12 Best Islands for Families
Table of Contents
When searching for a family holiday, going to the island is the first thing that comes to mind. The islands are full of things to explore and the joy of doing it with your kids is priceless. So, the question comes to mind: what are the best islands to go to with the family? This article is for you!
Our list appeals to all types of families. You can leave your children in the sea in peace and relax on the beach, or with lots of adventure! Whichever you want, you choose.
Many of the islands are places that have not been commercialized and are almost untouched. If you want to wander around towns with your family and collect beautiful memories, let’s look at our list.
Here are the best islands for families…
Best Islands For Family Vacations
1. The Bahamas
2. Isla Mujeres
3. San Juan Islands
4. Dominican Republic
5. Aruba
6. Kauai
7. Puerto Rico
8. Curacao
9. Prince Edward Island
10. Turks and Caicos
11. US Virgin Islands
12. The Cayman
1. The Bahamas
We start our list with the Bahamas, which appeals to all families. The white and pink sand beaches of this place are a wonder. Many activities can be done with children. These activities include horse riding. Amazing for the Caribbean vacation! If you want to get involved with marine life but also do activities other than water sports, put the Bahamas on your list!
With its quality beaches and kid-friendly activities, the Bahamas is for the whole family. There are many islands, each with different activity options. There are so many activity options that you’ll be surprised what to do! You’ll have the opportunity to travel a lot with your family. You can also increase your children’s interest in history because there they’ll have a chance to get involved with history. In addition, it should be underlined that it appeals to children of all ages.
Fun Things To Do
- Riding
- Going to the Aquaventure Water Park
- Going to Tropic of Cancer Beach
- Going on a family trip in Nassau
- Exploring the contrasting architecture
- Visiting the Nassau Pirates Museum
- Excursion to Blue Lagoon Island
2. Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Isla Mujeres is a great place for those who want both a beach holiday and a bit of history. This small island, which looks like a piece of heaven, is very close to the city of Cancun. It’s right across from Ladies Bay. It’s also suitable for day trips, so it’s a perfect getaway place. Also, very suitable for children, including small kids. This is a small but lively island. It has great food and juices.
It’s also a very good place for snorkeling if you’re keen on exploring the underwater world. Your kid will love it here. There are many activities for children on this island. For this reason, parents can also relax and enjoy the holiday. The sea doesn’t have very strong currents and is clean, so it’s both safe for children and visually beautiful. Say hi to the fish! Here you and your children will make many friends.
Fun Things To Do
- Snorkeling
- Going to the Parque de Los Suenos Waterpark
- Going to Playa Norte Beach
3. San Juan Islands, Washington
If you want a place that is not too hot, but to enjoy the natural beauty more as a family, let’s take you to the San Juan Islands. This place is located a little off the coast of Washington. The San Juan Islands are part of the archipelago. The shorelines are a great route for hiking, with bullweed clumps and pebble cliffs.
There are all kinds of activities that you can do with your children here. If you want to have a more cultural trip, this is a very rich island in terms of history. On the other hand, if you want a holiday intertwined with nature, it’s also very rich in that respect. Here, you’ll have the chance to watch wonderful views. A very nice place to take great family photos. The quiet wooded areas are a wonder. Also, the orca whales here are famous.
Fun Things To Do
- Whale watching
- Exploring marine life at Lime Kiln Point State Park
- Renting a bike at Deception Pass State Park
- Touring the San Juan Islands National Historical Park
4. Dominican Republic
If you have a very active child and want to release some energy this holiday, Dominican Republic will be the right choice for you. Especially the Punta Cana area is very good for active children. Its tropical climate is wonderful. However, since the island is right in the middle of the hurricane belt, severe storms can occur seasonally between June and October. Therefore, we recommend that you be careful when planning your vacation if it’s between these months.
There are countless activities here for kids. Climbing walls, stage events… Both indoor and outdoor, whichever you prefer. These water parks are very beautiful. Would you like to see SpongeBob’s pineapple house? You may not only see it, but you can also rent it! It has a quiet side as well as a lively side. Depending on what kind of family holiday you prefer, you can choose to stay in a quieter place or stay in a more lively place.
Fun Things To Do
- Going to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana climbing wall for kids
- Heading to Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana for indoor and outdoor kids’ activity areas
- Going to the theater
- Going rock climbing
- Character dining
5. Aruba
We continue our list with another tropical island suitable for families. Aruba! Aruba is safe, as well as hosting many activities for children. Compared to the Dominican Republic, it has an advantage: it’s not in the middle of the hurricane belt, and therefore the weather isn’t problematic. In other words, it can be visited with peace of mind during the summer months when the schools are on holiday.
Many features make Aruba good for families. One of them is the sea. The sea, which is quite shallow and therefore safe, is very good for families with children. The water is also very clean. With these features, this wonderful sea is ideal for children as well as for beginners
Fun Things To Do
- Visiting Baby Beach in San Nicholas
- Snorkeling
- Going to Eagle Beach
- Having fun on De Palm Island
6. Kauai, Hawaii
Known as the Garden Island, Kauai is a game paradise for families with children! Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands. There are many rare plants and birds here. You can’t get enough of this beauty. Honestly, we wouldn’t recommend this place very much if you want a restful holiday. This place appeals to those who’re looking for an active holiday. Running, hiking, snorkeling, climbing… And all that with kids! If that’s what you’re looking for, we’d say consider Kauai.
But, we don’t want to intimidate you, of course, there are also soft sands where you can lie down for a break between fun! It’s often preferred for surfing because the sea here is wavy. When you go for a walk, you’ll see wonderful views. How about taking a family photo? While visiting this island, you’ll once again admire nature when you see how this island covered with volcanic rocks has been preserved.
Fun Things To Do
- Hiking to the waterfall
- Collecting fruits
- Taking a tube tour
- Discovering turtles by snorkeling at Anini Beach, Ke’e Beach, or Poipu Beach
- Making a boogie board
7. Puerto Rico
If you’re from the US and want to have a Caribbean islands vacation but don’t want to deal with passport problems, Puerto Rico will be the right choice for you. This is also a great place for a family vacation. Although we can’t say that there are many activities offered by the region, families can produce activities because it’s a very suitable area.
It would be great for you if you rent a villa by the beach. You’ll be in nature and you’ll be in a great place to go for a walk. Thanks to this holiday, you can bring out the love of nature and adventure in your child! Puerto Rico has many family-friendly beaches. There are also many facilities and comfortable hotels where you can stay with your family if you don’t prefer to rent a house. Therefore, access to resources isn’t difficult here. It’s very pleasant to walk the streets of Puerto Rico.
Fun Things To Do
- Walking in the rainforests
- Visiting the caves in the Bay of Mosquito
- Visiting the Parque de las Cavernas del Rio Camuy caves
- Going to El Yunque National Forest
8. Curacao
Curacao is located close to Aruba. One of the most beautiful islands for families. Access to the island is also very easy. Here, you’ll find many things to explore with your children. While strolling its streets, you’ll see many cute little houses. It’s kind of a family architectural tour. Many of these houses are under UNESCO protection.
The island has many beaches where you can go with your children and spend a relaxing and enjoyable day. It can be a little difficult to decide which beaches to choose because they’re all so beautiful! Therefore, you can take a tour and explore the surrounding area and choose your favorite beach. The food here is very delicious.
Fun Things To Do
- Eating local food
- Going to Bluebay Beach
9. Prince Edward Island, Canada
Prince Edward Island, the smallest province in Canada, will give you an unforgettable holiday with your family. The capital here is Charlottetown. A place worth seeing. The island is located on the east coast of the state. It’s located in the Gulf of Lawrance. The nickname of this island is Gentle Island. Isn’t it great? Although every season is beautiful here, you’ll not regret it if you come here, especially in summer.
This place has an interesting characteristic, the red sand beach! It looks so beautiful that you won’t be able to take your eyes off the sand. Especially your child will love it. It’s very enjoyable to rent a bicycle for the family and tour the island. If your holiday is in July, we say go to the festival. The July Lobster Carnival is held here every year in July.
Fun Things To Do
- Staying in the Cavendish area
- Cycling
- Visiting Prince Edward Island National Park
- Eating cow ice cream
- Attending the July Lobster Carnival
- Visiting Charlottetown and taking a cruise
- Touring the Founder’s Hall
10. Turks and Caicos
As we come to the end of our list, we can’t forget Turks and Caicos! This place is ideal for families looking for luxury holidays. There are many luxury hotels and resorts in the surrounding area. But there are more budget-friendly beaches for those who don’t want too much luxury. The water on these beaches is shallow, warm, and clean. So, you can safely leave your child in the sea and enjoy the holiday by lying on the sun lounger.
Here, you can also find many activities suitable for children. Activities vary by age group of children. For example, you can take surfing lessons with your older children if you’re into an adventure. You can go on a boat tour with your younger children. You can see many natural creatures in their habitats. In short, sea, sun, adventure, beach whatever you’re looking for here! In fact, you may find it difficult to choose between activities.
Fun Things To Do
- Going to Sapodilla Bay
- Taking a surf lesson
- Visiting rock iguanas at Little Water Cay
- Going on a wetland eco-tour
- Attending children’s outings at Grace Bay Club
- Going to the kids club
- Visiting Grace Bay Beach
11. US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands are magnificent, especially since you can explore not one, not two, but three tropical islands without the need for a passport if you have a US passport. The US Virgin Islands are comprised of three islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, each with its own different character.
Choose one island as your home base and arrange day visits to the other islands, which are only a short boat or plane journey away. Coral World Ocean Park is also one of the must-stop for families. A perfect place for tropical family vacations.
Fun Things To Do
- Visiting beaches
- Visiting Virgin Islands National Park
- Exploring exotic marine life in Trunk Bay
- Watching sea turtles at Smuggler's Cove
12. Cayman Islands
Cayman offers an abundance of events that each member of your family will enjoy. Prepare to dive or create a splash when snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. Bring the kids to Stingray City to interact with a friendly bunch of stingrays, or to the Cayman Turtle Centre to meet some of the world’s largest and most magnificent aquatic animals. Other popular activities include skateboarding at Black Pearl Skate Park, diving into the water on Atlantis Deep Dive Submarine trips, swimming at Mile Beach, and hiking the Mastic Trail.
The Cayman has a lot more to offer than beach and water since every activity here allows you to enjoy spending time with your family. It’s a perfect place for island vacations.
Fun Things To Do
- Visiting Seven Mile Beach
- Scuba diving
- Visiting pristine beaches
Best Family Island Vacations: Conclusion
Here is the list of the best islands for families we’ve prepared for you… In fact, wherever we go with our family is beautiful, isn’t it? Because the most important thing is to spend time with family. But on the other hand, setbacks can make our vacation worse. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right place for vacation. This is very important especially when you’re going on a family vacation. The chosen place should be a suitable place to go with the family. In this way, you can have a pleasant time with your spouse and children. We hope this list will help you plan your next family vacation.
We wish you pleasant holidays in advance!