It’s no surprise that traveling with the whole family has become one of the hottest trends in travel: You can bring together several generations—siblings, children, nieces, nephews—and take them on a getaway that everyone will remember forever.
Whether you’re traveling for a holiday celebration, a milestone anniversary, or just an excuse to hang out with the extended family, Bermuda makes an idyllic backdrop for this clan-tastic adventure. The island features an abundance of great weather, welcoming locals, distractions for the kids, and family-friendly hotels. It’s easy to get here and around, and its high level of comfort and safety will meet the needs of families traveling with younger and older relatives.
In fact, you don’t even need to worry about bringing strollers or beach toys for the kids; rent what you need—from high chairs to car seats—at Little Longtails, which can bundle everything up and deliver it right to your door.
Here are a few ways to make everyone happy in Bermuda—no matter what their age or taste. Just remember not to leave without a keepsake family portrait!
Adventure and Nature Aficionados Adventurers of all ages can explore fun experiences all over the island. Begin amid the serenity of Walsingham Nature Reserve, listening for warblers and shorebirds as you pass through tunnels of green to check out mangroves, caves, and swimming holes (bring your swimsuit!). Or gawk at stunning stalactites and stalagmites in the Crystal Caves of Bermuda, where dramatically lit limestone will make kids feel like they’re exploring an entirely new world. Then grab paddles and glide, en masse, across placid waters with Island Tour Centre, gazing down at the vibrant coral just below the surface. (Hint: Get a photo of everyone afterwards with their paddles raised!) Have the kids learned how to ride a bike? Tool around on two wheels with bike rentals for all from Social Cycles.
Location: Jobson’s Cove
Beach Lovers Ever build a pink sandcastle? The kids will love it as much as you’ll love relaxing on Bermuda’s famous beaches. Start on the sheltered sands of Horseshoe Bay, which features clear turquoise water perfect for swimming; or don masks and snorkels to ooh and ahh at the cool sights under the surface. Wade into the waters of a secluded lagoon at Jobson’s Cove, where gorgeous rocks make for tranquil conditions. Then gather everyone together for an unforgettable stroll along Bermuda’s southern shore, where an easy trail winds past gorgeous rock formations, tiny coves, and magnificent ocean views (don’t forget to take photos!). You can also get a shot of the family on horseback as you ride on the beach with Moran Meadows Bermuda Horse Trail Rides.
History Buffs History comes to life on Bermuda, where a fascinating blend of Caribbean, British, and Portuguese cultures create a melting pot that everyone in the family can appreciate. Rally the troops and step into the time machine that is the Town of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse of British colonial life in the 1600s. Kids will love the spooky stories on a haunted history ghost tour, and they’ll howl with delight at the hilarious “Ducking Stool”—a reenactment of how misbehaving 18th-century Bermudians were punished. And what kid doesn’t love clamboring over a fort? Let them play while everyone enjoys a picnic with a view at the 1870s-era Scaur Hill Fort and Park.
Museum Lovers If you think “museum” means dry exhibits that result in fidgety kids, then you haven’t experienced them Bermuda-style. The National Museum of Bermuda, for example, features a treasure trove of collectibles with a high “wow” factor, like cannons and shipwreck artifacts. Or take the plunge into an interactive immersion at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, where a simulated deep-sea diving experience lets kids get up close with whales and sharks (while staying dry). And you can’t go wrong by taking everyone to see real sharks—along with turtles, seals, birds, and reptiles—at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo.
Great Family Hotels
Bermuda boasts a wealth of hotels well-versed in catering to families of all shapes and sizes. The Fairmont Southampton features 10 restaurants (where kids 5 and under eat free), golf and a spa for the grownups, an Explorers Camp Kids’ Club for the little ones, and a full-service beach club. The Newstead Belmont Hills is a boutique hotel with suites that offer fully equipped kitchens, plus plenty of room to spread out. The Rosewood Bermuda offers two- and three-bedroom residences with private pools and beach access—perfect for keeping everyone entertained. And Grotto Bay sits along the water’s edge and comes with an optional all-inclusive plan, so the kids can eat what they want—and you can rest assured that everything is covered.
Restaurants Everyone Will Love Introduce the kids to fun British fare like bangers and mash or Yorkshire pudding at the Frog & Onion Pub. Head to the Village Pantry for sophisticated dining with a playful side, including a make-your-own pizza option that’s perfect for picky eaters young and old. Combine a water-view meal with an ocean dip at Snorkel Park Beach, where sunken cannons and colorful fish make for an awesome post-meal swim. And don’t miss cooling off with a treat from Bailey’s Bay Ice Cream Parlour, where choosing from among the 30 flavors may be the toughest decision of your whole trip.
Explore more family adventures in Bermuda at GoToBermuda.com.
