We think Hiriketiya with kids is one of the nicest beach towns to visit in Sri Lanka and one of the biggest reasons is something you might not think to ask about: the roads.
In places like Ahangama, the busy coastal road runs right through town, with buses passing as you make your way between places. Around Hiriketiya Beach, you’re mostly wandering along little back streets. Scooters, tuk-tuks, and cars are still around, but it feels much more relaxed walking around with children. Going for breakfast or heading down to the beach is simply a nicer experience.
Then there’s the horseshoe-shaped bay, the surf lessons and the food. For such a small place, Hiriketiya with kids has an incredible choice of cafés and restaurants. Add a few nearby adventures and somewhere lovely to come home to, and you have a pretty good family holiday.
We live in the area with our four children and created The Nest Sri Lanka to give families a lovely base to enjoy it all. With your own pool, a private chef and space to settle in, you can spend the morning exploring and come home to an afternoon that’s just as enjoyable. Here are some of our favourite ways to spend your time in Hiriketiya with kids.
Hiriketiya with kids
Beach mornings and first surf lessons
You don’t need much of a plan for a morning at Hiriketiya Beach. Bring something for the children to play with, find a spot on the sand and see where the day takes you. Watching the surfers can be entertainment in itself.
If your children want to give it a go, plenty of surf instructors are around the bay. On suitable days, beginners can start in the smaller waves closer to shore with an instructor who teaches children. You don’t have to head out to the bigger waves to have fun.
The bay has some shelter, but conditions change, and the water can still get rough. Ask locally where it’s suitable to swim that day, keep children close and stay clear of the surfing areas.
Leave plenty of time for the food
The food scene is one of our favourite things about living here. There are lovely coffee shops, really good Sri Lankan meals and restaurants you’ll want to go back to before your holiday is over.
That variety makes life easier with children, too. You can find familiar favourites when that’s what everyone needs, then try something different the next day. A long breakfast, lunch after surfing or an early dinner can easily become part of your daily routine.
It’s worth exploring beyond the first beachfront menu you see. Some of the nicest stops are tucked into the little streets around the bay. Ask for milder dishes for younger children and mention any dietary requirements when ordering.
Swimming with turtles at Polhena
For children who are comfortable in the water, a trip to Polhena near Matara is worth considering. You can see wild sea turtles here, and snorkelling gives you a chance to watch them swimming in their own surroundings. It’s a separate coastal outing, rather than something to promise the children at Hiriketiya itself. Read about turtle sightings at Polhena.
Go when the sea is calm, and visibility is good, ideally with a responsible local guide who can advise on conditions and your children’s swimming ability. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, which is part of seeing wildlife. Give turtles plenty of space and don’t touch, chase or feed them.
A few more things to do nearby Hiriketiya with kids
Walk along Dickwella Beach
Neighbouring Dickwella has a longer stretch of sand and is lovely for a change of scene. A beach walk, a coconut and somewhere to stop for lunch are often all you need. It’s an easy addition when you fancy exploring beyond Hiriketiya with kids.
Explore Blue Beach Island
At Nilwella, Blue Beach Island is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand, with the sea on either side. For children, even the approach can feel like a little adventure. Visit when the sandbar is exposed, and the sea allows safe access; if waves are washing across it, leave the crossing for another day. More about Blue Beach Island.
See the Hummanaya Blowhole
The Hummanaya Blowhole is another outing to consider near Dickwella. Waves force water up through an opening in the rocks, sometimes sending a burst of spray into the air. How much you see depends on the sea that day, but it can be a fun change from another beach morning. Keep little ones close around the rocky viewing area. More about sights near Hiriketiya.
Try another beach towards Tangalle
Silent Beach and Goyambokka are lovely options when you fancy seeing a different stretch of coast. Go for the scenery, a walk and some time on the sand; quieter beaches don’t always mean calmer water, so check before swimming. Nearby beach guide.
Take a day trip to Galle Fort from Hiriketiya with kids
If you’d like a day away from the beach, Galle Fort is a lovely change of pace. Wander the pretty streets, browse the little shops and galleries, and make your way to the lighthouse. Plenty of places to stop for something to eat or an ice cream along the way.
With children, we’d keep the day loose rather than trying to see everything. Wander, enjoy lunch, and take breaks from the heat. It’s a proper day out from Hiriketiya, so arrange a return car and check the journey time with your driver when planning it.
Go on a Safari at Udawalawe
You can also work a safari into your stay on the south coast. Udawalawe is an option for a jeep drive and a chance to see wild elephants, along with animals such as water buffalo and crocodiles, plus plenty of birds.
Plan this as a full-day outing, allowing time for the drive there and back, plus several hours in the park. Ask for a realistic pickup time and total journey length before booking, especially if you’re travelling with younger children.
If you’re coming down from the hill country, you could also fit the safari into that part of your journey and continue to Hiriketiya afterwards. That may work better than a return trip once everyone has settled into beach life.
Make The Nest Sri Lanka your family’s home in Hiriketiya
Where you stay makes such a difference to a family holiday. At The Nest Sri Lanka, you have a private villa to yourselves, with space to spread out and enjoy time together. We created it as parents of four, thinking about what makes travelling with children easier and gives parents a holiday, too.
There’s a private infinity pool with a shallow children’s pool, plus books, games, pool toys and little bikes for toddlers. Our complimentary children’s activities include baking cookies with the chef, making crowns from jackfruit leaves and crafting traditional Sri Lankan lanterns with older children. There are also movie nights with a projector, perfect for winding down after a day of exploring.
Our friendly, hands-on team is always happy to help, and we can arrange babysitting on request if you fancy some time to yourselves. Some afternoons, all anyone wants to do is come back for a swim and enjoy a little time at the villa. Children need adult supervision around both pools.
Having a private chef makes a real difference. You can enjoy Hiriketiya’s food scene and still come home to dinner on the evenings you’d rather stay in. Discuss meals and dietary requirements with the team ahead of time, then settle in and enjoy being together.
For parents who want a little time to themselves, you can arrange a massage at the villa for an additional cost. Between that, the tropical surroundings and the pool, there are plenty of reasons to leave a few gaps in the itinerary.
The Nest Sr Lanka is a short ride from the bay, so you can enjoy Hiriketiya’s beaches and cafés, then head back to your own pool and dinner prepared for you. Have a look around the villa and see more about dining at The Nest.
Already planning your trip? Enquire about availability at The Nest for your family’s dates.
Give yourselves time to settle in
Hiriketiya with kids works particularly well at the end of a family trip through Sigiriya, Kandy and Ella. After moving between places, it’s lovely to unpack, find your favourite breakfast spot and stop checking what time you need to leave.
We’d suggest at least four or five nights if you can. That gives you time for beach days, a surf lesson, perhaps a turtle-snorkelling trip or a bigger outing, without filling every day. And if the children would rather spend the afternoon in the pool, you can do exactly that.
We’d love to welcome your family to The Nest. Send us your preferred dates, the number of guests and your children’s ages, and we’ll help you plan your stay.
Enquire about dates and rates for your family stay at The Nest Sri Lanka.
