U.S. Virgin Island Family Vacations
From family-friendly hotels and casual dining spots to unforgettable excursions across St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas, here’s how to build an island itinerary that keeps everyone entertained.
With no passport required, a trip to USVI for you and your family is as simple as a plane ride. These islands make it easy to plan a stress-free getaway packed with kid-friendly adventures, beach days and cultural discoveries. Whether you’re staying in a spacious resort, glamping steps from the sand or exploring historical forts and glowing bays, a U.S. Virgin Islands family vacation blends relaxation and discovery in all the right ways.
Family-Friendly Hotels
Across the islands, there’s no shortage of places where families can settle in and relax. On St. Croix, The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort has a Kids Camp that keeps younger travelers entertained with beach games and crafts — giving parents a little extra downtime. Tamarind Reef Resort Spa & Marina offers roomy accommodations, a quiet beachfront, shaded hammocks and an on-site restaurant. Its laid-back atmosphere, easy access to snorkeling and short drive to downtown Christiansted make it a convenient and comfortable choice for families.
On St. John, Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground offers a rare chance to sleep just steps from the sea. Choose from traditional campsites or elevated eco-tents that bring a little extra comfort to your night under the stars — all inside Virgin Islands National Park, with hiking trails and watersports just beyond your doorstep.
Families visiting St. Thomas gravitate toward Emerald Beach Resort, located right on a calm, swimmable beach just minutes from the airport — ideal for easy arrivals and laid-back beach days. Rooms are spacious, the beach is kid-friendly and the on-site restaurant makes mealtimes simple. Another popular option is Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, an all-inclusive property known for its friendly vibe, beachfront pool and complimentary water activities like paddleboarding and snorkeling.
Kid-Approved Dining
A USVI family vacation wouldn’t be complete without easy, flavorful meals that keep everyone satisfied. On St. Croix, Toast Diner is a go-to for breakfast and lunch, serving kid-friendly classics like syrup-smothered pancakes and stacked sandwiches. Rhythms at Rainbow Beach is a solid pick for lunch — where families can eat right on the sand — with a menu full of crowd-pleasers like fish sandwiches, chicken tenders and fresh smoothies. For a relaxed dinner, Louie & Nacho’s Beach Bar serves up tacos, burgers and island favorites with views of the ocean at sunset.
Over on St. John, Cruz Bay is lined with casual cafes and easygoing restaurants perfect for hungry beachgoers. Stop into North Shore Deli for breakfast sandwiches and grab-and-go snacks. Then head to The Tap Room, where parents can sip local brews while kids munch on cheesy pizzas. And when it’s time for a sweet treat, order some island-inspired ice cream cones at St. John Scoops, which has flavors like coconut, mango and passionfruit.
In St. Thomas, families swing by Moe’s Fresh Market Deli to stock up on beach-day snacks, sandwiches and cold drinks before heading out for the day. For a more formal dinner by the water, Sunset Grille at Secret Harbour serves grilled fish, fresh salads and kids’-menu items with sweeping ocean views from your seat. For something more casual, The Shack at Sapphire Beach keeps things easy with picnic tables on the sand, live music and a menu full of island-style comfort food like grilled-shrimp tacos and conch fritters.
Family Excursions
This is where your family vacation really shines — with experiences that let kids explore, learn and play. In St. Croix, families can wander the cannon-lined walls of Fort Christiansvaern, spend the afternoon spotting leatherback turtles at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge or take a nighttime glass-bottom kayak tour through the bioluminescent waters of Salt River Bay.
St. John brings a mix of beachfront fun and nature immersion. Maho Bay is one of the best places to snorkel with sea turtles in calm, shallow water. At Cinnamon Bay, families can hike, paddleboard or join art classes at Cinnamon Bay Campground. After dark, the Night Kayak GLOW Tour brings a bit of magic with LED-lit kayaks and glow paint under the moonlight.
In St. Thomas, Coral World Ocean Park blends entertainment with education, from sea lion swims to kid-friendly SNUBA adventures. The Virgin Islands Children’s Museum offers hands-on exhibits and creative play zones, while the Pirates Treasure Museum turns history into an interactive treasure hunt. For thrill seekers, the Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline tour whisks you through the rainforest canopy with sweeping views over Magens Bay.
Plan Your USVI Family Vacation
Whether you’re building sandcastles, watching sea turtles or learning pirate lore, a USVI family vacation gives every age something to look forward to. With easy island-hopping between St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas, you can mix adventure with downtime — and come home with stories that last.
Get a full kid-friendly guide to USVI.
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