Cayman is a very family oriented place and has such has a wealth of entertainment options and activities for children. The warm climate means there is an abundance of outdoors and water-based pursuits, but for the odd occasion when it is too wet – or too hot – to be out in the sun, there is also a number of indoor options.

On land

Parks

The most popular of Grand Cayman’s public parks are the well-landscaped Dart Parks. There’s one in each of Grand Cayman’s districts and all have play equipment, restrooms, shaded areas and more. Play a game of giant chess, walk a butterfly trail or throw a Frisbee.

Check out Dart Family Park, South Sound; Scholar’s Park, West Bay; Jarold Smith Park, North Side; and Captain George Nixon Park, East End.

National Gallery of the Cayman Islands

As of January 2012 the National Gallery will be located in a new facility off the Esterley Tibbetts highway. In addition to providing a permanent home for the National Collection the new gallery will offer family fun days twice a month, self guided tours for families that include The National Gallery plans to move from its original location in Harbour Place, across from George Town waterfront, to its brand new facility off Harquail Drive in January 2012. The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands has a series of changing exhibitions that are sure to delight budding art critics. The venue offers a great introduction to local art with the option of guided or self-guided tours.

T: 945 8111

W: nationalgallery.org.ky             

National Museum

The Cayman Islands National Museum reopened in 2009 after being seriously damaged in Hurricane Ivan. The new exhibits are very child friendly with lots of interactive displays and virtual experiences, including a simulated submarine dive. Exhibits cover natural and cultural history and there is also a children’s gallery designed for hands-on learning.

T: 949 8368

W: museum.ky

Black Pearl Skate and Surf

Tear it up at one of the world’s largest outdoor skate parks, located in Grand Harbour. Mandatory helmets are for hire, pads are optional and free to rent. Admission is CI$8. Or hang ten riding one of the world’s largest free-standing waves. Group and private sessions available from CI$35.

T: 947 4161

W: blackpearl.ky

On the water

Snorkelling

Snorkelling is an ideal way for young swimmers to learn more about the islands’ stunning marine life. With a parent by their side, most children will be happy to explore the colourful schools of fish, crustaceans and, if they’re lucky, sea turtles that inhabit the crystal clear waters. Snorkel gear can be rented from most water sports operators.

Atlantis Submarine

Dive 100 feet below the surface in the fully air-conditioned Atlantis Submarine. The 48-passenger craft offers 90-minute tours. The 40-passenger Seaworld Observatory’s one-hour tours are ideal if your little ones prefer to stay only five feet below the surface.

T: 949 7700 (reservations preferred)

WOW Balls

Inflatable, clear plastic balls provide a burst of fun for kids aged five and over.  Get inside the plastic bubble and try to stand, walk or run on water. It’s harder than it looks and causes lots of laughs as people slip, slide and fall.

P: 323 0606

W: wowballs.ky

Get dive certified

Eight- and nine-year-olds can take a half-day course of pool diving, ocean snorkelling, and equipment and technique training. With a certificate, they complete a shallow ocean dive with an instructor. Those aged 10 and older can become junior open water divers and qualify for the full open-water course. Depth restrictions apply depending on age. Children must dive with adults until they are 15 years old.

Rainy Days

Hollywood Theatres

When it’s wet outside and the kids need to be entertained, take in a movie at Hollywood Theatres. The six-screen facility, located in Camana Bay, offers plenty of movies for the family, including 3D films.

T: 640 3456

W: gohollywood.com

Motor Museum

Boys in particular will love seeing the collection of classic cars and motorbikes that chart the history of the automobile. There are examples of some of the world’s earliest motorised vehicles as well as some that gained fame after appearing on the big screen.

T: 947 7741

W: caymanmotormuseum.com

All Fired Up

Be creative at All Fired Up!, Cayman’s only commercial pottery studio, located on Seven Mile Beach. Choose a ready-made ceramic plate, mug, vase or other item, pick your colours and get painting. When you have finished, your ceramics will be fired in the kiln and you can take home a beautifully glazed piece of pottery.

Open: Tuesday through Thursday from 10am to 9pm; Friday and Saturday from 10am to 6pm

T: 947 8517

Extra if needed - Land:

Pirate Caves

Legend has it that pirates hid their treasures in the natural limestone caves underground in Bodden Town. There is no treasure left today but you can still wander through the caves and meet the animals at the small petting zoo.

T: 947 3122