If you’re coming to st lucia with kids, choosing the best place to stay in one of the most important decisions. If you enjoy resorts, there are quite a few that offer family deals, kids’ clubs, and activities for children, such as Coconut Bay in the South and Windjammer, Bay Gardens, the Landings or St James Club Morgan Bay in the North. Cotton Bay is also great for kids because of its pool, seclusion and proximity to the Cas en Bas beach. However, the private villas there are not part of a resort but rather a managed time share, parts of which have fallen into disrepair.
If you don’t want to stay at a resort, look for places that are walking distance to one of the st lucia beaches, have space to run around, and not near a busy road or noisy town.
Balenbouche Estate meets all of those criteria, plus you have the added advantage of a staying with a family who has raised two generations of children on the Balenbouche plantation. We know all about keeping them safe, happy and entertained! Our guest cottages offer plenty of space and self catering amenities, and there is no extra charge for children and teens under 18.
To help decide if Balenbouche Estate is right for you and your family, please read our Balenbouche FAQ. If you (or your partner) still like the convenience of a resort, consider doing a combination – stay at a resort for the first 3 or 4 days, and then move to a smaller local place, hire a car, and venture out to create some unforgettable great memories with your family. A rental car is really best if you want flexibility and privacy. Organized tours and taxis are an alternative, but you will pay more and see less. Driving is less challenging than many think, just make sure to get a good map, plan your trips well, and drive defensively. Child seats are not mandatory in St. Lucia, so make sure to tell the rental company you want one. Read more about getting around the island.
St Lucia Activities for Kids
Hiking and walking: Balenbouche Estate, Tet Paul Nature trail, Morne Coubaril, Diamond Falls Botanical gardens, Lucian country Life, Pigeon island
Waterfalls and hot springs: Toraille, Latille, Sapphire falls, New Jerusalem Hot springs, Sulphur Springs volcano
Beaches: Anse Chastanet, Sugar Beach, Anse L’Ivroigne, Laborie Beach, Anse de Sable, Rodney Bay, Cas en Bas
A boat trip is fun too, you can either do a short water taxi trip, but a whale and dolphin watching trip is really worthwhile. Perhaps avoid the catamaran cruises packed with adults indulging in drinks and loud music.
Mini zoo: Between Castries and Rodney Bay is the Union nature trail and mini zoo, which has the st lucia parrot, boas, agoutis and tortoises.
Water park: At Reduit beach in Rodney Bay, there is a floating water park for children.
Playgrounds: In Rodney bay, there is an outdoor playground next to Pizza Pizza restaurant. Just a 2 minute walk away there is an indoor playground in the shopping mall.
Read more about our favorite St Lucia tourist sites
Things to bring:
Hat, sunscreen and bug repellent. A sun outfit. Good walking shoes. A book about tropical plants and animals and a game or tablet for rainy days.