Looking for the perfect Caribbean escape with kids? Here’s exactly where to stay, eat, and explore in Anguilla, based on our 7x visits (plus a few hidden gems we almost didn’t want to share).
Why we keep coming back: Anguilla is barefoot luxury with a baby on your hip. It’s calm, gorgeous, and genuinely family-friendly. We brought Kai here at 5 months old—Paxton calls it his “ocean house.”
Anguilla with kids at a glance:
- Vibe: Quiet, safe, barefoot-luxury island with 33 beaches and no cruise ships.
- Best ages: Babies, toddlers, and big kids who love sand + sea more than theme parks.
- Perfect for: Families who want calm water, easy drives, and real local food.
In this no-fluff family guide:
- Hidden beaches that aren’t in the brochures
- Toddler-approved food recs (no sad nuggets here)
- Real mom hacks + magical moments
Where We Stayed: A Beach House with Soul
There are beach houses… and then there are BEACH HOUSES.
Rendezvous Bay Hotel has our heart—beachfront, laid-back, and full of charm. Fully stocked kitchen. Peaceful studio. Sunset swims. Free airport pickup. Done and done.
- Hidden perk: You’re a barefoot stroll from Sunshine Shack and Dune Preserve, so nap schedules and lunch runs stay easy.
- Kid hack: We pre-order a few basics (milk, yogurt, fruit) from the grocery store and stash them in the kitchen for instant breakfasts and post-beach snacks.
Our coconut boy. The staff at Rendezvous Bay knows him now—they always surprise him with a fresh coconut.
Best Anguilla Restaurants (Kid-Approved)
- Tasty’s Restaurant – Our go-to, hands-down favorite. The POV here is perfect for families: seafood pasta, slow-braised oxtail, conch ceviche, and snapper dishes that blow us away every time. Best conch ceviche on the island, no contest.
- Leon’s – Dinner, drinks, and downtime while the kid(s) turn the sand and play boat into a tiny explorer’s club. Wings, tuna tartar, pizzas—all reliably good and casual.
- Ken’s BBQ – Line up for smoky ribs and grilled chicken.
- Vincy’s – Sunset views and casual eats right on the water.
- Palm Grove Bar & Grill (Nat’s) – Take the unpaved road out to this beachy spot. Order crayfish, hot sauce on everything, and the best johnny cakes on the island. Don’t leave without a bottle (or three) of Nat’s pepper sauce… our house is never without it.
- Blanchards Beach Shack – For sandy feet + snacky toddlers.
- Roti Hut – Local fave. Get the conch roti.
Beautiful sunset views near Vincy’s.
Take the unpaved road to Palm Grove Bar & Grill. Come hungry, leave with pepper sauce, and dream about those johnny cakes later.
Sunset and play at Leon’s on Meads Bay — grownups get cocktails, kids get endless sand.
🍽 Hidden food gems + kid hacks
- Dune Preserve (Rendezvous Bay): A rambling, driftwood beach bar with live music on some evenings—kids explore, you exhale.
- Local bakeries + patty stops: Ask your hotel where to grab fresh johnny cakes or patties in the morning; they’re perfect “I’m hungry now” snacks between beaches.
- Order like a local: At BBQ spots, ask for a mix of chicken, ribs, and any daily sides—one plate often feeds one adult + one kid.
- Toddler tip: We always carry a reusable bento box and fill it with fries, fruit, and a few bites of whatever we’re eating so the kids can graze while they play in the sand.
Don’t forget to grab souvenirs from Anguilla Sands & Salts — our suitcase always comes home a little saltier and a lot happier.
Top Things to Do in Anguilla with Kids
- Morning strolls + BBQ lunch at Sunshine Shack.
- Crocus Bay boat ride with Captain Calvin (ask for “Bear”)—let him zip you over to Little Bay for a tranquil swim, turquoise water, and some surprisingly good snorkeling. Two hours is our magic number with littles before nap-o’clock hits. Pack towels, snorkel gear, and all the snacks.
- Waterslides at Aurora Resort Water Park—grownups, consider this your low-energy day, but for toddlers: pure splashy bliss!
- Snorkeling + picnic at Sandy Island.
- Shipwreck Bar sunset photos + beach hangs.
- Snap a shot under the Monumental Arch.
- Splash + shell hunt at Shoal Bay East.
- Evening dinner at Meads Bay.
- Grilled crayfish + hot sauce tasting at Nat’s.
- Secluded vibes at Captain’s Bay.
- Treat break at Tropical Treats.
- Saturday island BBQs with locals.
- Junior-style glass-bottom or clear-bottom boat rides so kids can “snorkel” without leaving the boat.
- Mini golf and ice cream at the Anchor Complex on the east end.
- Short nature walk or guided hike near Katouche Bay for older kids: caves, coastal views, and the wild side of Anguilla.
Lunch, play, and fun vibes at Sunshine Shack — this is our happy place reset button.
Fun at Aurora’s waterpark — the slides tire them out in the best way.
Snorkeling fun at Little Bay — calm water, bright fish, and easy entry for kids.
We love using full-face snorkel masks for the kids to keep things fuss-free. Highly recommend this one we use:
our go-to full-face mask.
Hidden Beaches & Secret Spots
- Katouche Bay: A little wilder and more off-the-beaten-path, with caves and hiking trails nearby—better for baby-in-carrier or steady walkers than stroller naps.
- Windward Point Bay: Rugged, wind-swept, and usually empty. We treat this as a short “adventure stop,” not a full beach day, but older kids love the castaway feel.
- Limestone Bay: Quiet, rocky, and great for tide-pooling and “treasure hunts” for shells and sea glass when the sea is calm.
- Dune Preserve (Rendezvous Bay): Not a beach, not exactly a bar—more like an art project built from boats and driftwood. Go for live music days and let kids clamber (safely) while you soak it in.
Safety note: Always check surf and weather before heading to more remote bays, and keep adventures short with little legs.
Best Family Beaches in Anguilla
Anguilla has 33 beaches. These are the six we’d go back to in a heartbeat:
- Rendezvous Bay – Home base. 100% kids-friendly with calm and shallow water.
- Maunday’s Bay – Dreamy, calm, and photogenic.
- Cove Bay – Quiet perfection. Bring snacks.
- Crocus Bay – Kayak-ready and peaceful.
- Shoal Bay East – Clear water + casual eats.
- Meads Bay – Upscale but relaxed. Gorgeous sunsets.
- Prickly Pear – For the brightest blue and turquoise water you’ve ever seen and a stroll along the softest, dream-worthy stretch. Pro tip: mind the prickly pears (yes, the actual cactus thorns) and don’t go barefoot off-path!
👣 How we beach-hop with kids
- Morning: Calm bays like Rendezvous or Maunday’s for swims before the sun gets spicy.
- Midday: Back to your stay for naps, snacks, and shade (we don’t fight the midday heat with toddlers).
- Afternoon: Shoal Bay East or Meads Bay for sandcastles, an early dinner, and sunset walks.
- Gear hack: A compact pop-up beach tent + a small mesh bag for shells = instant kid zone on any beach.
After-breakfast swim at The Place on Rendezvous Bay — coffee, pancakes, and then straight into the sea.
Tiny Travelers, Big Moments
- Paxton swam solo—floaties off, full confidence.
- He collected conch shells like treasure.
- Kai’s first ocean splash: wide eyes, full giggles.
- 6AM sandcastles. Sunset walks. Barefoot everything.
🧺 Real-life mom hacks that saved us
- Car seat + car rental: We prefer renting a car with our own travel car seat so we can beach-hop.
- Early dinners: Most spots are relaxed about kids; we aim for 5–6PM dinners so we’re home before full toddler meltdown hour.
Paxton digging for “treasures” near the shipwreck — proof that kids don’t need much more than sand, a stick, and a big imagination.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a trip—it was a reset. A reminder that barefoot days and salty hugs matter more than any itinerary.
If you’re dreaming of sun, stillness, and time that stretches, Anguilla might be your family’s next chapter.
Save or share this guide with a fellow parent who needs a break and a beach.
🌞 When to Go
- Best Time: December–April for perfect weather, calm seas, and lively island vibes.
- Shoulder Season: May–August offers fewer crowds and better rates, but expect some humidity.
- Hurricane Season: September–November is quiet and budget-friendly, but some businesses close and storms are possible.
✈️ Getting There
- By Air: Fly into Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on St. Maarten, then take a 20-minute ferry or private boat to Anguilla.
- Direct to Anguilla: Small planes land at Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) from San Juan, Miami, and select Caribbean hubs.
- Ferries: Regular ferries run between St. Maarten and Anguilla—easy and scenic!
- Tip: Arrange airport or ferry transfers with your hotel for a smooth arrival, especially with kids.
🌺 Key Takeaways
- Anguilla is safe, friendly, and perfect for families seeking calm, natural beauty.
- Stay beachfront for easy, stress-free days with kids—Rendezvous Bay Hotel is a favorite.
- Local food is delicious and kid-approved—don’t miss beach shacks and BBQs.
- Plan for outdoor fun: shell hunts, boat rides, water parks, and epic sunsets.
- Travel light—most places are casual, and the island’s pace is slow and sweet.
📌 How to use this guide
- Pick 2–3 beaches and 1–2 outings per day—Anguilla rewards slow travel.
- Bookmark this on your phone so you can quickly find restaurant and beach names on the go.
- Share this with your co-parent or travel buddy so you’re not the only one remembering all the plans.
❓ Anguilla Family Travel FAQs
- Is Anguilla safe for families? Yes, it’s one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, with a laid-back, welcoming vibe.
- Do you need a car? Yes—renting a car makes it easy to explore beaches and restaurants at your own pace.
- Are there grocery stores? Yes, several. Stock up on snacks, fruit, and basics for easy family meals.
- Is Anguilla stroller-friendly? Mostly, but some beach paths are sandy—consider a lightweight, all-terrain stroller or carrier.
- What’s the best beach for toddlers? Rendezvous Bay and Maunday’s Bay have gentle surf and plenty of shade.
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