The Absolute Best Of Turks & Caicos For Kids!

Turks & Caicos shines as a true family-friendly destination, offering breathtaking beaches, thrilling tours, and all-inclusive resorts, that make it easy to indulge in the islands. This destination consists of not just one, but a chain of islands that you can explore during your tropical escape. A British territory made up 40 unique islands and cays, Turks & Caicos vacations are best for family vacations with little bit of everything.

As there’s just so many islands in this tropical archipelago, there’s plenty room for adventure, especially with kids. If you’re planning a family vacation in the Turks & Caicos for kids, read on for the most interesting things to see and do!

Good to know: At Beaches Turks & Caicos, there’s something to do for kids of all ages including splashing around at Turks & Caicos’ largest water park!

Table of Contents

● Resort Selection and Planning
● Researching Family-Oriented Accommodations
● Activities and Attractions for Kids
● Beach Activities
● Animal Encounters
● Splash-Worthy Adventures
● Educational Island Thrills
● Suite & Villa Options
● Learnings Recap

Resort Selection and Planning

When it comes to selecting the right resort for your family getaway, location is everything. Opting for a resort close to popular attractions and tours can save valuable time and make your trip significantly more convenient—especially if you’re traveling with kids of all ages. From toddlers to teens, convenience makes all the difference.

Some of the best family resorts in Turks & Caicos are located on Providenciales, one of the main islands in this breathtaking archipelago. Among them is Beaches Turks & Caicos, an all-inclusive resort where every moment feels like vacation magic. This resort has Kids Camps, a Pirates Island Water Park, and a wide range of land and water sports. And it’s not just about the kids—parents can enjoy date nights at multiple restaurants, indulgent spa experiences, and even the option of a professional nanny for a few hours of well-deserved relaxation.

Before diving into the kid-friendly adventures that await in this destination, let’s explore the family-oriented accommodations that make Turks & Caicos unforgettable.

Can't wait? Skip ahead to the activities for kids!!

Researching Family-Oriented Accommodations

Finding the right accommodation in the Turks & Caicos for families can be surprisingly straightforward. Start by asking yourself some questions: What are the things that you absolutely need in a family-oriented hotel or resort? Are adult-oriented amenities like spas or fitness centers important to you, or is it all about the kids? What about attractions and amenities… what are some things you simply don’t want to miss?

Once you take some time to answer these and more common questions related to budget, length of stay, travel season and more, you’ll be that much closer to finding the right accommodation. As you explore, look beyond just finding a place with a nice pool (though that’s an absolute plus). Search for hotels or resorts that are focused on ensuring that you and your family have an amazing time with lots of fun memories to look back on.

Picture: Beaches Ocho Rios has 5 pools and 2 whirlpools, so spend as much time poolside as you'd like!

As you research, pay attention to the overall vibe of the accommodation options that you come across. What you’re looking for are signals that suggest whether the things that are important to you align with what’s being offered. You’re looking for a place where your kids can feel comfortable, be themselves, and have a blast while you relax. And you can absolutely find all-inclusive resorts like this in the Turks & Caicos.

Family-Friendly Activities and Excursions

With year-round incredible weather, the Turks and Caicos is a popular destination for family vacations packed with thrilling attractions and excursions. Whether you want to spend your vacation lounging at the beach or pool or get into snorkeling, sailing, or even island hopping, there’s a way to make it happen. As your vacation plans take shape, here’s a few attractions and activities kids will love:

For kids who love the beach…

1. Search for seashells on Leeward Beach

As far as beaches go, Leeward Beach in the Turks & Caicos is about as serene as they come. This beach ranks high in popularity for locals and visitors who want a quieter beach experience. Located on the northeast end of Providenciales, Leeward Beach is great for swimming, snorkeling, and especially seashell hunting! Spend some time here with friends or family during your vacation for some peaceful and breezy moments.

2. Build sandcastles on Grace Bay Beach

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Grace Bay Beach can be a wonderful place to spend a few hours while in the Turks & Caicos Islands. This beach is in the northeast region of Providenciales and it’s one of the more convenient beach options in the Turks & Caicos. While on Grace Bay Beach, you can spend as much time as you’d like relaxing, strolling the extensive coastline (12 miles), swimming, or trying water sports including paddle boarding, parasailing, and surfing. Grace Bay Beach is lined with restaurants, bars and resorts, so there’s always something going on.

Good to know: The all-inclusive Beaches Turks & Caicos is located on captivating Grace Bay Beach. All you need for your vacation is included!

3. Swim at Taylor Bay Beach

Taylor Bay Beach is near Chalk Sound on the island of Providenciales. With calm, shallow water, this beach is a favorite for families. The water in the bay is around knee-high, which means younger kids have more freedom to enjoy the sea (with your supervision). The beach itself is gorgeous with plenty of room to run around, sunbathe, and explore. Taylor Bay Beach is a relatively quiet beach, and depending on when you go, you might find that you have the entire beach to yourself!

4. Visit Bight Beach

Bight Beach is another one of the family-friendly beaches in the Turks & Caicos. This beach is adjacent to Grace Bay and has calm waters and a kiddie park for the littles. With adult supervision, kids can roam freely here as the beach is quite spacious. There are many places to take pictures as well! If you love snorkeling, the Bight Beach cove is a real gem filled with all types of marine life. It’s definitely one of the highlights of this beach.

Good to know: There’s free parking at Bight Beach, as well as a covered picnic area.

5. Drink from a coconut on Long Bay Beach

Drinking from a coconut with no worries in the world is always an option in the Turks & Caicos. And Long Bay Beach in southeast Providenciales is just the right place to indulge. This beach appeals to families with children, and it’s loved for its striking white sand and spacious feel (3 miles long). Grab some beach floats and let the kids splash around with some beach toys as you make the most of your time in the islands.

Good to know: The Turks & Caicos Islands are known for their friendly people, beautiful beaches and many other things that you’ll be more familiar with by the end of your vacation.

For kids who love animals…

6. Walk the dogs at Potcake Place

Although this might sound like a food spot, Potcake Place is anything but. This is actually a non-profit dog rescue shelter in central Grace Bay. While in the Turks & Caicos, you can stop here to meet the Potcakes, which are a unique dog breed found mainly in Turks & Caicos and The Bahamas. If you’re travelling with children, it can be fun to take the puppies for a walk on the nearby Grace Bay Beach. This helps volunteers with their efforts and with socializing the dogs.

7. Go turtle spotting at Coral Gardens

During Turks & Caicos vacation, take some time to snorkel at Coral Gardens (also known as Bight Reef). This reef is easy to access as it starts near the shore. This is one of the best places to snorkel in the Turks & Caicos, so you’re bound to see lots of intriguing marine life. Some of the sea creatures you might come across while snorkeling here include green turtles, hawksbill turtles, southern brown stingrays, and if you’re lucky, spotted eagle rays. Depending on when you go, you might even spot a nurse shark or two!

8. See the Rock Iguanas on Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is generally scenic, but the iguanas are what make this island truly remarkable. If your little ones are all about getting as close as possible to wildlife everywhere they go, they’ll be intrigued by the rock iguanas on this beach. The Turks & Caicos Rock Iguanas (Cyclura carinata) can also be found on some of the other uninhabited islands in this region. Other than the friendly iguanas, on Half Moon Bay you’ll find a beach, a sheltered lagoon, miniature palm forests, some low cliffs, and abundant beauty.

9. Swim with stingrays at Gibbs Cay

The idea of swimming with stingrays might seem a bit intimidating at first, but after watching videos of the stingray encounters that happen regularly at Gibbs Cay, the whole experience will start to feel less daunting. When you and your family get there and see how friendly the stingrays are (they have become accustomed to interacting with humans), you’ll likely feel more comfortable about getting into the water with them. Gibbs Cay is also known as Stingray City, and it’s about a mile from Grand Turk.

10. Ride the horses at Provo Ponies

A horse-riding adventure is a must while in the Caribbean. Provo Ponies offers 60-to-90-minute horseback riding excursions that are fun for all ages. These riding adventures typically lead to Long Bay Beach where you can ride into the water with your horse! The horses love cooling off in the ocean, and you will too. Horse riding excursions are ideal for both newbies and seasoned equestrians. Kids as young as six can sign up for horseback riding in the Turks & Caicos.

11. Explore the Chalk Sound National Park

When you’re not busy being mesmerized by the strikingly blue natural lagoon at Chalk Sound National Park (southwest of Providenciales), you’ll likely be exploring and interacting with nature. You might find yourself observing the rock iguanas in their natural habitat, or maybe even snorkeling in the shallow waters at this location. There are several small, rocky islands in the lagoon at Chalk Sound and unique rock formations along the coast as well. While at this national park, there will be much to see and do, and many opportunities to take photos to keep the memories close.

For kids who like to have fun in and on the water…

12. Splash at the Pirates Island Waterpark

Kids who can’t get enough of the water will feel right at home at the Pirates Island Waterpark in Turks & Caicos. This waterpark is located within the Beaches Turks & Caicos resort. With a pirate theme, kids can swirl down the water slides, relax on the 650ft lazy river, or ride the waves on a surf simulator. And at this Caribbean water park resort, everyone can grab drinks at the swim-up soda bar!

13. Embark on the Kitty Katt Catamaran Cruise

While in the Turks & Caicos, why not explore the open sea via a catamaran snorkeling cruise? As there are so many different islands in this territory, this is an undertaking that can be both educational and fun. Many catamaran cruises like the Kitty Katt Catamaran Cruise offer a chance to go snorkeling and swimming as part of the tour. This cruise is kid-friendly with an 8-foot tube slide on the 65 ft. luxury catamaran. While the kids have a blast, adults can jam to the groovy island beats.

14. Enroll in the Provo Sailing Academy

Sailing is one of the most exciting things to do in the Caribbean! Whether you’re an experienced sailor or just starting off, you can visit the Provo Sailing Club to get started on your next ocean adventure. Some of the boats you’ll find at the not-for-profit sailing club include Hobie Cats (several types), Picos, and Laser sailboats. These are all fairly easy to sail.

Insider tip: Water sports are included atBeaches Turks & Caicos including Hobie Cats and professional sailing instruction!

Fun and educational activities for kids…

15. Turks & Caicos National Museum

When finally you're able to tear the kids away from the beach, at least for a moment, why not fit in a museum exploration? Museums offer interactive experiences that center around history and culture. During your vacation, visit the Turks & Caicos Museum to learn about the heritage of the islands. Established in 1991, this museum provides insight into the slave history of the islands, as well as other historical aspects. Their exhibits include artifacts like the world’s oldest known shipwreck. This educational experience is ideal for children aged 6 and up.

16. Cheshire Hall Plantation

While in the Turks & Caicos, you can sign up for a tour of the Cheshire Hall Plantation on Providenciales. This site is among the best-preserved historical attractions in this territory. Cheshire Hall was once a cotton plantation built in the late 1700s. A variety of medicinal plants like aloe vera can be found on this property. While at Cheshire Hall, you can do some bird watching, interact with wildlife, and shop for craft items and souvenirs.

17. Grand Turk Lighthouse

What better for a mystical island exploration than a visit to an old lighthouse in the islands? In the Turks & Caicos, the Grand Turk Lighthouse sets the scene for this adventure. This historic 60-foot lighthouse was built in the 1850s. Though it is no longer functional, there are several activities that kids can take part in during a visit. This includes picnics in scenic locations, a zip line course and lots of room to take great photos. Your kids can explore the area, and who knows, they might just encounter free-roaming donkeys along the way!

Insider tip: Planning a trip to the Caribbean? Check out the best time to visit Turks & Caicos and things Turks & Caicos is known for to get familiar with the islands!

For foodies of all ages…

18. Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl

The Turks & Caicos is one destination where trying conch is a must! The Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl restaurant provides a great opportunity for this. There are many ways to cook conch, and you and your family will be able to experience this firsthand as you try award-winning conch-inspired dishes like coconut conch fritters and conch mac and cheese. Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl restaurant has been around since 1994 and offers outdoor patio dining with a tropical ambiance.

Insider tip: Aside from conch dishes, there’s lots more Turks & Caicos food worth trying during your tropical getaway.

19. The Patty Place

In the mood for a flaky, savory pastry filled with meat or veggies and spices? If so, look no further than The Patty Place where you can find the best patties in Turks & Caicos! This spot is all about feel good food and their Jamaican-style patties are absolutely delicious. If you want to sneak in some vegetables with your kids’ meal, go for the Mega Patty which includes tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese. Ice cream, including cotton candy, butter pecan and other tasty flavors, is also served at this location.

Get out of the sun and play…

20. Playland TCI

Playland TCI is in downtown Providenciales. This is an indoor playground with lots of entertainment options for kids including slides, monkey bars, balls, toys, and more. This indoor facility accommodates kids of all ages, and there’s no short supply of fun things to do. You can relax for a bit in a Wi-Fi zone while the kids run wild and have the time of their lives. This experience is best for children aged 2 to 12 years old.

Adults Deserve Relaxation Too

Although the Turks & Caicos is a family-friendly destination, adults are by no means forgotten. On and off the resort scene, there’s a focus of ensuring there’s something to do for all ages. Whether it’s enjoying themed dining, spending time at the spa, diving at remote locations or heading out on island excursions, there’s something to do for each member of your family!

Suite and Villa Options

And speaking of relaxation, when traveling with kids, specious accommodation is a must. At least it is if you plan on having any level of privacy and comfort. This is one of the areas where the all-inclusive family resorts in the Turks & Caicos stand out, some offering options that cater to families, including multi-bedroom suites and private villas. With a multi-bedroom suite, everyone has their own space and room to spread out and just be. That alone adds to the level of relaxation you’ll be able to enjoy during your getaway.

At Beaches Turks & Caicos, many of the suite options come with a separate living area where the kids can watch TV while you soak up some peace out on the patio. Some suites even come with kitchenettes, perfect for late-night snacks or early morning breakfasts. For larger families, villas are worth considering, especially as there’s often multiple bathrooms and private pools. The features and amenities that villas are known for give that home-away-from-home feel and at Beaches Resorts, the all-inclusive perks are a definite plus!

Picture: The spacious living room area in the Firesky Reserve Villa at Beaches Negril in Jamaica.

As accommodation can set the tone for your vacation, it’s worth taking some time to really think about what the best option is for you and your family. Picking the right accommodation can alleviate some of the hassles of traveling as a group, especially if you’re taking a vacation with babies or toddlers. As you plan out your vacation, prioritize hotels and resorts that offer family vacation packages with the focus on family time and connecting.

Good to know: Beaches Turks & Caicos offers more than two dozen room categories from ocean view rooms and family suites to small villas and 4-bedroom options with private pools, catering to a wide range of family sizes and preferences.

Now to your kid-friendly vacation at the best Turks & Caicos resorts!

With a wide range of incredible things to do in Turks & Caicos, this destination continues to be top of the list for family beach vacations in the Caribbean. As you plan your vacation, remember, perfection is relative. With a kid’s vacation, this looks like a destination where everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, finds something to enjoy. With radiant beaches, diverse dive spots, family-friendly resorts and countless opportunities to explore, we say you can’t get much better than the Turks & Caicos for a kid-friendly vacation in the islands!

Insider Tip: At Beaches Turks & Caicos, kids of all ages can splash around and explore the Pirates Island Water Park with a vacation that includes everything you need at the beachside.

Learnings Recap

Traveling with kids is no easy task, but someone’s got to do it. Totally kidding, we promise! We love traveling with little ones who always manage to open our eyes to things we otherwise would not see. And what better destination to help expand their world than the Caribbean? With these accommodation tips and activity suggestions for kids, you’re now ready to plan your family vacation in the Turks & Caicos with ease.

Let’s recap the key takeaways:

● Choose accommodations that cater specifically to families, considering factors like room size, kid-friendly amenities, and dining options.
● Look for resorts offering a variety of activities for different age groups, from toddlers to teens.
● Consider booking strategies and timing to secure the best deals and availability for your family vacation.
● Explore off-resort activities and excursions to fully experience the natural beauty and culture of Turks and Caicos.
● Stay informed about health and safety considerations, including travel requirements and medical facilities.
● Take advantage of tech amenities and connectivity options offered by modern resorts.
● Consider eco-friendly resorts that offer educational programs and sustainable practices for an environmentally conscious vacation.

Expert Tip: For more inspiration ahead of your Caribbean family vacation, check out our tips for planning memorable family getaways. We’ve got additional insights on creating special moments that your family can cherish.

Picture: Beaches Turks & Caicos: Best for all-inclusive vacations in the islands with something to do for all ages!