20 Engaging Activities For Kids To Do In Barbados

Ah... the life of a child, they don't know how good they have it (do they?). None of the worries and responsibilities of adulthood and nothing but time to discover fun new things! Kids have a lot of energy and as parents, we know how varied their interests and personalities can be. So take a look at this wide-ranging list, of my top twenty (20) recommendations. All excellent outlets to get them off their screens and productively expending that youthful energy while expanding their know-how and points of view in beautiful Barbados. This list of recommendations is by no means exhausted and applies whether you live here or are vacationing. I hope you find something new to explore as a family and please share activities you think should be added.

1. Atlantis Submarines

Facebook : @AtlantisBarbados

Highlights : They've probably been on a plane, a train, a boat... but have they been on a submarine? It's an amazing opportunity and Atlantis Submarines Barbados is one of few submarine sites available across the globe. Diving to depths of 150 ft to view coral reefs, loads of fish and even a shipwreck. Aside from the ecology aspect, they also get a better appreciation of colour loss at deeper depths and the fundamentals of buoyancy which allow the submarine to dive and resurface.

Suitable for : Lil' Kids (Minimum Height : 3ft tall), Big Kids (7-9), Tweens (10-12), Teens (13-17)

2. Barbados Golf Club

Facebook : @BarbadosGolfClub

Highlights : With an excellent Juniors program, your child can get an early introduction and fall in love with perhaps one of the most fulfilling lifelong sports. Not only is it challenging and an excellent form of stress reduction, it's also great physical activity and unlike high-impact sports, has very little chance of major injury. Who knows, you could have the next Charlie Woods under your roof!

Suitable for : Big Kids (7-9), Tweens (10-12), Teens (13-17)

3. Harbour Lights

Facebook : @HarbourLightsBDS

Highlights : Located on the wide sandy shores of the iconic Carlisle Bay, Harbour Lights is such a tradition with many generations, whether it be for fun family Beach Days complete with reserved beach chairs, umbrella, swimming and snorkelling; Beach Extravaganza Dinner Show with live bands, dancers, tumblers and stiltwalkers. Older teens (16+ only if, accompanied by a guardian) can jump with their Blue Box Cart Kadooment Day band.

Suitable for : Wee Ones (0-3) are FREE, Lil' Kids (4 - 6), Big Kids (7-9), Tweens (10-12), Teens (13-17)

4. Mount Gay Rum Tours

Facebook : @MountGayRumBdos

Highlights : Established in 1703, Mount Gay has the laudable acclaim of being the oldest rum in the World! So though this may seem like an unlikely pairing for children, having a core understanding of the process by which things are made is crucial to critical thinking in young minds. So no tastings but they can drink in the science of rum-making of this award-winning rum.

Suitable for : Tweens (10-12), Teens (13-17)

5. Tiami Catamarans

Facebook : @TiamiCatamaransBarbados

Highlights : Absolutely nothing beats sailing with the wind in your hair and stopping to snorkel with sea turtles, over reefs and wrecks with teams of tropical fish. There's even time for a leisurely swim or to perfect that perfect 10.0 (or not so perfect) dive into the crystal clear water. Partake in a delicious lunch spread, visit the open bar and drink (from the non-alcoholic options of course) as much as they wish. Dance their cares away or hang out on the roof deck or trampoline. Sidenote: A perfect alternative for children who may not quite like the feel of sand.

Suitable for : Wee Ones (0-3) are FREE, Lil' Kids (4 - 6), Big Kids (7-9), Tweens (10-12), Teens (13-17)

6. Island Safari

Facebook : @IslandSafari.bb

Highlights : The best way to discover the island is with an on-road, off-road adventure with Island Safari. Join this fun jeep convoy to spectacular vistas, via cane fields, native forests and bridges constructed with molasses (true story). Super informative tour guides will share the early history of the island and highlights of the local culture. With stops along the way for photo-ops and light refreshment.

Suitable for : Lil' Kids (5 - 6), Big Kids (7-9), Tweens (10-12), Teens (13-17)

7. Burkie Boards

Facebook : @BurkieSurfSchool

Highlights : Barbados has an amazing, diverse surfing scene and what better time to get an introduction to the thrill of riding a wave for the first time? Founded by Alan Burke - a multiple National & International Champion, talented teacher & professional surfer who started teaching in 1993 to share his love of surfing. Even as a beginner, your child is guaranteed to be up & surfing on their first lesson!

Suitable for : Big Kids (7-9), Tweens (10-12), Teens (13-17)

8. Movie Night

Facebook : @Limegrovecinemas @olympustheatresbdos @GlobeDriveIn

Highlights : You don't have to miss the latest family blockbuster premiere whilst on holiday. There are 3 cinemas to choose from:

• 2 Indoor Cinemas: Limegrove Cinemas (Holetown) OR Olympus Theatre (Sheraton Mall, Christ Church)
• 1 Outdoor/ Drive-In Cinema: Globe Drive-In

Suitable for : Wee Ones (0-3), Lil' Kids (4 - 6), Big Kids (7-9), Tweens (10-12), Teens (13-17)

9. Coco Hill Forest

Facebook : @cocohillforest

Highlights : Hike this eco-friendly, agroforestry project growing a range of tropical fruits, herbs, spices and medicinals in a rainforest set 1000 ft above sea level; with remarkable views of the eastern coastline. An excellent opportunity for children to see firsthand where food comes from and the intrinsic linkages across the biosphere. Be on the lookout for volunteer days that allow you to have a more hands-on approach. Due to the rugged terrain, each hiker is provided with a walking stick for support and though not stroller friendly, wee ones may also participate in a sling or with careful parental supervision. Also, they do allow dogs once appropriately leashed.

Suitable for : Lil' Kids (4 - 6), Big Kids (7-9), Tweens (10-12), Teens (13-17)

10. Hey Diddle Diddle

Facebook : @HDDbim

Highlights : A luxury speedboat experience perfect for small families who prefer an exclusive experience. Hey Diddle Diddle is the faster side of ocean travel, allowing you to do everything you wish in a safe, fun and expedient way. Snorkel here, swim there, pop in for a fancy lunch at a beachside restaurant during your rental? Just say the word!

Suitable for : Wee Ones (0-3), Lil' Kids (4 - 6), Big Kids (7-9), Tweens (10-12), Teens (13-17)

11. Marizayra Sanctuary

Facebook : @MarizayaSanctuary

Highlights : Petting, touching, holding and feeding are the real highlight of this small animal sanctuary. Their informative and interactive sessions, allow you to touch, ask questions and be entertained by for example their talking parrot and feeding of their Green Monkeys. Much beloved by children.

Suitable for : Lil' Kids (4 - 6), Big Kids (7-9), Tweens (10-12), Teens (13-17)

12. Bushy Park Karting Experience

Facebook : @BushyParkBarbados

Highlights : Drive the specially designed 0.41km circuit in a Biz Evo2 Cadet Kart, powered by a 160cc, fourstroke Honda engine. With safety in mind, all karts are mechanically governed to a maximum of 20 mph and can be remotely shut off, so Karting offers maximum fun and minimum risk. Parents are welcome to join their kids on the track for a group session - a fun family experience!

Suitable for : Big Kids (Minimum Height: 4ft, 2 inches tall), Tweens (10-12), Teens (13-17)

13. Barbados Blue

Facebook :@BarbadosBlue

Highlights : Is your teen already part 'fish'? Then perhaps the next step could be to expand their open water experience with scuba diving. Barbados Blue offers daily dive trips and can provide a full range of PADI scuba diving classes. All staff are medically trained and they also focus on the ecological aspect of scuba diving and actively participate in the process to draft local scuba diving, marine protected area and water sports regulations.

Suitable for : Tweens (10-12), Teens (13-17)

14. Billfisher III Deepsea Fishing Charters

Facebook : @billfisheriiideepseafishing

Highlights : Budding junior anglers are welcome to experience deep sea fishing aboard Billfisher III - a 40 ft Viking Sport Fisherman. The crew has one of the best success rates for game fishing year-round and primarily fish for Wahoo, Dorado, Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish, Barracuda and other varieties on the offshore banks. All tackle, bait and safety equipment are provided.

Suitable for : Big Kids (7-9), Tweens (10-12), Teens (13-17)

15. Beyond Limits Fitness Centre

Facebook : @beyondlimitsfitnesscentre

Highlights : Active and competitive children will love the Climbing Wall and Ninja Warrior component available at their Wildey location. You don't have to be a member either... just sign up for their Day Pass and drop in between 8 am - 8 pm.

Suitable for : Lil' Kids (5 - 6), Big Kids (7-9), Tweens (10-12), Teens (13-17)

16. Andromeda Botanic Gardens

Facebook : @AndromedaBarbados

Highlights : Bequeathed to the Barbados National Trust, by horticulturist Iris Bannochie. Andromeda Botanic Gardens is a mature and extensive botanic masterpiece comprising around twenty (20) connected gardens. The variety and maturity of the trees and plants are incredible with over 500 plant species, including over 100 species of trees. The garden is organically managed and bees, birds and butterflies flutter by adding so much to the enjoyment - come visit this Secret Garden!

Suitable for : Wee Ones (0-3), Lil' Kids (4 - 6), Big Kids (7-9), Tweens (10-12), Teens (13-17)

17. Barbados Sea Turtle Project

Facebook : @thebstp

Highlights : Interested in ecology? The Barbados Sea Turtle Project has been critically involved in sea turtle conservation in Barbados for over 25 years. Young, eagle-eyed ecologists assist by monitoring any sea turtle sightings (nesting, hatching, a nest threatened by high tides or hatchlings disoriented by lights) and contact the 24-hour 'Sea Turtle Hotline'. Older teens can formally arrange to volunteer man-hours to assist with data collection and recording. Hatching season is from July to October, sign up for an email notification on release dates which coincide with your on-island dates and join them to release a new generation of sea turtles back to Mother Nature.

Suitable for : Big Kids (7-9), Tweens (10-12), Teens (13-17)

18. Sandy Turf Stables Barbados

Facebook : @sandyturfstablesbarbados

Highlights : A family-friendly riding school catering to kids as young as 3 years old with or without experience. In addition to dressage, jumping and trail rides into the surrounding fields, they offer a beautiful beach ride with a swim in the sea afterwards with the horses!

Suitable for : Wee Ones (Minimum Age: 3), Lil' Kids (4 - 6), Big Kids (7-9), Tweens (10-12), Teens (13-17)

19. Paint & Groove

Facebook : @Paintandgroove

Highlights : Fun art instruction in a party atmosphere at your location, or at their studio! No art experience is necessary.

Suitable for : Big Kids (7-9), Tweens (10-12), Teens (13-17)

20. Peg Farm & Nature Reserve

Facebook : @pegfarmsHighlights : Come visit for a deliciously fresh farm-to-table experience in the open-air Farmhouse Restaurant, in a lush country setting. Bring the entire family for a day out; have a self-guided tour after your meal and soak up the warm sun and fresh air, while enjoying the beautiful farmscape.

Suitable for : Wee Ones (0-3), Lil' Kids (4 - 6), Big Kids (7-9), Tweens (10-12), Teens (13-17)

Guest Post By:

Tamara Warner (Tammy) - a Barbados tourism professional with over 20 years in the attractions sector. Her work experience, coupled with being Mom to an active, teen son has kept her on the cusp of fun and engaging activities to be enjoyed together as a family or from the sidelines as he takes those first strides of independence

- let's fill their childhood with memorable experiences!