Fun Activities For Children on Providenciales
Part 2 – Traveling With Children From Ages 6 – 12
The Turks and Caicos Islands have quickly become a favourite destination for travelers from all over the world including those with young families. Providenciales was awarded the 2016 Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Top 10 Islands – World. So what are the fun activities for children on Providenciales that you need to know about when traveling to the islands? This is the second of a series of articles to give tips to travelers who are looking for kid friendly vacation activities on Providenciales.
We’ve all been here: You’ve unpacked and settled into your resort room. You take in the incredible scenery around you, the tall palms, the white sand and the sparkling blue Caicos waters, turn your husband with a sigh and a smile of contentment. Then a young voice says, “Oh-h-h-h, I’m bored. Is there anything to do here that’s fun?”
This part in our series will focus on fun vacation activities for children age six to twelve of age. Read Part 1 which is focused on children 6 years and under.
The Beach
Only steps away from Villa del Mar is the acclaimed 12 mile long Grace Bay Beach, the winner of the 2016 #1 Beach for TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best 25 Beaches in the World. Here activities for children ages 6 to 12 include swimming, playing on the beach, snorkeling, and other fun water sports.
Snorkeling
If seeing marine life up close appeals to your children, then snorkeling is ideal. West of Grace Bay is Bight Reef also known as the Coral Gardens. This is a lovely snorkeling area for younger swimmers as it boasts colorful coral and fish, pristine shallow waters and easy access.
Or take the children to visit Smith’s Reef in Turtle Cove where the waters are warm and calm. There are several access points and a variety of areas for kids to explore whether they are novice or experienced snorkelers.
About a six minute walk from Villa del Mar is Dive Provo, a local operator whose experienced guides will provide basic instruction and will help make sure everyone’s masks, fins and snorkels fit properly and comfortably for an optimum experience.
SNUBA
SNUBA is another great activity for children on Providenciales, especially for children ages 8 and up. A combination of snorkeling and diving, SNUBA allows an opportunity to view the majesty of the marine world up close without having to wear heavy dive equipment. You breathe through a mouthpiece and swim under the water, but you don’t have to come to the surface for air. Your air comes from an air cylinder on a raft floating above you. Jodi Taylor with SNUBA TCI will patiently instruct kids on how to breathe, safety tips, and what to expect and will inspire confidence in them so they can have a fun memorable underwater experience.
Other Creatures
An excursion to the Caicos Conch Farm will give youngsters a chance to see and hold young conchs. And a visit to Little Water Cay will allow them to see rock iguanas up close in their own natural setting.
Horseback Riding
Do your children enjoy animals? Then how about horseback riding? Mornings are a great time to beat the heat and ride with Provo Ponies, located at the southeastern end of Providenciales. This is a very special excursion because the horses are all rescued animals who truly love their job. The guides are all highly experienced riders who will match children with horses that suit their riding ability.
Resort Amenities
If you’re staying at Villa del Mar full suite condos off Grace Bay beach, there are two pools where the kids can splash and swim to their heart’s content. Or maybe it’s the end of a full day of sightseeing or enjoying activities and everyone is tired. With well thought out in-room amenities you and your children can relax and watch a favourite program or movie on the television and DVD player provided for you. There are books and board games to play in the garden area, on your balcony overlooking the pool, or in your air conditioned suite.
Whether it’s an unique underwater adventure or an exhilarating expedition on land, there is a bounty of fun activities for children on Providenciales and many ways to beat the boredom in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
