Are you dreaming of whisking the family off to sunnier shores? We know we always are! Boasting beautiful white sand beaches, a vibrant culture and delicious food, Barbados is known worldwide as a dream destination for holidaymakers of all ages. It’s capital city of Bridgetown offers a wealth of activities to keep the little ones entertained during your holiday – why not check out some of the ideas to entertain the kids in the island’s main town?
If you’re planning a family adventure to this Caribbean paradise, check out our top things to do with kids in Bridgetown, Barbados…
Island Safari
All aboard the Island Safari – one of the best loved excursions in Barbados for kids both big and small! Enjoy an unforgettable day exploring the island’s most beautiful places, such as Bathsheba and Mullins Beach, in the safari rigged Land Rover. Prepare to be wowed whilst exploring the hidden wonders of Barbados – don’t forget your camera! This tour collects guests from hotel lobbies, guest houses and villas located in Bridgetown.
Pebble Beach
Between the beach and the water, your kids will never be short of things to do in Barbados! The island is home to more than 80 pristine white-sand beaches, many of which are recognised as the most beautiful beaches in the world. Pebble Beach is found on the outskirts of Bridgetown and offers a range of water sports suitable for the whole family, including boogie boarding and paddle boarding.
With calm waters and no dangerous currents, Pebbles Beach is great for swimming. There is a lifeguard on duty, and toilet, shower and changing facilities. If you spend the day there and take a picnic, there are plenty of picnic tables and a playground where the children can carry on having fun.
Carlisle Bay
Discover the island’s marine life with a snorkelling excursion in Carlisle Bay Marine Park, home to six shipwrecks and an abundance of marine life including tropical fish, sea horses, rays, octopus, turtles and eels. The calm waters and soft sandy beaches of Carlisle Bay make this the perfect place for sunbathing and swimming. Fancy something different? Bring the kids to The Boatyard, located at the northern end of the Bay, and enjoy water sports including sea trampoline and jet skis.
Walking Routes
Barbados is known as one of the best spots in the Caribbean for walking and hiking trails, suitable for both kids and adults, beginners and experts. Hike Barbados run weekly expeditions following some of the island’s favoured routes, from relaxing strolls along the coast or through lush botanical gardens to trickier but rewarding hill climbs or cross-country rambles.
Harrison’s Cave
Pay a visit to Harrison’s Cave, located just 20 minutes outside Bridgetown, this is one of Barbados’ natural treasures and a great experience for the whole family. Located in the central uplands of the island, this limestone cave boasts flowing streams, deep pools of glassy water and towering crystallised columns. Take a tour and marvel at this natural wonder with the kids, enjoying exhibits and interactive displays, suitable for all ages, as you explore.
Family Friendly Dining
Barbados is known as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, andit won’t take you long to realise why! From street food to top quality restaurants and everything in between, Barbados has plenty to offer even the fussiest of eaters. Boasting endless stretches of coastline, it’s no surprise that beachside restaurants have grown in popularity in recent years and can be found dotted all over the island. Some family-friendly beach bar favourites in Bridgetown include Lefties and the Waterfront Café.
Accommodation Options
Whether you choose a beachside bed & breakfast, a family-friendly hotel, or a quaint guesthouse, there is an abundance of accommodation options throughout the island, especially in Bridgetown so, you’re sure to be spoiled for choice when planning your dream family holiday to Barbados.
The island is home to a number family-friendly accommodations that offer quality services, safety, affordability, comfort as well as a truly Barbadian experience for guests young and old. Located on the beautiful south coast of Barbados in Bridgetown, Palm Garden Hotel offer a variety of rooms and apartments suitable for sleeping up to four people. The family-friendly Dover Beach Hotel, located a short drive from Bridgetown is a great choice for tourists travelling with kids.
Located on the 17th-century ruins of Charles Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hilton Resort, Bridgetown, is one of Barbados’ best-loved resorts for families. The Hilton, Barbados, hosts the Kidz Paradise Club, offering indoor and outdoor activities daily from 9am-5.30pm, with tons of fun options to keep kids aged 4-12 years busy, including treasure hunts, pool games, story time and masquerades. The Hilton Barbados also has an attractive family policy which includes free stays for children 18 and under (in room with adults), free meals for children five years and under and half price meals for children aged 6-12 when purchased with an adult meal.
Barbados is also home to numerous beautiful, fully catered, luxury villas which are ideal to host your family group after a long period apart. These high-end properties cater to visitors who may not necessarily be counting costs but, who are looking for value for money. Boasting modern, tasteful decor, exquisite furnishings, plush lawns, and staff to cater to your every need, the villas are lavish, self-contained, and offer the privacy and personal touches to allow you to reconnect with your loved ones. Villa Tara, a tastefully furnished four-bedroom villa located in Sunset Crest, just 20 minutes from Bridgetown is a popular choice with families visiting Barbados, boasting its own plunge pool as well as proximity to the beach.
If you are looking for an all inclusive accommodation option – we can personally vouch for the fabulous Sea Breeze, which was perfect for us and our family when we visited the island. Loads for the kids to do, and the restaurants on site were spot on, even for the fussiest of kids.
Want to enjoy time off parent duty? Whether you’re staying in a hotel, apartment, cottage or villa, there is no shortage of qualified and experienced childcare offerings available in Barbados. Choose from a range of certified babysitters, kid’s clubs or day cares on the island and enjoy your down time with peace of mind.
Are you planning your dream family holiday to Barbados? For more information on accommodation, activities and things to see please visit www.visitbarbados.org.
We’ve got more ideas for Barbados and beyond, so do take a look at some of the other articles on KiddyCharts too if you have time.
Other Barbados and Caribbean articles on KiddyCharts
Here are some more articles about Barbados and beyond that you might be interested in taking a look at when planning any trips you might have.
10 things to do in Barbados with kids
What can you do on the island with kids - we've visited a few of the best places, and here is what we thought of them....
Sea Breeze Beach House review: 5 reasons why it's great for kids
Why the Sea Breeze is a great family friendly place to stay on the island.
10 things you have to do in Antigua and one you don't
Looking at other family destinations in the Caribbean - why not check out Antigua too?
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Helen
Helen
Helen is a mum to two, social media consultant, and website editor; and this site is (we think) the only Social Enterprise parenting magazine! Since giving up being a business analyst when juggling travel, work and kids proved too complicated, she founded KiddyCharts so she could be with her kids, and use those grey cells at the same time. KiddyCharts has reach of over 1.1million across social and the site. The blog works with big family brands (including travel) to help promote their services, as well as offering free resources to parents of kids under 10. It gives 51%+ profits to Reverence for Life, who fund a number of important initiatives in Africa, including bringing running water and basic equipment to a school in Tanzania. Helen has worked as a digital marketing consultant (IDM qualified) with various organisations, including Channel Mum, Truprint, Talk to Mums, and Micro Scooters. She loves to be creative in the brand campaigns she works on. Get in touch TODAY!