Kidzstuff: The CaribbeanKidzstuff: The Caribbean

By Nikki Bayley

With its warm sea and sandy beaches, the Caribbean's perfect for families and you're guaranteed a friendly welcome no matter which island you choose. Here are a few favourites that are cool for kids!

Best for BabiesBest for Babies

Antigua

The famous Swalings international swimming school holds courses at Jolly Beach and takes tots from the age of two months - so where better to introduce your water baby to the fun of swimming than under the warmth of the Caribbean sun?
Somewhere to stay: The Jolly Beach Resort and Spa in Antigua At just 35 minutes transfer from the airport, you'll be relaxing by the pool before you know it! It's an all-inclusive hotel so you can leave your money worries at home and let the chilled pace of Antigua work its magic. There's a reliable baby sitting service on site so you can have a bit of free time to try some of the wide range of games and water sports - or just have a much-needed snooze in the hammock lounge!
Top tip: Splash out and treat her - the brand new Palms Wellness centre offers a range of soothing therapies guaranteed to help a new mum feel like her old self again.

Top for ToddlersTop for Toddlers

St Lucia

Most toddlers couldn't be happier if they have a beach to play on and plenty of water to splash around in. The Coconut Bay Beach Resort boasts a perfect white sand beach and St Lucia's only water park - which hasn't left out the little ones. It has a water playground just for them, complete with spilling buckets, fountains and squirty water hoses!
Somewhere to stay: The Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa in St Lucia CoCoLand goes beyond the usual crayons and cartoons of many Kids' Clubs and has a complete curriculum, designed to let your child learn as they play with supervised arts and crafts, games, nature trails and much more. CocoKidz is available for children aged 3-9 along with CocoAdventure for ages 10-14.
Top tip: Visit the Soufrière region to see some of the natural marvels on the island including a drive-in volcano, therapeutic Sulphur Springs and the black sand beach of Anse Chastanet.

Cool for SchoolkidsCool for Schoolkids

Barbados

The Barbados Sports camp is running again this year between August 4th to 28th, for kids aged between 9-15 and it's completely free to families staying for seven nights or more on the island. It's a great chance to meet local kids and get expert coaching in cricket, rugby, football and netball. With last year's coaches including Mike Gatting and Alan Hansen, big names are guaranteed! Sorry dads, it's kids only! To book places visit www.barbados-sports-camp.com.
Somewhere to stay: Almond Beach Village in Barbados This fantastically family-friendly all-inclusive resort has superb facilities and splits its crèche and kids' clubs into four different age groups from newborns to 15 years old. There's plenty for parents too including a child-free section which has its own restaurant for when you want a bit of 'grown up' time.
Top tip: Take a day trip to Malibu or Turtle Beach to go swimming with the turtles!

Pleasing for TeensPleasing for Teens

Jamaica

Prepare to be stunned by this resort's perfect location, set over 20 acres on the widest stretch of Negril's Seven Mile Beach, which has been voted one of the best in the world. This is a 'luxury included' all-inclusive resort with superb service and facilities including free scuba for PADI qualified divers and a wide range of water sports and an on-site Pirate's Island waterpark.
Somewhere to stay: Beaches Negril Resort and Spa in Jamaica At last, a holiday that caters for teens with cool activities they'll really want to sign up to! Unlimited play from all the latest Xbox 360® releases in the Games Garage, a free introductory session at DJ Academy and even the under 21s Liquid nightclub - no parents allowed!
Top tip: With five world-class restaurants serving everything from fusion and Jamaican cuisine to pizzas and burgers, ring the changes and try them all!

Fancy a Caribbean family holiday? Check out our latest Caribbean deals now

Nikki Bayley is a freelance travel writer. She writes regularly for the Daily Express and Sunday Mirror. Her favourite cities are San Sebastian, Mexico City and San Francisco.

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