St. Kitts and Nevis with kids
St. Kitts and Nevis With Kids: A Family Guide to the Twin Islands
St. Kitts has the fortress, the scenic railway, the zip lines and the green monkeys. Nevis has the quiet beaches and the slower pace. Together they are two islands with one passport stamp and enough for a full week with kids.
St. Kitts and Nevis are two volcanic islands in the northern Caribbean, separated by a two mile channel you can cross by ferry in 45 minutes. St. Kitts is the bigger, busier one with the cruise port, the fortress and the adventure tours. Nevis is quieter, greener, and has some of the calmest beaches in the Caribbean. Most families spend the majority of their time on St. Kitts and take a day or two on Nevis. Five to seven days covers both islands well.
When to go
St. Kitts and Nevis by season
- 1December through April
Dry season
Sunny and comfortable, 26 to 30°C (79 to 86°F). Peak tourist season so accommodation fills up fast. Carnival runs through early January. Water temperatures stay around 27°C year round.
- 2May and June
Shoulder months
Fewer crowds, lower prices, and the weather is still good. The St. Kitts Music Festival usually falls in June. Brief afternoon showers start to pick up.
- 3July through November
Wet season
Afternoon rain most days but mornings are usually clear. August through October has the highest hurricane risk. Some smaller hotels on Nevis close September through November. The Culturama festival on Nevis runs late July into August.
Where to go
What families do on St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts has the activities. Nevis has the beaches. You want both.
Brimstone Hill Fortress
A UNESCO World Heritage Site built into a volcanic hillside with cannons, artifacts and views across to five other islands. About 200 steps to the top, no stroller access, and very little shade. Bring water and hats.
Pinney’s Beach and Cockleshell
Pinney’s Beach on Nevis is long, calm and perfect for young kids. Cockleshell Beach on St. Kitts has beach bars, calm water and views across to Nevis. South Friars Bay is another good family pick.
Zip lines and the Scenic Railway
Sky Safari zip lines cross a historic sugar estate, with the longest line at 1,350 feet. The St. Kitts Scenic Railway is a 30 mile open air train ride past volcanoes and sugar cane fields. Both are big hits with kids.
Where to sleep
Accommodation on St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts has the larger resorts. Nevis has boutique hotels and plantation inns. Both islands have vacation rentals.
| Option | Expect to pay | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Resort (Marriott, Park Hyatt) | $250 to 600+ per night | Families who want pools, kids clubs and beach access |
| Boutique hotel or plantation inn | $150 to 350 per night | Families who want character and a quieter setting |
| Villa or vacation rental | $120 to 300 per night | Families who need a kitchen and extra bedrooms |
| Self-catering apartment | $80 to 150 per night | Families on a budget who want to cook |
The Park Hyatt has a free kids club for ages 3 to 12. The Marriott has three pools and an all-inclusive option. On Nevis, the smaller plantation inns are peaceful but not always set up for young children.
Getting around
How families get around the islands
- Rent a car for flexibility. You drive on the left. Roads are narrow and winding, especially on Nevis
- Taxis are available but not metered. Agree on the fare before you get in. Many drivers double as guides
- The ferry between St. Kitts and Nevis takes 30 to 45 minutes. Water taxis take about 10 minutes and are more private
- Fly into Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) on St. Kitts. Direct flights from Miami, New York and Charlotte
- Nevis has Vance W. Amory International Airport (NEV) for regional flights
- Complete the online immigration and customs form before arrival. The QR code is your receipt at the airport
Before you go
The practical stuff
Combine trips
Pair St. Kitts with nearby islands
St. Kitts is a short flight from Antigua, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Some families combine a week on St. Kitts and Nevis with a few days on another island. The ferry to Nevis is easy enough to do as a day trip if you are based on St. Kitts.
“St. Kitts and Nevis is one of those Caribbean destinations that gives you two completely different islands on one trip. St. Kitts has the fortress, the train, the zip lines and the monkeys. Nevis has the kind of empty beaches where your kids can run for an hour without seeing another family. The ferry between them takes less than an hour. For families who want more than a resort pool, it is a really good combination.”
Nicole Damiano, ASTA Verified Travel Advisor · Certified Family Travel Advisor with FG Luxury Travel. Former social studies teacher, mom of three, 60+ countries.
Thinking about St. Kitts and Nevis with your family?
Two islands, one trip. I can help you figure out which island to base on, the best resorts for families, and how many days you need on each.
Quick answers
Is St. Kitts and Nevis safe for families?
Yes. The islands are considered safe for tourists. Petty theft can happen in crowded areas, so keep valuables out of sight, but violent crime against visitors is rare.
Do you need a visa for St. Kitts and Nevis?
No. US, Canadian, UK and EU citizens can visit for up to 90 days without a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
What currency does St. Kitts use?
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is the official currency. US dollars are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and tour operators. ATMs are available in Basseterre and Charlestown.
How do you get to St. Kitts?
Fly into Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB). Direct flights run from Miami, New York JFK, Charlotte and London. Caribbean carriers connect from other islands.
What is the best time to visit St. Kitts with kids?
December through April is the driest and sunniest. May and June are good shoulder months with lower prices and fewer crowds. Avoid August through October if hurricanes concern you.
How do you get from St. Kitts to Nevis?
A public ferry runs several times a day and takes 30 to 45 minutes. Water taxis take about 10 minutes and cost more. Both are easy with kids.
Do you drive on the left in St. Kitts?
Yes. You drive on the left. You will need a temporary local driving permit, which the rental company arranges. Roads are narrow and winding, especially on Nevis.
Keep planning: Caribbean with kids, Antigua with kids, international travel with kids, step by step.
Nicole Damiano, ASTA Verified Travel Advisor · Certified Family Travel Advisor with FG Luxury Travel. Adventures We Seek is my travel blog and planning resource. Trips are booked through Favorite Grampy Travels. Prices and fees last checked October 2026 and change often.
Family trip plans
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