Day One
Start with a morning hike up Monk’s Hill, Antigua’s lesser-known lookout point. From there, you’re just a short drive away from the Donkey Sanctuary, which welcomes children to come close and interact with the sociable animals. Once you’re done with the donkeys, encounter more animals on Great Bird Island, an off-the-beaten-path islet that’s home to hundreds of rare birds, insects, and reptiles. End the day by watching the sunset at Devil’s Bridge, a landmark structure with sprawling views of Antigua.
Day Two
Older kids will likely appreciate the opportunity to see Antigua outside of its major beach destinations. Take a trip to St. Johns, the island’s capital, and you can spend the day exploring cultural activities. Start at St. John’s Cathedral, perched atop a hill, and then you can continue to the nearby Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, where your family can learn more about Antigua’s history. By the Nevis Street Pier, you’ll find Heritage Quay, the island’s biggest shopping center.
Be sure to save some time for pizza at Stella Ristorante, one of the island’s most popular Italian restaurants.
Day Three
Wake up bright and early to get a head start at Stingray City, where you can snorkel alongside string rays and other Antiguan reef life. Then, you’ll be just a short ride away from Betty’s Hope, a sugarcane plantation where kids can learn more about Antigua’s industrial era, and eventually stop to snap a photo in front of the historical windmills. Grab lunch at Ounces Ice Cream Parlor and Grill, and kids can dig into Antiguan baked chicken or BBQ wings and fries. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at Dutchman Bay, a tranquil beach that’s very popular with windsurfers. Once you’re hungry, grab dinner at Cecilia’s.
Day Four
Arrange an entire day to explore some of Antigua’s best beaches. Spend the morning lounging at Valley Point Beach in Jolly Harbour, and then you can continue to the nearby Coco and Ffryes Beach. After a little time in Ffryes, take the kids to Dennis Beach Bar and Restaurant for lunch, a famous local spot that serves casual Antiguan fare. If you continue to venture along the coast, you can also check out Pigeon Beach, which features its own play area for children. From there, end the night at Nelson’s Dockyard, a cultural heritage site that features a historical marina lined with restaurants and shops.
