’s a highlight for any family holiday to North Macedonia.
There are plenty of small pebble beaches around, including outside Ohrid town, that are perfect for families with calm water, easy access and safe swimming.
The kids will also be impressed with the range of activities you can do here. Our NEW North Macedonia activity holiday includes the chance to go SUP boarding on the lake, take a walking tour of the Old Town, board a yacht and discover the surrounding mountains with an experienced local guide.
Rent a boat or try paragliding
Boat trips are another favourite activity for families visiting Ohrid. Options range from sailing yachts to small motorboats, and it’s a relaxing way to explore the shoreline. Or, for something more adventurous, you can sail through the sky on a paraglide!
Visit the Bay of Bones
Take the kids for a history lesson at the Bay of Bones, a reconstructed prehistoric lakeside settlement built on stilts above the water. It offers a glimpse into how people lived here thousands of years ago.
Day trip to Sveti Naum Monastery
One of the best lake excursions is a boat trip to Sveti Naum monastery, a stunning 10th century Orthodox complex near the Albanian border with peacocks and byzantine architecture. The setting is beautiful and relaxed, with beaches right beside the monastery and a chilled atmosphere despite the many tourists.
Adrenaline park in Kruševo
Up at Panorama Hotel & Spa, Zip lines, networks of ropes suspended between trees, rope pyramids and mountain biking trails.
Related:
- The 7 best things to do in Albania with kids
- Emma’s top tips for adventure travel with children
- The best family adventures in the Balkans
2. Visit Ohrid Old Town
Ohrid’s historic old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with narrow cobbled streets and centuries-old churches. With over 2,400 years of history, Ohrid stands among Europe’s oldest continually inhabited towns. Once home to 365 churches, one for each day of the year, it is often called the “Jerusalem of the Balkans.”
Kids may not be fascinated by every church or museum, but exploring the maze of streets and little shops in the old town is fun for the whole family.
One of the best short walks leads along the boardwalk to the Church of St John of Kaneo, dramatically perched on a cliff above the lake. The views are spectacular. On the way back, stop at one of the cafés by the water. SUP Club Ohrid is particularly good.
Visit Samuel’s Fortress
High above town sits King Samuel’s Fortress, offering incredible views over the lake. Plus, climbing a real medieval fortress is usually pretty exciting for kids too.
Shop for Ohrid Pearls
Did you know Ohrid is famous for its pearls? Their shine comes from a special emulsion created using the fish scales of plasic, a species only native in Lake Ohrid (aka Ohridski biseri). Two local families, the Talev and the Filevi, claim to know the secret formula – and they fiercely guard the secret to this day.
You will see pearls everywhere and it’s hard to know which ones are real. Some are fakes from China or Turkey. But you can still visit the Talevi and Falev family shops in town which are supposedly the most authentic.
3. Matka Canyon
Just 30 minutes from Skopje, Matka Canyon is one of the most popular day trips in the country and great fun with kids. The main activity here is taking a boat trip along the canyon river to Vrelo Cave, a deep and mysterious underwater cave. The ride costs around €7 per person and the scenery is spectacular. Once inside the cave, you can have fun spotting eerie stalactites and singing echoes into the depths.
As you walk down to the boats you’ll pass a row of ice cream stands selling flavours you’ve never seen before, including “Facebook” and “TikTok.” This always seems to delight younger travellers (though we hate to think what they put inside them).
Kayaking here is a highlight of our Macedonia activity holiday, designed for more outdoorsy families.
4. Things to do in Skopje
North Macedonia’s quirky capital Skopje is lively, easy to explore, and full of little surprises (and big ones too – see ‘Man on Horse’ statue). While many families arrive here and head quickly to the lakes and mountains, Skopje makes an interesting stop for a day or two. Be aware that in summer the city is a heat bowl with temperatures up to 40 degrees, so plan your visit accordingly. Air conditioned spaces like museums or the cable car up to Mount Vodno offer respite.
Cable car ride to Mount Vodno
One of the highlights for families is the cable car up Mount Vodno to the giant Millennium Cross with sweeping views over Skopje and the Sharr mountains. It’s incredibly cheap: a return ticket costs around €1.60 per person. Just note: the cable car does not run on Mondays or the last Tuesday of each month.
Explore Skopje’s Old Bazaar
This is one of the best-preserved Ottoman bazaars in the Balkans. Expect cobbled streets, tiny craft shops, bakeries and plenty of slatkarnice (dessert cafés). Deliciously creamy ice cream is everywhere and too tempting to miss!
Climb Skopje fortress
Above the city sits Skopje Fortress (Kale). It’s an easy walk and a fun place for kids to run around while parents enjoy the views. Sunsets up here are lovely but do remember that the fortress closes early, so visit before 5pm.
Visit a museum (briefly!)
Museums in Skopje are worth a quick visit for older children interested in history, or if you need a break from the heat. Another popular stop is Mother Teresa’s birthplace where fans of the Skopje-born missionary come and pay their respects.
5. Natural springs near Lake Ohrid
Just west of Ohrid lies Struga, a quieter lakeside town that has a decent aquapark. Fifteen kilometres north of Struga, you can visit the village of Vevčani, sitting almost a kilometre above sea level. It’s a charming spot to explore and famous for its beautiful natural springs, which cascade through a small forested park with paths and wooden bridges and old mills. Entrance costs about €0.50, making it one of the best-value nature spots in the country.
6. Visit Roman ruins in Macedonia
North Macedonia has an astonishingly long history, with evidence of human civilisation going back 8,000 years. The two most interesting archaeological sites to visit with kids are Stobi and Heraclea Lyncestis. Stobi is an ancient Roman city that was once located along a busy trade route and thrived as a commercial hub specialising in the trade of salt. Heraclea Lyncestis, near Bitola, is believed to have been founded by King Philip II of Macedon (Alexander the Great’s father) in the 4th century BC. It was later conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century BC and is known for its Roman theatre, baths and vivid mosaics depicting wildlife.
7. Prespa Lake
Less visited than Ohrid, Prespa Lake is no less beautiful. It’s especially suited to nature-loving families looking for something quieter. The beaches here are sandy with shallow water, making them great for younger children. Bring a beach ball.
Prespa is also known for its birdlife and natural scenery, and prices here are extremely low compared to more famous European lake destinations.
Feeling inspired? Browse our range of family adventure holidays in the Balkans and subscribe to our free monthly newsletter for more travel-inspired tips, offers and tours.
Comments