US VIRGIN ISLANDS: St. Croix with Kids – In 1750, Owen Lloyd escaped to St. Croix hauling 55 chests filled with Spanish silver coins—some of which stayed on the island. His story inspired Robert Louis Steven’s Treasure Island, and continues to fuel dreams of finding buried riches.
Now pirate gold may remain elusive, but the quieter, agricultural US Virgin Island holds many gems. Here are four fun things to do on St. Croix, plus one outstandingly family-friendly resort and one great place to eat while visiting St. Croix with kids.
Note: This feature is the second of two covering the US Virgin Islands with Kids. Click here for part one: The 411 on St. Thomas and St. John.
Activity 1: Explore a Sugar Plantation at Estate Whim Museum
The only sugar plantation museum in the Virgin Islands, a visit to Estate Whim Great House includes a look at the mill and factory complex.
Estate Whim Great House is set on a 12-acre site that is interesting to explore just for itself, but it’s also important as the only sugar plantation museum in the Virgin Islands. The museum which also includes the mill and factory complex offers insight into the relationship between the European plantation owners and the African slaves who provided the muscle.
Activity 2: See the Dungeons and Cannons of Christiansted National Historic Site
Christiansted National Historic Site focuses on Danish history in the Virgin Islands, which includes the island’s role in the slave trade. Built with the labor of hundreds of slaves, Fort Christiansvaem was finished in 1738 when Denmark and the Danish West India Company owned St. Croix. Christiansted National Historic Site focuses on Danish history in the Virgin Islands, which includes the island’s role in the slave trade. Pick up a free self-guided tour brochure or check the park calendar for ranger programs.Activity 3: Snorkel in Buck Island Reef National Monument
Catch a boat to one of the one of the largest coral collections in the Caribbean.
Snorkeling Buck Island Reef is one of those bucket list items—the reef is extraordinary with one of the largest coral collections in the Caribbean—that is not to be missed on a visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands with Kids. But the water can be choppy and may not be suitable for young children. However, the boat ride to Buck Island is a lot of fun and even the youngest kids will enjoy exploring the deserted island.
Activity 4: Catch the First Sun Rays to Light the US at Point Udall
The earliest early birds in the US catch sunrise from this point.
Meriting a quick photo opp, if only for bragging rights, Point Udall is the easternmost point in the United States, and the first place American soil sees sunrise.
1 Great Place for Families to Stay on St. Croix: The Buccaneer Resort
Kids camp year round, complimentary breakfast, three beaches… The Buccaneer is a great option for those visiting the US Virgin Island with kids.
Family-run for generations, The Buccaneer is one of the longest-running resorts in the Caribbean and quite possibly one of the best for families anywhere. Kids Camp is free and available daily, year round. The complimentary breakfast is diverse and outstanding, prepared in the same kitchens that serve the hotel’s top-rated restaurants. Resort amenities include spa, golf, tennis, pools, and three beaches. Best of all, families with children ages 14 and under can opt to stay in Family Cottage Suites—one room with king bed, the other with twin beds—plus patio fronting lawn and bay view.
1 Great Place to Eat on St. Croix: Rum Runners Restaurant
Food and fun on the waterfront, Rum Runners was voted St. Croix’s People’s Choice Best Restaurant.
Voted St. Croix’s People’s Choice Best Restaurant, Rum Runners on the waterfront has kids covered with chicken fingers and cheese quesadillas. More adventurous eater should try the conch fritters, and parents, don’t miss the rum cake liberally doused with local Cruzan Rum.
Ready to start planning your trip to St. Croix with kids?
Don’t miss the Google map with my recommendations below, and click here for part one of these features: The 411 on St. Thomas and St. John.
7 comments
I so want to visit now!
I have visited many islands in the area, but St Croix is still on my to do list. Now I have some great activities to try, as well as awesome places to sleep and dine. This looks my kind of place.
St Croix looks so beautiful!! And the conch fritters at Rum Runner’s restaurant sound incredible!!
This is great info. I’ve been wanting to get to the USVI, so this is helpful!
This sounds like a lot of fun! I know my kiddos would love to check out the dungeons and go snorkeling
Count me in, too! I had no idea the USVI were so green and blue! We are big snorkeling fans, especially anywhere we can wade in and go. Must go!!! 🙂
Ok, I am in! I’d love to see my daughter’s expression the first time she goes snorkeling! –and the Buck Island Reef would be perfect!
Comments are closed.