The Best Of Turks & Caicos For Kids

Many destinations promote themselves as being family-friendly, but Turks & Caicos, with its gorgeous beaches, exciting tours, and all-inclusive resorts, is one of the few that actually delivers. If you’ve never traveled to the Caribbean before, you might wonder… where are the Turks & Caicos Islands? Well, Turks & Caicos is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom located in the West Indies. It is made up of 40 different islands and cays, only 8 of which are inhabited.

As there are so many islands in this territory, you can have endless adventures there, especially with kids. If you’re planning a family vacation to the Turks & Caicos for kids, read on for the most interesting things to see and do!

Good to know: Families will find that there’s something to do for kids of all ages on the islands, including splashing around at Turks & Caicos largest water park resort!

For kids who love the beach…

1. Search for seashells on Leeward Beach

As far as beaches go, Leeward Beach in Turks & Caicos is about as pristine as they come. This beach ranks high in popularity on the islands, especially for people looking for a quieter beach experience. Located on the northeast end of Providenciales, Leeward Beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and especially seashell hunting! Spend some time here with your family during your vacation for some serene 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 great 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 you definitely won’t want to miss while in the islands. While on Grace Bay Beach, you and the kids can spend as much time as you like building sandcastles, relaxing, strolling the extensive coastline (12 miles), swimming, or trying water sports including paddle boarding, parasailing, and surfing.

Picture: Beaches Turks & Caicos, a beachfront resort on the stunning Grace Bay Beach, combines convenience and fun by giving you unlimited food, drinks, land, and water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding (with professional equipment) - all included!

3. Swim at Taylor Bay Beach

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

4. Visit Bight Beach

Bight Beach is adjacent to Grace Bay and is considered family-friendly primarily because of the calm waters and the kiddie park where you and the little ones can play. You and the kids can roam free on this spacious strand. There are many places to take pictures as well! The Bight Beach cove is popular for snorkeling because there is rich marine life in this area. Take a family stroll while you’re there to take in all the incredible scenery!

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

Long Bay Beach in southeast Providenciales is another kid-friendly option where you and your family can spend the day sipping on coconuts, splashing around in the water, and enjoying the sunshine. Grab some floats and beach toys for the kids and make your way to this white sand beach where the water is almost always calm and the atmosphere serene and tropical. Long Bay Beach is nearly 3 miles long, so there will be plenty of space to explore!

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

For kids who love animals…

6. Walk the dogs at Potcake Place

Although this might sound like a food spot, it is anything but. Potcake Place in Turks & Caicos is a non-profit dog rescue shelter. The shelter is located in central Grace Bay at the Saltmills Plaza. While on the island, you can stop here to meet the Potcakes, which are a unique dog breed found mainly in Turks & Caicos and The Bahamas. You and the kids can even take the puppies for a walk on the nearby Grace Bay Beach, which is a fun activity that helps to socialize the dogs.

7. Go turtle spotting at Coral Gardens

During your vacation, you should definitely take some time to snorkel at Coral Gardens (also known as Bight Reef). This reef is easy to access because it starts near the shore. This is one of the best places to snorkel in the Turks & Caicos, so you’re bound to have lots of interesting sightings. Some of the sea creatures you might see while snorkeling here include green turtles, hawksbill turtles, southern brown stingrays, and sometimes 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 the 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 feel even more comfortable about getting into the water with them. Gibbs Cay is also known as Stingray City, and it is about one 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 the whole family can enjoy. These riding adventures typically lead to Long Bay Beach where you might even ride into the water with your horse! The horses love cooling off in the water, and you will too. Horse riding is ideal for both newbies and seasoned equestrians. Kids as young as six can sign up for horseback riding in 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 with the kids in the shallow waters at this location. There are a number of 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 get stunning photos to share with your friends.

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 and it is a kid-friendly zone with a pirate theme. Whether your kids are most interested in shooting down the swirling water slides, relaxing on the 650ft lazy river, or riding the waves on a surf simulator, they’ll be well-positioned for it all in this exciting Caribbean water park resort that even has a swim-up soda bar!

13. Embark on the Kitty Katt Catamaran Cruise

While in 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. Kids can also get a thrill from zooming down the 8-foot tube slide on the Kitty Katt, a 65 ft. luxury catamaran. While the kids are having fun, the adults can jam to the groovy DJ 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 you’re just starting off, you can visit the Provo Sailing Club with your kids 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 and thus kid friendly.

Insider tip: Beaches Turks & Caicos provides Hobie Cats you and the kids can enjoy your stay, as well as free professional sailing instruction!

Fun and educational activities for kids…

15. Turks & Caicos National Museum

Museums offer interactive experiences for kids that center around history and culture. In the Turks & Caicos Islands, you and your family can find out more about the heritage of the islands at the Turks & Caicos Museum. Established in 1991, the Turks & Caicos 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 perfect for children aged 6 and up.

16. Cheshire Hall Plantation

While you’re in Turks & Caicos, you can sign up for a tour of the Cheshire Hall Plantation on the island of Providenciales. This site is among the best-preserved historical attractions in the Turks & Caicos Islands with many of the original elements that were left behind by the slaves still standing strong. 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 crafts and souvenirs.

17. Grand Turk Lighthouse

Exploring the Grand Turk Lighthouse is something kids will definitely enjoy while in the Turks & Caicos. This historic 60-foot lighthouse was built in the 1850s and, though it is no longer functional, there are several activities that kids can take part in during their visit. In addition to the scenic picnic spots that children will be able to enjoy with their families, there’s also a zip line course and lots of room to take great photos. Your kids can roam free in this area and might even run into the free-roaming donkeys that live nearby.

Insider tip: Planning a trip to the islands? Check out the best time to visit Turks & Caicos and things Turks & Caicos is known for.

For foodies of all ages…

18. Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl

Turks & Caicos is one Caribbean territory that you simply can’t leave without trying some conch! 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 have the privilege of experiencing this firsthand as you try many award-winning conch dishes including coconut conch fritters and conch mac and cheese, which the kids will love. Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl restaurant has been around since 1994 and offers outdoor patio dining for those that prefer to enjoy good food in the fresh air.

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

19. The Patty Place

Feeling in the mood for a delicious and juicy patty (a flaky, savory pastry filled with meat or veggies and spices)? Then, look no further than The Patty Place where you can find the best beef patties in Turks & Caicos! These Jamaican-style patties are delicious, and kids will love the opportunity to try them out. If you want to sneak in some vegetables without the kids noticing, try the “beef mega” which includes tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese.

Get out of the sun and play…

20. Playland TCI

Playland TCI is a one-of-a-kind indoor playground located in Providenciales. Here, you’ll find 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.

Now that the kids' activities are settled, let’s plan this Turks & Caicos vacation!

There is no shortage of fun things to do in Turks & Caicos for kids of all ages! Even the youngest of kids can enjoy hunting for seashells and building sandcastles on the idyllic white-sand beaches, while older kids will get a kick out of snorkeling the vibrant reef and observing endangered Rock Iguanas in their natural habitat. Kids of all ages will also love being able to splash around and explore the water park at a Turks & Caicos resort, inclusive of the lazy river and surf simulator!

When traveling with kids, it is a good idea to stay at one of the all-inclusive family resorts on the island. This can help take away some of the hassles of traveling as a group, especially if you’re taking a vacation with babies or toddlers. It’s a good idea to also look out for hotels and resorts that offer family vacation packages with things like kids’ camps and professional nanny services.

Beaches Turks & Caicos offers these and many other inclusions that will help keep everyone happy, such as unlimited dining at up to 21 different restaurants (that’s lots of options for picky eaters!), day and night entertainment, and land and water sports with equipment and instruction included. Not to mention the water park that’s sure to please. This resort truly places emphasis on ‘family-friendly’ experiences, so both parents and kids can have a blast in paradise!