What, you mean you don’t want to take your kids to Happy Hour?!  I’ve had a few requests from parents who struggle to find things to do with young children so I thought I’d set up this little spin-off page on Bermuda Kids.

 

Of course, you can find actual events on the calendar itself (just tick the Family-Friendly filter) but this mini-resource might give you an idea of more everyday things to do.  This is very much a work-in-progress so if you have any additional suggestions, please feel free to send on to me and I’ll include them:

 

Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) – it may be small (no lions, tigers or elephants like in the big city zoos) but there is still plenty to keep little ones amused here!  In addition to the animals (including monkeys, flamingos, tree kangaroos, giant tortoises, seals, 200 species of local marine-life and Oscar the Alligator), there are hands-on activities for kids in the Discovery Room, guided tours, a touching pool, Animal Storytelling on Fridays, daily seal-feeding and Summer/Christmas camps.  See the website for full details.

 

 

Fortresses at Fort Hamilton and Dockyards – why build your own fort when there are some real ones ready-made and accessible to the public?!  Just add imagination…

 

 

 

Crystal and Fantasy Caves – another great place for small people with big imaginations, these natural caves with clear lakes and magnificent stalagmites and stalactites showcase Mother Nature at her best!

 

 

 

Bermuda Golf Academy and Driving Range – golfing is such a huge part of Bermuda life for many people, so why can’t the Bermuda kids be involved too?  Bermuda Golf Academy and Driving Range offer Adventure Mini Golf which is suitable for both adults and children.

 

 

Bowling is always a fun family activity and Bermuda has two bowling lanes –  Strykz Bowling Lounge (formerly Southside Family Bowl, now under new management)  at 27 Southside Road, St. David’s (contact 297-2727 or strykz@live.com) and Warwick Lanes at 47 Middle Road, Warwick (call 236-5290).

 

 

Lighthouses always seem to hold some fascination for children and you can find two prime examples right here in Bermuda at Gibb’s Hill in Southampton and St. David’s.  If you’re brave enough to tackle all those steps you will be rewarded with some of the most stunning panoramic views on the island.

 

 

 

 

 

The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) – lots to enjoy here for budding Jacques Cousteaus, including a virtual Shark Cage Dive Exhibit, a simulated dive on the Nautilus X2, a Treasure Room, a Shipwreck Gallery.  Full details on their website.

 

 

 

 

The Bermuda Youth Library has Book Babies on Saturdays from  9.30am until 10am.  Suitable for ages 6 months to 2 1/2 years, this features music, finger plays and guest speakers.  More details are on their website.  Also on Saturdays is a kids’ Chess Club (from 3pm until 5pm), a Girls’ Club (ages 9 to 14 from 12 noon until 2pm) and a Boys’ Club (ages 9 to 13 from 3.45pm until 5pm).  More details are on their website.

 

 

 

 

There is usually at least one family-friendly movie playing in Bermuda, so why not look at my Cinema Listings section to see what’s playing this week?

 

 

 

For the creative, Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art offers seasonal family-friendly events, school holiday camps and after-school art programmes. Their location in the Bermuda Botanical Gardens makes them a great attraction for a family day out, including lunch in Homer’s Cafe.

 

 

 

 

 

Aiming to empower children through art, Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation (KAF) offers art classes and camps to children aged from 18 months to their middle school years.  KAF is the first collective guild in Bermuda for the creation and teaching of art in an environment that is inspiring and accessible to the entire community. More details are on their website, or contact 542-9000 or info@kaf.bm.

 

 

 

 

Scribbles Art Shack Studio is a creative space, that is accessible to both kids and adults, where everyone can explore, create and feel confident using the various Art mediums.  Think of them, as that “mess allowed space” where “amazing” masterpieces come from. Come and enjoy the process!

 

 

 

Another option for creative kids is Pieceworks Mosaic Studio at 2 Penno’s Wharf, St. George’s.  Workshops and classes are offered to both children and adults, as well as glass and mixed media mosaics for sale.  Opening hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, between 1pm and 5pm, or by appointment. For more details, contact Donna Smith at dafs59@live.com or 332-0758

 

 

 

Organising a kids’ party?  You might want to try L&J’s Kiddie Adventureland for children’s push button and/or coin-operated rides for rent.

 

 

 

K.I.M.’s List is an online parent directory designed to provide parents with a network of educational resources, recreational activities, products and services that benefit the development of their child(ren).  There is also a kid-specific events calendar, powered by BermudaEvents.com.

 

 

 

 

 

BSMART Foundation is a Bermudian Registered Charity (#911) and the only facility on the island that incorporates brain centered maturation techniques in order to increase academic success.   Drop in sessions are available.  See website for full details.

 

 

 

The National Museum of Bermuda boasts an award-winning playhouse with lots of interactive exhibits for children as well as a playground with a giant moray eel slide. The museum is located within The Keep in Dockyard, Bermuda’s oldest fort, and has over 400 years of local history on display as well as a 1,000 square ft mural. The dolphins of Dolphin Quest are also nearby to visit before or after.

 

 

 

 

 

The Bermuda chapter of the Meet-A-Mum Association (MAMA) serves as a social network to support both parents and nannies.  They host a variety of events, including playgroups every weekday in various parishes.

 

 

 

 

Island Nanny Desk caters to visitors to the island, as well as locals. They provide flexible Child-Care services, either at home or in their guest accommodations. Their nannies provide fun and safe care, weekly, daily, half days and evenings.
If you only need kids equipment/toys for a short period of time, why not rent instead of buying?  You can find a great selection of items for hire, including cribs and highchairs at Bermuda Red Cross or Little Longtails.

 

 

 

Inner Beauty Kids Spa offers services for young girls between the ages of 3-16 years – a great place to book a party or kid-friendly outing with the gals. Their mission is to empower girls with a positive self-image in a fun and relaxing environment, and the goal is to not only make girls look beautiful on the outside, but to also have an impact that will allow their inner beauty to shine. The spa is located at 71 Victoria Street. Opening hours are Saturdays: 10am-6pm, or Sundays: 11am-5pm (by appointment only). Contact  unwind@innerbeautykidsspa.com or 441 292 4257 for more information, or reservations.