From calm waters perfect for snorkeling to high-speed zipline excursions to landmarks that make history come alive, there’s no end to the fun for the entire family in USVI. Make long-lasting memories and bond on scenic beaches—no passports required!
St. Thomas
Coral World Ocean Park
Today’s kids are tomorrow’s conservationists. Inspire them to protect our delicate ocean ecosystems with a fun-filled day at the open-air aquarium at Coral World Ocean Park.
Kids can meet 200 lb sea turtles and spot stingrays burrowing themselves in the sand. Climb down three stories to the Undersea Observatory Tower for a reef-side underwater view. In the Shark Shallows, watch juvenile blacktip and reef sharks gracefully circle their nursery tank. Kids of all ages can even kayak with dolphins!
Ziplining with Tree Limin’ Extreme
Got any daredevils in your brood? They’ll be on top of the world with a ziplining adventure at Tree Limin’ Extreme.
After a drive to the top of St. Peter Mountain in a 6-wheel Pinzgauer, you’ll careen through the treetops on six separate zip lines, reaching speeds of up to 30 MPH. With stunning views across the islands and a major adrenaline rush, they’ll be talking about this long after your vacation ends.
Kids must be at least five years old, and children under 70 lbs must ride tandem with an adult. Expert staff do a four-point inspection before each zip to keep everyone safe.
Coki Point Beach
St. Thomas’ Coki Point Beach is a snorkeling paradise. Its white sands and calm, clear waters make it easy to spot colorful reef fish just beneath the surface. Parents can splash with the kids or rent lounge chairs and umbrellas for a little R&R (and fresh fruit daiquiris) while the youngsters explore.
Adults and kids ten and up can also try scuba diving at the Coki Dive Center with a dry lesson, shallow water practice, and a 40-minute dive along the reef. Look for colorful sea life like Caribbean Reef Squid, Giant Sea Slugs, and Spotfin Burrfish.
Pirate’s Treasure Museum
It’s mayhem on the high seas at the Pirate’s Treasure Museum. This unique museum blends seafaring history with modern technology, showcasing authentic treasures rescued from both USVI wrecks and deep-ocean discoveries by the Odyssey Marine Exploration.
Kids love the interactive exhibits and background on the rough life of a pirate. Take photos inside the brig or behind the helm, and get a close look at cutlasses, coins, and more pirate booty from real shipwrecks.
St. Croix
Fort Christiansvaern
Little history buffs will love a visit to Fort Christiansvaern, a Christiansted National Historic Site built between 1738 and 1749. This defensive fort was built to defend against piracy and privateers. Over the century, it was home to Danish governors, a courthouse, a prison, and even a church.
What is there here to interest kids? How about real cannons on the gun decks, soldier’s barracks, and a dungeon? Plus, fans of Hamilton can see the cell where Alexander Hamilton’s mother, Rachel Levien, was held when her husband had her arrested!
Rainbow Beach
Spending a day at Rainbow Beach is a breeze, just a few minutes north of Frederiksted. The water here is calm and clear, so kids can wade or swim with ease. With paddleboards, kayaks, jet skis, and snorkel gear rentals from West End Water Sport, your family will never want to leave. Teens can drive jet skis with some restrictions, and younger kids can ride as passengers.
When you need a break, head to Rhythms at Rainbow Beach for fried shrimp or mahi tacos, plus frozen daiquiris and painkillers for the grown-ups.
Glass Bottom Kayak Tour of Salt River Bay
Kids ages five and up can view the world through a different type of screen on a Glass Bottom Kayak Tour of Salt River Bay. As you paddle through the clear bay water, you’ll be able to spot the wildlife teeming right beneath your sea-thru kayak!
Your professional guide will teach you how these special mangrove forests filter seawater and protect the island’s delicate shoreline. Keep an eye out for Cassiopeia jellyfish and eagle rays below and snowy egrets and pelicans above.
St. John
Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground
Turn your accommodations into part of the adventure at Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground. Pick a bare site with a simple tent if your kids can rough it, or opt for an eco-tent with beds, an electric outlet, a fan, a light, and bath towels if they (or you) need a few more creature comforts.
Located in Virgin Island National Park, there’s plenty to do. Snorkel in Cinnamon Bay, hike through the bay rum trees, spot ancient petroglyphs, and explore the ruins of Danish sugar plantations all within the park.
Night Kayak GLOW Tour
There’s plenty of family-friendly fun to be had after dark, like the award-winning Night Kayak GLOW Tour.
Start this nighttime adventure by decorating your face and skin with the provided neon paint, and take photos of your transformation. Then climb into clear-bottomed kayaks equipped with colorful LED lights, which give the water an otherworldly glow in the dark. Explore the quiet cove by moonlight to look for tarpons and stingrays in the clear water beneath your boat.
Kids three and up can kayak as long as they share a boat with someone over 16.
Lime Out
Some kids don’t get too enthused about mealtime. But when that meal is on a float in the middle of the ocean, they’ll change their tune.
Lime Out in Coral Bay Harbor is a floating pontoon restaurant serving tasty tacos, lemonade for the kids, and refreshing cocktails for the adults. Pile onto a floating “lily pad” where you can dangle your feet in the water while you eat.
Lime Out is only accessible by boat! Take a shuttle or rent a dinghy for the day so you can explore the bay after your lunch.
