Searching for family-friendly Caribbean Destinations?
With over 700 islands, the Caribbean is a sun-drenched, tropical paradise, and each island is so diverse. Not only do they all have stunning beaches, distinct cultures and their own individual charm, each island also has its own fabulous resorts offering a plethora of attractions, including first-class diving in the Bahamas; rich Hispanic culture in Puerto Rico; urban ramblings in Curacao; and bird-watching in Tobago.
The Best Caribbean Islands For Kids
What the islands do all have in common, however, is how easy it is to have a family-friendly Caribbean holiday. There is something to cater for everyone’s tastes from young children right through to grandparents, and the choice of Caribbean luxury family-friendly resorts is extensive. But where do you begin if you fancy taking a family holiday to the Caribbean? Let us help you narrow down the choices in this guide – the Best Caribbean Islands for Kids:
Bahamas
One of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations and probably one of the most family-friendly Caribbean islands, there’s plenty to explore with its 700 islands and cays. The Bahamas has it all – and families flock in their droves to experience the luxurious accommodation, offshore reefs, wildlife preserves and plentiful golf courses. Meanwhile, the Reef at Atlantis is an adventure playground for children of all ages and a luxury family resort.
The kids will love:
• Get a thrill from more than 18 water slides at Aquaventure in Atlantis Waterpark
• Enjoy the stunning white sands of Blue Lagoon Island, just off the North Shore of Nassau and see the tame stingrays
• Explore the moat and dungeons at Nassau’s Fort Charlotte, which was built in 1789
Barbados
If you’re looking for a glamorous beach resort and some of the best restaurants, hotels and luxury family resorts in the Caribbean, then Barbados is the island for you. However, it’s not all about the glitz, the capital Bridgetown is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and there is so much to see and do from visiting the plantation houses, botanical gardens and caves.
The kids will love:
• Get into the depths of Harrison’s Caves – trek along the nature trails, catch a glimpse of native birds and maybe even a green monkey
• Take a day-long boat outing and snorkel over coral and with sea turtles
• Get up close and personal with the monkeys at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Grand Cayman
With its three islands, Grand Cayman is one of the Caribbean’s top Caribbean islands for kids – and it’s easy to see why with its pristine beaches and abundance of water sports. This British territory also has the Mastic Reserve as well as the annual Pirates Week Festival in November, which is an especially good time to visit with children.
The kids will love:
• Take a fun cruise aboard the Jolly Roger and watch the crew re-enact pirate trials and sword fights
• Investigate the depths without getting wet on an Atlantis Submarine
• Stroke turtles at the Cayman Turtle Farm where you can interact with turtles and other colourful marine life, feed exotic birds and enjoy a day in their snorkelling pool as well as fun on the Turtle Twister water slide
• Visit Stingray City and its shallow sandbars and pet and swim with a whole host of southern stingrays
St Lucia
You can enjoy the natural beauty of St Lucia’s two distinctive mountains, the Pitons, in Soufriere. St Lucia’s reef-diving sites, rain forests and waterfalls such as at Toraille are also popular attractions. It’s home to quiet volcanic beaches, fishing villages and banana plantations as well as luxurious resorts.
 The kids will love:
• Explore the rainforest on the Rainforest Aerial Tram, which is a wonderful educational experience for adults and children
• Venture into the world’s only drive-in volcano in Soufriere. Known as the Sulphur Springs, the road runs right up to and through the crater of the volcano, which emits steam and sulphur with boiling mud and water!
Turks & Caicos
Turks and Caicos is an archipelago of 40 low-lying coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Small in size, it’s a desert-island paradise with Providenciales being the main hub – everywhere else is quiet in comparison but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a whole range of experiences to be enjoyed – perfect for a family holiday in the Caribbean.
The kids will love:
• Go iguana spotting at Little Water Cay – a small island off the tip of Provo. The animals aren’t scared of visitors, so children can see these iguanas up close and personal
• Learn about marine life in the world’s only commercial conch farm. Visitors can also handle the sea snails, too
Hope these suggestions help narrow down your options for the best Caribbean islands for kids. But whichever one you decide on, you won’t go wrong – all the islands in the Caribbean are very family-friendly, and the fun part is planning your trip. Happy travels!
*Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post. It also contains affiliate links.
Love this guide – I’ve visited a few of the destinations and I’d agree, they’re hugely family friendly. Stingray city in Grand Cayman is amazing as well.
I’ve only every been to Antigua – maybe a cruise round the Caribbean would let you get a real taste for all of them
Are you going to Caribbean soon? Oh I wish to visit all of them – very useful information for traveler with kids 🙂
Unfortunately no… I wish we were!
Ah! I’d say that the Caribbean appeals to all ages, doesn’t it?!?! I’ve read many posts lately about the Atlantis…it looks massive, but it has many kid friendly activities!
Doesn’t it just. I think you could stay in the Atlantis and never leave the place!
Good list! I am just dying to go to T & C and Barbados. My parents have a place down in FL so we always justify not going to the islands by staying there for free – but that means no islands! Gotta make it happen..
They all look stunning. I’ve only been to Antigua and that was while ago! Hoping to go back that way at some point in the future! Too many places…
Looks like a good place for some mojito’s
Oh yes, they do indeed!
All of these islands looks amazing. I would travel there without kids (since I dont have yet), but I would love it as much as them 🙂
I think I would too – the kids will love, is actually we will all love! 🙂
Gorgeous photos! I love the Carabbean islands.
Thank you – me too!
This is great! I am always so overwhelmed when looking at places in the Caribbean. Love to more of an inside track!
I’ve not visited many, but good to know they are all so family-friendly
They look so beautiful. We’re planning a holiday for the end of the year and I want to go somewhere warm and beautiful. These places look absolutely stunning. I just couldn’t choose out of all of them, they all look amazing!!! 😀 x
Turks and Caicos has been on our list for a long time – waiting until we can all dive there as a family! Grand Cayman and Bahamas are excellent. Those beaches! That water!
Oh yes, that water… wish I was there now!
Going to the Caribbean for the first time in October – Jamaica – and can’t wait. It isn’t on the list (is this a First Choice list?) but maybe this will be the start of more Caribbean island hopping.
Have joined in Monday Escapes for the first time – your pestering worked! 😉
Wow, look forward to reading about your Jamaican adventure. I’ve only ever been in the airport! No this isn’t a First Choice list – I just had to pick a few and couldn’t fit them all in. Think I may have to do a Top 10! Glad you could join in this week! 🙂
I’ve never been to the Caribbean although there are a few islands I’d love to go to. When my daughter goes travelling after school she plans on starting the trip with a cruise to the Bahamas. I did mention that most gap year travellers go for Oz or Asia! #Mondayescapes
I applaud your daughter for doing something a little different! A cruise will be a great way to set off on her travels, not like me getting lost in India!
Those photos….quick, take me there now! Turks and Caicos has always been high on my list and sounds like a winner from your description. My husband never forgets to remind me he was born in Barbados so I reckon I’ll probably need a visit there at some point… I can add tramping bare foot on cocoa beans in Granada to your list – a personal highlight I reckon the wee ones would love as much as I did despite me being very definitely not a child when we visited!
Tramping bare foot in Granada sounds wonderful! How could you not love it! I have always leaned more to Asia than the Caribbean, but I can see the appeal. The water and sand alone looks divine!
Stunning locations, how I would love to be there with the children right now!
Me too! We need teleportation 🙂
Awww lovely places and those beaches reminds me of home!
Gorgeous aren’t they? Such a tough choice!
I’ve only ever been to Barbados and that was before Mrs T so we definitely need a trip to this part of the world and it’s fab to know they are so family friendly. I think T&C is my favourite at the mo. #mondayescapes
I’m the same, I definitely haven’t explored enough of this part of the world.
Oh my I could look at these pictures all day. Great to know that the Caribbean is so family friendly. Barbados is on my list of places to visit. Great tips of things to do with the kids. Oh to have a pot of endless money #Mondayescapes
We all need to do the lottery… failing that acquire transportation powers 🙂
I’m pretty sure we would love any Caribbean island to be honest but it’s useful to read which ones have the best water parks ect…
Glad it was useful. Tbh, I think they are all super family-friendly. Now to win the lottery 🙂
I’ve been to Barbados but sat on a beach for the majority of it so need to go back, and then I need to go to all the other ones too 🙂 #mondayescapes
I think I would like to sit on the beach and pretty much nothing else!
Awesome picks! There are several there that I am really excited to check out!
Thank you
Oh wow – they all look amazing! Where to choose?!
It’s a tough choice but don’t think you could go wrong with any!
I’ve not been to any of those islands although my OH loved Barbados. I’d love to take Monkey to a few of those destinations one day #MondayEscapes
Barbados does look wonderful! I’d love to take my Monkey too!
Man, who cares if they’re kid friendly?! They look pretty AMAZING to me!! 😉
Ha ha! Too true!
Other family friendly islands include Puerto Rico (caves, rivers, botanical gardens, zoos, lots of water and land sports) and the Dominican Republic (similar attractions to Puerto Rico). The DR can be a bargain compared to other islands.
I was going to include Puerto Rico, but I could only do Five. I should have done a Top 10!
That’s a pretty awesome guide!!
I want to visit them all… and if by then I already have kids, I will certainly keep that in mind!
The Bahamas are one the top of my list for diving 😀
Yes, the diving looks awesome out there! You’d be right at home!
We have never been to the Caribbean- looking at those photos makes me want to pack up our bags and leave the cold winter of Melbourne! Out of curiosity, is there a time of year that is better to visit than other times?
I think the best time is December-April with the least humity and rainfall! You’re right – they all look amazing
Oh decisions decisions. It is a hard life 🙂
Just need to win the lottery first 🙂
I get what you’re saying. It’s great you can give us an inside perspective.
Have been to a few Caribbean islands, but none of these. Now I know there to go next!
#mondayescapes
there are so many! It’s a tough decision!
Love what you’ve done with this post. I love the Caribbean but haven been with children yet, have always fanciedTurks and Caicos though. Maybe one year!
Too many places, too little time!
We loved St. Lucia, it was one of our favorite Caribbean islands. We stayed at the Windjammer Resort which was all Inclusive, and the kids got to go snorkeling, water skiing and tubing.
I don’t think you can go wrong on any of the islands – but glad to hear your kids loved it just as much as you! I wish I was there now!
Dreaming is the fun part! Being a travel blogger is pretty hard when I don’t have tons of cash! 🙂 x
Thanks for popping by, really appreciate it. I’ve been thinking about cruising too, they are so family-friendly and you get to explore more!
So seriously gorgeous. I just want to lounge on the beach at all of them!
Hard to choose! They do all look stunning!
Fabulous guide to the Caribbean Ting 🙂 I worked in the Caribbean for a few years onboard cruise ships and more recently travelled around the islands whilst working for a tour operator. As you mentioned, it is such a family friendly place. I would struggle to name my top five but I would include the BVI (British Virgin Islands) for families who love water sports (fly via Antigua) and also Grenada the spice island to visit Grand Anse beach and the nutmeg plantations (again fly via Antigua).
Your lovely photos have made me want to go back there to drink cocktails on the beach Ting!!
I would love to explore the Caribbean more – I’ve only ever been to Antigua. I’ve definitely been leaning more towards cruising, I think it would be a really good way to see a lot of them in one go!
Lovely to see your pictures,