Many families dream about getting away to a tropical island holiday, but often the thought of dragging the kids half way across the world can be overwhelming.
From airport meltdowns to what to pack to how to get there, it’s rife with potential concerns and daunting to be honest.
Luckily, a family friendly South Pacific paradise resides just a short flight away: Fiji! This island wonderland is a short four-hour flight away and can tirelessly entertain kids and youngsters of your family without forgetting about adults.
There are lots to do in Fiji for families: your children can run amok in the mud pools and mangroves, swim in the spectacular seas or climb about the Coral Coast’s dunes and caves. There are plenty of activities to burn off that youthful energy.
Here are our top activities to do in Fiji with your family:
We suggest you spend your first few days in Fiji taking it easy. Switch off that smart phone, drop the kids at the kids’ club and get used to that slow-paced island time. The kids clubs in Fiji are fabulous for their innovative activities incorporating learning and entertainment, which means you can leave your children guilt-free. The kids will remain stimulated and engaged for hours on end!
And if you’re exploring Fiji with a baby, don’t stress! Most all resorts have a honed nanny service, guaranteeing utmost care. In fact, take a look at gems like Outrigger Fiji and Naviti Resort on the mainland of Viti Levu. These resorts, along with many others, have water slides which will keep the young ‘uns occupied for many a happy hour. (Psst… if you get envious, there are adult water slides and inflatable water parks for adults, too!)
There’s no doubt your kids will discover some of Fiji’s rich plant and animal life on their own, but if you’re after something a little more structured, head to Kula Wild Adventure Park.
This 28-acre park is set across three valleys and offers a peaceful, lush environment which your kids will love. The huge walk-through enclosures house exotic birds and reptiles, along with mesmerizing marine life: turtles, coral, and tropical fish. It provides an amazing snapshot of the spectacular species that surround the South Pacific.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience or have older kids, head to Zipline Fiji (just outside Nadi). Children six and over can zip line across the tropical rainforests, valleys, yelling in excitement and glee. You can also opt for activities with an ecological or educational component, so your children can learn about the diversity of the Fijian rainforests while zipping about the forest’s olive-green canopy.
If that’s not enough, climb aboard a custom-built safari jet boat and cruise your way up the magnificent Sigatoka River to see some authentic Fijian villages.
It’s important that your children get an insight into Fijian culture and history while holidaying. Visit the Nadi Produce Markets and try some traditional produce and local delicacies. You can also support the villagers by shopping at their local jewellery and homewares stores.
Do visit a local school and take along some stationery or books to donate to the children. This is greatly appreciated by the locals and will give your kids an invaluable insight into how other people live. The resorts also organise traditional dances and performances – jump in and give your kids some company. Finally, if you’ve got a thigh-high artist in your family, visit Hot Glass Fiji. This is Fiji’s first glass blowing studio, located in a lush tropical garden overlooking the ocean. The whole family can create beautiful, hand-blown souvenirs to commemorate their time in Fiji.
If you’re thinking only Fiji’s mainland hotels and resort are kid-friendly, think again! Or… read here or talk to us, because it most definitely isn’t so. There are scores of hotels in the Mamanucas, Yasawas, Kadavu, Malolo Island and so on which have dedicated activities and schedules for youngsters, besides kids clubs. And places like Vomo Fiji, Octopus Resort, Jean-Michel Costeau Resort, Plantation Island Resort and so on have simply world-class clubs, activities and experiences for kids. And Denarau Island – it’s next door, but still not the mainland… technically.
Fiji family holidays with kids are relaxing, exciting and awe-inspiring, so why not take a break – you know you deserve it!
Main Image & Thumbnail: Shangri-La Yanuca Island
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