Our Top Picks: The Best Activities For A Family Vacation in Barbados

The allure of Barbados is never-ending, a veritable playground with a calendar of events and activities that the whole family can enjoy. A cultural tapestry envelops you as you step onto the island - rhythmic beats pulsate in the distance and an aromatic mix of spices greet your nostrils. Whether you’ve come with your tiny tots and little wanderers, or you’re joined by the timeless wisdom of your family's elders, rest assured, there’s something for everyone on this vibrant island.

Here at Apes Hill, we pride ourselves on being a place of prestige without pretension, constantly reminded by the laughter of families staying with us that it is our children who keep us young and spirited. And so, what better place to holiday than the safe haven of Barbados? An island where children can frolic freely, enveloped in security, allowing you as parents to breathe easy and enjoy your stay to the fullest. 

So, dive into our guide for an unforgettable family vacation in Barbados, an island where your family will bask in the glow of the sun and the warmth of genuine hospitality, where every day is an invitation to adventure, relaxation, and making memories that will last a lifetime.

The beauty of visiting Barbados is that even the typically ‘tourist’ activities are an immersion into the island’s culture and heritage.

For the little tykes in your troupe, there’s a seemingly infinite list of attractions and activities, inviting discovery and delight. They can don an explore hat at Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park, take a trip through time on the St Nicholas Abbey train tour, or learn about our world at Jairus Brewster Children’s Gallery. And who could resist the allure of a journey beneath the waves with Atlantis Submarines, where the ocean's mysteries unfold before their very eyes?  It’s the stuff of bedtime stories, but here, they get to live it! And let’s not forget the natural wonders of the island - Barbados is brimming with nature trails, gardens and wildlife reserves just waiting to be explored.

Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park pretty much has all you could want for a fun family day out in Barbados. At its simplest, take a tour through the huge, crystallised cave that still carries water, exploring deep streams and pools of clear water. But that’s not all - you can soar above 100 feet on the Monkey Zipline, a high-flying adventure loved by kids and parents alike; tackle the Gully Challenge Course adventure; learn about the history of the Bajan’s favourite drink at the Mount Gay Rum Experience; slow down and walk along the Pride of Barbados Nature Trail and Bird Aviary; or grab a bite to eat at the Green Monkey Pool, Bar & Grill.

There truly is something for everyone!

Open: Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Tour Times: 10.30am - 2.30pm

Ages: All 

For more information please visit https://chukka.com/destinations/barbados/harrisons-cave/ 

A round trip that takes approximately an hour, enjoy a narrated tour that takes you past the historic Great House and through all the wildlife living in the surrounding woodlands.

Open: Sunday to Friday (closed on Saturdays)

Bookings are not required

Train Departures: 10.00am • 11.30am • 1.30pm • 2.30pm

Ages: All

For more information please visit https://stnicholasabbey.com/visit/heritage-railway

With a new playpark that the kids can enjoy as you lie down and soak in the spectacular views of the eastern coast of the island, a day out at Farley Hill is enjoyable for all. Take a picnic, and enjoy switching off.

Open: Monday to Sunday, 8.30am - 5.30pm

For more information please visit https://www.visitbarbados.org/farley-hill-national-park 

The Children’s Gallery at the Barbados Museum is a fantastic interactive learning opportunity for children to understand the world through a Bajan lens. Through this exhibition, children, inclusive of those with varying developmental needs and physical disabilities, can explore the human body, perform ‘surgeries’, and learn from artefact replicas.

Open: Monday to Saturdays 9am - 5pm

Ages: 3-13 years old

For more information please visit https://barbmuse.org.bb/Discover/Exhibitions/Jairus-Brewster-Children-s-Gallery 

Take a voyage under the sparkling Caribbean sea and discover the marine life that surrounds the island. 

Open: Monday - Sunday

Day and Evening tours available

Ages: All

For more information please visit https://www.barbados.atlantissubmarines.com/ 

A place of tranquillity and calm, Hunte's Gardens is the perfect day out for when you want to embrace a slower pace of life, nourishing your mind and your soul. Explore the former gully, marvelling at the hundreds of varieties of trees and plants, and challenge the kids to spot as many of the 84 listed items living in our gardens. 

Open: Monday - Sunday, 10am - 4pm

Ages: All

For more information please visit https://www.huntesgardens-barbados.com/ 

A treasure trove of activities for families, Welchman Hall Gully is the perfect blend of adventure and education amidst nature’s beauty. This tropical paradise invites visitors to explore a lush, mile-long gully, home to a rich variety of native plants and wildlife, including playful green monkeys. Children can marvel at the enchanting flora and fauna on a guided tour, learning about the island's natural history and the importance of conservation.

Open: Monday - Sunday, 9am - 4pm

Ages: All

For more information please visit https://www.welchmanhallgullybarbados.com/ 

Another day, another nature activity for your kids to enjoy! Located in a natural mahogany wood, Barbados’ wildlife reserve has few cages, and visitors are invited to stroll freely through the Reserve, watching the animals in their natural environment. 

Open: Monday-Sunday, 10am - 5pm, last entrance at 4pm

Ages: All

For more information please visit https://barbados.org/reserve.htm

Bajan culture is renowned throughout the world - its reputation precedes itself. Bajan food, with its symphony of flavours, from the spicy kick of pepperpot to the comforting embrace of cou-cou and flying fish, dances harmoniously with the island's pulsating music, where calypso beats and steelpan melodies fill the air, creating a captivating panorama of tradition, celebration, and community spirit.

Music makes up the heartbeat of the island, a universal language that resonates with every soul, no matter their age. From the smooth rhythms of the Jazz Festival and the vibrant celebrations of Crop Over Summer, to the historic Holetown Festival and buzz of Independence Day, each event is a unique jewel in Barbados' year-round crown of festivities. Read more about these festivities in our guide to moving to Barbados here. 

And what about food? Embark on a culinary journey that tantalises the taste buds and introduces you to the heart of Bajan cuisine. From traditional dishes like flying fish, cutters, and fish cakes to the sweet delight of conkies, every bite is a story of the island's rich heritage and flavours. Be sure to try food from the local beach vendors, and for drinks, take a look at the best bars in Barbados here. 

We’re also aware that your little ones may not be the biggest fans of the piquant spices and aromatic flavours of the island, but fear not! At Apes Hill, we've got a spread that caters to every taste, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters leave the table with happy tummies and big smiles. 

And as for keeping active? Yet again, Barbados presents a never-ending list of things to do. 

The picturesque beaches on the island adorn postcard after postcard, and they offer a stunning backdrop for a plethora of activities that promise endless fun for the kids, allowing you the blissful choice to either bask in relaxation and recharge, or jump in and create unforgettable memories alongside them. Either way, it's a win-win on these stunning shores. Don a snorkel and explore the colourful locals of the reef, glide atop the azure waves on a paddleboard, or cut through the waters in a kayak. The sea is not just a backdrop here; it's an invitation to play. 

But why stop at aquatic adventures? The island's sporting spirit is alive and well on terra firma with tennis and cricket. Swing a racket or wield a bat, whether you're gracing the courts and pitches yourself or basking in the thrill of a match from the sidelines.

If we’re lucky enough to welcome you and your family to Apes Hill when you come to Barbados,  we promise a resort with even more fun for the whole family, and a community filled with laughter and giggles that will last you a lifetime. 

We run freshwater fishing expeditions at the reservoir, 

Spectacular views and championship holes await you on our elevated Championship golf course, or for a day under the sun that the whole family, no matter the age can enjoy, our Little Apes Par 3 course beckons. It's the perfect spot for both budding enthusiasts and seasoned pros to bond over birdies and bogeys. Our tennis and padel courts are also set to open soon, where friendly rivalries and spirited matches can develop, that end with high-fives and stories to tell at dinner. 

For those who seek to merge with nature, join one of our freshwater fishing expeditions at the reservoir, or take to one of the hiking and nature trails to offer an escape into the lush embrace of Barbados' stunning landscape. Join one of the Apes Hill guided walks, and discover the island's hidden treasures, from whispering forests to breathtaking vistas.

And though we know as much as your heart overflows with love for the kids, a serene escape to rejuvenate and pamper yourself is sometimes just what the doctor ordered. We run sports camps and seasonal activities over the holiday periods of Christmas, Easter and summer. So whilst we’re ensuring that your little ones’ days are jam-packed full of activities, why don’t you take the time to unwind? Our spa is soon to be open - it's your secret hideaway, where the only task is to relax and be pampered.

At Apes Hill, we’re not simply offering a vacation destination, but a lifestyle and community where you can cherish moments with your loved ones, create unforgettable memories, relax and unwind. If you’d like to know more, please get in touch today.