Antigua and Barbuda with Kids

October 30, 2026

Antigua suits families because many of the best outings are short, on the water or at an easy walking pace. The sensible approach is to pick one main outing a day and leave the rest of the time for the beach. Prices are in US dollars where operators quote them that way, and the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$) is pegged at US$1 to EC$2.70.

Antigua Donkey Sanctuary

At Bethesda, the Antigua and Barbuda Humane Society cares for about 150 donkeys. Entry is free, donations are welcome, and children can brush the donkeys along flat paths. Visiting hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 3pm, and a call to 268 461 4957 before you set out is a good idea.

Stingray City

Stingray City Antigua is a boat tour from Seatons Village on the north-east coast to a sandbar where the water is waist-deep for an adult. Guides feed the rays, and the sandbar suits children who are confident in water. The operator sets the minimum age, so ask before you book, and ask for life vests for young children. Follow the guide’s rules on touching. Resellers show prices from about US$100 per person with transfer, so check what applies to children.

Wallings Button Pond trail

The Button Pond trail at Wallings Nature Reserve is the easy one: about 3 miles and 1 hour, with a ranger required on every walk. The child fare is US$15 (adult US$25). The reserve’s picnic area costs US$4 (EC$10), which makes a simple stop afterwards.

Dockyard Museum and Fort Berkeley

Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, at English Harbour, has a museum in an 1855 building and a short, shaded harbour walk to Fort Berkeley. The adult heritage pass is about US$15 (EC$40), and the park is open 8am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.

Calm beaches

Valley Church, Ffryes and Dickenson Bay are on the Caribbean side and are generally calm. Pigeon Point Beach at English Harbour is a popular family beach with a small beach bar scene. Even so, no beach is guaranteed to have lifeguards or flags, and drownings have been reported at calm bays, so keep children within arm’s reach in the water. Watch for manchineel trees on beaches: the sap, the rain that drips from the leaves and the small green apples can all hurt, and trunks are often marked with red paint.

Great Bird Island

Great Bird Island sits off the north-east coast and is reached by eco tour or catamaran. The usual stops are a snorkel and a short walk. Antiguan racer snakes live there, but seeing one is never guaranteed.

Wadadli Animal Nature Park

This small animal park at Lower Lyons in Saint Philip has monkeys, deer, peacocks, parrots and iguanas. Booking is required 48 hours ahead on 268 736 2895, so call to confirm current opening before you plan a day around it.

Devil’s Bridge

Devil’s Bridge on the east coast is a viewpoint only, and the way to see it is from behind the barriers. Waves surge through the blowholes without warning and the rock is slick. Keep children well back and do not let anyone walk onto the arch.

Trail bookings are on the Wallings Nature Reserve site , and official safety advice is on GOV.UK travel advice . Compare family-friendly tours on GetYourGuide .