11 Family Friendly things to do in Barbados

Keep your kids entertained on their Barbados vacation with these 11 family friendly things to do.

1. Sign up for Surf

Barbados has been voted one of the best places to learn to surf in the world. The warm, calm waters feature ‘fun-sized’ waves perfect for beginners. Sign up the whole family (well whose who are 6 years and older) to learn this fun, new skill that will keep you active. There are many surf schools on the island to choose from. We recommend family owned and operated Barry’s Surf School. Craggy Nook guests save 10% off their booking with Barry’s Surf School. To learn more, click here.

2. Swim with Turtles

Sail along the west coast of Barbados aboard the popular Cool Runnings Catamaran. The boat will make three stops, one at shipwrecks, one for lunch and our favourite stop to swim with the sea turtles. Mask, snorkel and lifejackets will be provided. The trained crew is great with kids and will teach them how to snorkel and swim with them on their adventure with the beautiful sea turtles. A Bajan buffet is provided for lunch and free flowing adult and kiddie drinks. Craggy Nook guests save 10% off their booking with Cool Runnings. To learn more, click here.

3. Atlantis Submarine

There is nothing like the look of wonder on your child’s face as the Atlantis Submarine dives deeper and deeper beneath the sea. Voted one of the most recommended family friendly things to do in Barbados, this tour is not only thrilling but educational too. Explore the underwater world from the comfort and safety of the submarine – without getting wet. The guides will point out the many fish, turtles, rays and coral reefs on the 2 hour tour. To learn more visit here.

4. PEG Farms

Connect with nature at the biodynamic PEG Farms. Get up close and personal with the free-range animals like the chickens, pigs and cows. Discover the medicinal plant garden, the kitchen garden and be wowed by the stunning views of the east coast. The friendly tour guides will keep your kids engaged while learning lots about where their food comes from. After, enjoy a scrumptious Farm-To-Table meal at the Chrysalis Café featuring fresh juices and an all local menu. To learn more visit here.

Photo by: elisabeth.heidinga

5. Art Splash Café and Playpark

Walk along the south coast boardwalk until you see the fun colourful signs for Art Splash Café. Eat breakfast as a family and then grab your coffee and head to the play park behind the café. This fun zone has zip lines, swings, slides, jungle gyms, mini merry-go-rounds, an under three section and more. Let the kids run around and burn off some energy and make new friends, while you reenergize and enjoy your coffee in the shade of the park trees.

6. Boatyard Beach Day

The Boatyard is action packed fun for all at one of the most beautiful beaches in Barbados – Carlisle Bay. Rope swing off the pier into the crystal-clear ocean, climb the floating iceberg or bounce on the ocean trampoline. A day-pass at The Boatyard includes access to all of this, plus umbrellas, chairs and a snorkeling tour out to the shipwrecks. There is free wifi, a flowing bar and a great lunch menu with family friendly choices. Entrance is $60 BDS and you get $45 BDS back in food and drink credit. Learn more here.

7. Harrison’s Cave Exploring

You’ve explored the land and you’ve explored the sea, now take your curious children underground in the Harrison’s Cave tour. Discover the beauty of the limestone cave, from the safety and convenience of an automatic tram. Guides will explain all there is to know on the cave while you enjoy the views of the stalactites and stalagmites, clear pools, streams and water features. This fun yet educational tour is sure to be a lasting memory for you and your kids.

8. The Historic Train Tour

All Aboard the St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway, Barbados’ newest attraction. This steam train travels along a scenic track with views of the St. Nicholas Abbey plantation house, mahogany woods and the stunning Cherry Tree Hill. Your kids will love the open carriage and the old-school style train that might look like one of their toys come to life. You will love learning the history of trains and plantations in Barbados and as an add on – The Rum Tasting Tour at the plantation house. To learn more, click here.

9. Sandcastle Contests

Challenge your kids to a sandcastle contest to channel their creativity. Find shells, sticks and leaves along the beach to decorate your sand creations. Building sandcastles as a family is a fun and free way to keep entertained while connecting with nature. Replace screen time with outdoor time – we have a range of buckets, spades and sandcastle building tools for our Craggy Nook guests to use on their stay.

10. Explore East Coast Rock Pools

Rent a car and explore the island. Visit Bathsheba beach on the East Coast at low tide for an opportunity to explore rock pools. As the tide pulls away, the rocks come to the surface and the small craters (or pools) are visible and safe to inspect. Bring out the young Marine Biologist in your child as they explore little fish hiding in the rocks, different sea plant species and shells. The drive to the east coast is simply stunning. Rent your car from Stoutes Garage and request a car seat for the younger children. Craggy Nook guests get 10% OFF their car rental from Stoutes. Ask our reservations team to help with your booking.

11. Pack a Family Friendly Picnic

Bond with your babies by having a beach picnic right at Craggy Nook or choose from one of the many picnicking spots around the island. Get the kids involved from before the picnic by letting them help pick some local snacks and juices to try. You can stock up on local snacks at iMart located in Lanterns Mall on the south coast (near Craggy Nook Villas). Spread out your beach towels, box juices and snacks and enjoy being outdoors – you’re in Barbados after all.

Can you recommend any other family friendly activities in Barbados? Comment below to let us know.