Let’s be honest, while a tropical vacation is something we all look forward to it can be a bit daunting at times with young children in tow. Suddenly lounging by the pool sipping on a tropical bevy followed by a mid day nap is likely (for the most part) out of the question. Maui is loaded with activities, many of which are appropriate for kids (ziplines, snorkeling, water slides at the hotel pool). It’s the toddlers in Maui that require a bit more creativity when it comes to keeping those tiny balls of energy busy. As a toddler mom living on this beautiful island, I experience the constant need to get out and entertain, to always have a plan for the next snack stop and choose restaurants that wont turn heads when the inevitable meltdown begins. Here is my list of 10 activities that both you and your toddler will enjoy in Maui:
Maui Tropical Plantation– the duck pond is a huge hit with little ones. Duck food is available for purchase at the gift shop. Throw it into the pond and watch the turtles and fish bubble to the surface, sure to get a squeal out of any toddler in Maui. The property is landscaped with tropical fruit and botanicals, local ingredients grown to serve at the onsite restaurant with views of the lush valleys above. Hop on board the Tropical Express train for a tour of the grounds, kids under 3 ride free!
Fish Pond Beach– located on the north end of Kihei, Ko`ie`ie is one of the most accessible and approachable fishponds in Hawaii. There is parking in close proximity to the grass park that leads to this sheltered beach with shallow, calm waters. Turtles can be found lounging the outer rim of the pond and crabs scurry along the shoreline rocks. Be sure to read the interpretive signage or visit the website to also appreciate the cultural significance of this site.
North Shore beaches– the North shore of Maui features shoreline reef systems that generate calm sheltered beach lagoons perfect for a toddler in Maui to explore. That said, early morning is still the best time to visit as trade winds typically pick up by around 10am. Pick up your beach gear rentals at any Boss Frog’s location on your way to appropriately named ‘Baby Beach’ in Spreckelsville.
Maui Ocean Center-the perfect way to introduce your toddler in Maui to the wonderful underwater world of Hawaii while staying on land (and in air conditioning). This is one of the most child friendly activities on the island, let them run free and excite at the many exhibits including a shark tunnel, outdoor play area and touch tank.
Whalers Village– this open air shopping and dining complex is located in the visitor hub of Ka’anapali on the West side of the island. The newly renovated courtyard features a play area with climbing structures and a splash pad perfect for a mid day cool down. There is also live music, hula lessons and outdoor family movie nights.
Kula Country Farms– bring your camera! One of the best photo opps on Maui, don’t miss their pumpkin patch in the fall or strawberry picking in the spring. Either way, this place has an epic bicoastal view, cooler temperatures and fun gardens for toddlers in Maui to discover. Visit the mini horses and grab a local snack in the market store.
Surfing Goat Dairy- the location of this farm is reason enough to make the trip up the cool slopes of Haleakala. Visit the goats on a farm tour or explore on your own. Toddlers in Maui love watching the animals, there is a small play area and a comfortable space for lunch at the farm.
Happy Trails -this family owned and operated farm is located in Haiku, on the road to Hana so can also serve as a good stop on a day trip to East Maui. Friday mornings are for Mommy and Me, a $5 drop in that allows toddlers to feed and pet farm animals including ducks, horses, bunnies and most recently an orphaned baby deer named Bamboo. Private visits can be scheduled for a very reasonable rate to include a trail ride through the picturesque ranch property.
Maui Humane Society- centrally located and free to walk through, little animal lovers delight in visiting the shelter dogs, cats, bunnies and Freddie the famous tortoise who has has birthday party each April!
Snorkel Cruise– while I wouldn’t recommend this for toddlers in Maui on just any boat, the Calypso trip is appropriate for even the littlest of ocean adventurers. The design of the three story vessel makes it a very smooth ride, there is plenty of seating in the shade and glass bottom panels to view reef fish without even getting wet. The early morning departure ensures you’ll be back to the hotel in time for that precious nap!
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