When planning a vacation with the kids, sometimes the most effort is put into planning activities that are kid friendly and most importantly tire the kids out so they go straight to sleep.
Growing up in Trinidad and now having my own children, below are a few suggestions of kid friendly places to visit while here.
Maracas Beach
Not your typical blue water Caribbean island, Trinidad still has many amazing beaches. One of the more popular beaches, Maracas, stands out for a few reasons.
- Easily accessible, if you are staying in the north west area of Trinidad its 30 minutes drive away. The scenic drive takes you through the northern range and make sure to stop off at the "Look out" to try some local snacks. Bonus tip, get the kids to shout out "I see the sea" as a little friendly competition to pass the time on the drive.
- Facilities, once you arrive parking is available for a small fee (US$5.00) for the day,
Once parked walk across the road and you are on the beach. Available for rent are lounge chairs and umbrellas (2 lounge chairs and one umbrella typically cost $US15 to 20). Don't worry about finding someone, when you walk out the carpark you will be asked a couple times. Bathrooms and showers are also available for a small fee. - Food and Drink, Maracas is the home of the world renowned "Shark and Bake", a must try when visiting Trinidad. Growing up, no visit to Maracas was complete without having a shark and bake for lunch. For the picky-eaters (I can relate) options such as plain bake (my kid's favorite) or even fries are also available.
- Check out a great video about Maracas by one of our local influencers.
Queens Park Savannah
Queens park Savannah is located in Port of Spain and is known to be the biggest roundabout in the world.
- Sight Seeing, the savannah is home to The Magnificent 7, a group of historical mansions standing next to each other. These mansions all have different uses now, prime minister's office, a school, the archbishop's residence to name a few.
The kids can learn all about it in a book "The Most Magnificent!" by local author, Jeunanne Alkins. At the north side of the Savannah you can also find the Emperor Valley Zoo and don't forget the the Royal Botanical Gardens which is free to the public. . - Food and Drink, coconut water straight out of the coconut (my kids are not big fans, but i did mention they were picky eaters so you never know). Snow cones (similar to a slushy) which is shaved ice in a cup with different flavor syrups and topped with condensed milk (From experience, I won't suggest this close to bedtime if you want to sleep). Also close by are many popular fast food and dine-in restaurants.
- Activities, great for walks (or run) with baby in a stroller. For the bigger kids, its a savannah which means lots of place to run, play sports and fly kites. Yes flying kites, growing up my father showed me how to make a kite using cocoyea (wood-like shaft of a coconut tree leaf) kite paper and mixed flour and water as glue, its a thing in Trinidad. You can also just buy a kite from a street vendor or many different stores if you aren't feeling adventurous.
- Sight Seeing, the savannah is home to The Magnificent 7, a group of historical mansions standing next to each other. These mansions all have different uses now, prime minister's office, a school, the archbishop's residence to name a few.
Five Islands water park
- Five Islands located in Chaguaramas is an impressive water park by Caribbean standards. There is something for everyone, big slides for the older kids, water play park for the younger ones, a lazy river for the whole family and a bar for the adults when a cold beer is needed to cool down. Also available is a small go-cart track, arcade and a trampoline room. Food is also available. Plan to stay for a while.
Bamboo Cathedral
- Its located in Chaguramas and you will need a stroller for the little ones. The road to the Bamboo Cathedral is blocked off to vehicular traffic, it leads to the Tracking Station and passes through the forest to get there. Along the pathway, the
bamboo trees arch over and form a "cathedral" and if you are lucky you might spot some monkeys. IF you feel adventurous you can continue along the road to Tracking Station but it gets pretty steep. My wife and I have taken both our 2 year and 6 year old on this trek with a stroller but it took about an hour to get to the top. Bring water and snacks, nothing available to purchase.
- Its located in Chaguramas and you will need a stroller for the little ones. The road to the Bamboo Cathedral is blocked off to vehicular traffic, it leads to the Tracking Station and passes through the forest to get there. Along the pathway, the
Upick Restaurant
- UPick is located not too far from the Bamboo Cathedral, and is a great breakfast/brunch/lunch option for the family after making the trek to tracking station. This place a great for children with both indoor and outdoor dining. The outdoor dining area is covered with large bamboo patches and there is a huge field for the children to play. Bonus tip, bring a football or scooter for the kids, we do this whenever we go. You can easily spend a full day in Chaguramas with the kids.
I'm recommending these because my family and I have personally been to all many times and continue to visit. This is my first ever blog and it feels really good to talk about some great places my home has to offer, the places I grew up and now my children get to experience.
This is one of the reasons Christian and myself started this business so families can experience our childhood places hassle free. So keep in mind when visiting beautiful Trinidad and need all the necessities for your children think of us.
I look forward to your comments, questions and ideas of more places to add to this list from your personal experiences.