Best Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Anguilla

For families who love nature, a short hike at Katouche Bay offers a mix of adventure and stunning coastal views. The trail takes you through lush vegetation, limestone formations, and leads to a quiet beach. Along the way, kids can spot birds, lizards, and unique plants. The hike isn’t too strenuous, making it suitable for children who enjoy outdoor exploration.

Meads Bay is another beautiful beach that’s great for families, and it’s an ideal spot to try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). The calm waters make it easy for beginners to get the hang of balancing on the board, and rental shops provide boards in different sizes for kids and adults. Parents can paddle alongside their children, making it a fun and active way to enjoy the ocean together.

During the peak season, Anguilla Watersports sets up an inflatable water park in Cove Bay, where kids can climb, slide, and jump on floating obstacle courses. This is an exciting activity for kids who love water adventures and want something more thrilling than a regular beach day. The inflatable structures are safe, and lifeguards are on duty, ensuring a fun and worry-free experience.

Little Bay is one of Anguilla’s most secluded and breathtaking beaches, accessible only by boat, kayak, or a steep cliffside rope. Families with older kids can rent kayaks and paddle over to the bay, where they’ll be rewarded with calm, crystal-clear waters and fantastic snorkeling. The cliffs surrounding the bay create a peaceful, private swimming area where kids can spot tropical fish and even sea turtles. It’s a fun, active way to explore the island’s natural beauty.

Take a boat trip to Scrub Island, an uninhabited island with hidden beaches, rock formations, and even an abandoned airstrip to explore. While it’s more of an adventure destination, older kids will love the sense of exploration, hiking the trails, and spotting seabirds. There’s even a small salt pond where flamingos are sometimes seen. The island is a great spot for a day of adventure and discovery.

Crocus Bay is a beautiful and quiet beach perfect for families who want a relaxing day by the water. Kids can safely swim in the calm waters or rent kayaks and paddle along the scenic coastline. A highlight for families is Da’Vida Bayside Grill, a beachfront restaurant where kids can enjoy fresh fruit smoothies, burgers, and other kid-friendly meals. On Sundays, there’s often live music, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

Sandy Ground is not just a hub for boats and water activities—it also has a small playground where younger kids can play. The nearby beach offers gentle waves for safe swimming, and parents can relax at one of the beachfront restaurants while watching their kids play. This area is also great for watching the colorful sunset in the evening.

Anguilla has a strong fishing culture, and families can book an excursion with a local fisherman to learn how to catch fish using traditional methods. This hands-on activity is both educational and fun, as kids get to experience life as a local and even bring home their own fresh catch. Many excursions also include a picnic or beach cookout, making it a full-day adventure.

Shoal Bay is one of the most famous beaches in Anguilla, and it’s perfect for families. The soft, powdery white sand and calm, shallow waters make it ideal for young kids to play safely. Parents can relax under umbrellas while kids build sandcastles or splash in the crystal-clear water. The beach also has small beachfront restaurants serving kid-friendly meals like burgers and fries, making it easy to spend the whole day here. For families interested in snorkeling, the coral reefs just offshore offer a chance to spot colorful fish in a safe, shallow environment.

For families who want to explore the ocean without getting wet, a glass-bottom boat tour is a great option. These tours take families out on the water, where they can look through the clear panels in the boat to see coral reefs, tropical fish, and even stingrays. The guides often provide fun facts about marine life, making it both an entertaining and educational experience. Younger kids especially enjoy spotting colorful fish and watching the ocean life from the comfort of the boat.

This fascinating historical site is great for curious kids who love exploring. The Fountain Cavern is a large limestone cave featuring petroglyphs and ancient carvings left by the island’s original inhabitants, the Arawaks. While the cavern itself isn’t open for full exploration, families can learn about the site’s significance through guided tours and educational displays. It’s a great way to introduce kids to Anguilla’s indigenous history in an engaging and adventurous setting.

Another fantastic beach for families, Rendezvous Bay offers miles of soft sand and calm, shallow waters that are perfect for children. The beach has a relaxed atmosphere, making it great for a peaceful family outing. The waves here are gentle, making it an ideal spot for beginner swimmers. There are also a few beachfront restaurants where families can enjoy fresh seafood and kid-friendly options like chicken tenders and fries.

If your kids love mermaids, they’ll have a blast at Mermaid School Anguilla, where they can wear a mermaid tail and learn how to swim like one! The instructors provide fun lessons in a safe, shallow-water setting, making it a unique and unforgettable experience for young swimmers. This is a great activity for birthdays or just a special treat for little ocean lovers.

If your kids enjoy sports, consider signing them up for a lesson at the Anguilla Tennis Academy. The facility offers programs for children of all ages and skill levels, and it’s a great way to stay active while on vacation. The friendly instructors make learning fun, and kids can practice their skills while meeting other young travelers.

Located in Blowing Point, Dolphin Discovery Anguilla allows families to get up close and personal with friendly dolphins. Kids can interact with these intelligent creatures through various programs, including touching, playing, and even getting a dolphin kiss! The shallow-water encounters are great for younger children, while older kids can try swimming alongside the dolphins. It’s an unforgettable experience that blends fun with an opportunity to learn about marine life and conservation.

For a more laid-back family activity, check out Anguilla’s Mini Golf & Fun Park. This small entertainment center features a mini-golf course, an arcade, and family-friendly games. It’s a great place to unwind in the evening after a day at the beach, and kids love the colorful, playful atmosphere.

Several local stables offer horseback riding experiences, where kids and families can ride gentle horses along Anguilla’s stunning beaches. This activity is great for beginners, as the horses are well-trained, and guides ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Riding along the shoreline at sunset is a magical experience that kids won’t forget.

For a bit of history, take the family to the Heritage Collection Museum, where kids can learn about Anguilla’s past through artifacts, old photographs, and historical displays. The museum showcases items from the island’s early settlers, colonial history, and even the 1967 Anguilla Revolution. The museum is small but packed with interesting stories, making it a great short stop to introduce kids to local culture and history.

Take a short boat ride to Sandy Island, a tiny, picture-perfect cay with white sand, swaying palm trees, and gentle turquoise waters. This secluded spot is great for a family beach day, where kids can safely swim in the shallow water and parents can relax in a hammock. The island also has a small beachside restaurant serving grilled seafood and refreshing drinks. Kids will love the adventure of traveling to a “secret” island and exploring the shoreline for seashells.

Once a major part of Anguilla’s economy, the salt ponds are now a fascinating historical site where kids can learn about how salt was harvested. Families can take a short walk around the area, see remnants of the old salt industry, and even spot wildlife like herons and egrets. It’s a great way to combine a little history with nature exploration.

Scilly Cay is a small, privately-owned island just off the coast of Anguilla. Families can take a short boat ride to spend the day relaxing on the beach, snorkeling in the clear water, and enjoying a delicious seafood lunch. Kids will love the adventure of traveling by boat, and parents will appreciate the island’s laid-back, family-friendly vibe. It’s a great way to spend a peaceful day in paradise.

A trip to Island Harbour is a great way to experience the local culture in Anguilla. Families can watch local fishermen bring in their daily catch, visit small markets selling fresh fruit, and even hop on a small boat to explore nearby Scrub Island. The harbor has a calm, welcoming atmosphere, and kids will enjoy watching the colorful boats and trying traditional Caribbean snacks from local vendors.