I really like that my daughter is effectively travelled. However even my jaw dropped a bit after I realised she’d had two Caribbean holidays earlier than the age of two (and had racked up 5 by the point she was seven). I, for sure, was working (very good work, admittedly).
incorporates paid promotion/affiliate hyperlinks*
As a result of though the islands have a well-deserved repute for romantic breaks, they’re unbelievable for household holidays as effectively. Fairly aside from the sand and sea, we’ve all the time had a really heat welcome and loved swimming with stingrays in Antigua, making chocolate in St Lucia, discovering an interesting shipwreck in Grand Turk and snorkelling in Aruba.
With direct flights to a variety of islands from the UK, I’ve bought my eyes on just a few extra Caribbean locations too – Barbados is lower than 9 hours away, with some attractive luxurious villas like these from The Hollies Reatreats, in addition to loads of family-friendly sights. Listed below are my prime 5 issues to do in Barbados with youngsters.
Spot monkeys in Barbados
My very own monkey loves animals – all animals, however monkeys are simply amongst her favourites. So the Barbados Wildlife Reserve could be prime of our checklist.
It’s a sanctuary for inexperienced monkeys however you’ll additionally discover birds, racoons, deer, mara and reptiles, many dwelling free throughout the reserve reasonably than in cages (besides the snakes, fortuitously).
Head underwater in Barbados
You don’t want to have the ability to dive and even snorkel to get near the tropical fish off the coast. Head underwater to the unbelievable reefs with a submarine experience from Atlantis Submarines Barbados – youngsters must be 3ft tall and the tour lasts 90 minutes, round half of that underneath the ocean.
There are even night time dives or you possibly can mix it with a tour of Harrison’s Cave.
When you don’t fancy going proper underneath the waves, strive a glass bottomed boat tour – you might spot the whole lot from turtles to shipwrecks, with this tour together with an opportunity to cease and snorkel if you happen to’ve bought each older and youthful youngsters. Appropriate for all ages.
Enterprise underground
Over 500,000 years outdated and three miles lengthy, Harrison’s Cave is among the island’s wonders and unmissable if you happen to’re visiting Barbados with kids.
Within the centre of Barbados, a tram takes you down beneath the floor to find stalactites and stalagmites and 50ft excessive caverns, till you attain the teardrop-shaped Cascade pool and waterfall – so clear, you possibly can see proper to the underside.
It couldn’t be farther from the seaside and solar, however that is one unmissable expertise – you may as well go to as a part of an island tour.
Sail away
Feed turtles and spot shipwrecks, dance on deck within the solar or leap into the Caribbean from a rope swing – a cruise across the island is the right technique to discover.
This family-friendly catamaran cruise is a superb choice, and appropriate for ages 3+, whereas there are boat journeys from Cool Runnings that are nice for infants up.
There are alternatives together with lunch, or shorter cruises – and all the time loads of rum punch for the adults …
Go off-road in Barbados
When you don’t have lengthy in Barbados, or are in search of a simple technique to see all of the sights throughout your loved ones vacation, an island tour is a good way to discover with youngsters, together with this feature. appropriate for youthful youngsters.
Or mix journey or discovery on a on and off-road tour or this Island Safari, for five-year-olds and up (because the lap belts gained’t match youthful youngsters), for a memorable technique to uncover the rainforest, Barbados’ blow holes and a number of the most picturesque coves and cliffs.
The place to remain in Barbados with youngsters
While you’re planning a family-friendly vacation within the Caribbean, it’s all the time nice to have your personal area – and there are some unbelievable luxurious villas if you happen to’re visiting Barbados with youngsters.
The Hollies Retreats has two attractive locations to remain on the island, every with its personal non-public pool and with area for six or eight company – excellent for a multigenerational escape or for large households (or simply to have a number of area to unfold out!)
On the west coast of Barbados, close to Holetown and Speightstown, Salt Life is a shell’s throw away from the attractive Gibbs Seashore, whereas the White Home @ Porters Place (model new for August 2023) is barely a stroll from the sands as effectively.
*First printed 2016, up to date 2022*
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN BARBADOS WITH KIDS
Disclosure: Compiled in affiliation with the Hollies Retreats. This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
Pictures offered by Barbados Tourism Advertising Inc