Family-friendly Attractions
on Providenciales
Families enjoy many diversions when staying at The Sands at Grace Bay.
The Turks & Caicos National Environmental Centre: Located along Providenciales’ Lower Bight Road, across from an excellent children’s park, the National Environmental Centre is a fun and informative way for visitors to learn about the indigenous wildlife, fauna and flora, and the habitats and ecosystems that can be found throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Both children and adults will enjoy the colorful exhibits on display, that provide information on the distinct beaches, shells, birds, reptiles and wildlife that can be found around the island. Museum admission is free and it is open daily from 8:00am to 4:30pm.
Cheshire Hall: A key historic attraction in Providenciales, this is the site of a former cotton plantation that dates back to the late 1700’s. Located on a hilltop near the downtown area off the Leeward Highway, this site consists of preserved ruins that can be viewed along a stone-lined trail that leads to fifteen points of interest, including the Great House, a cotton press base, kitchen, cistern, a well, a cannon and a reproduction of a slave cabin. Guided tours provide visitors with more information on the historic plantation days of the Caicos Islands. Cheshire Hall is open on weekdays between 8:30am to 4:00pm. There is a $10 entrance fee per person.
Weekly Island Fish Fry: Every Thursday evening from 5:30 – 9:30pm, the Island Fish Fry brings together locals and island visitors to celebrate an evening of “all things TCI.” Located at the Bight Children’s Park, this fun and casual family-friendly weekly event features local food vendors, entertainers, bands, and cultural acts. This a great way for families to take in the incredible sights, tastes, sounds, and distinct culture of our island. Local children’s groups perform, “Henry the Conch” makes an appearance, there is folkloric storytelling and skits, dancers bring the crowds to their feet and local restaurants serve up their specialty menu items including freshly caught fish and dishes bursting with island flavors. The Turks & Caicos Tourist Board sponsors the event in collaboration with the Department of Culture and DEMA.
Snorkeling at Coral Gardens: The Turks and Caicos Islands are home to one of the longest and most stunning coral reef systems in the world. Also known as Bight Reef, the Coral Gardens snorkeling area is just a short walk down the beach from the Sands at Grace Bay resort and is one of the most popular snorkeling areas for families in Providenciales. The shallow waters that can be accessed right from the beach, the diversity of fish, the clearly marked boundaries, and the safely roped off area make this a great spot to bring children to snorkel. Plus, families staying at The Sands at Grace Bay may use the resort’s complimentary snorkeling gear to bring to this popular snorkeling site.
Chalk Sound National Park: Locals refer to the beaches surrounding Chalk Sound as “the children’s beaches” – including Sapodilla Bay Beach, which offers shallow, calm and crystal clear water that is ideal for young children learning to swim. Chalk Sound is a protected national park and natural lagoon located on the southwest side of Providenciales. It features hundreds of small rocky islands and brilliant turquoise blue water. Kayak tours are an incredible way for families to experience the island’s vegetation, wildlife, birds and breathtaking scenic views. Guided kayak eco-tours of Chalk Sound are offered through the local business Big Blue Unlimited.
