There are so many great reasons to encourage children to play in the natural outdoors environment. There are numerous benefits to their physical health, development and self-confidence. It's great fun too!

Luckily Cayman's brilliant weather means there is no shortage of outdoor activities to entertain children, in fact they are spoilt for choice.

We have rounded up the top outdoor options in the Cayman Islands.

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Ambassadors of the Environment

Learn from Cousteau-trained naturalists about Grand Cayman's natural wonders with ecoadventure activities offered through Jean-Michel Cousteaus Ambassadors of the Environment programme at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. Activities include everything from shipwreck snorkelling and mangrove kayak explorations to photography, arts and crafts and science experiments. The activities are fun for all and also offered as after-school activities, along with summer and fall camps.

Skateboarding park

Black Pearl Skate Park

Black Pearl Skate Park is the largest in North America and the second largest in the world. It has 62,000sq ft of beginner, intermediate and expert flow, as well as street courses. The Park also includes three half basketball courts and rents out basketballs, table tennis tables, foosball tables and board games.

Parrrot

Cayman Parrot Sanctuary

The Cayman Parrot Sanctuary offers a friendly, interactive and educational experience. Spot a variety of Cayman's native animals including Cayman Parrots, goats, snakes, rabbits, guinea pigs, cockatiels and agoutis. There are also two playgrounds, a zip line and plenty of shaded areas.

Turtle Release

Cayman Turtle Centre

Learn about and observe yearling Green sea turtles. You can even swim and snorkel alongside them in the Turtle Lagoon! Spot local and regional wildlife along the nature trail, the Cayman Parrots in the Caribbean Aviary, sharks in the Predator Reef and their rescued crocodile, Smiley. Families will also enjoy the swimming pool and waterslides.

Camana Bay Island Hammock Kids

Camana Bay

Camana Bays Town Centre is a delightful place to spend time with your children. There are fountains to play in, rocks to climb on, car free streets that are suitable for scooting or riding a bike around and shaded area for picnics. Kids can also climb the Observation Tower, one of the tallest buildings on Grand Cayman at 75 ft (lifts are also available), for panoramic views of the Island. There are plenty of child-friendly restaurants and the book store, Next Chapter, has a great kids section filled with plenty of books and toys to choose from.

Cayman Crystal Caves

Crystal Caves

Kids will love discovering the spectacular stalactite and stalagmite crystal structures on this fascinating underground adventure. Travel through the caves, led by a knowledgeable tour guide, and discover the beauty of Cayman Down Under while listening to stories and facts about Cayman's oldest landmark. Families will also have the opportunity to tour the surrounding tropical forest, which is home to a variety of tropical plants and animal life, including magnificent strangler balsam trees, air plants and parrots. Don't forget to keep an eye out for bats inside the caves, too!

Pedro

Pedro St. James

Set over seven acres, and with incredible views of the sea, this is a fantastic spot for kids to let off steam and run wild! Kids will also love the playground, exploring the 18th-century house and the 3D multi-sensory theatre.

Botanic park

Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

This 65-acre site is heaven for families! The Children's Garden features a splash pad, discovery pond, observation towers and a slide. The Park is also home to the Blue Iguana Conservation breeding facility. Enjoy a 45 min tour or take self-guided walk around the facility and meet the juvenile and adult blue iguanas. There is also plenty of shaded picnic areas as well as food to buy on-site.