Activities
Activities
Family-Friendly Island by Susan Campbell St. Maarten, “The Friendly Island”, is extremely family-friendly, too! Follow our lead to keep the kids happy on holiday; we know where to find fun for all ages!
Of course there’s always surfside and pool fun for the kids, but after awhile there are only so many sandcastles to make, waves to jump over, and seashells to find before you might finally hear those two dreaded words: “I’m bored.” No worries, there’s lots to do that will keep everyone happy on this island. But preparation for the tropical climate is important when doing any offresort activities with the family. Always pack loads of sunscreen, plenty of water and snacks, comfortable shoes, bug repellent, hats, and diversions, and try to plan very physical outings when it’s coolest, in the early morning or late afternoon. And whatever you do, don’t forget your camera! Magical St. Maarten/St. Martin family memories are waiting to be made!
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Go wild!
Seek out the island’s coolest critters and creatures. You can start by taking a walk on the wild side at the St. Maarten Zoo in Philipsburg. It’s a huge nonprofit foundation housing over 300 mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates making it the largest zoological park in the Caribbean. The Captain Hodges Playground at the zoo features an interactive pirate ship playground including play cubes, swings, and slides. And they also have lovely gardens, a snack bar, and gift shop making it a perfect spot for a family outing.
Also with lovely tropical gardens is The Butterfly Farm on the French side on Le Galion Beach Road, Quartier d’Orléans. Go early in the morning when hundreds of species are at their most active to witness their flights and feedings. If you want to attract them to you, wear bright colors, and if you’ve applied tropical flavored Banana Boat sunscreen, it has a chemical in it that male butterflies look for to pass onto their female partners to protect them! Guided tours are available and you will also see all stages of their metamorphosis on-site. Children and adults will love it. And go early into your vacation because your original admittance fee is good for return visits for the rest of your stay!
Go play!
Older children and adults will enjoy playing Tarzan and Jane by swinging through the trees of Pic Paradis at Loterie Farm’s Fly Zone and smaller children can also play there via the Ti-Tarzan zip lines for ages five to seven. Then there’s Kidsworld – the island’s largest indoor and outdoor playground and party center – offering a wide range of attractions for kids from ages one to 12. And you can also take a break from the sun in the island’s air-conditioned movie theaters. Saddle up!
Horseback riding is also great family fun; St. Maarten has many outfits offering guided rides for adults and children like Seaside Nature Park located in Cay Bay. They offer horseback tours, pony rides, and all kinds of pet-able animals E
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