Although Cayman is fairly small, the diverse community and idyllic weather encourages an active lifestyle. The real issue comes with finding the time to do it all!
On This Page
Don't forget to check out the Cayman Parent website for the most up-to-date calendar of family-friendly events, as well as all the best day-to-day activities for families and children in Grand Cayman.
In the Sea
One of our all-time favourite outings is a North Sound boat trip. Tour stops can include Stingray City, the Sandbar, Coral Gardens, Barrier Reef and Kaibo. By organising your trip with one of these local operators, not only will your tour be tailored to you, but you will also get to experience true Caymanian hospitality, meet some ‘Islanders’ and have access to their wealth of local knowledge. If you have little thrill-seekers in the family, you may enjoy a trip to Stingray City and then continue to Rum Point by jet ski. Great options include:
Cayman Eco Adventures, Tel: (345) 916 0503
Captain Marvin's, Tel: (345) 945 6975
Captain Bryan's, Email: captainbryans@candw.ky
Frank’s Watersports, Tel: (345) 925 2783 or (345) 945 5491 (Group tours)
Crazy Crab, Tel: (345) 927 2722
Cayman Islands Sailing Charters, Tel: (345) 525 1222
Paradise Pontoons, Tel: (345) 321 0000
White Sand Water Sports, Tel: (345) 926 7263
Y-Knot Private Charters, Tel: (345) 926 2224
See the Boating section for more information.
On a rough day, take your children to see the Blow Holes in East End and enjoy the exciting explosion of water when it passes quickly through underwater caverns and high into the air. Be careful on the iron shore and don’t forget to wear proper shoes and a swimsuit, as you can easily get wet if you stand close enough. While in East End, you can also stop at the Wreck of the Ten Sail Memorial to learn more about the historic shipwreck that occurred in 1794.
Another sea-based activity that is fun for the whole family is a bioluminescence tour by kayak or electric catamaran offered by Cayman Kayaks from Rum Point. They also offer a day kayak tour through the mangroves. For more information email: reservations@caymankayaks.com or visit www.caymankayaks.com.
For more fun, Red Sail Sports offers paddleboarding, kayaks, and banana boat rides for kids beach parties (Tel: (345) 623 5965). Kids particularly love to ride with a group of their friends! Or swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Discovery (Tel: (345) 327 4742) in West Bay. Make sure to ask about their resident discounts.
On Land
Land-based activities for the whole family are almost endless! For children and their parents, the Cayman Islands National Museum offers a fascinating look into the natural and cultural history of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Turtle Centre
in West Bay also offers unique opportunities for educational and
interactive animal-based activities. Visitors can enjoy bird, shark,
turtle and crocodile feeding, a nature trail, snorkelling with turtles,
the popular waterfalls and Turtle Twister waterslide. Their Coco's Cool Hut serves soft-serve ice cream and slushies and their Silver Thatch Cáfe serves coffee. Once you have had
your fill of wildlife, you could wander across the road for lunch at the
Cracked Conch or Macabuca Tiki Bar.
Another worthwhile thing to do is a trip to the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, which is an engaging outing for the whole family. The Children's Garden features climbing frames, the CNB splash pad, a discovery tower, larger-than-life sculptures, a maze, tunnels, grow zone, a sensory garden and so much more! It also has plenty of shade and a picnic area. If you are coming from the western side of the Island you could also stop in at the Mission House in Bodden Town (visits by appointment only) and Pedro St. James in Savannah for a historical trip back in time.
For something a bit different, drop by the Crystal Caves (Old
May Bay), where local guides educate visitors on the history of the
caves starting from their creation, to the shaping of the dramatic
crystal structures, and up to when the caves became the hiding place for
pirate treasure. Call (345) 949 2283 to arrange a visit.
Bring the family to the National Gallery and enjoy a
range of activities including scavenger hunts, worksheets, and guided
tours based on the current exhibition schedule and the national
collection. Guided tours can be booked in advance by emailing info@nationalgallery.org.ky. Admission is free.
In Camana Bay, you can take a walk, get a coffee, ride a bike, explore its beautifully landscaped areas and shop at various retail stores, such as Next Chapter (Tel: (345) 640 2665), which has a wonderful children’s room full of books, puzzles and toys. Young children will also love playing in the fountains (bring a towel!) and climbing the five-storey Observation Tower for a great panoramic view. There is always a good selection of movies at the cinema, as well as a great choice of restaurants for lunch.
For something a bit different, contact ATV Cayman for Cayman’s only off-road tour of Barker’s Beach and other lovely spots in the area. Kids aged 3-15 years old ride as passengers in the ATV. The cost per ATV for adults is CI$80 and CI$40 for kids. Email: vincent@atvcayman.com or WhatsApp: (345) 922 0366 to book a ride.
In the Air
Cayman Islands Helicopters offers an aerial experience of Grand Cayman. Tours depart from Atlantic Aviation, located next to the Owen Roberts International Airport. They offer several flight packages including a scenic tour over Seven Mile Beach and Stingray City, as well as a full island tour which lasts approximately 40 minutes. There are no age restrictions, making this a family friendly activity. Call (345) 943 4354 to book.
