Staying first week in May with Children. Suggestions?

Dains · Post by **Dains** » Sun Apr 28, 2013 7:53 pm

Hi all. We are new to this Forum. I have loved all the great info on here. We will be visiting 4/30-5/7. Not long enough. My husband and I visited on our honeymoon and then came back for a villa stay prekids with friends. This time we are bringing our 3 kids 10, 8, and 5 and friends. We are all really excited. My husband and I have been in love with St John for so long and can't wait to share it with our kids. I have been reading through the posts to look for recommendations for things to do, eat, snorkel with children. Suggestions? We are staying in a villa in Gifft Hill area. I have a feeling that they will be so taken with the beaches and pool that I won't have to make any big plans. Anyone else going to be there around the same time? Appreciate any info. Thx.

Nancie-Pa · Post by **Nancie-Pa** » Sun Apr 28, 2013 9:37 pm

Hi Dains, welcome to the forum.

I will be on island from May 4th to the 18th and will keep a look out for your group.
Some ideas for the kids:
1. Visit some ruins. It's fun climbing around the fort like structures and they will
be learning some history without knowing it.

2. Go to Maho Bay Campgrounds to watch the glass blowers in action. Very
riveting to see and you can buy small pieces as keepsakes. The camp is clos-
ing for good on May 15th so this will be your last chance to go.

3. Cinnamon Bay usually has an archaeological dig going on and a building
that shows some of their finds.
4. Finally, just have fun running up and down the beach and splashing in the
beautiful water!
Don't know if your kids are into any of these but I'm sure you'll have a blast whatever you do! Enjoy!

CHM · Post by **CHM** » Sun Apr 28, 2013 10:10 pm

How old are your kids? We are arriving May 4 with two 4 year olds ( our son and his best friend and parents) We have taken our son once before and he loved the playground at the Westin and the parrots. The Westin also has water trampolines and other fun water activities. Anaberg is fun for the kids. And Skinny's is fun for all ages!

bebackinaminute · Post by **bebackinaminute** » Sun Apr 28, 2013 11:04 pm

Don't make too many plans....the kids will love the beaches and simply playing in the water. We took our kids last year at ages 11 and 13 and we they didn't want to leave the beach each day. At one of the gift shops along the streetfront at Mongoose Junction we got one of those little balls about the size of your hand that bounces/skips on the water and the kids and their dad had lots of fun throwing it back and forth in the water. Do remember to reapply sunscreen often. A sunburned kid is no fun to be around! And if you have a girl....get her hair braided!

philbetm · Post by **philbetm** » Sun Apr 28, 2013 11:43 pm

Hi....can recommend Shipwreck Landing in Coral Bay for dinner on Cinco de Mayo ( May 5th.)....We ate there that day a couple years ago with family and they made special dishes for that day ! One was a Rock Island Shrimp....that was sooo goooood ! Have a great time !

Sherry in SC

Dains · Post by **Dains** » Mon Apr 29, 2013 8:24 am

Thanks for the great suggestions! We will be visiting Cinnamon Bay and Annaberg. I hadn't heard of the glass blowing at Maho. I would like to see that. We'll look for the waterball as well. I think the kids would have fun on the beach with that. We'll add Shipwreck Landing to our list of restaurants that we would like to try. As far as sun screen goes I bought the bulk pack at Costco.

I'll just need to remember to keep applying. Definitely say hi if you see us. We can't wait and don't need to much longer as we are flying out in the morning. Cheers!

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Mon Apr 29, 2013 8:51 am

A day at Honeymoon might be fun for the kids (and adults) VI Ecotours is operating a stand there now and you can rent chairs, kayaks, SUPs and other toys.

I would call ahead at Maho. The glass blowing wasn't active when we were there in February. The camp is closing for good on May 15 (I think).

piscesgirl0314 · Post by **piscesgirl0314** » Mon Apr 29, 2013 9:38 am

My husband and I were married on St John 2003...started bringing our 11 year old daughter when she was five...we'll be back in June which will be her 4th trip. That said, we don't have to do anything to entertain her...she loves being there as much as we do. She is in total vacation mode and just goes with it...whatever the day brings shes up for it...

michigan girls · Post by **michigan girls** » Mon Apr 29, 2013 8:38 pm

Dains wrote:We'll look for the waterball as well. I think the kids would have fun on the beach with that.

My daughter and her friend had a great time with the water ball at Maho. Just remember to throw it more like you would a skipping stone rather than straight down at the water. Bought mine on amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Waboba-Surf-The-B ... ater+balls

Also, when we were there at the beginning of the month, there were more starfish than I had ever seen at Maho, and they were really close in, which can be fun for kids to see up close and personal.

GotToGetAway · Post by **GotToGetAway** » Mon Apr 29, 2013 8:59 pm

I would recommend bring masks and snorkels for the kids. This should occupy a lot of their time. My kids enjoyed the Cinnamon Bay ruins, Anaberg, Catherineburg ruins, and Peace Hill with the hike down to Denis Bay for a different beach experience. They always want to hunt for snails at any beach. They have enjoyed visited Coconut Coast studios and the playground at the Westin and by the Visitor's Center. The only beach they are so-so on is Hawksnest because sometimes it's too rough for them to enjoy. I would check out the tire swing at Gibney, I hear it's back up.
Have a great time!

Pulley · Post by **Pulley** » Tue May 07, 2013 7:36 am

I fyou have rented a car I would suggest that you make the trip VIERS. The have a nice museum and the beach and snorkeling are top notch!

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