When taking the kids with you on holiday, it is important to find exciting activities for children. Of course in Barbados there is the the beach, where hours can be spent playing in the sand or surfing the waves, but there will be days when you want to do something different, or simply want a break from the sun. Kids can have fun too!
Here are a few of our suggestions for interesting kids’ activities to keep them entertained:-
Catamaran Sailing and Swimming with the Turtles
There are many catamaran trips to choose from, but we like Cool Runnings. They offer a five hour lunch and snorkel cruise from 9:30am until 2:30pm. For one set price you receive round trip transfers from your hotel or private villa, several stops along the way with chances to swim with and feed the turtles, all your beverages and a delicious buffet lunch. There is snorkel gear on board.
Horseback Riding with Roli at Jahworks
Located just below Farley Hill in St Joseph, Roli offers horseback riding trails through the stunning Scotland District of Barbados. The trails traverse through a fruit forest onwards to the historic Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill and over to the rugged and unspoiled beach on the East Coast. The trail boasts a view of four different parishes and is one of the most scenic tours in Barbados.
Children 4-7 are welcome and must share a horse with a parent. Children 7 years and older are welcome on the trails and will ride on a lead. For younger children who are not experienced riders, a lesson a recommended.
Learn to Surf
See why surfing is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Learn to surf under the guidance of professional surfer Bruce Mackie of Paradise Surf School. There are several tuition packages available to cater to any age and skill level. Round trip transportation is offered from your hotel or private villa.
The locations chosen are ideal for beginners. Equipment is included, and students must be able to swim the length of a regular size swimming pool.
Atlantis Submarine
Your quest begins when you board the shuttle vessel “Ocean Quest” as you sit back and enjoy the 7 minute scenic ride to the Atlantis Submarine as the crew gives you an informative talk. Watch the
submarine surface and then you make the easy transfer from the Ocean Quest to the Atlantis submarine.
The submarine will dive to 55 ft allowing you to view the beautiful coral reef and the abundance of marine life, including spectacular coral, sponge, and colourful fish through large, clear viewing windows. This 45 minute underwater journey is narrated by a knowledgeable co-pilot who will point out and explain the amazing sea life. The submarine will then descend to depths of 115 to 150 ft to view a sunken shipwreck. After resurfacing you are transferred back onboard the Ocean Quest for the return to the Shallow Draft.
Children must be 3 ft tall and the tour takes approx 2-1/2 hours, operating at 10am and 12 noon daily during the season, and Tuesday to Saturday during the summer.
The Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Located at Farley Hill in St Peter and is a natural mahogany wood. Visitors are offered a unique opportunity to stroll freely through the reserve which is primarily a monkey sanctuary. You will also see tortoises, birds, including the exotic flamingo, peacocks, raccoons, agouti, deer as well as snakes. Other than the snake in the cage, most of the animals are free to roam around. Kids especially enjoy the monkey feeding time. Open every day.
Harrison’s Cave
Travel deep beneath the earth and explore the wonders of nature. Hear the rushing of the streams and see the calm, glassy pools. Be amazed by the different shapes and sizes of the stalactites and stalagmites and delight in the delicate flowstone formations. See the early explorers’ entrance and experience some of their adventure.
Traveling by tram, you will be directed by knowledgeable tour guides who will point out of the various structures as well as the new formations which are continually growing in this living cave. At select points you can disembark from the tram for a closer look.
Now Barbados’ number one attraction, Harrison’s Cave truly is a unique experience that should not be missed during your Barbados vacation.
Welchman Hall Gully
Hidden away in the centre of the island, not far from Harrison’s Cave, is Welchman Hall Gully. Everywhere there is rock, the same limestone, and former coral reefs that have been pushed up from under the sea. The difference is that al Welchman Hall Gully the roof collapsed and the cavern has been turned into a gully – there are even a few old stalactites on view there.
The Gully meanders for several hundred yards, with walls 150 ft high either side. As you walk there is a series of numbered signs with descriptions of plants – coconut palms, royal Palms, trumpet trees, ferns and creepers. There are some 200 species in the gully.
Glass Bottom Boat Trip
You can pick one up from Mullins Beach on the West Coast, cruising over reefs and turtle spotting. Afterwards, have lunch at Mullins Beach Bar.
Barbados Museum
The Barbados Museum, located at the Garrison in St Michael, is housed in the former British Military Prison. The prison, whose upper section was built in 1817 and the lower section in 1853, became the headquarters of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society in 1930.
Of educational interest is a visit to the Barbados Museum for an Exhibition entitled “Yesterday’s Children”. This is an entire gallery completely dedicated to children and provides an exciting and educational travel back into history.
Off Road Island Safari
View Barbados from an entirely different perspective in a 4×4 Land Rover jeep. Discover a whole host of new beauty spots, fascinating points of interest and vantage points offering spectacular views and previously known only to a few residents in the immediate area. Off road safaris are the best way to see the interior of the island that is off limits to regular vehicles. The most popular safari is the Adventure Safari, which is a full day lunch tour. Duration is about 5-1/2 hours and prices include round trip transfers from your hotel or private villa, drinks and snacks along the way, a sumptuous buffet lunch with dessert.
The Animal Flower Cave
Located under the cliffs at North Point in St Lucy is a natural cave with shallow wading pools and several openings leading out to the Atlantic ocean – the views are spectacular.
Harbour Lights Beach Extravaganza
Presented on Mondays and Wednesdays only, this is a truly tropical evening. Barefoot dancing in the sand under the coconut trees to the pulsating beat of a live calypso band. Sipping exotic cocktails, including our Bajan Sno-Cone served from an authentic sno-cone cart. Feasting on a sumptuous barbeque buffet dinner, complete with roasted marshmallows for dessert! Enjoy the best of local entertainment, including fire eating, limbo, Caribbean dancing, amazing stiltmen and the acrobatics of the agile “green monkey”.
Chocolate Factory Tours
Come and tour our chocolate factory while in Barbados! The Agapy Chocolate Factory tour explores the history and foundations of chocolatiering. The experience will guide you through understanding the taste of chocolate origins and how artisan chocolate is made right here in our factory, from bean to bar.
This is a working food facility therefore health and safety is a priority. Space is limited and is available by reservations in advance only (2 business days prior) – no walk-ins will be allowed. The tour lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes.