Antigua with young kids: 14 reasons to visit Antigua
It’s not hard to tempt someone to Antigua with kids. From our previous trips, I know how family-friendly the Caribbean is and with winter looming, I didn’t take much persuading to swap autumn for sun, sea and sand.
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But while those improbably turquoise seas are as enticing (and turquoise) as the photos, it’s definitely worth dragging yourself away from the beach to discover what else Antigua has to offer, even for those travelling with a toddler or preschooler.
Because while there are more adrenaline thrills and underwater adventures if you don’t have a three-year-old, here are my 14 reasons to visit Antigua with young kids.
Antigua’s beaches
There are far more things to do in Antigua with kids than simply discovering the powdery soft sand and unfeasibly clear water, but you can’t miss the beaches entirely.
And with 365 beaches – famously one for every day of the year – you won’t be short of somewhere to relax by the waves.
If you’re visiting Antigua with toddlers, lovely Long Bay has shallow water so clear that you can walk out to reefs and see the fish without needing a snorkel – useful when you’ve got a three-year-old who won’t consider a mask.
Boat trips
One of the best ways to see the island is by cruising around its coast, and there are plenty of family-friendly options for boat trips in Antigua.
We took a half-day trip with SeaEscapes hopping around the coast before a stop at Deep Bay for lunch and a swim.
The glass-bottomed boat is another bonus with little ones who can’t swim, as they can still get a feel for the marine life.
The snorkelling
Whether you choose the shallow rocks and reef of Long Bay – perfect for wandering out to with a preschooler who can’t yet swim or snorkel – or the deeper water on our SeaEscapes voyage, there are some incredible fish and corals.
My three-year-old is already fascinated by the undersea world but until she’s more confident in the water, snorkelling is off the table for now, so it was fantastic to give her a view of the fish without going to an aquarium – big tick if you’re visiting Antigua with toddler too.
The stingrays
One of my favourite experiences on Antigua was swimming with stingrays on a shallow sandbank at Stingray City.
Free to come and go, they’re very happy to float over to hoover up squid and there’s a small deck for any small people who want a taste of the experience without getting into the water.
The views
Shirley Heights is the most famous viewpoint, overlooking English Harbour, but the limestone peaks around the island give great views out to the Caribbean, curving sandy bays and the neighbouring islands.
The Devil’s Bridge
The ocean crashes up through this blowhole in the rocks on the east side of the island, wearing away the cliff to create a narrow bridge.
Even at a distance, it’s impressive for kids (and adults!) to watch as it suddenly blasts upwards in an eruption of spray.
Check out the video for a shot of it in action!
Antigua’s history
Nelson’s Dockyard dates back to the 18th century, and was once home to Nelson himself as well as being a key naval base for the British fleet.
Today there’s a museum among the restaurants and hotels too, and while the combination of cobbles and jetlag sent my daughter off to sleep in her buggy, there’s enough to capture a three-year-old’s interest here as well.
The landmarks
Another remnant of Antigua’s past, the windmills once used on sugar plantations still dot the hills, including Betty’s Hope.
One of the earliest plantations on the island, there’s more information across the site – one of the mill towers has its sails restored, but it’s worth a stop even just to look at the buildings.
Antigua’s picturesque capital
St John’s, on the island’s west coast, is a mix of bright pastel colours and a historic 19th century cathedral, which replaced two previous buildings destroyed in earthquakes.
There was work going on in the grounds when we visited, but you can wander through the old cemetery, as well as past the boutiques and shops of the town.
The culture
From the earliest Amerindians to British colonisation, one of the best ways to discover the island’s history is at the Museum of Antigua & Barbuda in St John’s, with some sobering exhibits on slavery too.
A small museum, there’s nothing particularly for young kids but older kids will appreciate more of the impact of the exhibits, and it’s easy to wander around.
Caribbean food and drink
Fish, seafood, creole spices and fruit galore to try mean you’ll find fantastic food whether you’re eating in your resort or stopping to pick something up while you’re exploring.
I always love finding conch fritters (even if Minnie is less tempted!) Plus the rum-packed daiquiris, obviously… and a virgin strawberry version for my daughter.
The weather
Exactly what you picture when you think of the Caribbean… blue skies, gentle breezes and sun. Around eight hours of sun per day, in fact, and even in the rainiest months the showers are normally brief.
Plus it’s warm enough to swim in the sea year-round. Enough said… Bliss!
The atmosphere
Chilled-out, welcoming and ultra-relaxing. There’s always a warm welcome in the Caribbean but you can turn the warmth up a few notches when you’re travelling as a family.
Kids are never too much trouble here, which helps make it an even more relaxing experience for parents.
The places to stay
I stayed at Verandah Resort & Spa in the east of the island, part of the Elite Island Resorts group – several of the resorts on Antigua are family-friendly but this was great for a visit to Antigua with young kids.
It’s all-inclusive, which makes it perfect for families, including some great watersports to try and two beaches, along with pools (one of which is the biggest on the island) and a kids’ club.
Check out my full review of Verandah resort here
**First published 2015, updated 2020**
PIN FOR LATER: REASONS TO VISIT ANTIGUA WITH YOUNG KIDS
Disclosure: My trip to Antigua and stay at Verandah Resort was courtesy of the Antigua tourist board and Elite Island Resorts. All opinions on the top reasons to visit Antigua with kids remain my own. This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission
All images and video copyright MummyTravels
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You had me at sand sun & beach, though the weather is not too bad here it could be better with some lovely sunshine. I have added Antigua to my list of places to visit
It’s a lovely island – was great to finally see blue sky here today but am craving heat and sun.
Oh I don’t think I needed 14 reasons, I think looking at your beautiful pictures of the white sand and clear blue sea was enough to make me want to visit Antigua! It looks like Heaven on Earth 🙂
Me neither! And thank you – it really is as gorgeous as that. No need for Photoshop when the water is THAT turquoise.
I would love to visit Antigua it is a magical destination that I could feel at home in. The scenery is simply stunning and the culture is intriguing too x
It is such a gorgeous island.
Looks like you definitely enjoyed Antigua! I am not a huge fan of sun and sand myself (I lived in Florida for the past few years and got bored after a month), I love seasons and mountains, but I think tropical places are beautiful and there is always a lot to see and experience. Lovely post and pictures! x
I really did – I do agree that endless days at the beach would not be too exciting for me either after a while, but for a week chilling out it was perfect (and still enough to explore in between). Thanks!
Stunning pictures of a beautiful mix of culture and nature. I must confess, I actually have been afraid of going underwater since I was a child (and nearly drowned in my uncle’s pond when I fell into it). So snorkling or diving is out of the question for me. But would love to swim in that turquouis water and rest on those beaches. And those rum daiquiri’s sound great too. 😉
Oh how scary – no wonder you would be put off. The water is Antigua is so calm and clear, it’s beautiful to swim in though (and you can see the fish at Long Bay without needing to go underneath)
We were lucky enough to go to Antiqua with work a few years ago and stayed in an amazing resorts, went out on a catamaran, did the zip ropes and went down to Nelson’s Dock Yard. It was a brilliant few days, we were very lucky. xx
I would have loved to do the zipwires too if I hadn’t been there with my daughter – our boat trip and Nelson’s Dockyard were great though (and some more posts to come on those…)
We love the Caribbean, but Antigua is still to be visited. One for the wishlist I think.
It’s the fifth I’ve visited (most only for a quick stop) and would definitely recommend it.
Oh wow, it is just so so beautiful, wow, I am wanting to visit now more than I am before x
It’s as good as the photos too! No editing needed 🙂
All looks so beautiful Cathy! The sea, the colours, the views, the drinks! I’d like to try them all. So glad you had a wonderful time and it sounds fabulous for all ages. Bit of an envy alert!!
It really is as good as it looks too! (sorry about the envy…)
It’s great seeing what a lovely time you had with Minnie. I went with a group of friends for a wedding, so had a different experience. We loved Shirley Heights. Fab photos
Very different I expect! What a wonderful place for a wedding though.
That looks amazing. I have just been reading your post and daydreaming. The water and beaches call to me!
Me too – was daydreaming quite a bit over the photos myself.
You know I don’t think I needed to see these photos this morning Cathy! You definitely have tempted me to try Antigua. Would absolutely love too!
I think grey, rainy January when the holidays have just finished is the *best* day to have some tempting beach scenes. Makes my job as tempter-in-chief much easier too 😉
Amazing photos, definitely what I need when outside is cold and snowing. You sure tempted me 😉
Thanks Vlad! A bit of sun is definitely needed, even if it’s pixels only I think 🙂
Incredible photos Cathy! I absolutely adore Antigua, it was one of my favourite islands when I worked on the ships (we used to call in every two weeks) and so we booked a family holiday and returned a couple of years ago. The views from Shirley Heights are incredible and swimming with the stingrays is so much fun:) #MondayEscapes
Thanks! It is such a gorgeous place isn’t it – and the stingrays were easily one of my favourite bits.
Wow, I want to go there! Great photos Cathy!
Thanks! It was gorgeous…. 🙂
Wow – As I’m looking through the photos, there are more than a few that made me think I would never, ever leave! So inviting!! #MondayEscapes
Thanks! Looking at them again, I’m not quite sure why I was persuaded back on the plane…
I don’t need a reason, I just need more money:)) #monday escapes
That’s usually what stops me too 😀
Omg.. that sea!! What a bucket-list worthy destination! I need to go to the Caribbean some day. #MyFavouriteTrip
I know – it is just gorgeous there. I couldn’t get over the colour of the sea.
Those are some spectacular views!
I looks like Antigua has a good mix of things to do as opposed to a beach day every day.
Thanks! And absolutely, the beaches are wonderful but there’s a lot more to do there as well.
You had me at beach but those rum-packed daiquiris deserve a closer look too! #myfavouritetrip
They deserve extensive testing too 🙂
This brought back many memories as I visited Antigua in 2001! The island looks just as gorgeous as I remember and those beaches, wow! Please send me back 🙂 Stunning photos, sounds like you had an amazing time. Polly x
As long as I can stow away in your suitcase! And thank you, we did have such a lovely time – I never get tired of looking at those photos.
Love Antigua and all those places!
It’s such a lovely island, isn’t it.
The resort looks incredible, we have been to St.Johns and Stingray City and just loved it Antigua is such a special Island x
It was lovely – the island is so gorgeous, isn’t it.
You just made me want to visit Antigua even more!
Excellent! I love to tempt 🙂
Perfect weather, amazing views, and fun activities.
Absolutely!
Awesome post. Antigua has really nice beaches!
So beautiful