Family friendly activities abound in Dominica, a mountainous island in the Caribbean known for its hot springs and its rocky coastal terrain. This Caribbean Eden is thick with rain forests and rivers. Located north of Venezuela and southeast of Puerto Rico, Dominica falls partway between Guadeloupe and Martinique. Don’t let the idea of rocky terrain fool you. There are plenty of family friendly activities in Dominica. And we will be cruising to this gorgeous island at the end of this year!
Family Friendly Activities In Dominica
Although Dominica is known for its rain forests, hot springs, and rocky terrain, there is still a wide variety of things to see and do that the kids will enjoy. Just because the island doesn’t have the traditional Caribbean feel doesn’t mean that family friendly activities are out of reach!
Hit the Beach
I know I just said that Dominica is known for its rocky coast line, but there are lovely beaches still to be found on the island. The best beaches on the island are Mero, Coconut Beach, and Purple Turtle. All of these beaches are beautiful and family friendly, with restaurants and facilities nearby. Be aware, though, that these beaches aren’t white sand. They are darker in color, because they are formed from volcanic rock. Cool, huh?
Take a Hike
If you’re visiting Dominica, take a hike! The island is known for its lush vegetation and hot springs, so a nice hike will have you taking in some beautiful sights. You can see Trafalgar Falls, the beautiful twin waterfalls, relax in a warm sulfur pool, take a walk on the trails of Syndicate Rainforest, or even take a dip in Emerald Pool. All of these are family friendly hiking destinations which are easy to traverse and take very little time.
Go To A Good Party
It’s not what you think. This is all about family friendly activities in Dominica. I’m talking about the various celebrations on the island. If you happen to be on the island during the Lenten season, enjoy Carnival, a festival held on the Monday and Tuesday before Lent. In July, you and the kids can enjoy Dive Fest which features a host of events and activities for encouraging kids to enjoy the water. Creole in the Park is another wonderful family friendly festival held in Dominica that showcases a wide variety of bands. It even has an area just for the kids.
Take Them To THE Playground
Yes, THE playground. As in the only one on the island. Brizees Mart is a supermarket featuring the only playground on the entirety of Dominica. While the playground is small, it’s still a playground. The best part of it is that the kids will most likely spot some of the iguanas living in the area.
Watch Some Whales
Whale watching is a family friendly activity in Dominica that’s kind of a big deal. The island is actually known as the whale watching capital of the Caribbean, and most tours will result in whale spottings. These trips are usually made in the afternoon and last an average of five hours. They’re a great way to have fun and teach the kids about these beautiful creatures.
Ride Some Horses
One of the ultimate family friendly activities on Dominica is horseback riding. What kid doesn’t love horses? These horseback riding excursions typically last about a half hour, and they are geared to both adults and children. You can’t beat taking in the beauty of Dominica while on horseback.
Take a Ride Down the Indian River
A boat trip down the Indian River is the perfect family friendly activity while you’re visiting Dominica. Not only is it a wonderful way take in the scenic beauty and wildlife, you can point out to the kiddos that parts of Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed on the river, as well.
Snorkel
Snorkeling is a family friendly activity reserved for parents with older kids. Dominica is known for having some of the best underwater environments in the world. If diving isn’t your family’s thing, you can still take in the underwater beauty around Dominica at Champagne Beach. The waters of that area are a designated marine reserve, and there is no shortage of beautiful ocean fauna to take in.
Take in the Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens of Dominica, located in the capital of Roseau are a definite family friendly must when visiting the island. The Gardens offers a nice balance of beauty and play, with open spaces for children’s games, picnicking, and more. In addition, it features a Bamboo House, which is really bamboo that has been trained to grow into a circular shape, and some beautiful captive parrots.
Take a Bath in the Ocean
The village of Soufriere, located on the south of the island has an area of beach where hot sulfur water makes its way into the ocean. At that spot, visitors can relax in a lovely, warm salt water bath. This area features changing rooms and a protected area so kids can enjoy the warm waters as well.
See the Carib Territory
Dominica is home to the largest remaining tribe of Carib Indians in Caribbean. This family friendly excursion to their reserve on the northeastern coast lets kids and adults alike explore the culture and heritage of this ancient tribe. You can see traditional wooden buildings, dugout canoes, their woven works, and more.
Dominica is a gorgeous island, and although it’s not the traditional Caribbean island that we all think of, it has its own brand of beauty that is really second to none. If your family loves nature, the outdoors, and tropical adventure, then Dominica is the perfect place for you. Its family friendly activities are the perfect combination of adventure and safety, so the kids can feel like explorers, and parents can rest easy.
Jeanette says
I love that place! I went there a few years ago and it was one of the most beautiful places I have been! Thanks you for a run down memory lane.
Dawn McAlexander says
I am glad to hear that. I can not wait to visit there later this year.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I would totally go there, plop my butt on the beach and not move. It sounds like an AMAZING place to visit.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Dominica sounds so beautiful. I’ve never been there before, but I’ve wanted to go for quite some time.
Melissa Pezza says
I absolutely love that part of the world. I’ve never had the chance to visit Dominica, but it’s on my list!
Jennifer Van Huss says
If I was able to escape to the Dominican right now, I would totally hit up the beaches and horse back riding!! What a beautiful country! I’ve never been but hope to one day!
Liz Mays says
We would have to take at least one hike for sure. Going to a party with lots of dancing and music would be great too.
jo says
First time I heard about this place! Looks like a tropical country to me! Wherever is family-friendly, I’m go! 🙂
Mykidsguide says
There’s so much to do! I haven’t heard of this place, but it’s sounds like a great place to visit.
Emily says
Dominica seems like such a gorgeous place. I’d love to go on a trip there sometime.
Jesica H says
I have heard wonderful things about trips to the Dominican! My husband and I are celebrating our ten year next year, so this would be a great trip!
Dawn McAlexander says
It’s actually Dominica and there is also a place called the Dominican Republic. We had the hardest time with realizing that there were actually two different places. Dominica is also said differently {dah-muh-NEE-kuh}. Both places are in the Caribbean. How confusing, lol.
Chubskulit Rose says
I would love to ride a horse when vacationing. Wow there’s lots of things you can do out there.
lisa says
This sounds like an amazing getaway. I would love to go to Dominica and relax and enjoy all the things there are to do there.
Lynndee says
I would love to watch the whales. Bet it would be exciting and I have no doubt our little one would love it.
Ann B says
This would be a great place to relax. We would probably spend the whole time at the beach.
Chrystal | YUM eating says
My aunt belongs to a travel club and every year after tax season they go someplace. They have traveled to Dominica quite a few times. It is one of their favorite places to go.
Dawn McAlexander says
A travel club sounds really fun! I need to see if we have any of these around here. 🙂
Tatanisha Pitts-Worthey says
Dominica sounds like a good place to for me and my boys to visit. I love that there are many things we could do. I would love to bring them whale watching, snorkeling, and hiking!
Rosey says
I think the trip to the reserve would be interesting. What a great place to vacation!
becka says
Sounds like a fun place to be. No matter where we visit I always look for local playgrounds and fun things to do. 🙂
Angela Kanellopoulos says
I love Puerto Rico and I have heard nothing but great things about Dominica. I defiantly have it on my bucket list!
Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says
WOW, sounds amazing. I would totally visit the island. All the activities sound fun.
Kate says
I have been wanting to go here! It looks amazing and what fun activities you have suggested!
Adrienne says
I love the Caribbean! I’ll have to pin this so that I can remember these tips when I go to Dominica.