Ranked – Best Things to Do with Kids in St Thomas and St John

Safari Tours are an exciting way for families to explore St. Thomas. The open-air safari buses take families on a guided tour of the island, showcasing its natural beauty and historical landmarks. Kids will enjoy the bumpy, adventurous ride while learning about the island’s culture, wildlife, and history. The tours also include stops at scenic viewpoints where families can take photos and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

Lindquist Beach is a lesser-known gem on St. Thomas, offering families a peaceful and beautiful setting for a day of relaxation. The beach has calm, clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The soft sand and shallow waters make it ideal for younger children to play and explore. The beach is surrounded by natural beauty, making it a perfect spot for a family picnic or just a quiet day by the sea.

Blackbeard’s Castle is a historic site and museum that brings pirate lore to life. Kids will love learning about the infamous pirate Blackbeard while exploring the castle and its exhibits. The site features a tower that offers panoramic views of St. Thomas and the surrounding islands. There are also pirate-themed activities and treasure hunts for children, making it an exciting and educational adventure for families.

Although located on St. John, a short ferry ride from St. Thomas, the Virgin Islands National Park is an amazing destination for families. The park offers hiking trails, beach access, and opportunities to spot wildlife. Kids can enjoy the easy, family-friendly trails and swim in crystal-clear waters. With opportunities for snorkeling, picnicking, and exploring historical ruins, this park offers a day of outdoor fun for all ages.

Tillett Gardens is a cultural arts center that offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including art exhibits, music performances, and hands-on workshops. Children can engage in art projects, learn about local artists, and even participate in family art classes. The open-air space provides a relaxed environment for families to enjoy arts and crafts, listen to music, and interact with local creators. Tillett Gardens is an excellent stop for a day of creative fun in St. Thomas.

The St. Thomas Butterfly Garden offers a peaceful and educational experience for kids. Located at the entrance to the famous Magens Bay Beach, the garden is home to many species of butterflies that kids can observe up close. The colorful butterflies flutter around the lush tropical plants, and children can learn about the life cycle of butterflies through interactive exhibits. The garden is a great place for families to enjoy a relaxing time together while educating children about nature.

For families who love the outdoors, Virgin Islands Ecotours offers a variety of eco-friendly adventures, such as kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching. The eco-tours are designed to teach kids about the local ecosystem, wildlife, and conservation efforts in a fun, interactive way. Whether kayaking through mangroves, exploring hidden coves, or spotting wildlife, these eco-tours provide a memorable, educational experience for children and adults alike.

The St. Thomas Skyride takes families on a scenic cable car ride from the cruise port up to Paradise Point. The ride provides stunning views of Charlotte Amalie Harbor and the surrounding islands. Once at the top, kids can enjoy a variety of activities, including a parrot show and a fun playground. The Skyride is an exciting adventure for kids, offering great photo opportunities and spectacular views.

Magens Bay Beach is one of the most famous and family-friendly beaches on St. Thomas. The calm, clear waters make it ideal for young children to swim and play. Kids can build sandcastles, wade in the shallow water, or enjoy a picnic under the palm trees. There are also kayak and paddleboard rentals available for families who want to explore the water. The beach is well-maintained with facilities like bathrooms and snack bars, making it a convenient and fun spot for families.

For families interested in cultural experiences, the St. Thomas Synagogue offers a fascinating historical site to explore. Built in 1833, it is the oldest synagogue in the United States. The synagogue provides educational tours where children can learn about the history of Jewish settlers on the island and the significance of the synagogue. The building itself is a beautiful piece of history, and the tours are designed to engage children with stories and cultural insights.

Mountain Top is a must-see spot for families who enjoy breathtaking views. Located at the highest point on St. Thomas, it offers panoramic views of the island, neighboring islands, and the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea. Kids will love the scenic overlook, and there’s also a famous banana daiquiri bar where families can enjoy refreshing drinks and snacks. The shop at Mountain Top sells local goods and souvenirs, making it a great stop for families looking to take home a piece of St. Thomas.

The Pirate Treasure Museum is a fun, hands-on activity for kids who love pirates. The museum showcases pirate artifacts and offers interactive exhibits, including a pirate ship where kids can climb aboard and pretend to be pirates. Kids can learn about the golden age of piracy in the Caribbean and hear exciting pirate stories. The museum is both educational and entertaining for families, making it a great stop for history buffs and adventure lovers alike.

Cinnamon Bay Watersports offers a variety of family-friendly activities on St. Thomas, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Families can enjoy the calm, clear waters of Cinnamon Bay while taking part in fun water activities. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, ensuring that kids are safe while having fun on the water. Cinnamon Bay also offers rentals for snorkeling equipment, allowing families to explore the underwater world in a safe and relaxed environment.

Coral World Ocean Park is a top destination for families visiting St. Thomas. The park offers an interactive experience where kids can learn about marine life through touch tanks, aquariums, and exhibits. Children can even feed sea turtles, interact with stingrays, and watch sharks being fed. The Undersea Observatory Tower allows kids to see fish and marine creatures from above and below the water. With so much to explore, it’s a fun and educational experience for kids of all ages.

For families with older children, the Reef Bay Trail on St. John is an exciting hike through the Virgin Islands National Park. The trail leads to a secluded beach and features stops at ancient petroglyphs, carved by the island’s early inhabitants. Kids will enjoy learning about the island’s rich history while hiking through tropical forests and spotting local wildlife. The trek is a great way to introduce children to both nature and history in a hands-on way.

Coki Beach is a vibrant and fun spot for families looking to experience both sand and sea. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for young kids to swim and snorkel. The beach is known for its incredible underwater visibility, making it an excellent place to snorkel and see colorful fish and coral reefs. Families can rent snorkel gear and spend the day exploring the underwater world or relax on the beach with food vendors offering snacks and drinks.

Water Island, just a short boat ride from St. Thomas, offers a peaceful escape with pristine beaches and calm waters perfect for families. Kids can enjoy beach activities, such as playing in the sand or snorkeling along the shoreline. The island is also home to Honeymoon Beach, a quiet spot where families can relax, swim, or explore the underwater world with their snorkel gear. Taking a boat to Water Island is an exciting and scenic experience, giving kids a chance to explore a new location.

Brewer’s Bay is a calm, family-friendly beach located on the north side of St. Thomas. It’s ideal for families with younger children because the waters are shallow and protected by a coral reef. The beach is perfect for a relaxing day of swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking. There are also picnic tables and restrooms, making it a comfortable place for families to spend the day by the sea. Kids will love the gentle waves and the chance to spot marine life like fish and sea turtles while snorkeling.

The Sir Francis Drake Channel offers an exciting opportunity for kids to explore the waters surrounding St. Thomas on a family-friendly sailing excursion. Several companies offer guided boat tours that allow families to visit nearby islands, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or enjoy a picnic on a secluded beach. The calm waters of the channel make it perfect for young children to safely enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean. These sailing trips provide a unique way for families to bond while discovering the stunning surroundings.

Step into the past with a visit to Fort Christian, the oldest building in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Located right in Charlotte Amalie, this red-brick Danish fort was built in the 1600s and now serves as a museum filled with fascinating exhibits about the island’s history. Families can explore old cannons, artifacts from the colonial era, and even learn about pirates and the Danish influence on the island. Kids will love walking through the old stone hallways, imagining life in a real fortress. It's a great way to sneak in some learning during your trip—without it feeling like school! The museum is manageable in size, air-conditioned, and located near downtown shops and restaurants, making it an easy cultural stop during your day exploring Charlotte Amalie.

Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline is one of the top family-friendly adventure activities in St. Thomas. Perched high in the rainforest, this guided zipline tour features six exhilarating lines, two sky bridges, and stunning views of Magens Bay and the Caribbean Sea. Kids (ages 5 and up) and adults alike will love soaring through the treetops with friendly guides ensuring safety and fun. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the island’s lush landscape from above.