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Dad and daughter visiting STT

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Dad and daughter visiting STT

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(@kjwuk123)
Posts: 10
Active Member
Topic starter
 

My six year old daughter and I will be visiting STT for one week (April 7th). Grateful for any ideas on fun places to visit, best beaches for kids, and ideas on how we might meet others in similar situation (single parents with kids).

Thanks in advance, Kevin

 
Posted : March 21, 2009 11:04 am
(@ms411)
Posts: 872
Prominent Member
 

Do you know where you'll be staying? We can recommend things close to you depending on where you stay.

But, for 6 year olds, you should probably go to The Butterfly Farm in Havensigh (try to go early in the morning, because you might see butterflies emerging from cocoon), and then across the street to Paradise Point in time for the bird show (10:30 and 1:30, I think). There's also a Sky Jump that she might enjoy.

Coral World is a must, because they have interactive activities with the animals all day. You get to touch and learn about sharks, sting rays, parakeets, etc. Coki Beach is next door, and there'll be lots of people/kids snorkeling there, because the fish will eat out of your hand.

Lindbergh Bay/Emerald Beach is another good choice. There's a tiny, island-size water park there that may be open. There's also a concession there with pedal boats.

You should probably take her shopping to the Del Sol store in town for the changing color items. They have a store on the Waterfront just for kids - Del Sol Kids, but there's another store in the Grand Hotel. You might also want to treat her to a piece of jewelry like larimar or conch shell. Some of the fragrance stores also have bath products for kids, so she might like that. You could then take her to lunch at Cuzzin's for local food in a nice setting. Try the kalalloo (a spinach soup/stew) if nothing else. I think they also have a kid menu.

Yacht Haven Grande has a very nice kids' store - Kool Kidz (mostly clothes), and if your little girl likes the sparkly stuff, this is the place to get it. On Sundays, Yacht Haven Grande has family day with activities during the day and movies starting at 8 p.m. The stores will be open.

 
Posted : March 21, 2009 12:23 pm
(@vi-lover)
Posts: 519
Honorable Member
 

Congratulations on what is going to be an awesome time for you and your daughter - bring the camera - there's gonna be lots of smiles to capture!

Coral World would be great for her. She'll get to see the sea life in the safety of a controlled environment. Either Mountain Top or Paradise Point would also be great since she can look down on the island from there. Even a 6 yearl old can see for miles and miles.

Megans Bay could be a great day for her since there will be lots of families there on a cruise stop. Kids make friends SO easily that I'm sure she'll pick up a couple sand buddies right away. Just don't be bashful - generally everyone is really friendly because they're in paradise - introduce yourself and her if she doesn't find some friends right away.

I'm not much help on finding others in similar situation for that week, but you might ask the management of wherever you are staying - they might have some great ideas on that.

Good Luck! Have Fun!

 
Posted : March 21, 2009 12:25 pm
(@gerie)
Posts: 407
Reputable Member
 

Kevin, where will you be staying?

Answers will depend on your daughter's likes/dislikes and level of adventure. Bring her to Coki Beach, where you enter the calm, extremely clear water and feel as if you have stepped into a fishbowl, with lots and lots of fish swimming all around you. This would be a good place to get her snorkeling, if she hasn't done so yet. Magen's is a great calm swimming beach. It is most certain there'll be lots of other kids at either one of these beaches. All the beaches are beautiful with great sand to play in and lovely clear mostly calm swimming water.

Next to Coki Beach is a lovely little aquarium, http://coralworldvi.com/

A trip on the http://paradisepointtramway.com/ might be lots of fun for her, if she's (or you're) not easily frightened by heights. I believe there's a bird show up there, but you'd have to check on the times.

I've never been to the Wyndham, but I've read about the many fun things there are to do for kids at this resort. If you're not staying there you should perhaps inquire if outsiders can use the facilities, perhaps for a fee.

Perhaps a day sail or boat ride to St. John beaches. Another option is taking the ferry to St. John and visiting some of the beaches from the land side.

These are just some of the things that a child might find fun to do. Some kids are just happy staying on the "home" beach, swimming and playing there.

There are lots of kid friendly restaurants on St. Thomas as well.

Have a great trip. I'd love to read a report about your daughter's visit when you return.

 
Posted : March 21, 2009 12:27 pm
(@theislander)
Posts: 3881
Famed Member Admin
 

Adding onto Gerie's suggestion of Wyndham, you can spend a few hours there - several things to do that might interest your daughter. They have mini-golf, bumper boats and some other things. And non-guests can pay a fee to play. I've done the bumper boats... was a little pricey for a short time frame but kids seem to like it. You do need to have at least two boats out because the boats have water guns so part of the fun is squirting water and bumping the other boat. The mini-golf course was nice. They have a small mangrove pond area and usually there are a dozen plus iguanas hanging out on the grass, plus usually some egrets and ducks in the water. So check that out if you go. The beach is very small, a bit rocky in spots - but they have watersports rentals like paddle boats so you could take a spin in the bay, and you can have lunch by the poolside restaurant.

The Caribbean shows like the one Bolongo Bay puts on at their restaurant Iggies includes Mocko-jumbie dancers and other entertainment, it starts usually at 6:30pm and has a Caribbean food buffet; maybe you both would enjoy that. More info at Bolongo Carnival Night.

Also get some beach toys... shovels, pail. You can get some at K-mart on island. You can build sand castles together which is always fun, and often this activity attracts other children so she should meet some friends this way. Magens is a nice beach with kids, the water is usually super calm and it deepens gradually, also all sandy. It's a popular beach with cruise passengers so can get busy, but if you are looking for other kids for your daughter to play with your likely to find some families there.

If you head over to St. John for a day, Cinnamon Bay is a nice option because you have the Plantation Ruins right there and its a pretty easy trail and then the beach is just across the street. There are restrooms, showers and food/drink, plus they have some non-motorized watersports like kayaks plus floats and noodles and things.

Have fun.

--Islander

 
Posted : March 21, 2009 4:38 pm
(@kjwuk123)
Posts: 10
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Dear All,
Many thanks indeed for all your wonderful ideas, I'm confident we are going to have a great time. I'm overwhelmed by how helpful you've all been.8-)
We'll be staying at Pavilion and Pools.
Any other ideas gratefully appreciate.
Best regards,
Kevin

 
Posted : March 21, 2009 4:57 pm
(@longislandjean)
Posts: 17
Active Member
 

I was on STT last summer with my husband and two teenagers. The restaurant at Pavilions and Pools came very highly recommended by a local, it's name is Carmen's and it's a wonderful Mexican restaurant. The family that runs it is very friendly and accommodating. I suggest eating there at least once. My kids also loved Fat Turtle in Charlotte Amalie, when we return this summer those two restaurants are on the "must do" list. Have fun!

 
Posted : March 23, 2009 11:11 am
(@kjwuk123)
Posts: 10
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Thank you!

 
Posted : March 23, 2009 1:13 pm
(@exit-zero)
Posts: 871
Prominent Member
 

If you are on STJ at all the 'Glass Blowing' at Maho Campground is a great attraction.
Carolina Corral in Coral Bay has some excellent trail riding suitable for youngsters as well.

 
Posted : March 23, 2009 5:25 pm
(@ncald)
Posts: 109
Estimable Member
 

where are you coming in from, I am coming in the same day the 7th

 
Posted : March 24, 2009 3:46 pm
(@kjwuk123)
Posts: 10
Active Member
Topic starter
 

From Grand Rapids, MI. How about you? Arriving at 1pm.

 
Posted : March 26, 2009 11:36 am
(@ncald)
Posts: 109
Estimable Member
 

I come in on AA at 11am from JFK

 
Posted : March 26, 2009 3:12 pm
(@kjwuk123)
Posts: 10
Active Member
Topic starter
 

My daughter asks: what's your name?

 
Posted : March 26, 2009 6:09 pm
(@patrick)
Posts: 396
Reputable Member
 

Hey Kevin and Speedr,

We are arriving on the 7th as well just after one pm via Continental. Will be staying on STT with three kids ages 5, 8 and 10. Maybe we can get together?

 
Posted : April 2, 2009 8:46 pm
(@kjwuk123)
Posts: 10
Active Member
Topic starter
 

We are arriving tomorrow 🙂 So excited....

 
Posted : April 6, 2009 11:11 am
(@2beachbums)
Posts: 113
Estimable Member
 

Bumpas in CA right on the waterfront makes a tasty ooey gooey grilled peanut butter, honey and banana sandwich! It is upstairs so it has a nice view. My 7 yo son just loved this sandwich!

PS - pretty much our son just wanted to be in the water the entire trip! Coral World is a must see for kids of all ages!

 
Posted : April 6, 2009 12:00 pm
(@gerie)
Posts: 407
Reputable Member
 

kjwuk123 wrote:
We are arriving tomorrow 🙂 So excited....

I hope either you or your daughter will supply us with a trip report.

Have a fantastic vacation!!!

 
Posted : April 6, 2009 12:16 pm
(@pinkss)
Posts: 15
Active Member
 

kiwuk 123,

After many years of traveling to St. Thomas (13 years), I would have to say my fondest memories, as well as my two girls (both teens now) were the early morning walks along Sapphire Beach. My youngest was always an early riser so I'd grab a cup of coffee, slip on our water shoes and head out to walk along the beach. Needless to say, the early morning is the best time for kids to find "Gifts from the Sea." Shells, sea glass, hermit crabs, regular crabs, etc.

My girls also loved to take photo's, and when we arrived back in the states, they would paint a watercolor, or acrylic from their favorite photograph. Needles to say, we have "lots" of Sapphire Beach scenes looking towards St. John.

Both my girls learned to snorkel on Sapphire Beach, saw their first stingrays, turtles, and too many varieties of fish to name. The sand is perfect for Sand Castle building, but that was my husband's domain!

Just remember, your daughter's best memories will be that she was with you! My oldest leaves for college in September, and I look back on our St Thomas vacations as some of the best times spent as a family.

All the above suggestions are great as well, especially Coral World.

 
Posted : April 6, 2009 4:39 pm
(@patrick)
Posts: 396
Reputable Member
 

So we leave tomorrow and arrive in STT at 1:30. Dad and three kids. Plans are to go and hang at Magens during the week, one day for Water Island, one for STJ, a day in town, and one at Coral World. The remainder will be on Magens. Probably check out Lindquist as well.

Tomorrow will be set aside for provision runs to Kmart, Cost-u-not-so-less and Plaza Extra. Then stay at the pool and hot tub at the house which, by the way is not ours. It's my brother-in-law's.

We will be bringing our own meat down to cut down on costs and have the quality we are used to. Chxn, pork chops, meatballs, beef tenderloin and lamb. One night will be pizza night and one might be dinner out. We'll decide when it comes up.

So all in all it looks good. Bags are packed. Kids are stoked. It's 10:15 pm and no on can sleep. Go figure! Getting up at 5 am does not faze them.... or so they say. We'll see what happens.

Anyways, we are off tomorrow and I willl be down there with three kids and a broken rib. It'll be interesting to say the least.

As for wifey? Busy time for her at work so no can go. I'll keep the kids distracted while she brings the bacon home. Bless her heart! She is one super trooper. I guess that's why I married her. Yeah baby!

 
Posted : April 6, 2009 10:18 pm

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