Kids and Families at the Turks and Caicos Islands

Most family-friendly activities are on Provo, but the rest of the islands—especially Grand Turk—provide plenty of other options.

Accommodations

Most of the accommodations on Provo and the rest of the Turks and Caicos are in condo-style resorts or private rental villas. These are ideal for families because they offer more space, laundry facilities, and full kitchens for cooking meals in. Babysitters can also be arranged to look after young ones while parents enjoy evenings out.

In Provo

At the Caicos Conch Farm kids learn about the biggest export from the Turks and Caicos Islands. Coral Gardens is great for off-the-beach snorkeling; kids can see colorful fish in waist-deep water. Those eight years of age or older can try Snuba, a surface-supplied diving experience. Without getting wet, little ones may experience the underwater world by climbing on board the Undersea Explorer, a semisubmarine that is even regularly visited by a resident mermaid! On dry land The Bight's public playground has swing sets and slides, along with bathrooms. There are banana boat rides and parasailing, minigolf, and horseback riding. But a sure thing for families is to contact SURFside Ocean Academy, an outdoor adventure company and licensed school specializing in kids’ camps, eco-adventures, and water sports.

Big Blue Unlimited is the most comprehensive water-sports and eco-tour outfit in the Turks and Caicos Islands, specializing in stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, kiteboarding, snorkel tours, diving, and more.

Outer Islands

On Middle Caicos families can visit one of the largest limestone cave systems in the Caribbean, with its several species of resident bats. Mudjin Harbour and Blue Horizon Resort offer hiking trails along the cliffs that are part of the Crossing Place Trail. Within the trail system is a hidden staircase leading to a “secret” beach.

North Caicos has the best plantation ruins to be explored. Wades Green still has remains of the main house, slave quarters, gardens, and rock walls, as well as old cauldrons.

The Turks and Caicos National Museum can be found on Grand Turk. Gibbs Cay is always a favorite of kids, offering them a chance to play and to hold gentle stingrays on a secluded “Gilligan’s Island.” Horseback riding is also a possibility on Grand Turk.