Things to Do in Barbados: Your Complete Family-Friendly Travel Guide

Barbados is a little paradise with just 430 km² in size. The tiny island offers a lot of fun and relaxing activities that are sure to refresh you.  It's a tropical island gem, with its vibrant countryside, sun-drenched beaches, and blue sea.

It's a place to make memories and take lots of photos of your family exploring the marine life, engaging in beach activities, and exploring the local culture and cuisine.

Let's find out the things to do in Barbados for an experience filled with excitement, laughter, and a lot more memories to get into your travel diary.

Adventure and Outdoor Tours in Barbados

Love to chase the waves, go on an exciting trek, or ride horses along the shore? Adventure and outdoor activities in the islands should be on the priority list.

Here are the adventure and outdoor activities you must explore when in Barbados -

• Kayak at Carlisle Bay. Clear waters offer a beautiful view of coral reefs, shipwrecks, and schools of tropical fish.
• Cole's Cave offers thrilling adventures as well as breathtaking beauty.  Scramble over rocks, wade through water ways , and swim in warm pools.  The waterfalls, tunnels, stalactites, and other caves offer a view you will never forget.
• Take a horse ride to see the beautiful sunset colours of the beach and enjoy the countryside.
• Head on to a beautiful adventure with paddleboats at the Pebbles Beach or Paynes Bay. Minimal current, potential turtle  sightings, and a picture-perfect view offer an experience you've never had before.
• Get a guided yoga session on the paddleboard at the Pebbles Beach or Paynes Bay for a unique session.
• Get golfing with half a dozen links to select from.
• Swim across the warm Caribbean waters with the hawksbill and green turtles.
• Go to the prime snorkelling spots to see the turtles feed.
• Go hiking through Chalky Mount or Coco Hill Forest to experience the lush greenery, wild medicinal herbs, and the quiet view of the uneven terrain.
• Spend a fun time fishing among the reefs and deep-sea locations, or just spend some fun time looking at the sea.
• Bike through the gullies, grasslands, tropical landscapes , coastal trails, and historic cities and villages for a panoramic view of wetlands, beaches, and the blue sea.
• Go for ziplining to explore the limestone outside  Harrison’s Cave.
• Visit the snorkelling stop to swim among the turtles and stingrays, and experience the beauty closely.

Relaxing Activities in Barbados

• Experience an unwinding underwater journey onboard Atlantis Submarine, as you observe the marine eco system in air conditioned comfort 
• Pause among the beauty of nature’s trees, shrubs, ferns, flowers and more   at the Hunte's Gardens.
• Enjoy a dinner show at Harbour Lights and experience the local nightlife.
• Go on a beekeeping tour at Walkers Reserve.
• Explore the local culture at the  Brighton Farmers Market with colourful produce and local artists showcasing their talents on a grassy hill.
• Take a walking tour of the streets and colonial buildings of Bridgetown.
• If you visit from June to August, take part in the crop festival.
• Find out hidden spots and enjoy local food and culture with a road trip.
• Enjoy the calm waters and soak up the sun at the Caribbean Sea side. Arrive early morning to see the vibrant sunrise or see the beach turning to the shades of the sun at sunset.
• Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Andromeda Botanic Gardens.
• Get a relaxing spa massage. Pair the expert therapy with lime or coconut scents for a more calming experience.
• Sail on a catamaran cruise to soak in the beauty of the blue sea and marine life.

What to Do in Barbados With Kids?

• Catch the waves with an exciting surf class on the south coast of Barbados.
• Get on a cool and educational experience exploring the network of caves at Harrison’s Cave.
• Hop beaches along the Platinum Coast and enjoy the charming beach vibe and colonial resorts.
•  Wander along the scenic paths and catch a view of a variety of animals at the  Barbados Wildlife Reserve. The most joyful sight here is watching the green monkeys during their afternoon antics.
• Experience a rare sighting early morning at Pebbles Beach, where horses are led to the beach to swim and bathe.
• Board a train that roams verdant grounds, mahogany forests, and scenic lakes of the rum distillery for an easygoing day with children.
• Go for an off-road trip on a jeep safari and discover the side of the island that most tourists don’t get to see.
• Enjoy pirate sails, walk the plank, and swing on rope swings on the Jolly Roger.
• Get a guided tour of the Animal Flower Cave to discover natural rock pools, unique rock formations, and a famous diamond-shaped lookout.

Marine Exploration: Why A Submarine Dive Is A Must

Want to explore the marine life without getting wet? Get on an underwater submarine tour to discover the vibrant world underneath the sea waters. You do not need a particular skill or equipment to get on a submarine dive. Plus, the large windows and comfortable seats ensure that all of the family members can enjoy the scenic views of the ocean.

The informative commentary and interesting facts ensure that you can easily learn about the ocean environment.

What will you experience?

• You will see the most beautiful coral reefs ranging in depth  from 30 to 150 feet.
• Delicate sea fans and huge corals formed over centuries.
• Tropical fish in their natural habitat.
• , Schools of tropical fish, with the possibly of seeing sea turtles, eels, and stingray  passing by the submarine.
• As your submarine descends deeper to 150 feet, you will see the shipwreck that has become a reef hosting sea life.

Planning Your Barbados Itinerary

Planning a trip with kids is not easy. You forget one little thing, and it's a mess.

You have to ensure that your kids stay comfortable and enjoy the trip. But, how do you do that?

Let's find out how to plan your itinerary for a family trip:

Choose the Right Time

The prime season is from December to April. The weather during this time is warm and dry. Plan your trip between May and June or September and November to save money or avoid crowds. 

Pack Smart

• Keep loose and breathable clothes to stay cool under the Caribbean sun.
• Carry SPF and hats to be safe from sunburn.
• Pack an insect repellent when you go out at night or visit natural reserves.
• Carry favourite snacks to munch on when exploring the lively neighbourhoods.

Enjoy a Family Vacation in Barbados

Barbados is a family-friendly tourist spot, where you not only enjoy but also educate your kids about the local culture, wildlife, and marine wonders.

With scenic views, exciting adventures, relaxing beaches, and an amazing history, every experience here will make you want to come back again.

Get on a retreat in nature and plan your trip to Barbados now.