Need ideas for Caribbean island with kids

[Ns1]

That's not true at all. As a father of a soon to be 5 year old and a 1 year old I know for a fact that my kids have enjoyed playing in the sand on a beach, splashing in the waves, ect. Of course they won't remember it. But that's not really the point. The real thing about that age is that no, they don't care about it being white sand or black sand or that it's on the best beach in the Carribbean or what not. Just that it's sand and not something they get to play in at home.

If the OP can get far enough south in Florida it would be a good substitute, and probably save on airfare. But it's still probably not going to be as nice as getting further south in the Caribbean this time of the year.

I remember nothing between the ages of 0-5. I went to HI/LV/Disney numerous times during this time frame and remember NOTHING

I'll add to the "leave the kids at home" sentiment.

//edit

There's a pic of me as a 4 year old eating a churros at Knotts, so I guess you're paying to take pictures of your kids at exotic locations.

 

[vi edit]

I remember nothing between the ages of 0-5. I went to HI/LV/Disney numerous times during this time frame and remember NOTHING I'll add to the "leave the kids at home" sentiment.

Since when did being able to remember something mean that you can't have fun doing it? There's a couple million college kids every weekend that drink themselves retarded and wake up not remembering what they did the night before.

Same thing with the whole "Santa" thing. When my daughter is 30 she probably won't remember Santa brought her a Dora the Explorer bike when she was 4 but that doesn't change the excitement she had that morning when she walked down the stairs that morning.

Kids love sand. Most of them love the water so long as the waves aren't too bad. Why rob them of that just because "they won't remember it"?

 

[Ns1]

Kids love sand. Most of them love the water so long as the waves aren't too bad. Why rob them of that just because "they won't remember it"?

Cuz traveling costs a lot of money, money that could be better spent elsewhere. I'm sure you could derive equal amounts of excitement much cheaper than traveling to the Caribbean.

 

[JTsyo]

I'm kinda..."meh" on Disney. Way expensive, and a bit overwhelming if you only have a few days. We had a blast with my daughter at Busch Gardens though. It's like a 6 flags combined with a Zoo. Train rides, a new Seasame Street section, some fun roller coasters for the parents, and a whole area dedicated to younger kids. It's mostly coverable in a day and you don't pay the Disney premium.

Disney cruise might be nice for them. We'll see what sticks.

 

[purbeast0]

Cuz traveling costs a lot of money, money that could be better spent elsewhere. I'm sure you could derive equal amounts of excitement much cheaper than traveling to the Caribbean.

pretty sure OP knows more about his financial situation than you do. hate when people think they know better how to spend money that isn't theirs.

 

[Ns1]

pretty sure OP knows more about his financial situation than you do. hate when people think they know better how to spend money that isn't theirs.

I never said I knew his financial situation.

not my money I don't really care.

 

[Leros]

That's not true at all. As a father of a soon to be 5 year old and a 1 year old I know for a fact that my kids have enjoyed playing in the sand on a beach, splashing in the waves, ect. Of course they won't remember it. But that's not really the point. The real thing about that age is that no, they don't care about it being white sand or black sand or that it's on the best beach in the Carribbean or what not. Just that it's sand and not something they get to play in at home.

If the OP can get far enough south in Florida it would be a good substitute, and probably save on airfare. But it's still probably not going to be as nice as getting further south in the Caribbean this time of the year.

Kids at that age would enjoy a cheaper vacation closer to home just as much. I don't think its unreasonable for the parents to go alone on nicer Caribbean vacation.

 

[AmdEmAll]

Grand Cayman
Stay Here
http://www.thereef.com/en/index.html

Fam has a Time Share there. its great. never crowded as its on the less populated/touristy side of the island.

My sister has 3 kids all under 6, i have been there with them and its great for kids, easy to watch them, little worry about other people as there are few around.

took this pic in June of 2012, when i think the most other people were around (under 50)

it was less populated in May of '11 and the week after thanksgiving in '10

That looks really nice. When do you recommend going there as far as cost goes? My family is going to try and go somewhere like that around march-may sometime.

All inclusive looks like $$$$ but is it really worth it?

 

[ponyo]

I can't understand how parents can leave their little kids with parents/relatives/friends and go on vacation. I wouldn't be able to enjoy the trip.

South Florida warm enough to swim year around. Flights there might be cheaper than the Caribbean.

 

[consolibyte]

Grand Cayman
Stay Here
http://www.thereef.com/en/index.html

Fam has a Time Share there. its great. never crowded as its on the less populated/touristy side of the island.

My sister has 3 kids all under 6, i have been there with them and its great for kids, easy to watch them, little worry about other people as there are few around.

took this pic in June of 2012, when i think the most other people were around (under 50)

it was less populated in May of '11 and the week after thanksgiving in '10

I would second this. Great resort for just family relaxing.

The kids would probably like the Blue Iguana park thing on the island too - big ugly iguanas in the wild to check out.

I would *not* do all inclusive at this resort though - you'd be pretty limited on what you can get at their one restaurant, and there are a bunch of other good restaurants around the island that you should try.

 

[OutHouse]

Kids are coming. I have more fun watching them play than hanging out in the beach. Beaches resort looks promising, kids love Sesame Street.

you must be making bank to justify the airfaire to take two little kids on a caribbean vacation. if you hell bent on watching them play in the sand, miami beach is a good spot.

 

[Jodell88]

<-

To be clear, go to Tobago, not Trinidad. You can be on a different beach each day in Tobago. Don't be surprised if you don't see many people on the beach either.

 

[OutHouse]

<-

hell yea. T/T is my dream vacation spot. someday...

 

[Anubis]

That looks really nice. When do you recommend going there as far as cost goes? My family is going to try and go somewhere like that around march-may sometime.

All inclusive looks like $$$$ but is it really worth it?

i would not do all inclusive, you don't need it in the caymans its prob the safest of all the islands and everyone speaks English. There are restaurants fing everywhere.

Flights are typically 500$ ish depending on where you are flying from, I believe the larger unit is 1000$ week (however that could be the price for both sides together or the owner price), larger unit includes a kitchen, 1 large bedroom and 2 fold out beds.

the smaller unit is more of a suite. 1 bed and no real kitchen. it only has a fridge and microwave IIRC. would be fine for a couple if you wanted to eat out all the time.
if you have a large fam you would prob want both sides

I do know that when speaking with people there last year a bunch had gotten deals/packages where it cost them close to nothing for a week. not sure where it was from. I would avoid the big vacation weeks if you can simply because it will prob cost more. im not sure The Reef would be backed during "spring break" but it is a risk. I can ask my parents who go much more often and at different times if its ever crowded, but i never remember them mentioning it. Summer is slightly hotter vs the winter + more humid/chance of rain. but its pretty much 85 year round down there + when it rains its normally at night or for a very brief period of time.

 

[VulgarDisplay]

I enjoyed the crap out of the dominican republic, but I'm not sure I would want to take my children there for fear of them being abducted from ransom money. It's not a place that I would recommend going off the resort you stay at.

Also, I've heard horror stories about young kids being traumatized by the 8 foot tall monster disney characters at the theme parks. I think anything under 5-6 is too young to bother taking on a trip because they will absolutely not remember it.

 

[Sinsear]

Beaches Turks and Caicos

I went in October with an 18 month old. I think he had even more fun than i did. They are amazing with children. And there is a ton of stuff to do for adults and kids.

All inclusive. 4 large pools. 17 restaurants. Beach. Water park including a water park for little ones. A day care service (included) in case mom and dad need some time alone.

Also they have a partnership with Sesame Street so there are characters and sesame street themed entertainment all the time.

Only drawback is it can be pricey.

 

[purbeast0]

oh yea i would also strongly recommend atlantis bahamas. that place is AWESOME! i was there 5 days and did NOT want to leave at all. sssssssooooooo awesome.

i went in december and the weather was perfect.

 

[ponyo]

oh yea i would also strongly recommend atlantis bahamas. that place is AWESOME! i was there 5 days and did NOT want to leave at all. sssssssooooooo awesome.

i went in december and the weather was perfect.

Really? I was told not to go there by a relative after their trip. They said the place was pretty run down and not worth the money.

 

[OutHouse]

Really? I was told not to go there by a relative after their trip. They said the place was pretty run down and not worth the money.

run down? its like less than 10 years old. my neighbor went down to help build it he was one of the electrical contractors. nice 9 month gig and his wife joined him for a few weeks, free rent and food.

i wouldnt mind going but it is too rich for my blood.

 

[OutHouse]

OP here are my two favorite sites to look for places to go.

http://www.cheapcaribbean.com

http://cruise.com

right now cruises are dirt cheap. the biggest expense is the god awful airfare

 

[Jodell88]

OP here are my two favorite sites to look for places to go.

http://www.cheapcaribbean.com

I like that Trinidad isn't a destination.

 

[KMFJD]

I enjoyed the crap out of the dominican republic, but I'm not sure I would want to take my children there for fear of them being abducted from ransom money. It's not a place that I would recommend going off the resort you stay at.

lol please, spent more time off the resort than on it and had a blast the last 2 times i went down there, never got hassled and the food was way better off the resort than those shitty all inclusive buffet

 

[Kreon]

My parents went to St. Lucia every year since they got married until I was 3 or 4. At that point they started bringing me along.

The two years we went are some of my earliest memories (not the earliest, earliest is when I touched the fireplace: hot is bad). Some of my favorite childhood memories as well.

Not really any insight to the destination or what exactly to do. But it is possible your oldest will have some vague memories of it.

 

[DukeN]

Depends on budget. There are caribbean resorts that include daycare/nannies. Or you can goto one where kids are free/less expensive. Personal favorite is Grand Palladium in Jamaica.

 

[blackdogdeek]

right now cruises are dirt cheap. the biggest expense is the god awful airfare

Norwegian has a new boat that sails from NYC. OP's location appears to be NJ so this could be a cheap(ish) option.