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15 of the best family friendly things to do in Barbados

Royal Westmoreland

We all love going on holiday, but family getaways can be difficult – especially if there are big age differences. But that doesn’t mean you have to struggle. We’ve made a list of 15 of the best things to do in Barbados that the whole family can enjoy, whether you want to catch some rays or seek some thrills.

 

Ride the waves with Boosy’s Surf School at Boosy’s Surf School

You’ll be in safe hands with Boosy’s Surf School instructor, Christian Boos, who conducts all of the lessons himself and has been teaching the art of surfing for over ten years. This surf school is perfect for the whole family to catch waves as Boosy teaches students of all abilities.

However, due to safety regulations, the maximum size for a group lesson is five people.

Dive into the depths with the Atlantis Submarine tour

If you want to explore the island, an Atlantis Submarine tour is a must-do attraction for you.

The 90-minute submarine tour, narrated by a friendly guide, takes you to 150ft depths. When you’re underwater, you will be taken around stunning coral reefs and an old shipwreck, seeing the variety of aquatic life that Barbados has to offer.

However, passengers must be at least 3ft tall, so this attraction is great for older children and adults.

Go on the Island Safari

The Island Safari is an excellent way for you and your family to see Barbados in style, both on land and on sea.

You will be taken around the island by your tour guide in a 4×4 jeep and, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling, you can choose from four types of tours: the land and sea safari, the adventure safari, the discovery safari and the surf and turf adventure.

The safari tours can be tailored to what a group wants to see, making this perfect for family visits.

Eat at Oistins Friday Night Fish Fry

This lively restaurant isn’t just a tourist haven; it’s popular with both locals and visitors because of its lively atmosphere.

Reggae music and live bands are not uncommon at the Friday Night Fish Fry and customers are welcome, even encouraged, to get up to dance whenever they like.

The locals will often be playing dominoes amongst the diners, adding to the relaxed vibe that the fish fry is known for.

Get creative at Arty’s Play Park

Arty’s Play Park is great for little ones as it comes fully equipped with two zip wires, climbing frames, jumping tents and an under 3s play area. For older children and teenagers, art classes are held every weekday afternoon and every Saturday afternoon, where a range of painting techniques are taught.

The family friendly on-site bar and restaurant serves locally-sourced food for breakfast, lunch and snacks, so you can eat and drink to your heart’s content while the children get crafty.

See the animals at the Wildlife Reserve

At the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, you can watch and interact with native and non-native animals, including monkeys, iguanas, turtles and snakes.

This environment is the best way to see the island’s creatures up close and is particularly exciting for younger children.

Tour Harrison’s Cave

Harrison’s Cave is a breath-taking natural structure, and what better way to see it than taking a tour of the cave itself and its equally beautiful surroundings?

There are six different types of tours that you can take of Harrison’s Cave, aimed at different age groups and interests. These age-friendly tours will get all of the family exploring the different rock formations and foliage that Barbados has to offer.

Tour Animal Flower Cave

Situated in the north of Barbados, you can find Animal Flower Cave – named as such due to the masses of sea anemones that can be found inside.

You can take a tour of the cave and even swim in some of its many pools. The surrounding area is also home to a children’s play park and, at the top of the nearby cliff, there’s a restaurant and bar that offers you spectacular ocean views and a taste of Barbados’ signature cutter sandwiches.

Go to the Concorde Experience

Ever fancied flying a Concorde? Well now’s your chance! Conveniently located at the airport, the Barbados Concorde Experience is the ideal attraction if you want to kill a bit of time before your flight home.

During the experience, your tour guide will tell you everything you need to know about the famous British Airways Concorde G-BOAE. You can sit in the Concorde and even have a go on some flight simulators, so any lover of aviation will be blown up, up and away by this exhibition.

Do the turtle feed and swim tour

Fancy getting up close and personal with some of Barbados’ sea turtles? Then go on the Viator turtle feed and swim tour in Carlisle Bay.

During the tour, you will be provided with snorkelling gear and will have the chance to swim with the turtles, feed them and take underwater snapshots with them.

But it’s not just turtles you’ll see on this tour. You will also be able to swim with Barbados’ other marine life and swim amongst an old shipwreck.

Visit the Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill

As the last Barbadian sugar mill, and one of only two in the world that can still be used, you should not miss out on this attraction.

If you want to learn more about the history of the island, visiting the Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill will educate you on how sugar overtook tobacco as the leading export in the 17th century and, during crop season, you can try freshly ground cane juice from the mill.

With educational value and an open space for the children to play, this is a brilliant attraction for the family.

Get cultured at St. Nicholas Abbey

If you like exploring other cultures, you will love the St. Nicholas Abbey.

Made up of tropical gullies, sugar cane fields, a rum distillery, a museum and a plantation house, the 360 acres of St. Nicholas Abbey have something for every member of the family to enjoy. The museum is home to a rare video on life at a sugar plantation and you can even go to Cherry Tree Hill, which offers amazing views of Barbados’ east coast shoreline.

Explore Hunte’s Gardens

When it’s time for your little ones to blow off some steam, head to Hunte’s Gardens where you can find stunning miniature gardens packed together in the midst of a rainforest. Wherever you cast your eyes in these gardens, they will be met with picturesque views and exotic foliage.

Soft classical music plays in Hunte’s Gardens, giving it a relaxed atmosphere. So whether you want to go for a romantic stroll or watch the kids play amongst the flowers, this attraction is suitable for any occasion.

Go on a Silver Moon snorkelling cruise

Whether you want to go snorkelling with the marine life of Barbados, want to sunbathe on the deck of a catamaran, or just want to spend a morning sailing the ocean waves, the Silver Moon snorkelling cruise will suit you just fine.

You’ll leave the port with one of the unlimited drinks in hand, and sail out to see the turtles and fish of the Atlantic. You can swim with them, or just watch them from on-board the catamaran.

Lunch is also included in the package, so you can eat alongside views of the ocean as far as the eye can see.

Visit the Historic Garrison Savannah Racetrack

Home to Barbados horse racing since 1905, the Historic Garrison Savannah Racetrack is the perfect family day trip.

You can get close to the action by watching the racing in the stands or, if you want to take a break from the Barbados sunshine, you can sit in the shade of the trees in the surrounding grass area.

True Barbadian food is available on site, making the Historic Garrison Savannah Racetrack a great picnic location for the family.