Family Adventures in Barbados: Staying at The Crane Resort

Barbados is a Caribbean gem full of culture, beautiful scenery, and family-friendly activities. On our visit, we stayed at the historic Hilton Crane Resort, which is the oldest resort on the island. Here’s a look at our stay and some highlights from our trip with tips for families planning a visit.

Our Stay at The Crane Resort

We arranged for the hotel to provide roundtrip transportation to the airport, which made things very easy upon arrival and departure. Our accommodation was a one-bedroom suite with a private pool on the upper level—a real treat!

The resort itself is very spread out, so be prepared for lots of walking to get around. Room service was available but very slow, so keep snacks handy, especially if traveling with kids.

The Crane’s beach is beautiful but note that the water on this side of the island is quite rough. We only dipped our toes in before deciding it wasn’t safe for swimming, especially for little ones. Another word of caution: watch out for scammers on the beach. They don’t work for the hotel but may approach you trying to sell drinks or other items.

Local Experiences

Oistins Fish Fry

Friday night in Barbados is all about the famous Oistins Fish Fry. The atmosphere is lively with music, food stalls, and big crowds. The line was very long when we went, so we opted to eat elsewhere. While it’s an iconic cultural experience, the crowds can be overwhelming for families with small children or those sensitive to noise.

Chefette

We stopped at Chefette, a local fast-food chain that’s hugely popular in Barbados. The location we visited had a playground, making it a great stop with kids. The menu has burgers, chicken, pizza, and even some island favorites.

Rihanna’s Childhood Home

A fun quick stop was seeing the exterior of Rihanna’s childhood home. It’s a simple but meaningful stop for music fans!

Clear Kayak Photoshoot

One of the most unique things we did was a clear kayak photoshoot through Barbados Dress Rental. The cost was $159 for 30 minutes, and it was absolutely worth it for the stunning photos.

We also hired the same company for a private island tour at a cost of $400. This was a great way to see more of Barbados comfortably and at our own pace.

Other Kid-Friendly Activities in Barbados

If you’re traveling with children, here are a few more options that can make your trip extra special:

• Barbados Wildlife Reserve: Kids will love spotting green monkeys, tortoises, peacocks, and other animals in this open-air reserve.
• Atlantis Submarine Adventure: Take a real submarine ride 150 feet below the ocean to see colorful coral and marine life without getting wet.
• Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park: Explore underground caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The tram ride makes it easy for families.
• Carlisle Bay: The water here is calmer than The Crane’s beach, making it better for kids. Families can also enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles.
• Harbour Lights Beach Extravaganza: A family-friendly evening show with fire eaters, stilt walkers, and live music (less crowded than Oistins).

Final Thoughts

Barbados is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. While our stay at The Crane had its ups and downs (great room, but slow service and rough waters), the island itself offered so many family-friendly experiences that made our trip memorable. From exploring Rihanna’s roots to enjoying clear kayak photos, Barbados was an adventure worth taking!