As there are plenty of family friendly resorts and activities to be found throughout Mexico and the Caribbean, the region is an excellent destination for families with small children. However, as visiting families will also find plenty of exciting recreation opportunities that aren t always open to young children – including sports such as scuba diving, parasailing, deep sea fishing and rock climbing – many tourists traveling with small children can struggle to find suitable day care, while some are forced to skip desired activities altogether. Instead of relying on traditional child care and worrying about vacation agendas, families visiting Mexico or the Caribbean with young children can now take advantage of the kids clubs found at some of the region s best resorts. Designed for children aged 4 12, kids clubs serve as both professionally staffed daycare facilities and activity centers providing fun educational and recreational options.
While plenty of Caribbean resorts offer simple daycare facilities, there are several kids club options that offer far more than simple coloring books. For instance, at the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort, the Kids Cocina program teaches children how to prepare and cook everything from pizza to local specialities like tacos, nachos and flan. During the one hour cooking classes, children are able to learn about not only Mexican cuisine, but also fun ways to prepare healthy meals using fresh ingredients. During the preparation, young cooks are able to work in conjunction with both talented resort chefs and caring kids club staff members. While the meals are cooking in the resort s kitchen, the kids are invited outside for safe games and activities. Parents returning to the resort in the afternoon can then enjoy the meals prepared by the children at poolside tables. The kids club also offers arts and crafts activities, swimming lessons and Spanish classes throughout the week. The kids club at the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort, also open to guests of the adjacent JW Marriott Cancun Resort and Spa, offers classes and activities every day from 10 AM to 4 PM, as well as special evening activities.
While the kids club at the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort stands as one of the best daytime child care centers in the Caribbean, similar programs are available at resorts throughout the region. Another popular program is the Pirates Kids Club at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, where children can enjoy beach activities and water sports in addition to educational pursuits. The Pirates Kids Club features themed activities throughout the week, including an exciting and educational Carnival event each Tuesday and an up close look at Caribbean sea life each Wednesday. The Pirates Kids Club also hosts weekly events for the entire family, such as the popular Tuesday Movie Night where everyone can enjoy kid friendly entertainment and free popcorn.
Most kids clubs offer both half day – either 9 AM to 12 PM or 1 PM to 4 PM – and full day programs – 9 AM to 4 PM, lunch included. Parents hoping to enjoy a romantic dinner or evening entertainment can also take advantage of nighttime kids club programs on select days throughout the week. As the kids club programs include specially prepared activities and meals, reservations are usually required by 6 PM of the previous day.
Specially designed for families visiting Mexico and the Caribbean, kids clubs offer fun opportunities for children, while allowing parents to explore adventurous activities and nightlife options. As most kids clubs offer full day and half day programs every day of the week, parents can take plenty of time to themselves throughout their stay. Even if the agenda calls for simple relaxation, parents can lay out by the pool or take advantage of spa facilities while the kids enjoy learning how to cook, interacting with native sea life and making new friends from around the world.