Away from the Beach: Alternative Activities for Kids in Barbados
Barbados has plenty to keep youngsters occupied beyond soft sand beaches and crystal clear tropical waters.
Even kids need a break from the beach now and again, so here are three alternative activities for youngsters to enjoy when in Barbados.
Harrison’s Cave is named for Thomas Harrison, who owned much of the land in the central uplands area in the early 1700s. There are many caves throughout the Central Highlands region of Barbados, but this is the country’s — and really the Caribbean’s — most spectacular cave, truly one of the best activities for kids in Barbados and a must-see when on vacation.
Billing itself as one of the “seven wonders of Barbados,” Harrison’s Cave is a 2.3-kilometer natural gallery of stalactites and stalagmites, with streams of clear water running through. Beautiful waterfalls within this limestone cavern form deep and beautiful emerald pools, making this attraction one of the top things to do in Barbados. Its largest cavern, the Great Hall, is 15 meters high.
There’s an elevator if you have a stroller. Otherwise, you take the wooden stairway down to the cave entrance. Enroute, visitors can wander through outdoor exhibits, enjoy snacks and soft drinks at shaded picnic tables, or watch Barbados green monkeys playing in the trees. For the less adventurous, a 45-minute tram tour carries you through the biggest rooms and past the most fascinating formations.
Two stops allow you to get out and explore waterfalls and crystal clear ponds. A “walking” tour of the cave (minimum age 16) requires crawling on your belly and through the water to explore the cave by headlamp. There’s also a fun bat program for kids 7 to 11 years old.
Harrison’s Cave is open every day. Tours start at 9:00 am and the last tour is at 4:00 pm. Most local tour companies include Harrison’s Cave in their list of Barbados excursions.
The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is a great Barbados attraction for the whole family and is a favorite with children. Here you can stroll freely through the reserve watching the animals at close range and in their own natural environment. It’s a self-guided tour so you can take your time, exploring it at your own pace. Note that the brick paths in places are not particularly stroller or wheelchair friendly.
The famous Barbados Green Monkeys are common in the reserve. Visit in the afternoon during feeding time for these unique primates, which arrived in Barbados from West Africa about 350 years ago. Take care to keep the kids close at hand because none of these animals are in cages. They are free to leave the reserve and often do so during the day.
The walk-through aviary features a wide variety of colorful parrots, macaws and love birds. There are snakes (in cages), iguanas, turtles, and many tortoises. Non-native animals include the Brocket Deer, agouti, caiman and rabbits.
The entrance fee includes admission to the Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station next door. Kids will love climbing the 1819 signal station tower for sweeping views of the island. Opening Hours: 10:00 am — 5:00 pm daily (last entrance at 4:00 pm).
Atlantis Submarines has been welcoming children and adults alike into the stunning underwater world of the Caribbean for almost 33 years. This Barbados submarine excursion tour can be enjoyed during the day or at night and is a firm favorite with visiting families, consistently ranking among the most popular of all the fun things to do in Barbados.
The fully narrated tours last 90 minutes from departure to return and you will spend 40–45 minutes underwater viewing the hidden marine world through large viewing ports in the comfort and safety of the fully air-conditioned 48-seat submarine Atlantis XV.
The daytime submarine tour starts early in the morning and continue every hour on the hour. The submarine stays offshore and the transfer vessel takes guests to and from the dive site. If you are looking for something unique and exciting for all the family to do after sunset, join an evening dive and experience another side of Barbados’ great nightlife — 46m (150ft) below the surface. The battery-powered submarine moves effortlessly, produces no pollutants, gliding over the sandy bottom to explore the coral reef, fish life, and even a shipwreck.
Children should be at least 0.91m (3ft) in height since the safety equipment on board is not recommended for anyone smaller. All passengers should be aware that there are no toilets on board.
Tours from Atlantis Submarines tend to sell out, as they are among the most popular Barbados family activities. Travelers are strongly recommended to book in advance.
