A tropical vacation always seems like the ultimate dream come true until you bring the whole family along for the journey and end up somewhere with few amenities or activities suitable for kids. You don’t want to be that parent who takes your kids to a place where the kids are always bored, and you don’t want to end up on a trip that ruins the vibes of the whole family from the get-go.
To prevent such a situation from occurring on your watch, check out these tropical destinations that are perfect for kids, and get ready to embark on a vacation that the whole family will love.
1. Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
Port Douglas serves as the gateway to not one but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Animal lovers of all ages will enjoy ample opportunities to meet tropical fish, exotic birds, kangaroos, crocodiles, and many more native animals. In addition, the town has a cool urban village worth perusing where you will find everything from rustic campgrounds to five-star resorts that happily accommodate kids.
2. Roatan, Honduras
Located on Honduras’ Caribbean Coast, Roatan is a hidden gem that your kids will probably enjoy discovering. While its best-known attraction is the world’s second-largest barrier reef, Roatan is more than just a diver’s paradise. The area has incredible nature parks where you can meet the local monkeys and sloths, and the coast has picture-perfect white sand beaches with great water for swimming, snorkeling, and diving!
3. Nassau, Bahamas
When it comes to family-friendly coastal destinations, it’s hard to beat Nassau on Paradise Island. The Atlantis and Baha Mar resorts are world-famous for their vast array of amenities available to guests of all ages, but the fun doesn’t have to stop there. From jet ski and banana boat tours to snorkeling above coral reefs and swimming with pigs, there’s always something exciting to do in and around Nassau.
4. Mauritius
Not only is Mauritius a more affordable and less crowded alternative to more popular Indian Ocean destinations, but it’s also a fantastic tropical island destination for families with children. It has a great variety of family-friendly beach resorts at most budget levels, plus you will find many beaches and natural reserve parks (such as Black River Gorges National Park) where you can head out on epic excursions and meet some fantastic wildlife.
5. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
The Nicoya Peninsula may be Costa Rica’s finest natural nirvana. This makes Nicoya a great option for a particularly adventurous family trip. If your kids love to discover waterfalls, encounter turtles and butterflies, go surfing, paddleboard, or explore volcanoes, then this corner of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is definitely somewhere they will want to go.
6. The Maldives
Recently, the Maldives have gone above and beyond to beef up their kid-friendly offerings. Now, resorts like Soneva Fushi, Jumeirah Vittaveli, and Baglioni have kids’ clubs that might be the world’s best. Beyond the usual playgrounds and splash pads, these resorts have everything from treasure trails and boat excursions to sandcastle competitions and next-level game rooms to entertain your kids.
7. Fiji
Of all the South Pacific islands, Fiji may be the best one to take the kids. Not only do locals love to dote on kids, but the island has everything from deep limestone caves to sugary-soft sand dunes that children love to explore. Even better, Fiji has a broad selection of resorts (including the famed Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort) that are more than happy to cater to kids of all ages.
8. San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA
Puerto Rico’s capital city truly has terrific attractions and activities for the whole family. You won’t want to miss the San Juan National Historic Site, including the showstopping El Morro fort, old city walls that the kids will love, and the colorful streets of Old San Juan’s urban village. For a spectacular beach that’s safe and fun for children, the Caribe Hilton hotel sits right on a picturesque cove and right by Old San Juan.
9. Koh Kood, Thailand
Located off Thailand’s mainland coast and near its border with Cambodia, Koh Kood is an island full of lush jungles and remote beaches with ample opportunities for incredible adventures. Book a villa at the Soneva Kiri boutique resort, where you can do kid-appropriate rainforest excursions, Thai music classes, bamboo playground play dates, and simply splendid lazy days at your villa’s private pool.
10. Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo, México
If you seek a more child-friendly alternative to the “adult playground” atmosphere in Mexican Caribbean hotspots like Cancún and Tulum, look no further than Isla Holbox near the northern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula. Not only are the vibes much more chill, but most of the island is part of the Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve, where you can find all sorts of amazing wildlife, and the beach has shallow sand bars that are a blast for kids to explore.
11. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Considering these islands may be the world’s most iconic open-air natural history museum and wildlife sanctuary, it’s no surprise that the Galápagos Islands are picture-perfect for active kids who love nature and science. As long as your kids are grown enough to handle the heat and the outdoor activities (think age 8+), they will likely be awestruck by all the wild animals roaming free in this unique tropical paradise.
12. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
That’s right! This famously romantic French Polynesian island is also a prime destination for families with children, provided you’re working with a robust travel budget. In particular, the Four Seasons Resort here is a kid magnet. They offer a host of free watersports for guests of all ages, plus they have a remarkable on-site coral lagoon full of tropical fish that the little ones will love.
13. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
Though it’s not officially tropical, we’re including Gran Canaria because it’s one of the warmest spots on European territory. It has a great selection of resorts and activities for a fantastic family vacation. Also, beaches like the Maspalomas, Mogán, and Las Canteras are great for kids seeking epic coastal adventures.
14. Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Hawaii’s most popular island is also an exciting spot for the whole family to visit. From fabulous surfing beaches along the North Shore to charming farms and plantations in the island’s interior and the iconic Diamond Head volcano near Honolulu, it’s hard for the kids to get bored here. Try Disney’s Aulani or the Four Seasons at Ko Olina, near Makakilo and Kapolei, for the most kid-friendly experience.
15. Antigua
Featuring everything from a heartwarming and heavenly donkey sanctuary to a mighty Devil’s Bridge (coastal rock formation), Antigua overflows with amazing adventures for you and your kids to embark upon. In addition to the above-mentioned spots, the Pillars of Hercules, Shirley Heights, Nelson’s Dockyard, and Prickly Pear Island are amazing places that children will likely find exceptionally fun.
16. Mahé, Seychelles
Located far off the coast of Kenya and Tanzania, the Seychelles may be among the Indian Ocean’s best-kept secrets. On the island of Mahé, you will discover some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, a wide array of watersports to play, phenomenal snorkeling, and lavish resorts that go the extra distance to make your kids feel at home and welcomed.
17. Grenada
Grenada may have earned the name “Spice Island,” but it is safe for the entire family to explore and enjoy. It’s far from the most developed Caribbean island, but that means it has a lot of unique nooks and crannies that are sure to wow nature lovers of all ages. La Sagesse Nature Preserve looks and feels like the ultimate secluded beach paradise, while Levera National Park is the place to spot some fascinating wildlife.
18. Dominica
Often called the “Rainbow Island,” this unique Caribbean island nation has all the rainbows, green volcanic mountains, giant leatherback turtles, massive sperm whales, and pristine beaches that might convince you and the kids that you somehow flew into a real-life fairy tale. From epic rainforest hikes to awe-inspiring whale-watching boat tours, there’s plenty for everyone to see and do on this marvelous island.
19. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (UK)
Turks and Caicos are among the most kid-friendly of all the Caribbean islands. Providenciales particularly abounds in beaches perfect to take children, such as the idyllically beautiful Grace Bay and the serenity of Leeward Beach. This corner of Turks and Caicos also has many of the territory’s best family-friendly resorts with everything your kids need for a great day (and for you to enjoy some much-needed peace of mind).
20. Bali, Indonesia
Though Bali has a reputation as a more adult-oriented spot for rest and relaxation, kids can have plenty of fun here. Waterbomb Bali is a local water park full of pools, slides, and a FlowRider. If your kids prefer the real deal, try a surf lesson on one of the island’s idyllic beaches.
For the ultimate adventure, book a boat ride to the Gili Islands so you can go snorkeling to check out the tropical fish and the incredible underwater art collection.
21. Punta Mita, Nayarit, México
Situated about 27 miles northwest of Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita is a refreshingly chill spot on Banderas Bay. If your children like the great outdoors, they will probably love a day at Monkey Mountain and Mirador El Toro. Playa Careyeros is a fantastic beach full of fun for the whole family. Punta Mita has a great selection of luxury resorts that love to pamper the entire family, and the nearby town of Sayulita has some great affordable lodging options.
22. Panama City, Panamá
Yes, your children will likely be blown away by the sight of huge ships passing through the Panama Canal. That said, there’s much more for all of you to see and do in this dynamic city. Come for the Panama Canal, but stay for a wildlife tour at Soberania National Park, a wander through the historic heart of Casco Viejo, and a ride on the city’s uber-cool Metro trains.
23. Barbados
Barbados is a wonderful option for families looking for a safe and easy-going vacation that everyone will enjoy. The West Coast (or Platinum Coast) has the calmest waves, perfect for the tiniest tots. Harrison’s Cave is a great way to “look under the hood” of this volcanic island. Barbados Wildlife Reserve lets everyone experience close encounters with green monkeys, iguanas, tortoises, and additional local wildlife.
24. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Yes, Rio has a lot of places where you probably don’t want to take the kids, but this city also has many places waiting to welcome the whole family.
During the day, you can find plenty of spots on Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches for quality beach time with the little ones, and Leblon is a particularly great beach for toddlers. Jardim Zoológico (the city zoo), the Museu de Indio, and the Parque do Catete (with a train and a toy library!) are additional spots the kids will love.
25. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman is a fantastic Caribbean island to take the kids for an epic vacation. For an easy-peasy beach day, it’s hard to beat the calm waves and broad expanse of white sand at Seven Mile Beach. For more exciting adventures, guided Stingray City tours are a perennial hit with kids, and the Cayman Turtle Centre is another prime spot to take kids for a memorable experience with the local wildlife.
26. Aruba, Netherlands
As the most developed of the Dutch Caribbean ABC Islands, Aruba has the best resorts that provide just about everything your kids could ever want. If your kids love animals and the beach, try the Renaissance Wind Creek: Guests have exclusive access to Renaissance Island, a truly idyllic spot where you and the kids can walk the sand with flamingos, greet the friendly local iguanas, and enjoy the calm waves in the water.
27. Sanya, China
Located on the southern end of Hainan Island off the northern coast of Vietnam, Sanya is often called the Hawaii of the East. Once you’re here, it suddenly makes sense. Sanya has everything from verdant rainforests to immaculate beaches, so you and the kids can try everything from surfing the waves to sailing on a glass-bottom boat. Even better, Sanya has a wide variety of budget-friendly hotels and your pick of luxury resorts.
28. Montego Bay, Jamaica
No matter what you’ve heard about Jamaica lately, you can absolutely enjoy a safe and fun family vacation here. More specifically, Montego Bay has a great selection of family-friendly hotels and all-inclusive resorts that offer everything from mini waterparks to (adult-supervised) kids’ clubs to keep the little ones booked and busy, and you can sign up for tours to explore incredible waterfalls, mountains, wildlife preserves, and much more.
29. St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis, an island in the Caribbean, may look tiny, yet the world’s eighth smallest country offers a lot for families needing a kid-friendly tropical escape.
The St. Kitts Scenic Railway is a fun way to explore more of the island. Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a fun spot to learn about the country’s history and enjoy epic views. These stunning islands have plenty of beautiful beaches that are great for swimming, snorkeling, and more.
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