What to do in Barbados with Toddlers
/If you’re looking for the best things to do in Barbados with toddlers, you’re in the right place. This blog covers all of the toddler friendly things to do in Barbados. We have lived in Barbados for almost 3 years with three kids. We’ve explored North to South and East to West of the island. Let me help you find the best things to do in Barbados for toddlers!
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Our youngest was born in barbados and lived here his whole life
Barbados, for good reason, is often referred to as the "Gem of the Caribbean.” It is home to turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and warm hospitality.
So, let’s dive into the best things to do in Barbados with toddlers, ensuring that your family trip is filled with adventure, education, and relaxation.
Check out my Instagram for more videos and photos of Barbados with kids!
Here are the best things to do in Barbados with Toddlers!
Table of Contents
Click any Activity Below to Jump to it’s description and see images!
Check out my Guide to the Best Beaches in Barbados
Visit the Barbados Historical Museum (Play area)
Map of What to do In Barbados with Kids
the views from inside the cave are incredible.
Animal Flower Cave
Situated at the Northernmost tip of Barbados, this sea cave is famous for its striking natural rock formations and a sea cave that you can swim in! If you’re exploring the island with a toddler, make a lunch reservation at Animal Flower Cafe, play on the playpark, and then head into the cave for a dip in it’s refreshingly cool water. Toddlers can explore the caves and enjoy swimming in the pools while admiring the stunning ocean views.
yes, you can swim inside the cave! Me and my little guy swimming in animal flower cave
Animal Flower is also home to a nice playground. This makes having a nice lunch easier with toddlers as they can run off their energy.
Not only should you eat lunch at animal flower cafe, but you must swim in the sea cave!
Visit the Barbados Wildlife Reserve
The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is a sanctuary for both native and exotic animals that gives families a unique opportunity to observe and interact with wildlife in a semi-natural environment. The Wildlife Reserve has two troops of wild green monkeys wondering the property, tortoises roaming free, a massive iguana who likes to escape and walk along the paths, beautiful roaming peacocks, and more.
the massive iguana escaped his enclosure to roam the property. don’t worry, he goes abck in on his own
This reserve is a perfect thing to do in Barbados with toddlers as it’s four acres of lush tropical forest for them to explore. One of the main attractions is the Green Monkey, Barbados' playful and mischievous primate, which roams freely within the reserve. They have feeding times twice a day where you can get up close with the wild monkeys.
a mother green monkey and her baby at the wildlife reserve
The reserve's open layout allows families to stroll along shaded pathways, providing an immersive experience as they observe these animals in a setting that closely resembles their natural habitat. The path is not stroller friendly, so come prepared if your tot needs to be carried.
**ALWAYS wear bug spray to prevent mosquito born illnesses
green monkeys cleaning another green monkey at the wildlife reserve in barbados
La Cabane Kids Club (Sundays)
La Cabane is an excellent beachfront restaurant located on Batt’s Rock Beach. You’ll enjoy a meal with our toes in the sand and the sounds of the ocean.
there are options for big kids and even the litte ones have a space to play!
On Sunday’s during breakfast (9:30AM), La Cabane offers a kid’s club where your child can join in on guided activities while you enjoy your meal. They have painting, sand play, and many different crafts. This is an excellent spot for families with toddlers in Barbados. Relax and let the kids play while you sip a cappuccino and eat a toastie!
*Kids club is free if you stay for a meal OR you can come by an pay $40bbd per child to join the kids club.
crafts, facepainting, and even characters coming to visit the kids at the la cabane kids club
brighton farmer’s market has a very fun playground as well as so many vendors, delicious food options, and clean bathrooms!
Visit a Farmer's Market
We love going to the Farmer’s Markets in Barbados! Each market offers its own unique charm and a bounty of fresh, local produce. We love starting our Saturday mornings at the Brighton Farmers Market, opening early from 6 AM to 10 AM! This is a huge market with a playground, plenty of tables, and a fantastic selection of organic produce and homemade treats. It’s a perfect spot to let your toddler explore.
Our toddler met the president of barbados when he was a baby at the brighton market
Midweek, the Hastings Farmers Market on Wednesdays from 9 AM to 2 PM is a great stop for fresh fruits, vegetables, and delicious pastries.
hastings market is located at artsplash, so go to the market then play on the playground
Additionally, the Holders Farmers Market on Sundays from 9 AM to 2 PM offers a more laid-back vibe with artisanal goods, local crafts, and live music, making it a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a leisurely morning. Here you will find some outdoor play areas as well as a small coffee shop where they have kid toys that are available to play with! It’s such a great place to bring kids and toddlers to play in Barbados.
Holders farmers market is a great spot for toddlers in barbados
Hayman's Market Playground
Hayman’s Market is Barbados’ largest indoor market. But it has something every parent loves - a covered playground. Here you can get on the free wi-fi, sip a fresh coffee, and let the kids play in the shaded playground. This 3 level playground was just put together in 2024 and is very nice. Near the playground are restrooms with changing tables for convenience.
this shaded playground is a great spot to take a toddler in barbados
Play at Lumi Play
Lumi Play is located in Hastings. It is a new Montessori style play area. You can choose to drop off your child (ages 2+) or stay and play with your child. They offer a wide variety of toys and every day there is a themed play time.
Be sure to check them out on Instagram and drop by for a fun day in Barbados with your toddler. This is also a perfect spot if you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day in Barbados.
your little one will have such a fun day playing at lumi play
Explore the Beaches
No Barbados family holiday would be complete without time on the beaches. Luckily, Barbados boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches in the Caribbean. Not every beach in Barbados is good for toddlers, but here are a few I recommend for a relaxing day by the water.
Heywoods Beach has large, calm lagoons — perfect for kids and babies
Carlisle Bay Beach: Carlisle Bay is home to calm, crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. If you visit Carlisle Bay, be sure to get a fish cutter from Cuz’!
Heywoods Beach: While this beach is in the North in Speightstown, it’s worth the effort. A stunning beach with very calm pools. Bring a lunch and stay a while. This is the perfect beach for anyone bringing a baby to Barbados
Batt’s Rock: While the water here is not always calm - they have a great playground. Not to mention, La Cabane is located on Batt’s Rock Beach. They have a kid’s club where you can eat and let your kids play. (Read more about that below)
Read Next: 10 Beach Must Haves for Baby & Toddlers
Heywoods has protected pools, so the water is never wavy.
carlisle bay is always fun with toddlers in tow
Batts Rock bay is such a great spot for families
ArtSplash Play Park
I absolutely love this playpark because they have an area specifically for smaller children and toddlers as well as some more complicated play areas.
This playground is located behind ArtSplash Cafe in Hastings where you can grab some delish coffee and breakfast. Feel free to get your food to-go and sit outside while the kids play! This is the perfect spot to spend a morning with a toddler in Barbados.
there is a toddler play area, big kid playground, and plenty of coffee and good food for all!
swimming in the natural sea pools along bathsheba - some are shallow tide pools perfect for toddlers to explore and others are deeper and will require a life jacket.
Bathsheba Tide Pools
Bathsheba, Barbados is located on the less popular East Coast. The East Coast, or Green Coast, is one of Barbados’s hidden gems. Bathsheba is one of the best things to do in Barbados for families.
We absolutely love going to the East Coast to swim in the natural sea pools, climb through the open rock caves, search for sea shells, and just enjoy the diversity of the rocky coast. This coast is not safe for swimming in the ocean, but the tidepools are crystal clear, calm, and safe. They are absolutely perfect for exploring and safe!
Pro Tip: ONLY go when it’s low tide or you will not be able to walk among the coral rocks or swim in the natural sea pools.
READ NEXT: 25 Travel Must Haves for Toddlers and Babies
Bathsheba is a gorgoues place to explore at low tide
during low tide, the pools are incredible for exploring
Go to a Drive in Movie - Globe Drive In
One of the most unique things you can do in Barbados with your toddler is catch a drive in movie at Globe Drive In. Nestled in the South of Barbados, the Globe Theater is the only open air movie theater on the island.
Pack your pillows, blankets, and lounge chairs so you can sit outside of your car and enjoy the movie. If you’re hungry you can pack your own picnic or enjoy some snacks and dinner from the on site cafe. A server will come car to car or you can head up to the snack shack to order anything from pop corn to pizza to hot dogs. But if you’re in the mood for more classic Bajan food - I recommend the Chicken Roti, spicy fishcakes, samosas, or a classic fish cutter.
Globe Drive In offers each patron a double feature for the price of $15 per adult and $6 for any child 12 years and younger. The first movie plays at 6:30 followed by a second feature at 8:30.
our toddler watching moana 2 at globe drive in in barabdos
another night, another drive in movie! This time we saw inside out 2
READ NEXT: The Best FREE Things to do in Barbados
Visit the Barbados Museum
the children’s area is newly renovate and it has air conditioning! my kids loved this spot! learn about everything from gravity to the human body to building your own chattel house
For a dose of culture and history, the Barbados Museum and Historical Society is an excellent destination. Kids can learn about the island's heritage, from its colonial past to its modern-day culture. The museum often hosts interactive exhibitions and workshops, making history come alive for young visitors. The museum has recently renovated their children’s area. It has several exhibits and is air conditioned. There is no children’s museum in Barbados, so this is the closet thing! The Barbados Museum is a great rainy day activity in Barbados.
Pro Tip: The actual museum gets very hot as there is no air conditioning! Bring a hand held fan to keep cool!
the barbados museum
the kids area is so fun for all ages!
Visit A Lighthouse
Barbados' lighthouses offer a unique glimpse into the island’s maritime history and breathtaking coastal views. They are all free to visit and are such a great thing to do with kids in Barbados
South Point Lighthouse
Located in Christ Church, this is the oldest lighthouse in Barbados, built in 1852. Its red-and-white striped design makes it an iconic photo spot, and the surrounding area offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Ragged Point Lighthouse
Perched on the rugged eastern coastline in St. Philip, this lighthouse offers sweeping views of the Atlantic. It's the perfect spot to experience the power of the ocean and capture dramatic cliffside photos.
Ragged point Lighthouse
3. Harrison Point Lighthouse
Situated in St. Lucy, this lighthouse is located in the northernmost parish of the island. We’ve visited a couple of times. It is abandoned, but you can still go to the top if you're feeling adventurous. It’s secluded location and nearby scenic views make it a great stop for adventurous visitors.
Harrison Point Lighthouse
4. Needham’s Point Lighthouse
Found near Carlisle Bay in Bridgetown, this lighthouse is one of the most accessible because it is located on the Hilton Property. It’s a great addition to a day exploring the island's capital city.
Each lighthouse tells its own story and offers a different perspective on Barbados' stunning natural beauty and seafaring past.
Needham’s Point Lighthouse
Visit Paradise Nature Park
A visit to Paradise Nature Park in Barbados is a fantastic day trip for families eager to experience the island's natural beauty and vibrant wildlife. With an affordable entry fee of $10 USD for adults and $5 USD for children, it's a budget-friendly adventure that won't break the bank.
Paradise Nature Park is located in the scenic parish of St. Andrew toward the South of the island. As you wander through the lush landscapes, expect to encounter a delightful array of flora and fauna, from tropical birds to mischievous green monkeys to fluffy rabbits.
The park also features picnic areas and a small cafe, so you can enjoy a family meal surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.
the amazing view of the east coast from the train stop at cherry tree hill in barbados
St. Nicholas Abbey and Heritage Railway
The St nicholas abby historic railway is a great way to spend a morning with your family
St Nicholas Abbey and Historic Railway is the perfect family activity in Barbados. If you’ve got a train lover or are interested in the history of Barbados - you’ll want to take this tour.
St. Nicholas Abbey is such a great thing to do with a toddler, especially if your toddler loves trains and cars. Recently they expanded the train route and it now goes over a trussell bridge!
Whistles is the cafe located on the property and it has very good food, nespresso, and great soft serve ice cream!
The 19th century steam mill operates from January to June allow visitors to experience the process of making rum in a meaningful way linking manufacturing with heritage tourism.
While on the property, do not miss a walk up to Cherry Tree Hill! The highest spot in Barbados!
the boarwalk as you walk into welchman hall gully
Kids Adventure Park in Welchman Hall Gully
Nestled in the center of Barbados, Welchman Hall Gully is a natural wonderland waiting to be explored. This tropical hideaway is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. A walk along the gully's winding paths is a great way for kids to observe the island's native vegetation and spot wildlife, including the Green Monkeys that often visit.
The Kid’s Adventure Park was a huge hit with my kids. It has a really cool playhouse and a zipline. There is also a rope swing and tire swing. Bring a picnic and have lunch at the on-site picnic tables.
The shaded paved path offers a spectacular view of the East Coast!
**ALWAYS wear bug spray to prevent mosquito born illnesses
the green monkey is a must see in barbados
along the trail in welchman hall gully, there are so many trees and spots to explore
Ride in the Atlantis Submarine
Atlantis submarine is an award winning tour and one of the coolest things to do in Barbados with toddlers.
looking out into the caribbean ocean
You don’t need to snorkel or scuba dive because Atlantis offers the opportunity to see into the ocean in the comfort and safety of a fully air-conditioned submarine. This underwater diving adventure showcases a reef that is home to many native species of corals and fish.
The 90-minute tour includes 45 minutes underwater exploring with a fully narrated undersea voyage. You'll see shipwrecks, fish, coral, and other marine life as your professional crew pilots you through the water.
Barbados is so much more than beaches - it’s got something for the entire family including your baby and toddler. From the pristine Caribbean beaches that invite sandcastle building to the St Nicolaus Abbey Train, the island you’ll have the perfect Barbados family vacation!
toddlers love the bathsheba tide pools
You may ask - is Barbados good for families? In short, yes! Beyond its natural beauty, Barbados offers a plethora of family-friendly activities and attractions. From exploring underwater caves to wildlife sanctuaries, Barbados has something to offer every member of the family.
Many people also wonder - is Barbados Safe? Yes. I have never felt unsafe here. Like all places, there are areas to avoid, but on the whole Barbados is very safe and I would absolutely visit Barbados with children.
Whether snorkeling with sea turtles, exploring historical treasures like The Barbados History Museum, or immersing in the rich biodiversity of the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, the possibilities for family fun are endless. Families traveling to Barbados with a baby or traveling to Barbados with a toddler, don’t worry - the island has so many fun things to do for you too!
snorkel with sea turtles!
So, pack your sunscreen, adventurous spirit, and a sense of wonder, and get ready for one of the most incredible Barbados family vacations!
Check out my Instagram for more videos and photos of Barbados with kids!
Have you ever been to Barbados? What is your favorite place to visit on the island? Leave me a comment and let me know!
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