Family Vacations in the U.S. Virgin Islands

St. Croix Family Vacations

Sea Turtles & Rays at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge

If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming alongside sea turtles and manta rays, you’re bound to spot some of these fascinating marine creatures underwater at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge. In fact, the protected beach is home to the largest leatherback turtle nesting site in the U.S. Build sandcastles on the beach, with its crystal-clear water and 2-mile-long stretch of powdery white sand. Or set off on a hike and see how many of the 100 species of birds you can spot, including black-necked stilts, brown pelicans and yellow warblers. The beach is closed to the public from April 1 to Sept. 1 to protect the delicate egg-filled turtle nests, making a visit here even more special when it’s open.

Clear-Kayak Bioluminescence Tours on Salt River Bay 

Hop aboard a single or double kayak and prepare for one of the most extraordinary family adventures ever. As you paddle the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve at night, the movement of the kayak through the water causes the bay’s glowing, bioluminescent organisms to twirl and spin like magical underwater stars. And since the kayaks are see-through, you’ll be fully immersed in this natural phenomenon. Sea Thru Kayaks VI and Virgin Kayak Tours both offer guided tours of the bay for crews with kids aged at least 8 or 6, respectively.

Cannons & History at Christiansvaern National Historic Site

Fort Christiansvaern was constructed in the late 18th century to protect St. Croix from potential invaders and possibly even pirates. Today, the fort is considered one of the best-preserved historical sites in the Caribbean. Explore the courtyard lined with cannons and venture inside the fort’s prison cells, officers’ barracks and small museum to learn more about colonial life on the island of St. Croix. Then take a stroll on the nearby Christiansted Boardwalk to see how many colorful fish you can spot from the surface of the turquoise water.

St. John Family Vacations

Eco-Friendly Glamping at Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground

Cinnamon Bay Beach is the longest stretch of pristine beach in the Virgin Islands National Park. It’s also the only beach on the islands where you can spend the night under the stars. Why simply camp when you can glamp? At Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground, your family can spend the night in the great outdoors in a deluxe eco-tent. Cook your meals over a campfire or head to the on-site restaurant, the Rain Tree Cafe, where you can have a bite over board games or attend regular chats about the culture and nature of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Snorkel gear, paddleboards, kayaks and beach chairs are all available for rent.

Snorkel with Sea Turtles at Maho Bay Beach

Calm Maho Bay in Virgin Islands National Park is one of the most popular spots for snorkeling in search of sea turtles who enjoy munching on the bountiful seagrass. Clear, smooth waters make the protected bay ideal for families. Snorkeling gear, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent on-site at Reef 2 Peak.

Take a Kayak GLOW tour

Get ready to glow as you set off on Night Kayak’s unforgettable GLOW tour. The family fun begins with glow body paint and photo ops at The Westin St. John Resort Villas. You’ll shine in vibrant color under the moonlight as you paddle the cove for about 45 minutes aboard a single or double clear-bottomed kayak, scanning the water for tarpon and rays gliding below you. An adult must accompany children under 16 in each boat, and children aged 3 and up are welcome to join in the night kayak adventure.

St. Thomas Family Vacations 

Swim with Dolphins or SNUBA at Coral World Ocean Park

The many aquariums at Coral World Ocean Park teem with fascinating marine creatures. But kids can also dive into the sea for unforgettably fun (and educational) sessions with dolphins, sea lions and even sharks. Or opt to set off on an underwater SNUBA adventure to experience the coral reef like a diver, minus the need for specialized training, certification or cumbersome oxygen tanks — they’re carried on a raft that floats above! Kids ages 8 and older can experience the freedom of movement and ease of breathing underwater and come face-to-face with marine life.

Play & Learn at The Virgin Islands Children’s Museum

The Virgin Islands Children’s Museum invites families to discover and play together. Interactive, hands-on exhibits for toddlers through elementary school-aged children include a pretend mango farm (where the kids harvest the fruit from wooden trees), a deep-sea light room and plenty of opportunities to design and create. The museum also hosts a number of year-long rotating programs centered around activities like coding, robotics and storybook readings, as well as other family events and celebrations.

Set Sail for the Pirates Treasure Museum

At the St. Thomas Pirates Treasure Museum, kids are invited to step behind the helm of a (virtual) pirate ship and pilot it out of a storm. They can also learn about the submarines and other technology used to recover real pirate booty. The two-story museum features hands-on exhibits and authentic treasures from the deep.

Soar Through the Rainforest with Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline Tour

Zip through the rainforest of St. Thomas at Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline Park. Six adrenaline-pumping ziplines and two sky bridges connect eight treetop platforms to whisk thrill seekers through the treetops for sweeping bird’s-eye views of Magens Bay and the islands beyond. The fun begins at the main entrance, where you’ll hop into a Pinzgauer all-terrain vehicle and travel to the top of St. Peter Mountain. From the mountaintop, prepare to fly through the treeline at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. Daring kids aged 5 and up can zipline, too, and those less than or equal to 70 pounds can go tandem zipping. Tandem zippers ages 5–7 must zip with a guardian who is 18 years or older.

Explore more fun things to do in USVI

Find kid-friendly lodging and dining