Caribbean Islands that are close to the US, like Turks & Caicos or the Virgin Islands, get the most buzz for family winter getaways. But islands further south like Grenada, Dominica and Barbados have neat opportunities to get off the beach and explore nature, local history and West Indian culture. They’re alluring to me. So I was excited to receive this list of 9 things to do in Grenada. They’re appealing and easy activities and they give you a sense of what this “Spice Island” has to offer to families.
9 Fun Things To Do on Grenada With Kids
Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station
Grenada produces one-third of the world’s nutmeg. Take a Friday afternoon to visit this nutmeg factory in Gouyave, in the northwest part of the island. You can see workers select, grade and package the nutmegs. It only costs $1, which means you’ll have money left over to shop for West Indian spices from the Nutmeg World store.
Gouyave Fish Fridays
After the nutmeg tour stay Gouyave, which hosts a weekly street party where tourists and local people gather for music, dancing and fresh seafood. I’ve done this in Barbados and it’s a fun local event there, so I would definitely try it here, too. Things kick off at 6:00 and go well into the night, but with little kids it’s best to get there on the early side when it’s less crowded and loud.
Grand Anse Beach
This two-mile stretch of white sand and turquoise water is home to several beaches with calm child-friendly waters. You’ll find shops where families with big kids and teens can book activities like scuba, waterskiing, parasailing and windsurfing. A vendors’ market features local spices, crafts and food as well as practical stuff like beach chairs. There are plenty of restaurants and hotels here, too.
The National Museum
It’s hard to get revved up for a museum day when you’re in beach mode. But this museum, in a colorful building that the French built in 1704 is part of the foundations of Fort George. It hosts live performances including jazz music and dancing on Fridays. Its exhibits tell all you want to know about Grenada’s history.
Annadale Waterfall
Walk through tropical gardens before taking an invigorating (read: COLD!) dip below these impressive falls. Best for families with kids that are good swimmers.
Grand Etang National Park
Hikers can explore the rainforest that hugs the park’s central mountains. You’ll see lush flora and a large crater lake. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot Mona monkeys or Antillean crested hummingbirds. What kid doesn’t love monkeys? (And adults for that matter?)
Mt. Hartman Dove Sanctuary
The protected Grenada Dove is unique to the island and lives in a dry thorn scrub ecosystem. Come to the sanctuary to learn about these birds and the island’s diverse landscapes.
The Spice Basket
You can see the more colorful side of West Indian culture at the elaborate (though pricey) dinner shows they stage here. Kids under 12 are half price and the show winds down around 9:30. But if your kids can stay up later, consider staying for the steel drum music after.
Belmont Estate
This 300-year-old working plantation has plenty for families. Learn how chocolate is made on a tour that starts in the cocoa fields and ends with organic chocolate samples. Run around the gardens, see how local spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and bay leaves grow. Eat lunch at the restaurant, which uses spices and produce from the estate’s garden. There’s also a craft co-op, goat dairy and farm animals for the littlest kids.
