Belize District & Cayes

While Belize City serves as the transportation hub for the country, most families quickly head to the islands or the zoo. It is worth noting that while the tourist zones and islands are generally safe, some areas of Belize City (particularly the Southside) have high crime rates; families transiting through should use authorized tourism transport and avoid walking around the city at night. However, the region's true gems—the Cayes and the Barrier Reef—offer some of the most accessible Caribbean adventures for children.

Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are the two primary island destinations. Ambergris Caye is larger and buzzier, where families navigate by golf cart—a novelty kids usually adore. The town of San Pedro offers plenty of dining options, from pizza to fresh seafood. In contrast, Caye Caulker adopts a "Go Slow" motto with unpaved sand streets and a relaxed vibe. Here, you can feed majestic tarpons from the docks or watch seahorses at the Iguana Reef sanctuary. Both islands serve as jumping-off points for the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, where guides help children safely swim near nurse sharks and southern stingrays in shallow, clear water.

Back on the mainland, the Belize Zoo is often voted the best family attraction in the country. Unlike traditional zoos, it functions as a rescue center for native animals. The paths are stroller-friendly, and the enclosures allow children to see animals like the national animal (the Baird's Tapir) and the Keel-billed Toucan up close. For a dose of history without the crowds, Altun Ha is a nearby Mayan archaeological site with manageable plazas that are easy for little legs to navigate. The site is famous for the Jade Head discovery and provides a great introduction to Mayan culture before heading deeper inland.

Transportation is part of the adventure here. Taking a water taxi between Belize City and the Cayes takes about 45 to 90 minutes and offers breezy views of the turquoise sea. Alternatively, local flights on small puddle-jumper planes provide a thrilling, scenic shortcut that gives children a bird's-eye view of the coral reef system. When packing, bring plenty of reef-safe sunscreen and rash guards, as the tropical sun on the water is intense.