6 Memorable Family-Friendly Attractions In The Caribbean

1. The Beaches Of Barbados

The beaches of Barbados are nothing short of paradise. The azure water, the powdery sand and the mild climate are exactly the right ingredients for the perfect sunny Caribbean vacation. The best part? There are so many kid-friendly things to do that adults can enjoy, too.

Carlisle Bay is the most famous and recommended beachfront in Barbados and is a five-minute drive from the Bridgetown port. I personally prefer Rockley (also known as Accra) Beach, which is a little further away from the crowds of Carlisle. Rockley has calmer waters, smaller waves and plenty of kid-friendly watersports such as kneeboarding, Hobie sailing and shallow snorkeling. It's a bit more secluded than the main beaches of Barbados and is framed by interesting Seagrape and Casuarina trees. After Rockley, pop over to Brandon Beach to engage in thrilling watersports or Worthing Beach for more snorkeling.

2. The Wilderness Of Puerto Rico

Let's face it … you and your kids can only build so many sandcastles before you start looking for a new kind of adventure. When planning a family vacation, it's important to prioritize outdoor adventures where kids can have a break from technology and experience something new.

Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve in Puerto Rico makes for a refreshingly tropical day trip. It's one of the best national parks in Puerto Rico, spanning around 2,000 acres and encompassing lagoons, beaches, coral reefs, forests and mangroves. You can explore by foot, bike, kayak or even trolley! The reserve is just one hour's drive from San Juan and easy to reach by car or on a day tour.

If it's adrenaline thrills that your family is looking for, pop in at Hacienda Campo Rico. Here, siblings and parents alike can dice it out on a dirt track ATV tour, head to the archery range to test their skills, experience the countryside by horseback or get a rush on the Zipline Adventure Tours (must be 7 years and older).

3. Once In A Lifetime Views On Aruba

Aruba stands out as a place with never-ending novelties and plenty of kid-friendly attractions. Without a doubt, the first activity on your list of kid attractions should be the Aruba Atlantis Submarine Expedition! The submarine ride takes you down to 130 feet where you can observe sea turtles, parrot fish, two shipwrecks and all kinds of tropical schools swimming around. It's safe and enjoyable for kids of all ages but books up fast in the summer months.

I always like to show my kids how to have a broader perspective on things — after seeing what lies beneath, head to the 100-foot-high California Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the island and ocean. There are only 120 steps to get to the top, and the climb typically takes the average person around five minutes.

4. Amusement Park Heaven In Punta Cana

Punta Cana is a bustling city in the Dominican Republic. It's packed with fun activities that the entire family can enjoy! The most fun for all ages awaits at the ChocoMuseo — a hybrid between a chocolate factory and a museum. You get free admission to the museum and can pay to join workshops and special events where you make your own chocolate. It's one of the best attractions for kids and parents to enjoy together.

If you have the time, the perfect way to spend the rest of your family-friendly vacation is at one of the nearby amusement parks. Bavaro Adventure Park stands out with kid-friendly activities and fun things such as rock climbing, paintballing, ziplining, bungee trampolining, horseback riding and more. For any kid going through a dinosaur phase, Dino World is a must-visit. With 22 life-sized dinosaur models, it's incredibly engaging for young minds. Take a ride on the Zipline Mega Splash, which flies you between dinosaurs and drops you into a swimming pool!

5. Dreamy Waterfalls In Puerto Plata

Nestled in the mountains of Puerto Plata is what my 16-year-old dubbed "nature's best water park." The Damajaqua Cascades — also known as the 27 Waterfalls of Damajaqua — is a network of connected waterfalls that gush down the mountainside. What makes these waterfalls unique is that you can travel down them by natural rock slide and rock jumping! This high-energy activity is a great way to engage restless teenagers and adventurous tweens. Your guided tour can be customized to cover fewer waterfalls, making the trip a little easier on the body for older folks.

If you're with young children, opt for the cable car up Mount Isabel Torres and enjoy a leisurely 10-minute ride to the best views of the city and forest. Or, for a more interactive activity, spend an hour exploring the fascinating Museo Del Ámbar, one of the world's top museums for amber resin.

6. History Abounds In The Bahamas

The Bahamas is made up of 700 islands, so there is no limit to the activities you can enjoy. Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, offers all kinds of kid-friendly fun. Spend a few hours exploring the Pirates of Nassau Museum, where you'll find interactive exhibits and theatrical reenactments of Blackbeard, Captain Rogers and the pirates that used to frequent these shores! Before leaving, head to the stocks — one of many hands-on exhibits where your kids can get a feel for old-fashioned law and order. After the history lesson, head out in the sun armed with snorkeling gear and toys for water activities. Cable Beach is one of the most central spots to relax and unwind in the warm waters. Cabbage Beach is another favorite spot thanks to activities such as parasailing and jet skis.

Finally, one of the top things to do for some family fun in the Bahamas is Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay. Soak up the thrilling water slides, relaxation areas, watersports and white sand beaches. In the Caribbean, you'll find something for everyone.

Book a family-friendly cruise to the Caribbean.