Fun Things to Do on St. Kitts with Kids

1. Hit the Beaches

The Caribbean side of St. Kitts, which is calmer, is home to popular beaches like South Frigate Bay and Cockleshell Beach. We could have spent every single day at South Frigate Bay. The soft sand and waves were ideal for both swimming and lounging. Banana Bay and Sandy Bank Bay are more secluded beaches, but also offer far-off views of neighboring Nevis. For adventure seekers, North Frigate Bay and Dieppe Bay boast tubular waves for brave surfers and unique marine life for snorkeling.

2. Ride a Catamaran

Take a half- or full-day catamaran cruise to Nevis and other places to gain a different perspective of St. Kitts. You can swim or snorkel or sit and sail, taking in the island sights at daytime or sunset. We also saw an ad for a pretty cool two-person mini speedboat ride, but will have to wait until our next trip.

3. Take a Rainforest Hike 

Take a guided nature walk through the island’s lush rainforest and learn about local wildlife at the Wingfield-Phillips Rain Forest Nature Trail. There are various hiking options, including the Peter Manning Trail (part of a rainforest excursion). Wear comfy, closed-toed shoes, use insect spray, and have the kiddos find a sturdy walking stick to help navigate the uneven terrain. Keep your eyes peeled for animals in the trees and an ear out for singing tree frogs.

4. Hike a Volcano

For uber-adventurous families with older kiddos, Mount Liamuiga is a challenging yet rewarding 4.5-mile hike. Folks have likened it to "more of a jungle climb than a hike." While the trail is well-marked, the terrain is often muddy, uneven, and steep. A trail guide is highly recommended. If you reach the nearly 4,000-foot summit, you'll enjoy sweeping views of St. Kitts and neighboring islands such as St. Barths, St. Martin, Antigua, and Nevis, plus the volcano's crater.

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Ride the rails through the stunning landscapes of St. Kitts. Photo courtesy of the St. Kitts Scenic Railway

5. St. Kitts Scenic Railway

Climb aboard an open-air rail car for a scenic, 30-mile ride throughout the island's volcanoes and sugar cane fields. This guided tour offers a historical overview of the island's attractions and landmarks. Note that prices can run upwards of $100 per person.

6. Go Zip Lining

Situated on a historic sugar estate and rum distillery, the Sky Safari Tours zip lines allow you reach heights of 250 feet. The longest zip line spans 1,350 feet! Pro tips: Wear closed-toe hiking or water shoes, a hat that won't fall off, and sunscreen. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and cruise-port guests.

7. Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park

Reachable via a winding, scenic route up the coast, this site is brimming with the island's rich colonial background, including cannons, artifacts, and other historical remnants. Bring lots of water, wear comfortable shoes, and pack a sun hat and sunscreen, because there is not much shade around the majority of the site. This site is not stroller-friendly, and to reach the main fortress area, visitors must navigate about 200 steps.

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Take an off road tour for some of the most dramatic views of the island.

8. Go Off-roading

Embark on a guided tour via ATV or Jeep and climb the steep hills of St. Kitts, reaching peak heights with sweeping views of the island and the Caribbean Sea. The four of us fit comfortably (with seatbelts) in an open-air Jeep Wrangler. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must for this trip. While the terrain does get rugged at times and take a toll on your body, guides gave us a few spots to stretch our legs. We even got to try freshly cracked coconut water and meat!

9. St. Kitts Eco Park

At this eco park, you'll find lush parkland with a greenhouse, rose and herb gardens, a fun topiary maze, and educational exhibits. We opted to go zip lining, which was exhilarating and manageable enough for various ages in our travel group.

10. Dolphin Discovery St. Kitts

On the southern tip of the island, visitors to St. Kitts can swim with dolphins. You'll get up close and personal with these playful mammals in a safe environment. Follow the guide's instructions for an unforgettable experience, plus some epic dolphin pics. Wear biodegradable sunscreen and bring towels and cash for taxis, shopping, meals, etc. Women who are more than five months pregnant cannot participate.

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Romney Manor is a beautiful place to explore.

11. Romney Manor

At Romney Manor, learn all about and try your hand at one-of-a-kind Caribelle, batik-print fabrics. This spot is fun for art lovers and others alike, plus the grounds are visit-worthy themselves. Tucked away on the island and spanning eight lush acres, this estate dates to the 1600s. Marvel at the over 400-year-old trees that provide the most picturesque background for family photos.

12. Port Zante

Walk around the cruise port and explore shops that boast local cuisine, artisan goods, and more. As for souvenirs native to the island, consider taking home some batik fabric, Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum, black coral jewelry, and Kittitian spices and hot sauces. We were particularly interested in their Ting grapefruit soda. A refreshing, effervescent drink, this accompanied many of my kids' meals. Plus, there's a shaded food court to relax while you people-watch and take a beat.

Don't skip the St. Kitts Chocolate Factory. But also, don't come for me after you've overindulged, because that's more than likely to occur! At any given time up to four massive cruise ships can be docked, which are a marvel to look at. The arrival building has bathrooms, a tourist information desk, and usually a steel band playing. Note: Some of the public restrooms here have attendants charging $1 USD for use.

13. Timothy Hill Overlook

At the southeastern part of St. Kitts, the Instagram-able #StKitts sign sits atop Timothy Hill Overlook. Get ready to snap jaw-dropping family photos while taking in 360-degree views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea at this popular tourist attraction.

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Soak in the sunset while indulging in authentic Italian dishes at Orchid Bay Beach House.

St. Kitts Restaurants Kids Love

14. Orchid Bay Beach House

This place requires some advance planning, but listen to me when I say it's totally worth it. This is one of those viral, Instagram-dream destinations. Our taxi led us to the top of Frigate Bay (the southeast peninsula of St. Kitts), where we met a van provided by the restaurant. From there, it was as if we were transported to the cliffs of western Italy. The Italian, family-style restaurant was built right into the cliffs!

We arrived just ahead of sunset, and words simply cannot capture that view. Our party of 13 sat facing the water with dish after dish of family-style, wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, expertly prepared mains and sides, and desserts.

15. Carambola Beach Club

Carambola is one of the most celebrated restaurants on St. Kitts. The landscape transforms from a vibrant beach club by day to an elegant restaurant by night. Serving up international cuisine and Caribbean classics, plus a dedicated kids' menu, this restaurant is loved by tourists and locals alike.

16. Shipwreck Beach Bar and Grill

Located at South Friars Beach, this kitschy bar and grill serves up good food fast. But you're on island time, so don't dine and dash! There's plenty of views to soak up and knickknacks to snap pics with. There's even a gift shop on site to help commemorate your visit.

17. Port Zante Food Court

Meander around the cruise port and you'll find a food court with more than 10 options. From Chinese, Middle Eastern fusion, pizza, barbecue, and more, even the pickiest of palates will be pleased. Be sure to save room for ice cream and chocolate.

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Hide away at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort

Great St. Kitts Hotels for Families

While you may be hard-pressed to find St. Kitts all-inclusive resorts, there are so many great St. Kitts hotels. And, the Marriott St. Kitts has an all-inclusive option! Here are our favorite St. Kitts hotels and resorts for families.

18. St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino

Three pools, a golf course, a spa, seven restaurants, and lots of activities await at the Marriott St. Kitts, which has an all-inclusive option. It's set along its own private beach, and we enjoyed renting snorkel gear and setting off on an aquatic adventure. The family suites are equipped with kitchens, living and dining rooms, and patios. This space provided quite the respite in between our explorations. Plus, the Marriott St. Kitts is only four miles from the St. Kitts airport.

19. Park Hyatt St. Kitts

This luxury beachfront resort in Banana Bay/Christophe Harbour boasts family suites in a tranquil setting. The kids club is free with your stay for ages 3-12, offering outdoor activities, storytelling, and arts and crafts. From family-friendly activities and wellness programming to a spa and some of the best restaurants on St. Kitts, this high-end resort is fit for a royal family.

20. Royal St. Kitts Hotel

This hotel assures that guests will experience "authentic Kittitian life"' during their stay. A modern, comfortable option, the Royal St. Kitts has kitchenettes and other family-friendly amenities. There's even a market nearby to obtain provisions for your stay. On-site guests will find a fitness center, a juice bar, several dining options, live music, karaoke, trivia, and more.

21. Sugar Bay Club Suites & Hotel

This affordable hotel in a relaxed setting offers self-catering accommodations, which are ideal for family travel. Its studios and two-bedroom cottages include kitchenettes. Babysitting can also be arranged through the front desk area.

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The St. Kitts sign is a popular tourist attraction.

Tips for Flying Into St. Kitts

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay for you to travel to St. Kitts.
• To prepare for you arrival, fill out an online immigration and Customs ED form before entering the island. The QR code you receive when these are completed serves as a receipt and is accepted at the St. Kitts airport.
• While the currency in St. Kitts is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), US dollars are widely accepted. English is the main language there as well.
• Saturdays are particularly busy, so if you are traveling on that day allow for a bit more than the two-hour international airport arrival time.

Unless noted, photos by the author

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