10 Unique Things to do with Kids in Barbados
Jul 16, 2022

Aside from its Instagram-worthy beaches, superb cuisine, endless sunshine and a famously laid-back lifestyle, Barbados is also that rarest of things – a place which caters for all ages. Scratch the surface and you’ll find a rich combination of culture and heritage, adventure, shopping, restaurants, and more attractions per square mile than any other Caribbean island… Barbados is indeed perfect for a truly memorable family holiday, so disconnect the kids from their digital devices and enjoy some quality time and wonderful family adventures around Barbados.

Here are a few suggestions from our team…

1. The Children’s Gallery at The Barbados Museum + Pebbles Beach

The new, state-of-the-art Jairus Brewster Children’s Gallery at the Barbados Museum is a dynamic, interactive gallery offering wonderful opportunities for children to understand the world around them through a Barbadian lens. The wide range of exhibits include the environment, energy, wildlife, engineering, health and the body, and allow children to interact with them which greatly adds to the appeal – the kids will be having a history lesson without even realizing it!!

Don’t leave without popping into the Museum Gift Shop which carries an extraordinary collection of intriguing books by Barbadian authors, and children’s books as well, which make unique gifts and treasured souvenirs.

The Museum is open 9am-4pm Monday – Saturday. You must call and book a tour/time slot for the Children’s Gallery as this is a guided tour and, at the time of writing, Covid 19 protocols are still in place allowing only 20 persons into the Children’s Gallery at a time.

Time slots: 9:15am, 10:30am, 11:45am, 1pm and 2:10pm Monday to Saturday.

Admission: Children 5-17 years - BBD$$10/Adults 18+ - $12 (locals)/$20 (visitors).

For bookings Tel: (246) 538-0201

Reward them afterwards with an afternoon romp at nearby Pebbles Beach at the southern end of Carlisle Bay. The sea here is generally calm and perfect for children, beach chair and umbrella rentals are available too. Check out G Fish Watersports for snorkeling trips to nearby Carlisle Bay Marine Park where there are seven shipwrecks to explore! Paddle Barbados offers stand-up paddle board lessons along with kayak rentals. Food and drinks are available from the Barbados Cruising Club (mum and dad can reward themselves with one of their notorious rum punches!!) or try a famous ‘Cuz fish cutter’ (Bajan for sandwich) from Cuz who operates his ever-popular fish shack in the car park – he sells out fast and the queue can be quite long!

To book a Snorkeling Trip contact “G” at G Fish Watersports: (246) 287-5289

For Paddle Board Lessons contact Jason at Paddle Barbados: (246) 249-2787

A Different Kind of “Sea Horse”

Note, this trip can also be done in reverse order… if your children are early risers, head to Pebbles Beach first to catch the racehorses having their early morning swim. The grooms and trainers bring them down to Pebbles Beach from the stables at the nearby Garrison Savannah, where the horseracing track is located. You must get there between 5:30am and 7:30am if you want to catch the spectacle!

2. The St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway Tour

Located in the lush, green countryside in the northern parish of St Peter, at the historic site of St. Nicholas Abbey. Children of all ages will enjoy this scenic ride, with narrated tour, on the heritage steam railway which culminates at Cherry Tree Hill, offering panoramic views over the rugged Atlantic coastline.

Visitors can also tour the Great House (Combo Tour) which is undoubtably one of the most fascinating attractions on the island and gives intriguing insight into the island’s history.

Open Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesdays).

Admission prices: Combo (Heritage Railway + The Great House) - BBD$80

Heritage Railway Only - BBD$46 per person.

Great House Only - BBD$46 per person.

Children ages 3 - 11: BBD$20 (Combo: BBD$30). Children under 3 are FREE.

Maximum of 2 children per adult.

Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes (no swimwear).

Walk-ins are welcome but bookings can be made here: https://snahr.com/tickets

Train Departures: Wednesday to Monday - 10am • 11:30am • 1:30pm • 2:30pm

*Please arrive 30 minutes before departure times. Note, afternoons are normally busier.

3. Rascals Waterpark

Located just north of the Bridgetown Port, at Rascal’s Beach Bar & Restaurant on Brandons Beach, Rascals Waterpark is loads of fun for the entire family. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available along with food and drinks at the beach bar. The floating waterpark, located just off-shore, has trampolines, slides, rope ladders and obstacle courses - life jackets are provided, and staff are on hand to ensure everyone’s safety.

Open 10am-5pm every day except Tuesdays.

One Hour Adults (17 years and over) - BBD$50.00

One Hour Children (6 – 16 years) - BBD$35.00

(Note, 4 - 5 year-olds are allowed but must be accompanied by an adult.)

One Hour Family Package (2 adults + 2 children) - BBD$150

Groups of 10 or more persons get a BBD$5 discount per head.

Day Pass Adults - BBD$120.00 / Day Pass Children - BBD$80.00

*Day passes include: sun lounger, umbrella, lunch, drink & unlimited use of the park.

Sun loungers - BBD$40.00 (for two with umbrella)

Paddle boards - BBD$20.00 (one hour)

For further information call (246) 423-9999 or (246) 234-9999

4. Drive-In Movie Night

Barbados is home to the only operating drive-in movie theatre in the Caribbean! As a matter of fact, they are very few remaining in the world today. So why not pile the kids into the car and head to the Globe Drive-in for a truly unique family movie night! The canteen is fully stocked with everything from popcorn and drinks to burgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken and more. They also have picnic tables and benches under the larger-than-life screen so you can enjoy your movie and snacks under the stars!

Generally, there are two movies showing each night, gates open at 5:30pm for the first movie and 8:45pm for the second. You can stay for one or both – admission per movie: Adults BBD$15.00 / Children BBD$8.00. Tune into 107.3FM on your car radio.

Located at Adam’s Castle, Christ Church (south coast)

Open Wednesday – Sunday

Visit www.globedrive-in.com for weekly movie schedule.

Tel: (246) 437-0479 or (246) 437-0480

5. Catamaran Cruise to Swim with the Turtles

A catamaran cruise is considered the highlight of most Barbados holidays, it’s a great day out on the water for the entire family. There are many to choose from, but one of our favourites is “Shasa” because they cater to small groups of 10 or less, in a very relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. The Captain, Jason O’Neal has over 20 years’ sailing experience and is a wonderful host.

They make stops to swim with the turtles and snorkel, then anchor in a lovely bay, with lunch and drinks served onboard. Snorkeling gear is provided.

Contact Jason

at (246) 243-4670

6. Surf Lessons

There are few things that compare to riding your first wave, and Barbados is a great place to learn to surf… we have world-class surf instructors, the waves are ideal and the water is warm year-round! At Barry’s Surf School, 99% of their students who take Beginner Surf Lessons stand up on the board in their first lesson – an experience they never forget!

The beginner lessons are designed to teach you the fundamentals of surfing and the keys to rapid progress while having lots of fun. You will learn surfing techniques to help you catch and ride waves on your own.

Beginner lessons start at BBD$150 for a 2-hour session and include surfboard rental and a rash vest for the day so you can practice what you learnt during your lesson.

Contact Barry’s Surf School at (246) 256-3906

7. Harrison’s Cave Zipline Adventure & Gully Challenge Course

Located in the central highlands of the island, this is a real fun experience for the thrill seekers in the family! The recently opened Monkey Zipline Adventure and Gully Challenge Course at Harrison’s Cave Eco Adventure Park will surely get their adrenalin pumping as they zip over the forest canopy and enjoy the twists, turns, climbs and crawls of the Gully Challenge!

Note, the minimum age for the Zipline & Gully Challenge Course is 6 years old. However, the younger ones will enjoy the Cave Tour, on the underground tram, with its streams, waterfalls and magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations.

For Reservations call (246) 836-5147 or (246) 417-3700.

Or visit their website for information on all tours offered.

8. Snorkeling at Folkestone Marine Park

Located about a half mile past Holetown, just after St. James Parish Church, Folkestone Marine Park offers a protected underwater snorkeling trail and a sunken barge to explore. Snorkeling gear can be rented at the Visitor Centre and lockers are also available. An onsite Museum and Aquarium illustrates the rich marine life of Barbados. There is also a playground with picnic tables and benches overlooking the sea.

If you prefer, hire a glass bottom boat to take you over the nearby reefs to see all the underwater life without getting wet! If you’re lucky you may even spot a few turtles!

To hire a Glass Bottom Boat contact Monica at (246) 421-6008 or (246) 233-6089

9. Camping out at PEG Farm & Nature Reserve

Located at Easy Hall Plantation in the eastern parish of St. Joseph, PEG Farm practices biodiversity, animal husbandry, broad acre permaculture and holistic management. PEG (People, Environment, Growth) offers several very interesting and enlightening tours of the farm which sits on a breezy clifftop, with spectacular views of the Atlantic coastline. But if you fancy something a bit different, why not take the kids on an overnight camping expedition? They provide tents, BBQ grill, cooking kits, picnic tables and even forest showers! Awake to a glorious sunrise over the east coast and enjoy a delicious freshly prepared breakfast at their farm-to-table café.

Opening Hours

Farm: Monday – Sunday, 6am - 6pm

Café: Thursday – Sunday, 8am - 3pm

Meat Shop: Tuesday – Friday, 8am - 3pm

Saturdays 9am - 2pm

Tel: (246) 433-9806

Whatsapp: (246) 230-9349

e-mail: pegbarbados@gmail.com

10. Top-of-the-Line Water Adventures

Looking for a different kind of adventure? Well, get ready for the water adventures of a lifetime, reserved for the real watersports enthusiasts! The team at Unseen Barbados offer an exciting range of luxury water toys, like the Seabob, eFoil and Power Surf Boards, with a number of options that cater to all ages, and most pockets.

You have the choice of hiring the water toys by the hour, or if you really want to splurge, you can join them on one of their luxury motor yachts for a private cruise along the west coast of the island, and the toys come with you! But not only the toys… there is also an onboard butler, canapés, snacks and refreshments with food and beverage upgrades available… you can even overnight onboard if you like! We promise, it will be the highlight of your holiday!

Luxury Water Toys

Seabob Underwater Scooter - BBD$250 per hour

The Seabob is a high-performance electric-driven water “scooter” that allows the driver to ride on the surface or underwater.

Fliteboard E-Foil - BD$250 per hour

The eFoil is an electric-driven, fast, agile and silent hydrofoil that gives the sensation of flying over water. The eFoil gives the freedom to ride anywhere, anytime, without wind or waves. It’s fast, quiet, and emission free.

Yachting Options

Oasis II - 44ft Sea Ray Luxury Yacht - Maximum capacity - 10 guests

Starting at BBD$750 per hour (Minimum charter 4 hours)

This fully air-conditioned yacht is equipped with:

• 2 SEABOB luxury water scooters

• 1 Paddleboard

• Welcome option of Yacht Charcuterie or Assorted Sandwiches

• Select Canapé Service

• Non-Alcoholic Refreshment Bar

• Onboard Butler

• Option to add Fliteboard E-Foil

Princess Hope - 58ft Sea Ray Luxury Yacht - Maximum capacity - 15 guests