If your family is stepping off a cruise ship in Charlotte Amalie for the day, you have plenty of options. The good news: the best things to do in St. Thomas with kids are close to the port, easy to reach, and mix beaches, history, and a little pirate adventure. This guide lays out a family-friendly plan for a cruise day, whether you have four hours or a full one.
St. Thomas is compact, safe for families, and used to welcoming cruise visitors of every age. Below are ten activities that keep kids happy and give parents a real taste of the island, plus a simple way to fit them into one day.
Getting around St. Thomas with kids
Most ships dock at Havensight (the WICO pier) or Crown Bay, both a short taxi ride from town and the hilltops above it. Open-air “safari” taxis are the local way to travel and kids usually love the ride. Fares are set per person, so agree on the price before you climb in. If you want the full lay of the land first, our St. Thomas cruise port guide walks through both docks and how to get into Charlotte Amalie.
10 best things to do in St. Thomas with kids
1. Cool off at Magens Bay Beach
Magens Bay is the island’s most famous family beach for a reason: a long, calm, horseshoe-shaped bay with gentle water that is perfect for little swimmers. There are restrooms, snack stands, and chair and float rentals on site. It is about a 20 to 30 minute taxi ride from the port, so it works best if you have most of the day.
2. Meet sea creatures at Coral World Ocean Park
On the east end, Coral World Ocean Park is a hands-on marine park where kids can touch starfish, watch sea lions, and walk through an underwater observatory. It is one of the most reliably kid-pleasing stops on the island and easy to fold into a half-day plan.
3. Climb the 99 Steps and explore Blackbeard’s Castle
For families who love a story, the historic 99 Steps and Blackbeard’s Castle deliver. The steps climb the old Danish town up to Skytsborg Tower, a stone lookout built in 1679 and one of only five National Historic Landmarks in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Kids get a real castle, pirate lore, and the best harbor view in Charlotte Amalie.
4. Take a dip in the Blackbeard’s Castle pool
The hilltop grounds at Blackbeard’s Castle include a pool with sweeping views over the harbor, which is a welcome break for kids after a morning of exploring. A $15 day pass covers entry to the grounds, the pool, and a guided tour of the Skytsborg tower (adults in your group also get a drink at Jolly Roger’s and a rum room sampling). U.S. Virgin Islands residents get in free with a local ID, and hotel guests have access included with their stay.
5. Grab a poolside lunch at Jolly Roger’s
Right on the grounds, Jolly Roger’s is an open-air, poolside restaurant and pirate bar that is always free to walk into, no admission needed. The island-inspired menu has plenty of kid-friendly plates, and the swim-up bar and harbor views make it a fun family lunch stop. See what is cooking on the Jolly Roger’s menu.
6. Ride the Skyride views (or find a hilltop overlook)
St. Thomas is famous for its mountaintop panoramas. Whether you reach a hilltop by taxi or by climbing to Blackbeard’s Castle, the payoff is a postcard view of cruise ships in the harbor. Kids love spotting their own ship from above, and it is one of the easiest photo moments of the day.
7. Wander historic Charlotte Amalie
Downtown Charlotte Amalie is walkable and full of small discoveries: pastel Danish buildings, shaded alleys, and old forts. Point the kids toward Fort Christian, the bright red 1670s fort that is the oldest standing structure on the island. It is a quick, low-cost stop with real history.
8. Hunt for treats and souvenirs
Between activities, the shops and markets near the waterfront are a fun place to let kids pick a small souvenir. Local ice cream and fresh fruit stands are easy wins on a warm day, and the pace gives everyone a chance to rest.
9. Try an easy snorkel or beach swim
Beyond Magens Bay, calmer spots around the island are great for a first snorkel. Bring or rent kid-sized masks, stay in shallow water, and keep sessions short. Even a little reef time near shore can be the highlight of a child’s cruise day.
10. End with a harbor sunset
If your ship stays into the evening, the western hills glow at sunset around 6 p.m. A cold drink for the grown-ups, a soft-serve for the kids, and the whole family watching the harbor light up is a simple, memorable way to close out St. Thomas.
How to fit it into one cruise day
Short on time? A tight, four-hour plan might be: taxi up to Blackbeard’s Castle for the tower and pool, lunch at Jolly Roger’s, then a quick stroll through Charlotte Amalie on the way back to the ship. With a full day, add Magens Bay or Coral World in the morning and save the hilltop for the afternoon. If you are staying overnight, the hotel on the Blackbeard’s Castle grounds puts you steps from the pool and tower, with harbor-view rooms.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best free things to do in St. Thomas with kids?
Walking historic Charlotte Amalie, climbing the 99 Steps, and stopping in at Jolly Roger’s (free to enter) cost nothing but time. Beach access at some spots is free as well, though popular beaches may charge a small entry or chair fee.
Is Blackbeard’s Castle good for kids?
Yes. Kids get a real 1679 tower to explore, pirate history, a pool with harbor views, and a family-friendly restaurant on the grounds. The $15 day pass covers the grounds, pool, and tower tour, and local residents enter free with ID.
How much time do I need in St. Thomas with children?
Four hours is enough for one hilltop attraction plus lunch and a short walk through town. A full day lets you add a beach like Magens Bay or a stop at Coral World without rushing.
Is St. Thomas safe for families on a cruise day?
St. Thomas welcomes cruise families every week. Stick to well-traveled areas, use official taxis, agree on fares up front, and keep the usual beach-safety habits, and you will have an easy, enjoyable day.
Plan your family day at Blackbeard’s Castle
Of all the things to do in St. Thomas with kids, the hilltop at Blackbeard’s Castle packs the most into one stop: a 350-year-old tower, a pool with the island’s best view, and a poolside restaurant the whole family can enjoy. Grab your $15 day pass before you climb the hill, and make the most of your day in port. Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
