usvi-on-line
A Plea for Toddler Travel Suggestions
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Jumbiegirl
- Posts: 301
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 8:30 pm
- Location: Holland, MI
A Plea for Toddler Travel Suggestions
Our gang of 10 traveling to St John in June will include, for the first time, a toddler. My husband and I have had 9 honeymoons on St John so we’re very familiar with the island – but have never traveled with a child. Margo (my avatar) will be 2½ then and I have some specific logistical questions for those that have traveled to St John with a toddler in the past. I’m terribly anal and I’m always over-prepared for everything so forgive my detailed questions! Feel free to email me if you like.
1. We will be putting a car booster seat in our checked luggage for use in the Jeep on St John. We were advised by friends not to bother schlepping a full car seat down. Since booster seats are not rated for air travel we can’t use them on the plane. The rules for children her age do not require any type of car seat on the plane so don’t have to worry about that. My question is this: do the taxi companies require you to install the car/booster seat on the van before or is it okay to seat the child in your lap for your trip to the ferry?
2. I want to take a scaled down stroller. I have a cheapy umbrella stroller but it’s not comfortable for her. We’ll have significant layovers and she might be able to nap in a more comfortable stroller. Can anyone suggest a decent inexpensive travel stroller I can buy?
3. Margo is a little fish – loves the water so far. But the ocean will be totally different than a swimming pool – more fun! I think she might be brave enough to try a little mask or some goggles so she can putter around looking at fish along the shore. If you brought a 2-ish toddler down the St John, what was your child’s experience with swimming, snorkeling, fish gazing? How much could she really do?
4. I’ve been searching the internet for a little inflatable boat with a clear plastic bottom so she can see the fish under her. I’ve had no luck. Anyone else ever seen one of these or have a similar suggestion?
5. Pia has recommended Coppertone Spectra sunscreen for kids and I’ll pick that up. Does this stuff wash off fairly easily with soap and water in the tub? With layer upon layer of it being applied all day I’m afraid I might need a steel wool pad to scrape it off at night. Any recommendations for a gentle after sun lotion for a kid with sensitive skin?
6. My husband is concerned that we’ll need a full body bathing suit for her to wear to keep the sun at bay. I think if we keep her lathered up with lotion every 20 minutes or so she’ll be fine (and keep an SPF T-shirt on her). We’ll likely leave the beach in the early afternoon for her nap every day and avoid the strongest sun. What’s your experience with sun, sunscreen or sunburn and your toddler?
7. What are the essential items to bring on the plane for her? Our travel day from Michigan will take 12 hours so I need every distraction/enjoyment I can bring!
8. Please suggest anything you might have tried that was fun for your child on island!! Or suggest activities to avoid if there are any.
1. We will be putting a car booster seat in our checked luggage for use in the Jeep on St John. We were advised by friends not to bother schlepping a full car seat down. Since booster seats are not rated for air travel we can’t use them on the plane. The rules for children her age do not require any type of car seat on the plane so don’t have to worry about that. My question is this: do the taxi companies require you to install the car/booster seat on the van before or is it okay to seat the child in your lap for your trip to the ferry?
2. I want to take a scaled down stroller. I have a cheapy umbrella stroller but it’s not comfortable for her. We’ll have significant layovers and she might be able to nap in a more comfortable stroller. Can anyone suggest a decent inexpensive travel stroller I can buy?
3. Margo is a little fish – loves the water so far. But the ocean will be totally different than a swimming pool – more fun! I think she might be brave enough to try a little mask or some goggles so she can putter around looking at fish along the shore. If you brought a 2-ish toddler down the St John, what was your child’s experience with swimming, snorkeling, fish gazing? How much could she really do?
4. I’ve been searching the internet for a little inflatable boat with a clear plastic bottom so she can see the fish under her. I’ve had no luck. Anyone else ever seen one of these or have a similar suggestion?
5. Pia has recommended Coppertone Spectra sunscreen for kids and I’ll pick that up. Does this stuff wash off fairly easily with soap and water in the tub? With layer upon layer of it being applied all day I’m afraid I might need a steel wool pad to scrape it off at night. Any recommendations for a gentle after sun lotion for a kid with sensitive skin?
6. My husband is concerned that we’ll need a full body bathing suit for her to wear to keep the sun at bay. I think if we keep her lathered up with lotion every 20 minutes or so she’ll be fine (and keep an SPF T-shirt on her). We’ll likely leave the beach in the early afternoon for her nap every day and avoid the strongest sun. What’s your experience with sun, sunscreen or sunburn and your toddler?
7. What are the essential items to bring on the plane for her? Our travel day from Michigan will take 12 hours so I need every distraction/enjoyment I can bring!
8. Please suggest anything you might have tried that was fun for your child on island!! Or suggest activities to avoid if there are any.
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smilesfromMN
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Mon Jan 01, 2007 10:19 am
- Location: MN
I can share the following....
Concerning car seat and taxis - We used a private transfer (Christopher) twice and neither driver even glanced at the car seat. When I made the reservation, I let it be know that I might need a few moments to install the seat and was told no problem. It all went very smoothly, truly "no problem"
Stroller - While we haven't taken a stroller to St. John or our other beach location vacation spot only because my hubby isn't comfortable pushing our son on the streets. Luckily, we have a backpack kid. I have seen a traveller stroller in One Step Ahead that looked pretty nice. It was advertised as being light weight and durable. $60ish maybe?
Snorkel - LL Bean currently have on sale a little kid snorkel set for $49.
Water and snorkelling - We sailed with Captain Phil last year and he told us that he takes 2 year olds into the water. Now, I am cautious to the point of crazy and I think that even I would actually trust him to take our son into the water. Our son was too young at the time but I will take him out when he is old enough.
Sunscreen - California Baby makes a great SPF 50. It smells wonderful, stays put yet seems to wash off easily. This is one area that I was freaked about but it turned out not to be a hassle for us. I kept a close eye of him and tried to keep him in the shade once and a while. He is very fair and we did not have a problem with sun at all. My mom picked up several Lands End SPF white t-shirts, which worked well. I wonder if the suits would be too hot?
Activities - We have taken our toddler on several boat trips since he was an infant. There are lots of people who think this is a crazy idea but he enjoys the wind in his hair and the scenery. Again, I would suggest Capt Phil because of his family-friendly attitude, attention to safety, and his love of the islands.
Stroller - While we haven't taken a stroller to St. John or our other beach location vacation spot only because my hubby isn't comfortable pushing our son on the streets. Luckily, we have a backpack kid. I have seen a traveller stroller in One Step Ahead that looked pretty nice. It was advertised as being light weight and durable. $60ish maybe?
Snorkel - LL Bean currently have on sale a little kid snorkel set for $49.
Water and snorkelling - We sailed with Captain Phil last year and he told us that he takes 2 year olds into the water. Now, I am cautious to the point of crazy and I think that even I would actually trust him to take our son into the water. Our son was too young at the time but I will take him out when he is old enough.
Sunscreen - California Baby makes a great SPF 50. It smells wonderful, stays put yet seems to wash off easily. This is one area that I was freaked about but it turned out not to be a hassle for us. I kept a close eye of him and tried to keep him in the shade once and a while. He is very fair and we did not have a problem with sun at all. My mom picked up several Lands End SPF white t-shirts, which worked well. I wonder if the suits would be too hot?
Activities - We have taken our toddler on several boat trips since he was an infant. There are lots of people who think this is a crazy idea but he enjoys the wind in his hair and the scenery. Again, I would suggest Capt Phil because of his family-friendly attitude, attention to safety, and his love of the islands.
Hello there...Last time we visited STJ our little girl was newly 3, so I can certainly empathize. Let me start by saying getting there was the most difficult part, once we were there the island just did the rest of the entertaining for us!
1. do the taxi companies require you to install the car/booster seat on the van before or is it okay to seat the child in your lap for your trip to the ferry?
They do not require you put in the booster or car seat. We took the taxi to CA w/o installing it. IF you don't want to schlep your own, Christy's Classics will rent you one - I think $25 or $40 for the week. Worth it to us & in good shape!
2. Can anyone suggest a decent inexpensive travel stroller I can buy?
We had the small jeep stroller - I think about $30 a little more durable than a standard stroller and she always seemed comfy. However, we didn't even bother with it on STJ, but it was great for the airports, etc.
3. If you brought a 2-ish toddler down the St John, what was your child’s experience with swimming, snorkeling, fish gazing? How much could she really do?
My daughter is a total water baby. We took a ring float with us to the beaches and some sand pail, digging supplies and she would have played for the entire day if we let her. She particularly enjoyed the calmer Maho, Francis type beaches. She would run into the water with the round ring float and then allow the waves to beach her OVER AND OVER ... of course she was FULL of sand after but had a wonderful time. She also LIVED in the pool anytime we were at the house. Take some little uninflated floats from target or walmart. We donated them to the house when we left but they don't take up much space at all. I'd take a spare or two, just in case you get a hole.
4. I’ve been searching the internet for a little inflatable boat with a clear plastic bottom so she can see the fish under her. I’ve had no luck. Anyone else ever seen one of these or have a similar suggestion?
No sorry.
5. Pia has recommended Coppertone Spectra sunscreen for kids and I’ll pick that up. Does this stuff wash off fairly easily with soap and water in the tub? With layer upon layer of it being applied all day I’m afraid I might need a steel wool pad to scrape it off at night. Any recommendations for a gentle after sun lotion for a kid with sensitive skin?
We used the Coppertone Bug & Sun (sunscreen and bug repellent in one) & it washed off fine. If you stick wit hte sprectra just make sure you get a good kid friendly bug screen too. Our little one was eaten alive by the no see ums. Also, be sure any end of the day lotion you use is unscented. Anything with a scent will attract the bugs in the night. We had our biggest problem with the bites when she was sleeping - even in an airconditioned room!
6. My husband is concerned that we’ll need a full body bathing suit for her to wear to keep the sun at bay. I think if we keep her lathered up with lotion every 20 minutes or so she’ll be fine (and keep an SPF T-shirt on her). We’ll likely leave the beach in the early afternoon for her nap every day and avoid the strongest sun. What’s your experience with sun, sunscreen or sunburn and your toddler?
Your husband is right. We did the bathing suit and sunscreen the first day and she got a tad burned ... in only an hour or so. We had some swim shorts that came down to her knees (old navy i think) and then went into Cruz Bay and found a long sleeve surfer girl like shirt. I still SUNscreened her under it and from that point on she was totally protected. It is worth the peace of mind & the reduction of hassle to have the top on. Later in the week we reverted to a short sleeve top but I really didn't wnat her back and shoulders and chest getting scortched. My daughter doens't like the one piece version of the swim coveralls so we did the shorts and top thing and it worked great.
7. What are the essential items to bring on the plane for her? Our travel day from Michigan will take 12 hours so I need every distraction/enjoyment I can bring!
Crayola color wonder anything - they only make color on the special paper. Very mess free. A small etch a sketch was popular with mine. Crayons, stickers (think a book of 1000), lots of snacks - raisins, pretzels, goldfish, etc. Bribery tools - mini m&ms, little gummy bears.
8. Please suggest anything you might have tried that was fun for your child on island!! Or suggest activities to avoid if there are any.
We had a great time. Our general routine was hit a beach in the morning then back to the house for pool and relaxation. She loved the simpliest things - the chickens at Vie's, going looking for goats in Coral bay, digging in the sand, looking for lizards.
Have a great time ... Sorry this is SO long!
1. do the taxi companies require you to install the car/booster seat on the van before or is it okay to seat the child in your lap for your trip to the ferry?
They do not require you put in the booster or car seat. We took the taxi to CA w/o installing it. IF you don't want to schlep your own, Christy's Classics will rent you one - I think $25 or $40 for the week. Worth it to us & in good shape!
2. Can anyone suggest a decent inexpensive travel stroller I can buy?
We had the small jeep stroller - I think about $30 a little more durable than a standard stroller and she always seemed comfy. However, we didn't even bother with it on STJ, but it was great for the airports, etc.
3. If you brought a 2-ish toddler down the St John, what was your child’s experience with swimming, snorkeling, fish gazing? How much could she really do?
My daughter is a total water baby. We took a ring float with us to the beaches and some sand pail, digging supplies and she would have played for the entire day if we let her. She particularly enjoyed the calmer Maho, Francis type beaches. She would run into the water with the round ring float and then allow the waves to beach her OVER AND OVER ... of course she was FULL of sand after but had a wonderful time. She also LIVED in the pool anytime we were at the house. Take some little uninflated floats from target or walmart. We donated them to the house when we left but they don't take up much space at all. I'd take a spare or two, just in case you get a hole.
4. I’ve been searching the internet for a little inflatable boat with a clear plastic bottom so she can see the fish under her. I’ve had no luck. Anyone else ever seen one of these or have a similar suggestion?
No sorry.
5. Pia has recommended Coppertone Spectra sunscreen for kids and I’ll pick that up. Does this stuff wash off fairly easily with soap and water in the tub? With layer upon layer of it being applied all day I’m afraid I might need a steel wool pad to scrape it off at night. Any recommendations for a gentle after sun lotion for a kid with sensitive skin?
We used the Coppertone Bug & Sun (sunscreen and bug repellent in one) & it washed off fine. If you stick wit hte sprectra just make sure you get a good kid friendly bug screen too. Our little one was eaten alive by the no see ums. Also, be sure any end of the day lotion you use is unscented. Anything with a scent will attract the bugs in the night. We had our biggest problem with the bites when she was sleeping - even in an airconditioned room!
6. My husband is concerned that we’ll need a full body bathing suit for her to wear to keep the sun at bay. I think if we keep her lathered up with lotion every 20 minutes or so she’ll be fine (and keep an SPF T-shirt on her). We’ll likely leave the beach in the early afternoon for her nap every day and avoid the strongest sun. What’s your experience with sun, sunscreen or sunburn and your toddler?
Your husband is right. We did the bathing suit and sunscreen the first day and she got a tad burned ... in only an hour or so. We had some swim shorts that came down to her knees (old navy i think) and then went into Cruz Bay and found a long sleeve surfer girl like shirt. I still SUNscreened her under it and from that point on she was totally protected. It is worth the peace of mind & the reduction of hassle to have the top on. Later in the week we reverted to a short sleeve top but I really didn't wnat her back and shoulders and chest getting scortched. My daughter doens't like the one piece version of the swim coveralls so we did the shorts and top thing and it worked great.7. What are the essential items to bring on the plane for her? Our travel day from Michigan will take 12 hours so I need every distraction/enjoyment I can bring!
Crayola color wonder anything - they only make color on the special paper. Very mess free. A small etch a sketch was popular with mine. Crayons, stickers (think a book of 1000), lots of snacks - raisins, pretzels, goldfish, etc. Bribery tools - mini m&ms, little gummy bears.
8. Please suggest anything you might have tried that was fun for your child on island!! Or suggest activities to avoid if there are any.
We had a great time. Our general routine was hit a beach in the morning then back to the house for pool and relaxation. She loved the simpliest things - the chickens at Vie's, going looking for goats in Coral bay, digging in the sand, looking for lizards.
Have a great time ... Sorry this is SO long!
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Jumbiegirl
- Posts: 301
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 8:30 pm
- Location: Holland, MI
Thank you so much!! I look forward to hearing what happens with your travel experience.smilesfromMN wrote:You mentioned that your trip is in June. We will be visiting STJ for 10 days with our 5 1/2 and 2 1/2 yr old sons in a few weeks. I will reply to your post again, or maybe pm you, when we return and hopefully I will be able to answer some of your questions better at that time... Happy planning!
Flip Flop
Thanks for your LONG answer! I'm printing it out for reference. I think I'll definately look at a long sleep swim top for the beach.
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madforstjohn
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Wed Nov 29, 2006 5:32 pm
- Location: Massachusetts
Your toddler will have a wonderful time on St. John so don't worry about that.
I agree with FlipFlop that the toughest part will be the travel time. I traveled a lot with my kids since they were infants. My husband travels a lot for business so between meeting him when he was on extended trips(which meant I got to travel alone with 2 kids--lucky me) or using his frequent flyer miles for family trips--LUCKY ME! We have traveled a lot.
The best advice I can give you is pray for naps. But seriously; I always packed a bag full of things they had never seen before and I called it my magic travel bag. I would put in treats they weren't ususally allowd to have, special books with the opening windows, paint with water, little legos, anything I could find at dollar stores. But you have to make a rule about how often you can open the bag. Otherwise they just want to see everything at once and the next thing you know you have 10 hours of travel with no surprises.
I can assure you that you will need that rum punch when you land!! It can be exhausting but so rewarding to show your kids the world. We still bring ours everywhere and one is now a teenager. I don't know where the time went but I am glad I shared special places like St. John with them.
I would go with the rash guard over the bathing suit. It seems like no matter how much sunscreen you put on, shoulders can get a little pink. I suppose a tshirt would work too but not as comfortable when wet.
I agree with FlipFlop that the toughest part will be the travel time. I traveled a lot with my kids since they were infants. My husband travels a lot for business so between meeting him when he was on extended trips(which meant I got to travel alone with 2 kids--lucky me) or using his frequent flyer miles for family trips--LUCKY ME! We have traveled a lot.
The best advice I can give you is pray for naps. But seriously; I always packed a bag full of things they had never seen before and I called it my magic travel bag. I would put in treats they weren't ususally allowd to have, special books with the opening windows, paint with water, little legos, anything I could find at dollar stores. But you have to make a rule about how often you can open the bag. Otherwise they just want to see everything at once and the next thing you know you have 10 hours of travel with no surprises.
I can assure you that you will need that rum punch when you land!! It can be exhausting but so rewarding to show your kids the world. We still bring ours everywhere and one is now a teenager. I don't know where the time went but I am glad I shared special places like St. John with them.
I would go with the rash guard over the bathing suit. It seems like no matter how much sunscreen you put on, shoulders can get a little pink. I suppose a tshirt would work too but not as comfortable when wet.
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LandLockedBeachLover
- Posts: 374
- Joined: Mon Nov 06, 2006 9:16 am
- Location: St. Louis, MO
Jumbiegirl - - how about something like this for a clear view of the ocean? Not sure if I got the pic right. If not, the link should show on here. I think yellow is the best color. I couldn't find a clear-bottomed boat.
[img]http://www.poolcenter.com/images/poolto ... at.jpg[img]
[img]http://www.poolcenter.com/images/poolto ... at.jpg[img]
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smilesfromMN
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Mon Jan 01, 2007 10:19 am
- Location: MN
I read about these on some website a few months ago, but couldn't find anywhere online to buy one (everyone was out of stock). After reading your post, I thought I'd google it again, and this site came up and they say they have them in stock now. I ordered one for my kids (probably should have ordered two of them, but sharing is a good thing 
). Check it out. http://store.isnorkel2.com/12.html
). Check it out. http://store.isnorkel2.com/12.html-
Jumbiegirl
- Posts: 301
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 8:30 pm
- Location: Holland, MI
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swoodbridge
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 8:08 pm
Great Website for SPF clothing
http://www.coolibar.com/ is a great website if you should decide to go for the spf bathing suit for your todler. We brought the adult rash guards to the Bahamas last June and didn't think they were too hot at all. I wore mine out biking, sailing, and walking on the beach. The site was very responsive and I felt the shirts were well made. Sharon
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Jumbiegirl
- Posts: 301
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 8:30 pm
- Location: Holland, MI
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smilesfromMN
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Mon Jan 01, 2007 10:19 am
- Location: MN
Jumbiegirl -
Another thing that I thought I'd mention... we recently purchased rashguards for our boys. O'neill brand - I can't remember which website. Anyway, the website recommended ordering 2 sizes up for children. I thought that sounded a bit too big, so I ordered 1 size larger for each boy, but those sizes were out of stock. So I ended up ordering the 2 sizes larger (as recommended, a size 6 for my 2 1/2 yr old and size 10 for my 5 1/2 yr old), and boy am I glad I did!! At 2 sizes larger they fit like a snug t-shirt and I know if they were any smaller the kids would be complaining - I'm sure I'd be getting the "ahhcchh, I'm choking, take this thing off!" As it is, they think they are comfortable and can't wait to wear them in the ocean!! So, I guess with whatever you order, follow the manufacturers suggestion on sizes/fit. Hope this helps...
Another thing that I thought I'd mention... we recently purchased rashguards for our boys. O'neill brand - I can't remember which website. Anyway, the website recommended ordering 2 sizes up for children. I thought that sounded a bit too big, so I ordered 1 size larger for each boy, but those sizes were out of stock. So I ended up ordering the 2 sizes larger (as recommended, a size 6 for my 2 1/2 yr old and size 10 for my 5 1/2 yr old), and boy am I glad I did!! At 2 sizes larger they fit like a snug t-shirt and I know if they were any smaller the kids would be complaining - I'm sure I'd be getting the "ahhcchh, I'm choking, take this thing off!" As it is, they think they are comfortable and can't wait to wear them in the ocean!! So, I guess with whatever you order, follow the manufacturers suggestion on sizes/fit. Hope this helps...
We took my 18 month old a few years ago and she had a great time. We took two beach umbrellas (checked luggage on United), and they were great to have for the shade. The little tents get too hot, so the umbrellas work much better. To protect her from sun, just put her in a Tshirt over the bathing suit, and we put a hat on her, that way if she got too hot, she could sit in the shade in just her bathing suit. Also, there is not much shade on the southern beaches (Salt Pond), but there is on the north shore beaches in the morning, especially Maho. When we went, in January, the waves were too rough for the baby at all the north shore beaches except Maho, so we spent a lot of time there, at Salt Pond (great except the long walk with all the baby gear), and Lameshur.
As for getting to St. John, we brought the full size Britax carseat, she rode in it on the plane, the taxis didn't care if we strapped it in or not, and it was fine bringing it on the ferry etc. Once we got to St. John, we installed it in the rental car. It really wasn't a problem to bring it with us, and provides better protection than a booster. For the beach, we had the umbrellas, and a spring float (circle float with mesh seat in the middle, you can get it through BassPro, or just search for Swimways "spring float") that worked really well. It's very stable and my daughter really enjoyed it. we used a lot of OFF skintastic to keep the bugs off, it worked fine.
I'd also suggest just a cheapie little umbrella stroller. The airport at St. Thomas has a kids play area that you can use while waiting for the flight home, and you can gatecheck the stroller when getting on the plane and it will be ready when you get off. The only time we used a stroller in St. John was in Cruz Bay at night, and the sidewalks are very narrow (more like curbs) or nonexistent (you're in the street), so the smaller stroller was good. Also, it folds up to be very compact, which was good for the restaurants. We picked up one of the $15 Kolkrafts at Babies R Us. They're light (only about 10lbs) and it's not a tragedy if it gets broken or stolen.
My daughter did really well with just a beach routine--up early, on the beach from 9am-12 noon, stop at a restaurant for lunch, home for nap (and time by the pool for adults), back up & out for dinner, then home again for bed, we found that she wasn't bored, there are so many shells and things to look at on the beach, the pelicans at Maho, starfish in the pools at Lameshur.
You will have a great time, the beaches are perfect, water is warm and clear, she will really enjoy it.
As for getting to St. John, we brought the full size Britax carseat, she rode in it on the plane, the taxis didn't care if we strapped it in or not, and it was fine bringing it on the ferry etc. Once we got to St. John, we installed it in the rental car. It really wasn't a problem to bring it with us, and provides better protection than a booster. For the beach, we had the umbrellas, and a spring float (circle float with mesh seat in the middle, you can get it through BassPro, or just search for Swimways "spring float") that worked really well. It's very stable and my daughter really enjoyed it. we used a lot of OFF skintastic to keep the bugs off, it worked fine.
I'd also suggest just a cheapie little umbrella stroller. The airport at St. Thomas has a kids play area that you can use while waiting for the flight home, and you can gatecheck the stroller when getting on the plane and it will be ready when you get off. The only time we used a stroller in St. John was in Cruz Bay at night, and the sidewalks are very narrow (more like curbs) or nonexistent (you're in the street), so the smaller stroller was good. Also, it folds up to be very compact, which was good for the restaurants. We picked up one of the $15 Kolkrafts at Babies R Us. They're light (only about 10lbs) and it's not a tragedy if it gets broken or stolen.
My daughter did really well with just a beach routine--up early, on the beach from 9am-12 noon, stop at a restaurant for lunch, home for nap (and time by the pool for adults), back up & out for dinner, then home again for bed, we found that she wasn't bored, there are so many shells and things to look at on the beach, the pelicans at Maho, starfish in the pools at Lameshur.
You will have a great time, the beaches are perfect, water is warm and clear, she will really enjoy it.
Jumbiegirl,
This might be overkill but I figured what the hell...
Packing for kids:
Swimsuits
Hat
Swim diapers
Toys/Books
Baby & Bug Block
T-shirts for over swimsuit
Sandals, water shoes
Floats, wings, swim toys
Easy Mac, Raisins, etc
Aloe
Hand sanitizer
Liquid Bandaid
And Kid Friendly Eats (not sure all are still open):
Café Roma A/C Pizza. Dinner Only.
Tamarind Inn's daily dinner buffets. Decent food at reasonable prices with very kid-friendly atmosphere, open air gravel.
Rhumblines kid-friendly but a little more expensive, hammocks by the bar. 776-0303 - Pacific Rim and tropical cuisines in a funky garden setting
Sticky Fingers in Coral Bay. Great BBQ at reasonable prices. Limited menu (BBQ chicken, brisket, ribs, and fish). Trailer with an awning over some gravel next to the road.
Vie’s Snack Shack far out Coral Bay Great garlic chicken & tarts - my little one loved the roosters and animals!
Donkey Diner Geat breakfast! Closed Tuesday.
Skinny Legs - great burgers, relaxed atmosphere.
Banana Deck - Cruz Bay - casual
Take-Out:
Uncle Joe’s BBQ Take-Out is usually a better idea, can take awhile depending on time of day.
Deli Grotto - Mongoose Junction. Wonderful deli. HUGE sandwiches. Great baked goods. Perfect for packing a lunch for the beach or taking a break while shopping in Mongoose.
Pickles - Turn right at the triangle in Coral Bay for this “dilly of a deli.” Stop on your way to Salt Pond to pick up a lunch beach basket.
Baked in the Sun 693-8786. Full service bakery featuring vegetarian fare and daily luncheon specials. M-Sat 6:30-6:30.
Simple Feast 714-7989 - Excellent lunch and deli in Palm Plaza on the way to the Westin. Eat in or take-out for the beach or day trips.
China Shack 715-4998 – Authentic Chinese takeout.
North Shore Deli 693-8677 - meats, tabhouli, and pasta salads, imported cheeses, wines, beers. Take-out and baked goods for the beach. Call in your order. Open 7 days.
Chilly Billy’s
This might be overkill but I figured what the hell...
Packing for kids:
Swimsuits
Hat
Swim diapers
Toys/Books
Baby & Bug Block
T-shirts for over swimsuit
Sandals, water shoes
Floats, wings, swim toys
Easy Mac, Raisins, etc
Aloe
Hand sanitizer
Liquid Bandaid
And Kid Friendly Eats (not sure all are still open):
Café Roma A/C Pizza. Dinner Only.
Tamarind Inn's daily dinner buffets. Decent food at reasonable prices with very kid-friendly atmosphere, open air gravel.
Rhumblines kid-friendly but a little more expensive, hammocks by the bar. 776-0303 - Pacific Rim and tropical cuisines in a funky garden setting
Sticky Fingers in Coral Bay. Great BBQ at reasonable prices. Limited menu (BBQ chicken, brisket, ribs, and fish). Trailer with an awning over some gravel next to the road.
Vie’s Snack Shack far out Coral Bay Great garlic chicken & tarts - my little one loved the roosters and animals!
Donkey Diner Geat breakfast! Closed Tuesday.
Skinny Legs - great burgers, relaxed atmosphere.
Banana Deck - Cruz Bay - casual
Take-Out:
Uncle Joe’s BBQ Take-Out is usually a better idea, can take awhile depending on time of day.
Deli Grotto - Mongoose Junction. Wonderful deli. HUGE sandwiches. Great baked goods. Perfect for packing a lunch for the beach or taking a break while shopping in Mongoose.
Pickles - Turn right at the triangle in Coral Bay for this “dilly of a deli.” Stop on your way to Salt Pond to pick up a lunch beach basket.
Baked in the Sun 693-8786. Full service bakery featuring vegetarian fare and daily luncheon specials. M-Sat 6:30-6:30.
Simple Feast 714-7989 - Excellent lunch and deli in Palm Plaza on the way to the Westin. Eat in or take-out for the beach or day trips.
China Shack 715-4998 – Authentic Chinese takeout.
North Shore Deli 693-8677 - meats, tabhouli, and pasta salads, imported cheeses, wines, beers. Take-out and baked goods for the beach. Call in your order. Open 7 days.
Chilly Billy’s