Caribbean: Vacation Places for Families. The islands can be delightful for families in the summer months. The water is warm the crowds of snowbirds have gone and the pace is easy. The daily mid afternoon summer rains that occur on many islands are welcome, especially for children. There is a catch however; not all places in the Caribbean welcome children. We have assembled a list of places we know to be child friendly either because one of us has been there or we have received a recommendation from a family.

Aruba: One cool family place. In spite of the recent bad press, Aruba remains a beautiful place for a family vacation . Not far from the coast of Venezuela is an arid and peaceful, small and safe island called Aruba. These qualities make it a nice choice for families. Best of all the island wants vacationing families. To entice them there is a comprehensive family program on the island. Dubbed "One Cool Family Vacation" it has the potential to do be just that. Need to know. About a dozen resorts are participating in the program designed to provide families with vacation benefits. While the details vary by resort most provide free breakfast for kids less than twelve years of age. All provide discounts to island attractions and discounts for organized children's activities. There is even free diving for a teen when a certified mom or dad purchases a dive. www.family-aruba.com or 1-800-TO-ARUBA. Editor's Note: We love this island. The combination of the arid landscape and the sea is dramatic. The residents are friendly. The sound of papiamento, the island language, is exotic adding to the atmosphere. One of the biggest benefits is the cheese.

St. Lucia: Off-the-beaten-path, delightfully green and relatively unspoiled, the island offers green-draped mountains, hidden valleys, banana plantations, a bubbling volcano, and miles of uncrowded beaches. Combining French and British heritage, the residents welcome visitors with a friendly Creole lit. Safe, friendly and delightfully Caribbean, it is ideal for a family getaway. St. Lucia is an island loaded with family vacation potential. Providing uncrowded beaches, soft ocean breezes and a welcoming atmosphere, St. Lucia embraces arts and music offering visitors a uniquely St. Lucian experience. As local guides explain St. Lucia was once known as "Island of the Iguanas" but should really be called “The Island of Bananas” because at least six different varieties grow on its soil. Feast from a variety of native dishes, maybe even pepper root stew. Other kid-friendly tropical tastes include: mangoes, papayas, pineapples, soursops, passion fruit, guavas, and coconuts. The national dish is Callaloo Soup, made from a leafy green similar to spinach and the earliest Amerindian cultural breads farina and cassava may still be found on menus.

Coconut Bay Resort and Spa A picture perfect vacation spot located on the Atlantic shores in the Eastern Caribbean on the friendly island of St. Lucia. The resort, minutes from the international airport, located in Savannes Bay on a beautiful beach. Large rooms with double queen beds, or connecting rooms are available. Amenities include all resort activities, entertainment nightly, food and drink. There are three pools plus a water park that includes a lazy river and water slides. Included in the price is Kidz Klub with a well supervised children's activity center for ages 3-12. Coconut Bay Resort and Spa, Vieux Fort, St. Lucia, West Indies. Call toll free 1-866-978-6226 direct at 1(758) 456-9999 or visit online.      reservations@cbayresort.com    www.coconutbayresortandspa.com   Related Article

Negril, Turks and Caicos: "Beaches" for families. Beaches Resorts operate several all-inclusive resorts, all in the Caribbean and they like families. Beaches Resorts have two new facilities with top-notch accommodations located along expanses of  white-sand beaches. Each new resort offers complimentary children's programs. The Negril location has three freshwater swimming pools, a state-of-the-art Sega Centre for teens and a supervised "Kids Kamp".  Room options include suites and all rooms have space for a crib.

The Turks & Caicos location is located on Grace Bay in Providenciales. The highlight of this resort is the new water park called Pirates' Island. The entertainment complex features two waterslides and a kids-only pool with a swim-up bar. On dry land there is a high-tech Sega Centre, teen disco and a kids-only diner. There are plenty of water-sport options for adults and or teens. Bonus points: The Kids Kamp's Nursery Program available at each location allows little ones from age of 3 months until pre school. They have a certified Ultra-Nannies program to ensure the best care for the youngest guests. Babysitters are available in the evening on an individual basis.  

Another option the all-inclusive Beaches Inn (formerly Poinciana Beach Resort) also on Negril, Jamaica. It is suited to budget-conscious families. It is located on Negril's seven-mile beach in Jamaica. Need to know. These resorts offer Blue Chip Ultra Hurricane Guarantee. It works like this: In the unlikely event of a hurricane affecting your vacation at one of the Beaches Resorts, FREE replacement vacation, including round-trip airfare, to be taken at any Beaches Resort of the your choice, Beaches Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, Beaches Negril, Jamaica and Beaches Inn, 1-800- BEACHES (1-800-232-2437) or www.beaches.com