Antigua and Barbuda / Special Interests / Family
With its superb beaches (in reality not as many as 365), varied attractions, less humid climate and general up-beat feel, Antigua makes for an ideal location for a beach-based family holiday. You will find that children are generally welcome on the island and there are a range of facilities aimed specifically at them. Many of the larger resorts run special children’s kids clubs and activities and some are doing very innovative special events such as story telling weeks at some resorts with well-known authors and illustrators from Puffin Books. Although many of the beaches in Antigua are suitable for children, some have particularly calm or shallow water, including Half Moon Bay next to Mill Reef in the south-east and the Mamora Bay beach at the St James’s Club. There is a shallow section at Jabberwock Beach.
There are no play parks to speak of in Antigua, but there are a number of activities that are suited to children. For a bit of history and culture try a day out at Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. The Dockyard Museum has some interactive exhibits suitable for older children (knot tying, rope climbing and models of ships) and with its marina and military fortifications, the area is fun to wander around anyway.
There are many day sails that make an exciting day out for children and for something active you might also try the Tropical Adventures Kayak Antigua eco-adventure or Antigua Paddles Kayak Eco Adventure (minimum age 7 yrs). At Stingray City near Seatons you can swim with the rays. For something more exhilarating try the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour company for a zip wire experience.
Truculent teenagers might like to try a Segway tour across the island with Segway Antigua instilling a sense of enthusiasm for the historical and cultural sites.
Kids will also enjoy the party atmosphere and the views up at Shirley Heights on Sunday afternoons.
Contributors: Deana Bellamy (research, copywriting and editing) and Jane Anderson (update).
Recommended accommodation view more
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Blue Waters Hotel Hotels & Resorts
A large and lively Caribbean beach resort with its own strong character tucked into its own secluded bay in the North-west of Antigua. All-inclusive option. Read more
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Rock Cottage Villas & Villa Living
Sitting on the end of its own rocky promontory at Blue Waters Hotel, this villa boasts beauty and seclusion and its stunning location is hard to beat. Sleeps 10. Read more
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Carlisle Bay Hotels & Resorts
An exquisite 82-room hotel set in its own very attractive, natural bay on Antigua's south coast. Modern Caribbean style, decorated with metropolitan verve but with the loveliest tropical calm and charm. Read more
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Curtain Bluff Hotels & Resorts
An upscale 72-room sophisticated hotel resort in a lovely secluded setting on two bays on Antigua’s southern shore. A trusty fixture among Antigua hotels with fine dining and an excellent wine cellar. Read more
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Moondance Villas & Villa Living
Guests will be star-struck by this offbeat hideaway with its quirky style and imaginative touches that promise a visual feast both inside and out. Sleeps 12. Read more
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Siboney Beach Club Boutique/Small Hotels & Inns
An informal, family-owned beachfront property with just twelve one-bedroom suites, set on Dickenson Bay, Antigua’s liveliest beach. Secluded garden with a swimming pool. Read more
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The Carib House Villas & Villa Living
An elegant natural haven which offers the best of al fresco living, making it ideal for guests wanting relaxed surroundings with modern comforts on tap. Sleeps 10. Read more
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K'ai Etoile Cottages & Apartments
Perched on a hillside above English Harbour, with striking views across to Nelson’s Dockyard, this pretty wooden cottage is big on traditional rusticity. Sleeps 3-4. Read more
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Villa Kulala Villas & Villa Living
Tropical outdoor living comes to the fore at this chic haven which combines contemporary Caribbean style with Asian influences amid the beautiful backdrop of its coastal setting. Sleeps 8. Read more
Browse Family on other islands
Anguilla | Barbados | British Virgin Islands | Cayman Islands | Dominican Republic | Grenada & Carriacou | Jamaica | Nevis | Saba | St Barthélemy | St Kitts | St Lucia | St Martin/St Maarten | St Vincent and the Grenadines | Tobago
Or read our other island guides
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Looking for inspiration?
- Visit Nelson's Dockyard, the oldest functioning naval facility in the world
- Party at Shirley Heights Lookout on Sunday at sunset followed by barbecue and live music
- Stay at the spectacular Jumby Bay
- Hop over to Barbuda for stunning beaches and excellent birdwatching
- Race a yacht to nearby Montserrat for the day
