ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS

Activities

for Adults

Information on exploring the Island, its beaches, cultural activities, art classes, entertainment and watersports, plus everything you need to know about activities to suit your interests and hobbies.

Exploring Cayman’s Attractions 422 - Pedro St. James (Pedro Castle) 422 - Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park 423 - Cayman Crystal Caves 423 - Stingray City & The Sandbar 424 - Cayman Turtle Centre 424 - Beaches 424 - Blue Iguana Conservation 425 - Helicopter & Motorcycle Rides 425

Cultural Activities 425 - Cayman Islands National Museum 425 - The Mission House 426

Cultural & Educational Programmes 426 - Drama Society 426 - National Gallery 426 - The National Trust 427 - Cinema 427 - Music 427 - Talks 427

Cultural Events - Pirates Week Festival - Batabano - Gimistory - Red Sky at Night 427 427 428 428 428

Watersports & Excursions 428

- Kayaking & Paddleboarding - Sailing

428 428 - Snorkelling 428 - Waverunner Trips & Windsurfing 430

Other Fun Activities 430 - Art, Painting, Pottery & More 430 - Land & Nature Tours 430

Photos courtesy of Andi Marcher, Crystal Caves & Guy Waller

From cultural events and trips to water activities and art classes, adults on-Island have a huge variety of activities available to them. For more details on tour prices, times and promotions, pick up a copy of Explore Cayman, the definitive guide for exploring Cayman, visit www.explorecayman.com, or download the free iPhone or iPad app. Also, for Cayman’s most up-to-date events guide, download the What’s On Cayman app. Visit www. whatsoncayman.ky for more information.

EXPLORING CAYMAN’S ATTRACTIONS

Pedro St. James (Pedro Castle) The Great House at Pedro St. James, also known as ‘Pedro Castle’, is the oldest known stone structure in the Cayman Islands. It was built using slave labour in 1780 as the great house for mariner and plantation owner William Eden. Set over seven acres, the site encompasses a three-storey, early 18th-century home with its accompanying outbuildings, palm-lined walkways, a manicured great lawn and spectacular views of the sea. This is one of the most beautiful locations in Grand Cayman, where a 3D multi-sensory theatre helps place the site into a historical perspective. Perhaps best known as the “Birthplace of Democracy in the Cayman Islands”, the house was the venue for an 1831 meeting where the decision was made to form the first elected parliament. In 1835, the proclamation ending slavery in the British Empire was read from the steps of Pedro St. James. This national historic site plays

a pivotal role in keeping the Caymanian culture and heritage alive. Also on-site, you can find a playground, an old stamp collection room and a gift shop. The Thatch and Barrel restaurant offers drink specials at its Sea Sessions Happy Hour every Friday, beginning at 5pm. Located in Savannah, Pedro St. James is just a 20 minute drive from George Town and is open daily from 8.30am to 5pm (last movie showing at 4pm), except on Good Friday and Christmas Day. Resident rates are available at CI$5 for adults and guided tours are CI$10 with free entry for seniors 65+ and children five and under. There is no admission for Sea Sessions Happy Hour. A valid ID is required for resident rates. For more information, email: info@ pedrostjames.ky, Tel: (345) 947 3329 or visit www.pedrostjames.ky. SEE AD PAGE 411

Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park This 65 acre site is made up of seven themed gardens, woodland trails, a lake and wetlands, a nursery, and a visitor’s centre. It is home to the endangered Blue Iguana Conservation facility, the rare Ghost Orchid, the Banana Orchid (Cayman’s national flower), the Cayman Parrot (Cayman’s national bird), various native and endemic butterflies and much more. You can explore the Heritage Garden and learn how Caymanians lived in days of old; take a stroll through the Colour Garden, Woodland Trail, the Xerophytic Garden, Orchid Boardwalk or the soonto-be complete Children’s Garden. Alternatively, just relax and picnic by the lake – a favourite place for birdwatching. Located on Frank Sound Road in North

Side, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is approximately a 40 minute drive from George Town. They also offer a golf cart for the elderly and disabled. Please note that this must be prearranged by emailing: manager@botanic-park.ky. The Park is open daily 9am-5.30pm (last admission at 4.30pm). Resident rates are available at CI$5 for adults, guided tours are CI$10 with free entry for seniors 65+ and children five and under. A valid ID is required for Hell Geological Site Located in West Bay, Hell comprises a unique geological wonder; created by salt and limestone over 23 million years. This small patch of black limestone formation, which sits on two acres, can be seen poking out from its lush surroundings. Erosion has left an eerie and desolate-looking landscape, earning its name. After marvelling at the field of black peaks, make sure to send your friends a postcard from Hell, with the Hell postmark as proof that you’ve been to Hell and back! Entry is free. Gift shops and restrooms are available during the opening hours of 8.30am-4pm.

Cayman Crystal Caves Situated in a lush tropical forest in North

Side, the Cayman Crystal Caves offer an underground adventure into a fascinating world. Upon your visit, you will be escorted with a knowledgeable tour guide and you will join them on an adventure of “Cayman Down Under”. You will venture into amazing caves where you will see stalactite and stalagmite crystal structures and otherworldly formations formed by single drops of water and the slow passage of time. Tour through the unique tropical forest under which the caves formed. Amongst the forest and caves are captivating tropical plants and animal life, including strangler balsam trees, air plants, parrots and bats. Tours are approximately one-and-a-half hours and take you through the surrounding tropical forest area and three spectacular caves. Guests must be able to walk up the stairs unaided for this tour. There is a snack and gift store on-site. Please bring comfortable attire for warm weather and walking shoes. Pre-booking is required. Open seven days a week, with tours running from 9am-4pm. Adults US$40, children 12 and under US$30. Tel: (345) 949 2283, email: info@ caymancrystalcaves.com or visit www. caymancrystalcaves.com. SEE AD THIS PAGE

Situated in a lush tropical forest in North Side, the Cayman Crystal Caves offer an underground adventure into a fascinating world. Venture into amazing caves where you will see stalactite and stalagmite crystal structures and other worldly formations. Tour through the tropical forest under which the caves formed and spot tropical plant and animal life, including strangler balsam trees, air plants, parrots, and bats. Tours lasts 1 ½ hours. Guests must be able to walk up the stairs unaided for this tour. Pre booking is required. Open seven days a week, with tours running from 9am-4pm. Adults US$40, children 12 and under US$30.

Tel: (345) 949 2283 Email: info@caymancrystalcaves.com

Cayman Craft Market Located on Seafarers Way, across from the Wreck of the Cali in George Town, the Cayman Craft Market brings together visitors and local artisans who create and display unique Caymanian art, jewellery, crafts and recycled treasures made from unique materials, as well as locally made sauces, jams and jellies. Find items made from leather, thatch, wood, shells, Caymanite and black coral. Open Monday-Friday, 8.30am-3pm.

Stingray City & The Sandbar If you are interested in diving and seeing the gorgeous coral reefs while swimming with the rays in 20ft deep water, Stingray City is the best place to visit. This natural attraction has become very popular and has been covered by National Geographic, as well as many other international magazines.

For an up-close-and-personal encounter where you can walk in waist-deep water with the stingrays, you may want to choose The Sandbar. The rays are completely safe, nearly four feet in diameter and will brush against you with their soft underbellies looking for squid, their favourite food, which you may feed them by hand. Do not lift them from the water, step on them or torment them. Note that wearing flippers is not wise, as you may disturb or anger the rays. When tourism is in full swing, The Sandbar is usually quite busy as it is extremely popular. However, if you are going with a boat operator, they will usually find a good spot to anchor and a staff member may help you hold a stingray.

Just to the left, past Rum Point Club and off Sand Point Road, is the Mini Sandbar. This is a popular stop for a shallow swim. You can access it by boat or wade out if exploring by car. Refer to the Boating chapter or visit www.explorecayman.com for tour operators.

Cayman Turtle Centre

Since 1968, Cayman Turtle Centre has released more than 34,000 captive-bred and raised sea turtles back into the sea to help replenish Cayman’s wild population. The Centre, which is dedicated to the conservation and education of the green sea turtle, is home to turtles of all ages, from six-ounce hatchlings to 500lb adult breeding turtles. During your visit to the Centre, you can learn about the turtles in the exhibits, the breeding and rearing process, snorkel with the turtles and reef fish, swim in the freshwater pool and visit hatchlings during the nesting season. You will also be exposed to local and regional wildlife, like flora along the nature trail, the Cayman Parrots in the Caribbean Aviary, sharks in the Predator Reef and their rescued crocodile, Smiley.

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Beaches There are several wonderful beaches on Grand Cayman. The most popular is Seven Mile Beach, which runs the length of the western side of the Island just north of George Town. Two popular spots along this span are Governor’s Beach, adjacent to the Governor’s House (next door to

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Caribbean Aviary Turtle Twister Waterslide

Smiley’s Crocodile Cove Turtle Lagoon the Westin) and Seven Mile Public Beach, which has cabanas providing shade, public restrooms and a children’s play area. A new 5,575-sq ft callisthenics park also opened last year. Farther north, there is Cemetery Beach, which is shaded by many large sea grape and casuarina trees and has great snorkelling spots only a five-minute swim offshore.

Starfish Point, just beyond Kaibo in North Side, is a nice, quiet spot for a picnic or paddle. It is shaded by casuarina trees, has a wide shallow area close to the shore and large starfish can often be found just a few feet off the shore. Do not hold the starfish above the water as they need to remain in the water to survive.

Rum Point, located to the left of Starfish Point, has been a popular spot with tourists and locals for many years. After closing during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is scheduled to reopen in 2023 upon completion of some new renovations. In the meantime, the shallow waters offshore are still a popular boat hangout, especially on Sundays.

Spotts Public Beach off Shamrock Road is a good place to spot turtles in the early morning and late afternoon when they come in to feed, plus to the far right of the beach there are wonderful rock pools. Please note there is a very strong current at this beach and swimming out to the reef is very dangerous and risky. Do not swim out to the cut in the reef.

Just beyond the Grand Old House restaurant is Smith’s Barcadere (also known as Smith’s Cove). This is a small public beach with lots of shade, picnic benches, great snorkelling and a lovely place to watch the sunset. It also has fresh water showers and restroom facilities.

Many districts also have public beaches, including West Bay, Bodden Town, East End and North Side. There are no private beaches in Cayman; all beaches are public (up to the high-water mark). If you want to put your towel on a beach in front of a hotel or condominium complex, you are more than welcome to do so, as long as you stay near the high-water mark and do not use

their sun loungers. Some establishments are open to the public. Examples include Tillie’s on Seven Mile Beach, Kaibo in North Side and the Wyndham Reef Resort in East End, all of which have beach bars and tables on the beach where you can sit and watch the children play in the sea just a few feet away. They are also available for private functions.

Please note that there are no nudist beaches in the Cayman Islands and topless sunbathing is illegal.

Blue Iguana Conservation Grand Cayman’s famed ‘Blue Dragons’

are found at the Blue Iguana Conservation facility located at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. Once numbering in the tens of thousands, by 2001, there were thought to be fewer than 25 Blue Iguanas left in the wild. The endangered Blue Iguana is only found here in Grand Cayman. During the 45-minute tour at the Botanic Park, your guide will walk you through the facility for a behind-the-scenes look where you will meet Peter, their most famous Blue, enjoy amazing photo opportunities and learn from their expert wardens about how Blue Iguana conservation has brought these endangered species back from the brink of extinction. Ticket prices include entry to the park and a guided tour by their expert wardens. Proceeds from Blue Iguana tours directly benefit the Blue Iguana Conservation programme. After your tour, you can visit the National Trust Nature Store, located at Dart Park, to browse their selection of National Trust and Blue Iguana Conservation merchandise. For more information or to book a school, corporate or private customised guided tour, Tel: (345) 749 1121 or email: tours@ nationaltrust.org.ky.

Collier’s Nature Reserve & Trail

The Collier’s Nature Reserve & Trail boasts 190 acres of protected Blue Iguana territory. The easy walking trail allows visitors to observe the iguanas and other animals in their natural habitat, as well as many different species of Cayman’s fauna, fungi and lichens. It is located a mile inland from the coastal East End Road, Austin Conolly Drive. For more information, Tel: (345) 749 1121.

Guided Bicycle Rides Eco Rides run a cycling tour around the Eastern District. Tel: (345) 922 0754 or email: ecoridescayman@gmail.com for more information. Paddle Wheel is another company that offers guided tours. They use electric bikes, which give you the power to decide how much you want to pedal and how much you want to relax. Cycle the West Bay Loop and enjoy Cayman’s coastline and mangrove forests. The tour is around three hours in length, but they also offer a six-hour Adventure Tour, which includes lunch, biking and kayaking stops. Tel: (345) 640 2453 or email: hello@ paddlewheel.ky.

Helicopter Rides A fantastic way to explore the Island is a 15-minute (US$165pp) or 40-minute (US$380pp) tour with Cayman Islands Helicopters (resident rates). Their Sunset Dinner Flight is perfect for special occasions; land for dinner at The RitzCarlton (US$950 for up to six people) or Camana Bay, followed by a limousine ride home. Water enthusiasts will enjoy their ‘one day three Islands’ dive package. Helicopter to Cayman Brac to dive the M/V Captain Keith Tibbetts, then helicopter on to Little Cayman to dive Bloody Bay Wall, followed by lunch at Southern Cross Club. Helicopter back to Grand Cayman to dive the USS Kittiwake before finally watching the sunset at the Lobster Pot with wine and cheese. Tel: (345) 943 4354, or visit www. caymanislandshelicopters.com. SEE AD PAGE 71

Motorcycle Tours

Call Cayman Custom Cycles on (345) 945 7433 for a guided tour around the Island, including lunch, or for an afternoon getaway. You must have a Group 1A motorcycle license. If you do not have a licence, you can still join in. A member of staff can take you on the back of their bike. Mastic Reserve & Trail The Mastic Reserve protects 834 acres of lowland semi-deciduous forest, wetlands and core habitat for many of the Island’s unique animals, birds and plants. The area is traversed by the historic Mastic Trail, which is a wilderness path meandering through a variety of natural habitats. Some of Cayman’s rarest trees can be seen here including mahogany, ironwood and West Indian cedar, as well as wild orchids and medicinal plants. Geological features such as sink holes, jagged limestone bedrock and splits can also be seen along the trail. The National Trust hosts guided three-hour nature walks with a trained and experienced naturalist. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and bring water and mosquito repellent. Booking and prepayment is required for a minimum of six participants. The trail is open 365 days per year and self-guided tours can be accessed free of charge. For self-guided tours, we suggest purchasing their Mastic Trail Adventure Guide for CI$4, available at the National Trust office at Dart Park. For more information or to book a school, corporate or private customised guided tour, Tel: (345) 749 1121 or email: tours@ nationaltrust.org.ky.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

MUSEUMS Cayman Islands National Museum

The Cayman Islands National Museum is located in Cayman’s oldest public building, the Old Courts building in George Town. Permanent exhibits showcase Cayman’s art, traditions and cultural and natural history, including boats, furniture, textiles, paintings and ceramics. Many of the museum’s exhibits are interactive and include a simulated submarine showing marine species and habitats, a 3D bathymetric map of the ocean floor and Cayman’s location in the Caribbean, two life-like talking animatronic figures and an audio-visual presentation on Cayman’s history, environment and people. There are changing galleries that feature information on a variety of cultural history, natural

history and local art-related topics. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am2pm and select public holidays. Admission is CI$6.40 for adults, CI$4.80 for seniors and CI$2.40 for children. Members and local students are admitted free. Residents can also visit for free on the first Saturday of every month. Tel: (345) 949 8368 or visit www.museum.ky for more information.

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The Mission House This historic site is known to have been utilised in the 1700s by early settlers, due to its abundant waterfowl and supply of fresh water. Located at 63 Gun Square in Bodden Town, it rose to prominence in the 1800s when it became known as the Mission House to early missionaries, teachers and families who contributed to establishing the Presbyterian ministry and school in Bodden Town. The tour takes you through all the rooms in the house, where you will see many of the genuine artefacts of glass, ceramic and more. Opening hours are Friday and Saturday 10am-2pm. Tours cost CI$10 for adults and CI$4 for children. Tel: (345) 749 1123 or email: projects@nationaltrust. org.ky.

CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES & EXHIBITIONS Cayman Drama Society

The Cayman Drama Society has regular classes and workshops for adults interested in acting. Productions also have many opportunities for people to get involved, with a new production underway every few months, from comedy and high drama to musicals. Dedicated members devote their time, talent and energy to ensure every production provides first-class entertainment. The classes for actors to train include acting theory, scene studies, improv, film acting, mask and mime work, and often requests from the students themselves. They also teach script writing, directing, stage management, light and sound, set design and construction. There

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are many opportunities throughout the year, such as costume, make-up, sound, lighting, bar and front-of-house. Visit www.cds.ky to become a member or join a class.

Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) CNCF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to facilitating and preserving Caymanian cultural arts by organising cultural festivals, staging and assisting others with shows at the FJ Harquail Cultural Centre, and engaging in artistic development, youth arts and special projects. Among the many events CNCF organises throughout the year is the annual festival, Cayfest. The festival showcases Cayman’s cultural diversity and artistic talent and features the National Arts and Culture Awards, a Dress For Culture Day, and the Red Sky at Night Festival. Another festival under the CNCF umbrella is the International Storytelling Festival of the Cayman Islands (Gimistory). CNCF also offers the ‘Mind’s Eye’ tours of the South Sound home of the late Miss Lassie Bush, Cayman’s acclaimed visionary intuitive artist. Theatrical productions are also staged throughout the year. Tel: (345) 949 5477 or visit www.artscayman.org.

The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) Located along the Esterley Tibbetts Highway, the National Gallery and Education Centre’s 9,000sq ft home is a dynamic nonprofit arts organisation. NGCI facilitates a wide variety of local and international exhibitions throughout the year and is home to the national art collection. The gallery hosts a range of engaging events and art happenings throughout the year including lectures, workshops and special events for members. Annual events include the Big Art Auction (October), the Fundraising Costume Gala (November) and a festive Members’ Christmas Party and Artisans Fair (December). The NGCI also runs an active volunteer programme and welcomes new members. Admission is free to the public; however, donations are

The National Trust

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands offers monthly activities that teach you a great deal about the Cayman Islands. Programmes include adult lectures based on local historical and environmental topics, as well as guided tours of the Mastic Trail, Blue Iguana Conservation and Mission House. The National Trust also offers privately guided nature walking tours, bird watching and traditional cooking classes. Opening hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. For more information, visit their Visitor’s Centre in the South Sound Dart Family Park, Tel: (345) 749 1121, visit www.nationaltrust.org.ky or email: tours@nationaltrust.org.ky.

Cinema Camana Bay Cinema is a state-of-the-art movie theatre located in the heart of Camana Bay and boasts seven screens, three of which are VIP auditoriums complete with 4K picture resolution, Dolby Atmos Immersive Audio and Luxury Recliners. They host a range of events, including Kids Club, Classics @ the Cinema, and Culture @ the Cinema. Grab a snack, delicious fried chicken wings or a freshly made pizza from the fully stocked concession stand. For current movie listings and times, visit www.bigscreen.ky.

Music For a variety of instrumental lessons,

contact Cayman Music School in Camana Bay. The Music School provides group and private lessons in a variety of string and woodwind instruments; including guitar, piano, flute, drums, violin, saxophone, ukulele and bass and tuition in singing, music theory, drama and recording. They also boast a music shop and a recording studio. Visit www.caymanmusicschool. com. Established in 2001, Musicians Ltd. is a leading provider of music and performing arts in the Cayman Islands. Instrumental lessons are offered on piano, guitar, ukulele, violin, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums and composition. Individual and paired lessons are available at their dedicated studio, as well as several schools on-Island. Performing Arts Group Classes are also available with several major performing opportunities throughout the year, including a full annual production. For more information, visit www.musicians. ky or Tel: (345) 525 6787. To register, email: office@musicians.ky. Earl La Pierre teaches adult steel pan classes on Monday evenings at UCCI from 6pm-8pm. He also has a performing band, known as Pandemix, where newcomers are welcomed. Practices are on Tuesday and Thursday 6pm-8pm at UCCI. Tel: (345) 526 5059 or (345) 916 5676 to learn more. For private lessons in singing, piano and music tutoring, contact Nicole Bodden at her studio in the Barnett Building, off the CNB roundabout. Tel: (345) 917 3753. JukeBox offers a mobile music service providing private and group instrumental lessons, as well as early years and mummy-and-me classes. For more information on schedules and events, visit www.jukebox.ky, Tel: (345) 321 5126 or email: info@jukebox.ky. Throughout the week, various restaurants and bars host live music by local talent. Check out the ‘Nightlife’ section on the Explore Cayman website (www.explorecayman. com) for lists of different restaurants that offer live music on each night of the week. Parcel 110, located on the 3rd floor of Royal Plaza on 40 Cardinall Avenue, offers music events three times a week. Head to Words and Rhythm Live on Monday for live music, Words and Rhythm Forum on Wednesday for open mic nights, and Happy Hour on Friday for more live tunes.

Cayman National Choir & Orchestra Choir practice is held on Monday at 7.30pm-9pm in the Bay Harbour Centre on West Bay Road and orchestra practice is held on Wednesday from 7.30pm-9pm at the same location. Email Sue Horrocks at caymanchoirandorchestra@gmail.com.

Next Chapter’s Infinite Mindcare Talk Series takes place on the third Saturday of every month at 9am. Each month’s topic is different, covering subjects like the importance of sleep, maintaining friendships and keeping a healthy mindset on social media. The talks are hosted by professional psychotherapists from Infinite Mindcare and a different book is recommended each month. For more information on dates and location, Tel: (345) 926 0882, (345) 640 2665, or visit www.facebook.com/infinitemindcare. The National Gallery also offers lectures on a range of topics, along with Artist and Curator Q&A sessions. To view their latest events, visit www.nationalgallery. org.ky. Parcel 110 is Cayman’s home for creative collaboration. If you’re on the hunt for discussion and debate, they offer many talks as a part of their Studio Notes discussion series. Head to their Facebook page for a look at their latest events (www. facebook.com/Parcel110) or Tel: (345) 525 8820 for more information.

CULTURAL EVENTS Pirates Week Festival Pirates Week Festival is one of the biggest cultural events in the Cayman Islands and an annual spectacle that takes place every year. In 2022, the festival expanded, with events held from September to November. During this time, 40+ activities were hosted in the Cayman Islands. This included District Days across all three Islands and a big celebratory week in Grand Cayman for the highlight of the festival: the Landing Pageant and Float Parade in George Town. During this event, thousands of people line the streets to watch a mock take-over of the Island by a band of fighting pirates, who come ashore by pirate ship. A parade, street dance and fireworks display also take place. Other features of the festival include an abundance of music, culture and delicious local food. For more information on the festival or for information on how to get involved, find them on Facebook or contact the Pirates Week Office by phone.

Batabano The name “Batabano” is synonymous with the Cayman Islands and the Caymanian way of life. A salute to Cayman’s turtling heritage, batabano is the native name for the tracks left in the sand when sea turtles go ashore to nest, which has always been a cause for celebration in the Cayman

Islands. Cayman Carnival Batabano is therefore ceremoniously held the first weekend in May as part of the celebration and awareness of the start of Turtle Nesting Season. Established in 1983 by the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman, Cayman Carnival Batabano is a non-profit organisation, and is a multi-day carnival that includes a food festival, fetes, a street dance and a costume street parade. As the National Carnival of the Cayman Islands, Batabano is a major highlight on Grand Cayman’s cultural and entertainment calendar for residents and visitors who flock to the streets by the thousands! Batabano 2023 will take place from the 3rd to the 6th of May.

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Gimistory Gimistory is a long-running Storytelling Festival that features guest storytellers from the Cayman Islands and the wider Caribbean. Over a weeklong programme in November, the festival travels to different public venues and local schools in all districts on all three Islands. Visit www. artscayman.org/gimistory.

Red Sky at Night Red Sky at Night, a multi-cultural arts fair, celebrates all things arts and culture. The event features a variety of entertainment such as live dance, music, drama performances and poetry readings, as well as displays of visual arts, crafts and films. From steel pan, fiddles and drums to DJs, dance troupe performances, storytelling and theatre, there is no shortage of entertainment. There are also dozens of artisan booths selling locally made art, crafts, jewellery, clothes and accessories, as well as food vendors selling traditional Caymanian food and delicacies from around the world. Contact the Cayman National Cultural Foundation on (345) 949 5477 for more information and to volunteer.

WATERSPORTS & EXCURSIONS

Boating, diving and fishing are all very popular in the Cayman Islands. For more information on these activities, see the Boating and Diving chapters.

Kayaking & Bioluminescent Tours One of nature’s best-kept secrets is a rare bioluminescent phenomenon found only in a dozen places worldwide. Cayman Kayaks offers magical bioluminescence tours by kayak and electric catamaran from Rum Point to the bioluminescent bay, which is suitable for all skill levels and only a 10-minute paddle. Tours are one-and-a-half to two hours long and they include the guided tour to and from the bay. Tel: (345) 926 4467, email: reservations@caymankayaks. com or visit www.caymankayaks.com.

Cayman Sea Elements also offers tours of the bioluminescent bay, where you can snorkel and swim, plus mangrove kayak tours where you will encounter a myriad of wildlife, while learning about Cayman’s unique mangrove habitats. Tours take approximately two hours and leave from the Cayman Islands Yacht Club. Tel: (345) 936 8687 or email: caymansea@gmail.com. White Sand Water Sports (Tel: (345) 938 7263) has kayaks available for rent and they can deliver them Island-wide. For more information, email: whitesandwatersports@gmail.com. Kayaks can also be rented from Red Sail Sports. Tel: (345) 623 5965 for details.

Kiteboarding Kitesurf Cayman offers private two-hour lessons on Barker’s Beach in West Bay. To get involved in the kiteboarding community, visit www.kitesurfcayman. com or email: info@kitesurfcayman.com.

Stand Up Paddle Co. Ltd.(Tel: (345) 938 4787) and delivered to your home and condo. Free delivery in and around Seven Mile Beach is also offered. For more information, email: info@caymanstanduppaddleco.ky. White Sand Water Sports (Tel: (345) 938 7263) also rent paddleboards for US$65 a day (minimum) or US$235 per week, with a 10% discount available to residents. They can deliver the paddleboards Islandwide. For more information, email: whitesandwatersports@gmail.com. Bliss Living Yoga (Tel: (345) 949 9642) offers paddleboard yoga on Tuesday evenings.

Sailing

The Cayman Islands Sailing Club offers a range of sailing lessons for adults with little or no sailing experience and those looking to further develop their skills. Each are eight-hour coached courses that are usually scheduled over two weekends (two four-hour sessions on consecutive Saturdays or Sundays). Private lessons are also available. For more information visit, www.sailing.ky, email: admin@sailing.ky or Tel: (345) 947 7913. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE

Snorkelling Snorkelling is a great way to discover the underwater world and the Cayman Islands have some incredible spots to explore. White Sand Water Sports (Tel: (345) 938 7263) offer a Slip and Slide Snorkel Tour that is perfect for families. The tour takes place on a custom-built 30ft pontoon boat that has plenty of shade. On the top deck, you’ll find a pair of waterslides that are perfect for sliding into Cayman’s beautiful blue waters. Kids and adults will love this fun addition. For more information or to book a trip, email: whitesandwatersports@gmail.com. Frank’s Watersports (Tel: (345) 945 5491) also offers snorkelling tours to Stingray City. Refer to www.explorecayman.com for more information on their services. If you are looking for something spacious and relaxing, Captain Bryan’s offers catamaran tours to Stingray City and Starfish Point.

Visit www.captainbryans.com or email: captainbryans@candw.ky for more information. If you’d like to plan your own day or experience some of the wildlife just offshore, you can rent snorkel equipment from Red Sail Sports. Tel: (345) 623 5965 for more details.

Surfing Good swells are generated off Seven Mile Beach from December to March, when Nor’westers blow through. From June to November, the best surf is usually found at the South Sound Community Centre and Mariners Cove in Spotts. However, beginners would be well advised to avoid these locations as the iron shore, coral and sea urchins can prove hazardous. Areas with a safe sandy bottom and easy access to and from the sea are ideal.

Waverunner Trips Aqua Watersports offers a range of waterbased activities, including exciting jet ski Stingray City tours and a luxury Cranchi 43ft Charter boat for half day, full day or sunset cruising. Tel: (345) 328 2662. Red Sail Sports rent out jet skis, SUPs and a variety of water sports equipment. They also offer a Waverunner Snorkel Safari and Banana Boat, Wakeboard and Waterski Charters. Tel: (345) 949 8745 or (345) 623 5965.

Windsurfing The prevailing winds make the beaches off East End perfect for windsurfing. White Sand Water Sports offers windsurfing lessons, equipment rental and packages. Tel: (345) 938 7263 or email: whitesandwatersports@ gmail.com.

OTHER FUN ACTIVITIES

Classes in Art, Painting, Photography, Pottery & More

The Visual Arts Society (VAS) has expertise in pottery and ceramics. The studio is equipped with three potter’s wheels, a kiln, slab roller, tools and other supplies, plus various types of clay and glazes. However, the space can be used for any type of art. People can work independently, take classes or participate in ongoing workshops. The space can also be rented for private functions or use. Email: info@visualartcayman.com or visit them on social media (www.facebook.com/ visualartcayman). 3 Girls & a Kiln offers a wide selection of monthly art classes for all ages, including glazing, string art, sign making on wood planks, fluid art and more. For more information, visit www.3girlsandakiln.com, Tel: (345) 640 9990 or visit their waterfront location in George Town. Opening hours are Monday-Friday 10am-6pm. The National

Gallery of the Cayman Islands often runs exhibition-supportive workshops during evenings and on weekends. They also provide lectures for all ages and skill levels. They host several ‘Open Call’ exhibition opportunities during the year, as well as Artisan Fairs. You can also take part in their Art and Wellness initiative, a free programme of wellness classes and workshops including meditation, yoga, nutrition and mindfulness. For more detailed event information, visit www.nationalgallery.org.ky/whats-on or email: education@nationalgallery.org.ky or Tel: (345) 945 8111. Art Nest, located in Elizabethan Square in George Town, hosts a variety of painting workshops and events, along with private classes and team socials. Email: events@artnestcayman. com or call (345) 927 2258 for more information. Cathy Church’s (Tel: (345) 949 7415) offers daily private above and underwater photography courses in the classroom and on shore dives for the underwater photographer. They also rent and sell a full range of underwater cameras that come with a free mini lesson.

Indoor Golf Cayman Golf Lab is Cayman’s largest fullyequipped indoor golf facility. They offer two HD golf simulators and 400sq ft of putting green, as well as golf lessons for adults and children. Tel: (345) 546 6786 or visit www.caymangolflab.com for more information.

Strike Zone House of Fun in Cannon Place is Cayman’s first laser tag arena and is great for hosting corporate events, staff parties and more. You can have a maximum of 24 players per game. Visit www. strikezonelasertag.com or Tel: (345) 623 4040 to book an event.

Land & Nature Tours Reagan’s Honey offers beekeeping tours of the apiary and surrounding woodland. Tours cost US$65 for one-and-a-half hours. They include beehive inspection and your own sample jar of honey straight from the

hive to take home. Cayman Safari Adventures runs a safari tour using customised Land Rovers. You will experience genuine Caymanian hospitality and learn about the unique past of the Cayman Islands. Tel: (345) 925 3002 for information. For something a bit different, contact ATV Cayman for Cayman’s only off-road tour of Barker’s Beach and other neat spots in the area. The cost per ATV is US$80 for locals and US$100 for visitors. Email: vincent@ atvcayman.com or WhatsApp: (345) 922 0366 to book a ride.

Locked Inn Locked Inn Cayman is the first live escape room in the Caribbean. There are currently two themed rooms to choose from, each with its own set of codes and riddles to decipher, clues to unpack and puzzles to solve. The aim is for the group to use problem-solving techniques and teamwork to figure their way out of the room within a certain amount of time (45 or 60 minutes) based on the room your group has selected. Their location at Parcel 110 makes it a flexible and easy space to host parties and events for a variety of occasions. For more information or to book a slot, Tel: (345) 525 8820 or visit www.lockedinncayman.com. THE

Tell them you saw it in the

Activities

for Kids & Teens

Everything to keep your kids active and entertained while making new friends! We have provided details on everything from playgrounds and parks to sporting events, cultural activities, playgroups, summer camps and indoor and outdoor activities.

Family Outings

Playgrounds & Parks 431

432

Indoor Facilities 433

No matter where you live, it can be a real challenge to find ways to keep your kids and teens entertained and occupied. Despite its small size, Cayman’s tight-knit community offers a growing number of age-appropriate activities for the youngsters of Cayman. From sporting activities to various cultural and educational programmes, this chapter outlines a wide variety of highly recommended activities and attractions that the whole family can enjoy.

Additionally, when looking to book activities for your kids, check out the Explore Cayman magazine and website (www. explorecayman.com), as well as the Cayman Parent magazine and the Things to Do section on the Cayman Parent website (www. caymanparent.com). Also, for Cayman’s most up-to-date guide for family and children’s events, download the What’s On Cayman app.

FAMILY OUTINGS

Although Cayman is fairly small, the welcoming community and idyllic weather encourages an active lifestyle. One of our all-time favourite outings is a North Sound boat trip with one of the local Caymanian charter boat companies: Cayman Eco Adventures (Tel: (345) 916 0503), Captain Bryan’s (email: captainbryans@candw.

ky), Frank’s Watersports (Tel: (345) 925 2783) and Crazy Crab Outdoor Facilities 434

Sports 436 - Athletics, Baseball, Basketball & Boxing 436 - Cricket, Dance, Diving & Football 437 - Golf, Gymnastics, Hockey & Horseback 438 - Martial Arts & Netball 438 - Rugby, Sailing & Swimming 439 - Tennis & Yoga 440

Cultural Activities

440 - Afternoon Tea, Arts & Crafts 440 - Cadet Corps & Cooking Classes 441 - Celebrating Birthdays 441 - Cinemas & Outdoor Movies 441 - Cultural Workshops 441 - Live Theatre & Music 442 - Playgroups & Technology 443 - Public Libraries 443 - Leadership Development & Girl Guides 443

can customise your excursion to suit your family. Tour stops can include Stingray City, the Sandbar, Coral Gardens, the Barrier Reef and Kaibo. Not only will your tour be tailored to you, but you will also get to experience true Caymanian hospitality and meet some ‘Islanders’. If you have little thrill-seekers in the family, you may enjoy a trip to Stingray City and then continue to Rum Point by jet ski.

On a rough day, take your children to see the Blow Holes in East End and enjoy the exciting explosion of water when it passes quickly through underwater caverns and high into the air. Be careful on the iron shore and don’t forget to wear proper shoes and a swimsuit, as you can easily get wet if you stand close enough.

Another sea-based activity that is fun for the whole family is a bioluminescence tour by kayak or electric catamaran offered by Cayman Kayaks twice nightly from Rum Point. They also provide a morning kayak tour through the Cayman wetlands. For more information, Tel: (345) 926 4467, email: reservations@caymankayaks.com or visit www.caymankayaks.com. Cayman Sea Elements offers boat tours through the mangroves to find birds, starfish, jellyfish, anemones and iguanas. This tour is suitable for children of all ages. Tel: (345) 936 8687 or email: caymansea@gmail.com. Refer to our Boating chapter for a list of other tour providers in Cayman.

For more fun, you could take a banana boat ride with Red Sail Sports (Tel: (345) 623 5965). Kids particularly love to ride with a group of their friends! Or swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Discovery (Tel: (345) 327 4742) in West Bay. Make sure to ask about their resident discounts.

For an amazing aerial experience of Cayman that covers the Island from North Sound and Stingray City to George Town and Seven Mile Beach, take a helicopter

tour with Cayman Islands Helicopters. Tel: (345) 943 4354 to book. SEE AD PAGE 71

Land-based activities for the whole family are almost endless. For children and their

(SEE AD PAGES 424 & 434) in West Bay also offers unique opportunities for educational and interactive animal-based activities. Visitors can enjoy bird, shark, turtle and crocodile feeding, a nature trail, snorkelling with turtles, the popular waterfalls and Turtle Twister waterslide. Once you have had your fill of wildlife, you can wander across the road for lunch at the Cracked

Conch or Macabuca Tiki Bar.

Another worthwhile thing to do is a

trip to the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park in North Side, which is an engaging outing for the whole family. If you’re coming from the western side of the Island, you could also stop in at the Mission House in Bodden Town (open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-2pm) and Pedro St. James in Savannah for a historical trip back in time. The Cayman Crystal Caves are another fantastic activity. Tour some of Cayman’s most beautiful natural formations that were formed millions of years ago. To book a time slot, email: info@caymancrystalcaves. com or Tel: (345) 949 2283.

For something a bit different, contact ATV Cayman for Cayman’s only off-road tour of Barker’s Beach and other lovely spots in the area. The cost per ATV is US$80 for locals and US$100 for visitors. Email: vincent@atvcayman.com or WhatsApp (345) 922 0366 to book a ride. Or bring the family to the National Gallery and enjoy a range of activities, including scavenger hunts, worksheets and guided tours based on the current exhibition schedule and the national collection. Guided tours can be booked in advance by emailing: info@ nationalgallery.org.ky. Admission is free.

In Camana Bay, you can take a walk, get a coffee, ride a bike and explore its beautifully landscaped areas. Young children will love playing in the fountains (bring a towel!) and climbing the Observation Tower for a great panoramic view. Next Chapter has a wonderful children’s room full of books, puzzles and toys, and there is always a good selection of movies at the cinema, as well as a great choice of restaurants for lunch. Mastic Reserve & Trail (North Side) This is an educational nature trail and is great for older kids and teens. Refer to the Activities for Adults chapter for more information.

Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is a wonderful area in Frank Sound for nature walks, birdwatching and viewing the endangered Grand Cayman blue iguana in its natural habitat. There are over 65 acres of tropical flora and fauna, seven themed gardens and much more. Guided tours are on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2pm. Large blue iguanas lounge on the grass while butterflies, birds and agoutis dart between the array of native and exotic plants and trees. Take your little ones to visit the new Children’s Garden. For more information, see the Activities for Adults chapter.

Some parks in Cayman have cabanas that can be reserved, free of charge, for parties and events. Call the Recreation, Parks and Cemeteries Unit, Tel: (345) 946 8250 or book a time slot at app.bookking.ca/ cipwpub. They have an event schedule that shows all the current bookings. Below are some of the more popular parks to reserve.

Airport Park (George Town) Kids and parents alike will get a kick out of watching aeroplanes from this frontrow vantage point adjacent to the Owen Roberts International Airport runway. This large park is full of see-saws, slides, rock mazes and big boulders to climb. There are restroom facilities and cabanas to provide shade.

Public Beach (West Bay Road, SMB) Along with being on one of the most beautiful stretches of Seven Mile Beach, Public Beach has cabanas, restroom facilities, freshwater showers and a children’s playground. Last year they also opened a callisthenics park that features a variety of exercise bars and beams.

Scholars Park (West Bay) As a popular site for children’s parties, this landscaped park is located down Stadium Drive and features a variety of play equipment set in a huge sandpit. Along with shady cabanas and barbecue pits, there are also restroom facilities and sizeable grassy areas.

Dart Family Park (South Sound) A gift from the Dart Foundation to the Cayman Islands, this seafront oasis is located on South Church Street. Set amid shady, landscaped gardens are slides, climbing frames, an amphitheatre, gazebos and restroom facilities. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and houses the offices of the National Trust of the Cayman Islands, which provide information and displays in relation to Cayman’s flora and fauna.

Harold McCoy Sr. (Bodden Town) Located in Gun Square next to the historic Mission House, this park has a large playground. A caboose and small Caymanian-style house make it a fascinating cultural experience for both adults and children.

Jerald Smith Park (North Side) Located on Hutland Road, these landscaped gardens provide a welcoming playground for the North Side community.

INDOOR FACILITIES

The Arts & Recreation Centre (ARC) Located next to Camana Bay, this indoor facility can be rented outside of school hours for sporting events. To make a booking request or enquiry, Tel: (345) 640 2878 or email: cbsc@camanabay.com.

Camp Seafire Located at the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, Camp Seafire is the perfect funfilled, flexible childcare choice for kids aged five to 12 years old. Designed to accommodate school holidays, bank holidays, brunch babysitting and more, Camp Seafire offers well-planned hourly, half-day, full-day and weekly programmes. The camps offer creative themes, water sports activities and arts and crafts, as well as games and bespoke events. Note that children need to be potty trained to attend camp. Tel: (345) 746 0000 or email: campseafire@ seafireresortandspa.com.

Cayman Islands National Museum

The Cayman Island’s National Museum houses Cayman’s National Collection and artefacts, including boats, furniture, textiles, paintings and ceramics, and is an interesting look into Cayman’s traditions, culture and natural history. Many of the museum’s exhibits are interactive and innovative, and will be fascinating to children. An exciting addition to the National Museum is an animatronic figure of Caymanian civil servant, lawyer and politician, Miss Annie Huldah Bodden. For more information, visit www.museum. ky or Tel: (345) 949 8368.

SEE AD THIS PAGE

King’s Sports Centre (KSC) This 36,000sq ft facility on Crewe Road in George Town offers a variety of sporting, recreational and relaxing activities for the local community. Activities and facilities include an indoor youth roller hockey rink, five-a-side football, a bowling alley, a rockclimbing wall, karate lessons, squash courts, aerobics classes, steam rooms and much more. KSC also holds children’s birthday parties and children’s roller-skating afternoons every week. Tel: (345) 946 5464 or email: kings@candw.ky. They also run a summer camp where children participate in sports activities and arts and crafts and learn debating skills. Refer to the Cayman Parent website (www.caymanparent.com) for more information.

SEE AD PAGE 458

Laser Tag Laser tag is an exciting recreational shooting sport that is perfect for anyone looking for a fun and exhilarating outing with family or friends. Strike Zone House of Fun, located in Cannon Place, is Cayman’s first laser tag arena and is great for the entire family (ages six and up). It is the perfect activity for rainy days, birthday parties and corporate events. Tel: (345) 623 4040 or visit www.strikezonelasertag.com for more information.

Lil’ Monkeys Indoor Playground & Café Located on Shedden Road, Lil’ Monkeys

Indoor Playground & Café is an indoor playground designed for children aged six months to eight years, featuring a huge, padded area for toddlers to enjoy, as well as a jungle gym, climbers, kitchen playsets, playhouses and ride-ons. Adults can sit back and enjoy complimentary coffee and wifi while their children play. They also offer snacks and drinks for purchase in the cafe and host birthday parties. Children must wear socks once inside the play area. Tel: (345) 929 5737 or (345) 916 4830 or visit www.lilmonkeyscayman.com.

CONTACT US TODAY Remember yesterday today. (345) 949-8368

Relive moments that have become

Cayman Heritage & Culture.

Motions Unlimited Located at 150 Sparky’s Drive in the Industrial Park, Motions Unlimited is a state-of-the-art facility with gymnastics equipment for children and teens, along with a party room and snack bar. They have a full weekly schedule of classes for children from 18 months of age and up. Their toddler play day sessions on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are extremely popular and are a great way to meet other parents while your children run about and let off steam. The sessions are run on Wednesdays and Thursdays 10.30am12pm, Fridays 2.30pm-4pm (ages five and under) and Saturdays 8.30am-10am. These cost CI$15 per child and CI$25 for two siblings, and you must purchase a package of 10 visits in advance. Your 11th visit will be free. During Halloween, they host ‘Super Spooky Saturday’, and during Easter, they have a ‘Spring Fling’, both from 6pm-9pm on a Saturday evening for kids over four years old. All participants must be registered members in the Motions Black Pearl Skate Park Located behind Grand Harbour Shopping Centre in Red Bay, this 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 is

Jackrabbit parent portal, and all payments must be made in advance online through Butterfield. Tel: (345)749 8365 or email: reception@motionsunlimited.com for more details.

OUTDOOR FACILITIES

Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment Learn from Cousteau-trained naturalists about Cayman’s natural wonders with eco-adventure activities offered to adults, children and business groups through Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment programme at The RitzCarlton, 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 are also offered as afterschool activities, along with summer and fall camps. For more information, Tel: (345) 815 6120 or email: caymanambassadors@ritzcarlton. com.

Green’s Breeding Bay | Turtle Encounters | Turtle Lagoon | Predator Reef Caribbean Free Flight Aviary | Butterfly House | Cayman Street | & Much More...

Snorkel with Turtles Release a Turtle

Caribbean Aviary

SPLASH! SLIDE!

SNORKEL! 1(345) 949-3894 www.turtle.ky operated by the Cayman Islands Skateboard Association (CISA). It is open SundayThursday 3pm-7pm, and Friday-Saturday, 3pm-9pm. Membership fees range from CI$45 per month to CI$300 for a year. The resident daily rate is CI$7 and the visitor rate is CI$10. Equipment available for rent includes: skateboards, scooters, helmets and elbow and knee pads. They do not offer BMX bikes for rental currently. The park also includes three half basketball courts and rents out basketballs. The park is also available to host birthday parties. Contact Michael Myles, Tel: (345) 939 1301, Email: skate@blackpearl.ky or visit www.blackpearl.ky.

Blue Iguana Safari See the Activities for Adults chapter for information.

Cayman Parrot Sanctuary A friendly, interactive and educational

experience, the Cayman Parrot Sanctuary on Austin Conolly Drive, East End, features a variety of Cayman’s native animals. These include Cayman parrots, parakeets, agoutis, guinea pigs, rabbits, a racer snake, peacocks and an iguana. The sanctuary is closed on Monday and Tuesday, but open Wednesday-Sunday from 9am-4pm. Admission for adults is CI$16 and for children 15 years and under is CI$10, with free admission for seniors and children two years and under.

Cayman Turtle Centre Located in West Bay, Cayman Turtle Centre offers guests a variety of unique experiences. Learn about and observe sea turtles up close, swim or snorkel with yearling green sea turtles and other colourful marine life, experience hand-feeding birds in the Caribbean Aviary, watch the predator

reef feeding frenzy, or join Smiley’s croc encounter on specific weekdays. Eat lunch at the restaurant overlooking the lagoon where the resident peacock family hang out and then swim in the Island’s largest pool with its two waterfalls, underwater viewing panel and Turtle Twister water slide. The resident rate for adults is CI$15 and CI$10 for children 12 years and under, with free admission for children two years and under. For more information and opening hours, Tel: (345) 949 3894, email: info@ turtle.ky or visit www.turtle.ky.

SEE AD PAGES 424 & 434

Camana Bay Camana Bay’s town centre is a delightful place to take a stroll with your children. It offers wide shady avenues, landscaped courtyards with water features, fountains for children to play in and benches to sit on. 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. The book store, Next Chapter, has a great kids’ section filled with plenty of books and toys to choose from.

Cayman Crystal Caves Situated in a lush tropical forest in North Side, the Cayman Crystal Caves offer an underground adventure into a fascinating world. When you visit Cayman Crystal Caves, you will be escorted by a knowledgeable tour guide and join them on an adventure of “Cayman Down Under”. You will venture into amazing caves where you will see stalactite and stalagmite crystal structures and otherworldly formations formed by single drops of water and the slow passage of time. Tour the unique tropical forest under which the caves formed. Amongst the forest and caves are captivating tropical plant and animal life, including strangler balsam trees, air plants, parrots and bats. Tours are approximately one-and-a-half hours and take you through the surrounding tropical forest area and three spectacular caves. Guests must be able to walk up the stairs unaided for this tour. There is a snack and gift store onsite. Please bring comfortable attire for warm weather and walking shoes. Prebooking is required. Open seven days a week, with tours running from 9am-4pm. Adults US$40, children 12 and under US$30. Tel: (345) 949 2283, email: info@ caymancrystalcaves.com or visit www. caymancrystalcaves.com. SEE AD PAGE 423

Dolphin Encounters Dolphin Discovery (Tel: (345) 327 4742) is located adjacent to the Cayman Turtle Centre in West Bay. They offer three different programmes starting at US$129 for adults and US$109 for kids under 12 years old. Resident rates are also available. and with proof of identification, residents can receive 50% off their packages. If a resident brings a visitor, the visitor will also receive a discount of 25%.

Fountain Play Camana Bay has two wonderful fountains that children love, one for toddlers that is shaded, quite gentle and can be found next to the Camana Bay Cinema, and the other on The Crescent with powerful and exciting jets that come to life in a big way every ten minutes. Every Tuesday and Saturday an

Imagination Playground is set up in the big fountain, which consists of dozens of giant foam blocks of varying shapes and sizes that children love to build into boats, houses and anything they can imagine. Starfish Cay Water Park, located on the resort side of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, is home to winding waterslides, fountains and a giant water bucket. All children under ten years of age must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times. Starfish Cay is open to residents with the purchase of a day pass from Ambassadors of the Environment located at the resort. Private birthday party bookings are also available. For more information, Tel: (345) 815 6120. Located adjacent to the Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa, the SPLASH at Seafire is a new 4,000+ sq ft splash park for children aged four to 12, featuring elements of Cayman’s native flora and fauna. The park is open from 10am-4pm daily for guests of the hotel and also for residents if there is availability and a spot is booked in advance. Visit https:// seafire.idaypass.com and check for an opening day and time. You can book for a 10am-1pm slot or a 1pm-4pm slot at a cost of CI$25 per person.

The Humane Society

The Cayman Islands Humane Society is located at 153 North Sound Road, next to A. L. Thompson’s at the Butterfield roundabout. Local families are encouraged to consider adopting a dog from them as an alternative to shipping in a dog from overseas or buying from a breeder. Volunteers are also always needed for dog walking, pet grooming, and dog and cat socialising. They operate an excellent second-hand bookstore (the Book Loft) and a thrift shop. Tel: (345) 949 1461 or visit www.caymanislandshumanesociety. com for more information on how you can help.

Nautilus: The Undersea Tour and Allura Catamaran Enjoy a tour of the beautiful underwater

world with Nautilus: The Undersea Tour and Allura Catamaran. This semi-submerged airconditioned observatory offers an exciting and educational experience with a marine expert sharing the history of shipwrecks the Cali and the Balboa. At Cheeseburger Reef, enjoy the colourful coral while their divers feed the fish outside your window. For more information on how to book a tour, visit their Facebook page (www.facebook. com/nautiluscayman), email: miranda@ nautilus.ky or Tel: (345) 945 1355.

Paddleboarding If your kids are keen on learning how to paddleboard, join the Salty Squad. They offer private and group lessons after school and on weekends, as well as different camps and birthday party packages. They specialise in helping kids build ocean confidence while having fun on snorkelling adventures. For more information on the Salty Squad, visit them on social media (www.facebook.com/imsalty345) or Tel: (345) 928 2770.

Pedro St. James (Savannah) This 18th-century Great House, known by locals as ‘Pedro Castle’, is a great place for all ages to learn about the early history of Cayman. With a multi-sensory movie theatre, a variety of 18th-century artefacts and a rich history to learn about, this experience truly is a “step back in time” that will stimulate any child’s imagination. Ask for the Nature and History Trail Hunt for children or the history quiz if you really want to test your little ones. With a playground, lots of green space, activities and the Thatch & Barrel restaurant serving tasty bites, your children are guaranteed to have a fun time at Pedro St. James! It is also a great place to hold kids’ parties. Located in Savannah, Pedro St. James is just a 20-minute drive from George Town and is open daily from 8.30am-5pm. Resident rates are CI$5 for adults and admission is free for seniors 65+ and children five and under. A valid ID is required for resident rates. For more information, Tel: (345) 947 3329 or email: info@pedrostjames.ky.

SPORTS

There is a diverse range of sports offerings on-Island, whether your child wants to be a hardcore athlete or simply part of a team.

Athletics Cayman has a vibrant athletics community with events held throughout the year. Cayman Athletics is the governing body for athletics in the Cayman Islands and they promote, develop and encourage participation in athletics at all levels throughout the Island, regardless of age, gender or race. Training sessions are held daily in the afternoon at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex (TBSC). For more information, email: gensec@ athletics.org.ky. The 345 Athletics Club meet at the TBSC every Tuesday and Thursday at 4.30pm for track and road middle distance running. They take children from age eight all the way up to adults and all abilities are welcome. They are always looking for more runners and field event athletes to join the programme. In addition to their standard training, they also meet at 6am on Sunday mornings at the South Sound Squash Club for a long run (10k loop). To join the club, call Laura Larner, Tel: (345) 925 2865 or email her on lauraclarner@gmail.com. You can also join Speed Athletics which meets at the TBSC every Monday-Thursday at 4pm. Call Coach Porter, Tel: (345) 525 2793 or email: speedathleticstrackclub@gmail. com. You can also contact Falcon Athletics via email: falconathleticsky@gmail.com. They meet at the TBSC from Monday to Friday. Sessions begin at 4pm and last two to three hours, depending on the age of the participant. They accept children from age eight to 20, but they are a very small group and there is a waiting list. They concentrate on sprints and jumps.

The Special Olympics Cayman Islands offers a variety of sports training for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. To learn more about their current programmes and offerings, visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ specialolympicscaymanislands.

Ballet See the Dance section in this chapter for more information.

Baseball/Softball

The Cayman Islands Little League has offered baseball and softball programmes for Cayman’s youth for more than 30 years. Located on the corner of Aspiration Drive and Fairbanks Road, they play at the Dart Field of Dreams, which was completely renovated in 2022. The Cayman Islands Little League is operated by the YMCA and is open to children from four to 17 years of age. If you are looking for a safe environment that emphasises teamwork, good sportsmanship and learning the art of competition, visit www.littleleague.ky. Tel: (345) 916 5643 or email: info@littleleague. ky for more information.

Basketball competitions and currently has four leagues: U12, U14, U16 and U19, separated by gender. They also host a Basketball Academy on Saturday mornings during the school period for three age groups: ages seven to nine years, ages 10-12 years and ages 13-16 years. For more information, call Coach Voot O’Garoo, Tel: (345) 916 5083, email: info@caymanbasketball.com, or visit www.caymanbasketball.com.

Beach Volleyball

The Cayman Islands Volleyball Federation (CIVF) has made significant strides in promoting volleyball in Grand Cayman. CIVF has hosted the annual NORCECA Beach Volleyball Circuit on Seven Mile Beach for the past ten years, which welcomes over 30 teams from across North America, Central America and the Caribbean. The youth development programmes include school leagues and tournaments, summer camps, and clinics with international and local instructors. Plans for a national youth programme are also underway. This will see teams compete regionally and internationally in both beach and indoor circuits. For more information on current programmes, please email: assistant@civf. ky, visit www.civf.ky or www.facebook. com/caymanisvolleyball or Instagram @ civfyouthvb.

Boxing In collaboration with the YMCA, The

Cayman Islands Boxing Association runs an extended afterschool amateur boxing programme for children aged seven and up at the D. Dalmain Ebanks boxing gym at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex. Kids can use the facilities on weekdays from 3.30pm-5pm, while being coached. The coaches keep kids active, training them in the fundamentals of boxing while maintaining their fitness levels and teaching discipline. For youths in the afterschool programme who would like to box competitively, they also have a Youth Squad National Training Programme. Email: info@cibaky.com or visit www. cibaky.com for more information.

Cricket Cricket is a very popular sport in the Caribbean. Coach Connor runs an ongoing cricket programme on Thursday nights for U10s (5.30pm-6.30pm) and U14s (6.30pm-7.30pm). The cost is CI$15 per session. Matches are held on Sundays. Sessions are held in the Kings Sports Centre. For more information, call Coach Connor, Tel: (345) 922 3080 or email: connor.patterson001@gmail.com. Cayman Cricket organises competitions for primary and secondary schools (May to June) and summer camps in July. Cricket practice for all U15s is held Saturday mornings from 8.30am-10.30am during the school year. For more information, email: secretary@ caymancricket.ky.

CrossFit CrossFit Cayman has been working with PE teachers and sports groups to incorporate CrossFit (constantly varied, high-intensity, functional movement) into their programmes. At their Camana Bay location, they offer kids classes for ages eight to 11 on Tuesdays from 3.45pm to 4.30pm, and teen classes for ages 12-16 on Fridays from 3.45 pm to 4.30pm. Dropins for these age groups are not available. Instead, the classes run in six-week terms and the cost per term is CI$150. If you are interested in the upcoming term schedule, you can send them an email at info@ crossfitcayman.com. School of Fitness, in the Cayman Technology Centre, also runs a kids’ CrossFit camp on Saturdays at 12pm.

Dance Dance is offered in many local studios. Centre

Pointe Home of the Performing Arts teaches classes from nine months old through to adults in their studios at Alissta Towers on North Sound Road. Classes include jazz, tap, freestyle, Irish, musical theatre, hip-hop, acrobatic dance and CPDS’s very own pre-school dance programme Wiggle Giggle Dance With Us and Zumbini! The Centre Pointe Performance School provides a comprehensive musical theatre training programme that offers private SCUBA diving activities for kids aged 5-9 and certifications for kids aged 10 years and up. For more information, Tel: (345) 946 5658, email: info@divetech.com or visit www.divetech.com. For more information on all things diving, make sure to see our Diving chapter.

Football/Soccer Academy Sports Club runs a junior football programme for boys and girls aged four to 19. The club has football activities all year round and is one of the most successful youth football teams in the country. Their goal is the development of excellence in football, while fostering personal integrity, leadership skills, community awareness and commitment to academic success. They are located at the Academy Sports Club, Outpost Street, George Town. Tel: (345) 929 2257, email: admin@academysportsclub.ky or visit www.academysportsclub.ky for more

song presentation classes and dramaspecific classes. External examinations are an integral part of the training at Centre Pointe; students take International Dance Acclaim Performance Awards in Ballet and Tap and London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art examinations in Acting, Shakespeare, Verse and Prose and Musical Theatre. Email: centrepointedance@gmail. com or Tel: (345) 926 5889 or (345)

926 9603. KRI Performing Arts School, run by Kirk Rowe at 98 Shedden Road, has classes for kids, juniors, teens and adults. Dances include salsa, jazz, modern, hiphop, contemporary, belly-dancing, AfroCaribbean and reggae. Contact Kirk, Tel: (345) 924 4089. The Radiance Dance Studio, located in Countryside Shopping Village, offers a variety of dance classes for children from the ages of 3-16 years old. Dancers can learn modern contemporary, ballet foundations, creative movement, hip-hop, jazz fusion and Caribbean rhythms. For further information, email: info@radiance. ky, Tel: (345) 916 0146 or visit www. radiance.ky. Bailamos Dance Studio, located in the Barnett Building on 24 Huldah Avenue, offers a range of dance classes for all ages. Tel: (345) 917 7832 for more

information. Spark! School of Performing Arts also offers private instruction and group classes to children of all ages in dance, drama and music. Register at www. sparkcayman.com or Tel: (345) 929 2190 for more information.

Diving Local dive centres offer a Junior Open Water Diver certification as young as 10 years old. At Red Sail Sports, children aged five to seven years may join their SASY (Supplied Air Snorkelling for Youth) programme, which is for snorkelling only, but participants wear buoyancy jackets and regulators so they can feel what it might be like to use dive gear. Children aged eight to nine years can participate in the bubblemaker course. This is an opportunity to try real scuba diving in a pool. Resident discounts are available. Tel: (345) 623 5965 for more information. Divetech offers

information. The Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) youth season runs from September to May. Teams are friendly and welcoming to new players. Leagues include U8, U10, U12, U14, U16 and U18. For further information, contact the CIFA office on (345) 749 5775 or email:

secretariat@cifa.ky. Sunset Football Club provides football for all ages. Coaching sessions for boys aged five to ten are held on Sunday mornings 8am-10.30am and Saturday mornings for girls aged five to ten from 8.30am-9.30am, both at the Camana Bay Sports Complex. There is also midweek training for boys and girls U8 to U18 as well as men’s and women’s teams. Contact either Paul Macey on pmacey@usarisk.ky or Gareth Thacker at garethjthacker@gmail.com. For any of the girls’ programmes please contact Gisela Gamba at gisela.gamba@gmail.

com. Excel Sports Management is a leading youth football development programme on-Island. Their EUFA-qualified coaches hold afterschool coaching sessions designed to increase individual players’ confidence and skill. In addition, they also offer private/semi-private lessons, camps,

overseas tours and trial opportunities for players identified as ‘talented’. For more information, visit www.esmcayman. ky or Tel: (345) 925 4347. Established in 2017, Total Soccer programmes are inspired by the Dutch Football Vision and their goal is to help children become skilled and creative decision makers on the field. For more information on the club programme, camps, and afterschool activities, email: info@totalsoccercayman. com or visit www.totalsoccercayman.com.

Flag Football Flag football is gaining popularity on the Island and follows the basic rules of American or Canadian football. The

Cayman Islands Flag Football Association (CIFFA) runs a popular Youth Flag Football League for boys and girls aged seven to 19. For more information, email: ciffa345@ gmail.com or register your child by visiting www.ciffayouth.com.

Golf

The North Sound Golf Club offers private lessons with PGA professionals. Visit www.northsoundclub.com or Tel: (345) 947 4653 to book a time slot or for more information. Cayman Golf Lab is Cayman’s largest indoor golf facility with two large golf simulators and a 400sq ft putting green. They offer afterschool and weekend junior golf classes, as well as private sessions for golfers of all ages. Tel: (345) 546 6786, email: info@caymangolflab.com or visit www.caymangolflab.com.

Gymnastics The Cayman Islands is a member of the International Gymnastics Federation, the international governing body for gymnastics. This allows for local gymnasts to represent Cayman at international events. Motions Unlimited has experienced coaches and state-of-the-art gymnastics equipment for children, including a trampoline, zip line and a 40ft long tumble track. See the Having a Baby chapter for details on Toddler Play Days. For additional information, Tel: (345) 749 8365 or

Quinntessential Movement (Tel: (345) 745 8973) offers kids and youth recreational gymnastics and aerial classes that are fun and unique. Classes help with strength, balance, coordination, focus and control.

Hockey (Inline Roller Hockey) King’s Sports Centre offers a diverse hockey programme for children ages 6-14 years old. Kids are taught to skate with fun skating drills and games. They are also given free time to skate around with new friends. Kids should have their own roller blades, helmets, and other protective equipment such as elbow and knee pads. Skating camps are also held during school holidays. For more information, Tel: (345) 946 5464 or email: kings@candw.ky. SEE AD PAGE 458

Horseback Riding

Cayman Riding School offers show jumping, dressage, vaulting and cross-country lessons for adults and children. Their Tiny Trotter programme offers lessons to children from four years old. They have full boarding facilities, BHS and FEI qualified instructors and are affiliated with The British Pony Club. Saturday morning pony rides and the children’s farm are also available for private functions and birthday parties. Tel: (345) 926 7669 or email: caymanridingschool@ gmail.com. The Equestrian Center (Tel: (345) 516 1751 or (345) 526 1010, email: info@ equestriancenter.ky), located just off the Linford Pierson Highway, is a registered overseas centre with the UK Pony Club and members are able to start from five years old. They offer riding lessons and advanced instruction in dressage and show jumping, as well as a ‘Pony Park’ every Saturday morning from 9am-10.30am in the upper field where children can have pony rides for CI$5 and also meet the goats, the miniature donkey and horse.

Cowboy Town Stables in Lower Valley offers general horsemanship and riding along with therapeutic horsemanship and adaptive riding programmes. Their PATH certified instructors specialise in teaching developing riders as well as those with physical, mental, social and emotional disabilities/disorders. Tel: (345) 916 8571 or email: shanna@cowboytownstables. com. Spirit of the West (Tel: (345) 916 6488) offers organised private and group horseback beach rides along Barkers Beach, as well as longer ‘ride and swim’ expeditions. Resident rates are available.

Kiteboarding The popularity of kiteboarding among adults and teens has grown rapidly on the Island. Children must be 10 years of age or older. For more information on private and group lessons, contact Kitesurf Cayman on (345) 916 5483.

Martial Arts

The Purple Dragon School of Martial Arts (PDSMA) is located on the 2nd Floor of the Reliable Industries Building, 313 Compass Drive. They offer afternoon and weekend classes for children ages four and older, as well as for adults. Purple Dragon teaches the martial arts system called Don Jitsu Ryu and offers a free introductory lesson. Tel: (345) 946 1241 for more information.

Cayman Associated Schools of Karate (CASK) works out of the King’s Sports Centre in Red Bay and offers youth (ages 4-12 years old), co-ed adult and women-only classes. Their classes consist of traditional wado style karate, as well as a Tai Chi programme. For more information or a free trial, Tel: (345) 925 3367 or visit www.caskcayman. com. The Academy, located in Cannon Place, offers kids Jiu Jitsu for age groups seven to ten and 11+ after school MondayFriday. Email: info@theacademy.ky or Tel: (345) 323 9778 for further information.

Netball

The Cayman Netball Academy has an U16s academy on Monday after school. There is also the ‘Turtle Netters’ league for children ages five to ten. They meet up to play games on Saturday morning. New members are always welcome. If you’d like to get involved, email: caymannetball@ yahoo.com or visit www.caymannetball. com for more information.

Parkour Parkour is a training discipline that uses movements developed from military obstacle course training. Motions Unlimited offers this programme to experienced participants aged eight years and older on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. You must be a registered member in the Motions Jackrabbit parent portal and all payments must be made in advance online through Butterfield. To learn more or register your child, email: reception@ motionsunlimited.com.

Pickleball If you are looking for a fun activity to entertain kids and teens, why not try pickleball? This sport has seen a large increase in popularity and there are now many places to play. Head to The Courts Tennis Center at the Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman and book a game. (Tel: (345) 323 0049 or email: grandcaymantennis@ ritzcarlton.com). You can also book courts

at The Grand Caymanian Resort (Tel: (345) 949 3100), the Camana Bay Sports Complex (Tel: (345) 640 2878) and the Cayman

Islands Tennis Club at www.tennis.ky.

Roller & Inline Skating Old-fashioned roller skating is great fun and can be done alongside inline skaters at King’s Sports Centre every weekend. Family skating is on Saturdays from 4.30pm-7pm for CI$8, and Teen Jam Skate nights also run Saturday from 7pm-10pm for CI$10. On Sunday, skating from 1pm-4pm costs CI$8 if you don’t have your own skates, but is reduced to CI$5 if you do bring your own. Make sure you don’t forget your socks! For more information, Tel: (345) 946 5464. Refer to the Hockey section for details on the inline roller hockey league for kids. You can also look at the Hockey sections (field, roller and ball) in the Sports & Fitness chapter.

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Rugby The Rugby Club in South Sound holds the Maples Group Junior Rugby Community Programme for girls and boys ages 3-16 years old on Saturdays 8am-12pm from October to May. Artex and Maples Group academies are held on MondayThursday 3.30pm-4.30pm from October to June. For information about these or U19 training sessions, contact Caroline Deegan at caroline.deegan@caymanrugby. com, Tel: (345) 525 6743 or visit www. caymanrugby.com.

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Sailing

The Cayman Islands Sailing Club runs various sailing training programmes for kids aged six and up. Programmes run after school from 3.30pm-5.30pm Wednesday to Friday, and at weekends during the school term. The club also hosts popular allday camps during school holidays with exciting ‘sailing away’ days. Their training boats range from the Pico and Optimist to the Hartley range. If you are interested in a membership, visit ‘Join Us’ at www. sailing.ky, email: admin@sailing.ky or visit the Cayman Islands Sailing Club and the National Sailing Centre Facebook page.

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Snorkelling Cayman is popular for its beautiful underwater scenery. Refer to the Diving chapter for the best snorkelling spots.

Squash The Squash Club has a thriving afterschool junior programme. They also offer lessons for adults and children, along with beginner and intermediate programmes. Tel: (345) 526 5052, email: info@squash.ky, and refer to the Sports and Fitness chapter for more details.

Swimming

The Cayman Islands Aquatic Sports Association (CIASA) is dedicated to the promotion and development of aquatic sports in Cayman. Membership of CIASA connects you to an active aquatic community and opportunities to participate in a variety of aquatic activities and camps. Visit their website to find a list of registered clubs and swim schools (www.ciasa.ky) or email: ciasaboard@gmail.com for more information. Laura Ribbins and the Fitness Connection team are celebrating 34+ years of being a swim school in Grand Cayman. They offer a wide variety of programmes for all ages and abilities with both on-site and mobile instruction. Private lessons, group classes, and intensive ‘Learn to Swim’ and ‘Stroke Improvement’ programmes for adults as well as babies, toddlers and kids are available. For more information, Tel: (345) 949 8485, email: fitness@ fitness.ky or visit www.fitness.ky. Sky Blue Aquatics offer swimming lessons from age three months to adult in the comfort and convenience of your pool. Whether it be a house, hotel or condo, they come to you. Their certified and experienced instructors specialise in customising lessons to your needs and focus heavily on water safety. Private, semi-private and small group lessons provide a productive learning environment. Tel: (345) 916 0054 or email: info@skyblueaquatics.com. The

Camana Bay Aquatic Club (CBAC) is a premier aquatic club that offers high-quality professional coaching and technique instruction for swimmers of all abilities and commitment levels, from beginners up to Olympians. CBAC swim school classes start at 18 months old with group and private instruction options available yearround. Their competitive and recreational swim club offers pool training programmes as well as open water training along beautiful Seven Mile Beach. To schedule a free assessment or to get more information, email: info@cbac.ky or visit www.cbac. ky. Thrive Fit (Tel: (345) 938 1113) offers mobile swimming, yoga and fitness classes for children aged six months and upwards and movement classes for preschool-aged children. They teach water safety, skill development and stroke improvement. Junior Lifeguard Certifications are also available. Caymanite Synchro (a division of Camana Bay Aquatic Club) is Cayman’s first competitive artistic swimming team and is open to all confident swimmers ages

five and up. Water shows, skill badges, local and international competitions are all a part of their programme. For information or to schedule an introductory session, email: synchro@cbac.ky or visit www.cbac.ky.

Tennis

The Cayman Islands Tennis Club (CITC) has several membership options and professionals who provide lessons for all ages. CITC offers an afterschool programme from September-June and Junior Tennis Camps over the school breaks. For information, Tel: (345) 949 9464 or email: tennis@tennis.ky. For regular updates, visit www.facebook.com/ caymanislandstennisclub. Cayman Tennis Academy offers tennis and pickleball lessons to children of all ages at the Cayman Tennis Academy courts, located at 1960 West Bay Road. Lessons can be scheduled before and after school, on weekdays and on weekends. Private and group lessons are available and your child can slot in with a group or you can get a group of friends together and schedule your own time. Courses run for the duration of the school term. Tennis camps are held during school midterms, Easter, Christmas and summer holidays. Email: contact@ caymantennisacademy.com or Tel: (345) 547 6257 for more information. At The

Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, professionally coached, private or semi-private lessons

are offered by The Courts Tennis Centre. Programmes include afterschool ‘Tiger Tennis’, including Tigers (age three), Super Shots (ages four to six) and High and Elite Performance (ages six to 16). For more information about The Courts, Tel: (345) 323 0049 or email: grandcaymantennis@ ritzcarlton.com. Cayman Sports provides coaching services for those willing to learn. For more information, call ex-Wimbledon coach Warren Urquhart, Tel:(345) 926 2776 or visit www.caymansports.net. Mica Koll

with Cayman Performance Tennis teaches private and group tennis lessons for all ages. Tel: (345) 927 8690, email: micabeach@ gmail.com.

King’s Sports Centre on Crewe Road has four bowling lanes (accommodating up to 24 bowlers in total) as well as a lounge and bar area. Lanes can be reserved for parties and birthday packages are available. For more information, Tel: (345) 946 2695 or email: kingpinbowling@candw.ky.

Triathlons

The Cayman Islands Triathlon Association organises a number of events throughout the year, including the ‘Try-This-Tri’ Triathlon, the ‘Stroke and Stride’ race series and the popular Cayman Islands Triathlon every November. Visit www.triathlon.ky for more information on upcoming events.

Yoga & Relaxation Yoga Sprouts specialises exclusively in yoga classes for children, toddlers and babies. These interactive and well-planned classes are extremely popular. Birthday parties and special events such as Girls’ Nights Out are also available. For more information, visit www.yogasproutscayman.com or call Sarah, Tel: (345) 326 9876. Kula Kids Yoga (Tel: (345) 916 3007) offers prenatal, postnatal, baby, toddler, children and teen yoga classes. The Pilates Studio, located in Governors Square, offers teen Pilates classes, mobility/stretch classes and private/ partner training. Email: info@pilates.ky or visit www.pilates.ky.

Leisure Activities with Additional Supports Football4All is a free football programme for children with disabilities. It is sponsored in partnership by The Wellness Centre and Academy Sports Club and takes place at Academy Field, Outpost Street. To register or for more information, contact Shannon Seymour at spharr@wellnesscentre.ky.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS IN CAYMAN

Throughout the year, there are many activities for children that celebrate local traditions, such as Pirates Week and Junior Batabano. Visit the Activities for Adults chapter and the comprehensive events calendar at www.explorecayman.com/ event-calendar for more details. Also, visit www.caymanparent.com for information on other kid-friendly events.

Afternoon Tea Every Bloomin’ Thing has a charming English tearoom where they offer traditional cream tea and freshly made scones, quiche, soups and tea sandwiches. Open seven days a week. Reservations are recommended. Tel: (345) 945 1701 or email: info@ ebt.com.ky. Anchor & Den, located at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort on Seven Mile Beach, offers an Alice in Wonderland-inspired Mad Tea Party on select Saturdays (usually twice a month) for groups of 10 or more. Enjoy decadent cakes and special ‘drink me’ potions. Silver Palm Lounge hosts a traditional British afternoon tea with a delightful array of scrumptious pastries, tiny sandwiches and tea. Reservations are required for this iconic Ritz-Carlton tradition. They also offer a Little Cayman Kids’ Tea for children and offer holiday-themed events around Easter and Christmas that are perfect for families. Please Tel: (345) 815 6912 for reservations. Pedro St. James, located in Savannah, offers a High Tea Tour which includes a selection of teas, sandwiches and pastries. This guided tour also consists of a 3D multi-sensory documentary in its theatre. For bookings, Tel: (345) 947 3329, email: info@pedrostjames.ky or visit www. pedrostjames.ky.

Arts & Crafts

The National Gallery for the Cayman Islands (NGCI) has an extensive education schedule offering a wealth of community programmes such as ‘Family Fun Days’, which take place roughly once per quarter, special events and free exhibition guides created for families to enjoy quality time together. In addition, they offer a weekly after-school programme, ‘Walkers Art Club,’ for all ages, from pre-schoolers to teens. Summer programmes for families are also offered.

Pre-registration may be required for special events. Email: education@nationalgallery. org.ky or visit the ‘What’s On’ section at www.nationalgallery.org.ky for a complete programme of events. Art’y Parties offers art parties, face painting, waterproof airbrush body painting, home-school and art clubs, school holiday art camps, private art classes, waterproof school labels and personalised party favours. Tel: (345) 928 0284, email: artypartiescayman@yahoo. com or visit www.artypartiescayman. com or artypartiescayman.kyte.site for more information. 3 Girls & A Kiln offers a kids’ drop-in studio every other Saturday between 11am-2pm, with no need to book. Price for adults is CI$10 and CI$8 for kids, plus the amount for your chosen piece (anywhere between CI$12 and CI$40). They also offer camps during the school holidays. Visit www.3girlsandakiln.com for dates, times and more information. Shilpa offers step-by-step acrylic painting classes, decorative candle making classes and paper parasol painting classes for children. Tel: (345) 927 1763 or email: tshilpa74@ gmail.com.

Cadet Corps At the Cadet Corps, youth learn life skills, develop morals and high standards of conduct through fun, adventurous, challenging, educational and military-style activities. The programme offers a wide range of activities including drills, field craft, adventure, navigation, first aid, music and water-based activities for ages 12-18 years. For more information, Tel: (345) 946 9810, email: cadetcorps@gov.ky or visit www. cicadetcorps.ky. You can also find them on social media at www.facebook.com/ caymanislands.cadetcorps or on Instagram: @caymancadet.

Cooking Classes Bon Vivant offers fun and interactive cooking parties where kids will prepare a child-friendly meal from scratch. They’ll learn basic cooking skills and create delicious and nutritious dishes. For more information, Tel: (345) 623 2665, Celebrating Birthdays Parties are usually held at home, on the beach or at an activity-based venue such as Motions Unlimited who host parties on Saturdays from 3.30pm-5.30pm through the months of September-June. The National Gallery offers exciting birthday party opportunities for children of all ages. Parties at the gallery feature creative hands-on art activities and include the use of the gallery’s gardens and art studio, tables and chairs, catering, party favours, a gallery tour and teacher-led activities. Art parties can be booked by emailing: events@nationalgallery.org.ky. Camp Seafire at the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa features enough space to accommodate all party needs, from waterslides and bouncy castles to face painting and more. There is also an on-site pastry chef that can design the ultimate birthday cake. Tel: (345) 746 0000 or email: campseafire@seafireresortandspa. com for more information. You can also consider throwing a party at their newest attraction: SPLASH at Seafire. Host a private splash party for your little one by emailing campseafire@seafireresortandspa.com

for package details. Cinderella’s Enchanted Parties offers magical children’s birthday parties with Disney Princesses and Marvel Superheroes. Children will enjoy games, stories, sing-alongs, coronation ceremonies, superhero face painting, princess make-up, plus plenty of other Disney-themed fun! Various packages are offered, plus add-ons and photographers to capture the special event! Characters include Cinderella, Elsa, Mirabel, Belle, Ariel, Spiderman, Batman, Black Panther and many more. For more information, WhatsApp: (345) 923 6797, email: cinderellasparties@ gmail.com or visit www.cinderellasparties.

com. King’s Sports Centre has birthday packages for skating parties, bowling parties and a combination of skating and bowling parties. A full description of each birthday package can be found at www. kingssportcentre.com/birthday-packages. For more information, email: kings@ candw.ky or Tel: (345) 946 5464. There are several companies who also provide services in arts and crafts, face painting, magicians and bouncy castles. See the Party Supplies and Rentals section in the Shopping chapter for more information.

For catering, see the Food and Drink chapter. Also, most of the cafés on the Island can provide a party menu. For special cakes, you can contact somewhere like The Cake Studio (Tel: (345) 926 4944).

Cinema & Outdoor Movies Camana Bay Cinema (Tel: (345) 640 3456) is Cayman’s state-of-the-art movie theatre. It is located in the heart of Camana Bay and boasts seven screens, three of which are VIP auditoriums complete with 4K picture resolution, Dolby Atmos Immersive Audio and Luxury Recliners. They host a range of events including Kids Club, Classics @ the Cinema and Culture @ the Cinema. Grab a snack, delicious fried chicken wings or a freshly made pizza from the fully stocked concession stand. For current movie listings and times, visit www.bigscreen. ky. Why not dine beforehand in one of Camana Bay’s restaurants?

In addition, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman features Movies Under the Stars at Andiamo Restaurant. Make it a family night with Andiamo’s homemade pasta, pizza, gelato and other Italian favourites, served al fresco, overlooking the resort’s winding waterways. For reservations and the current movie schedule, Tel: (345) 815 6912.

Cultural Workshops The Mission House hosts traditional craft and cultural classes and workshops. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ missionhousecayman. The Cayman National

Cultural Foundation (CNCF) has developed an online resource called Creative Kids, which helps users learn about Cayman’s heritage and its modern-day culture through entertaining activities. The cultural activity packs are designed to be fun and educational for students of any age, and educators, students and parents alike can adapt the

materials to the relevant age group. Visit www.artscayman.org/creativekids. The CNCF also offers the ‘Mind’s Eye’ tour of the South Sound home of the late Miss Lassie Bush, Cayman’s acclaimed visionary, intuitive artist. During the tour, students will learn valuable lessons about what inspired the artist and her work, along with information about traditional Caymanian architecture, Caymanian shipbuilding in the community and pivotal moments in Cayman Islands’ history. Mind’s Eye tours are by appointment only. For more information, Tel: (345) 949 5477, email: ndurrant@artscayman.org or visit www. artscayman.org. Locked Inn Popular amongst teens, and with a kid’s room available on request, Locked Inn is fun for the whole family. They are located at Parcel 110 on the third floor of Royal Plaza. Currently, there are two themed rooms, each with their own set of puzzles. Depending on the room you choose, you will have 45 minutes or 60 minutes to try and escape. Locked Inn has birthday party options for groups of all sizes and also curates scavenger hunts or mystery quests for children at the venue of your choice. For further information, Tel: (345) 525 8820 or visit www.lockedinncayman.com.

Live Theatre for Kids & Teens Theatre classes can inspire creativity and better confidence in kids! Budding young actors, actresses and theatre lovers are invited to further develop their acting skills in weekly acting classes at the Cayman

Drama Society (CDS). They offer regular weekly classes for kids ages 5-18 where they cover training in acting, voice work, performance and improvisation, along with script studies and performances. They have something for everyone and even run summer camps ending with a performance on the Playhouse Stage. With four to six productions per year, there is scope for young would-be thespians to also get involved in productions both backstage and on-stage. For more information, email: training@cds.ky or visit www.cds.ky/classes for a closer look at their offerings. Centre

Pointe Home of the Performing Arts produces theatre and dance shows involving students of the school. They also provide after school themed workshops, technique intensives, half-term camps and birthday parties. Tel: (345) 323 7960 or (345) 926 9603 or visit www.centrepointedancestudio. com for more information. Musicians Ltd. provides performing arts group classes with several major performing opportunities throughout the year, including their annual production. For more information, email: office@musicians.ky or Tel: (345) 525 6787. Music Cayman Music School in Camana Bay offers a variety of instrumental lessons in guitar, piano, flute, drums, violin, saxophone, ukulele and bass, as well as lessons in singing, music theory and recording. They also offer a DJ course, musical theatre, band and drama classes. Music camps are held over school breaks. Other facilities include a music shop, The Music Box, instrument repair and a recording studio. Visit www.caymanmusicschool. com, email: caymanmusicschool@gmail. com or Tel: (345) 938 3838 (school) or (345) 929 2999 (shop). Musicians Ltd. is a leading provider of music and performing arts in the Cayman Islands. Instrumental lessons are offered on piano, guitar, ukulele, violin, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums and composition. Individual and paired lessons are available at their dedicated studio, as well as several schools on-Island. For more information, visit www.musicians.ky or Tel: (345) 525 6787. To register, email: office@ musicians.ky. The Cayman Youth Choir is open for ages four to 20 years old and is free to join. No audition is necessary. The three differing age groups meet at John Gray High School on Mondays at times between 3.30-5.45pm. For more information, email: Naomi Allnutt at caymanyouthchoir@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page. Nicole Bodden teaches singing, piano and music tutoring at her studio in the Barnett Building. Tel: (345) 917 3753 for more information. JukeBox offers a mobile music service providing private and group instrumental lessons, including classes for babies/toddlers. Visit www.jukebox.ky, Tel: (345) 321 5126 or email: info@jukebox.ky. Myles Music Store (Tel: (345) 949 1753) also teaches classes in drums, piano, guitar, sax/trumpet, violin, ukulele and voice. Jubilate (Tel: (345) 526 8484) is a great after-school programme for public school children in Cayman. The programme is centred around building an orchestra, but they also offer choir practice and academic enrichment and leadership services. Visit www.jubilate.ky for more information.

The National Trust This conservation-focused non-profit organisation offers programmes for kids on topics such as coral reefs, Blue Iguanas, traditional Caymanian homes and much more. For further information, Tel: (345) 749 1121, email: education@nationaltrust. org.ky or refer to our Activities for Adults chapter.

Pirates Week Festival The Pirates Week Festival is one of the biggest cultural events in the Cayman Islands and an annual spectacle that takes place every year. In 2022, the festival expanded to three months of events, which were held from September to November. During this time, 40+ activities were hosted over three weekends across all three islands. This included District Days in Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, along with a big celebratory week in Grand Cayman.

The highlight of the three-month festival is the waterfront Landing Pageant and Float Parade in George Town. During this event, thousands of people line the streets to watch a mock take-over of the Island by a band of fighting pirates, who come ashore by pirate ship. A parade, street dance and fireworks display also take place. It’s a

fantastic experience for families and many children enjoy dressing up. Other features of the festival include an abundance of music, culture and delicious local food. For more information on the Cayman Pirates Week Festival or ways to get involved, find them on Facebook or contact the Pirates Week Office. Tel: (345) 949 5859 or (345) 949 5078.

Playgroups A number of playgroups for toddlers and teenagers meet on a weekly basis. The

South Sound Community Centre Playgroup is a volunteer-based organisation which provides a much-needed service for parents. They meet from 9.30am-11.30am every Monday morning throughout the year. Children from a few days old to five years are welcome, so long as they are accompanied by an adult. The cost is CI$10 per family, which includes access to numerous toys, a craft activity and light refreshments.

Please note that the South Sound Community Centre is not yet available for long-term reservations as it is due for renovations. In the meantime, the location continues to be the Cayman Islands Baptist Church Children Centre, on Pedro Castle Road, which has proven to be a very popular venue. For more information, Tel: (345) 943 6556, email: southsoundplaygroup@gmail.com or visit www.southsoundplaygroup.ky.

Technology

Machine Learning Robotics by TechCayman is a great option for kids interested in learning more about technology. This two-day weekend camp is held every month and is open to kids aged 11 and up. It’s free to join and meets from 9am3pm. This group strives to inspire the next generation of young engineers in the Cayman Islands. Each team of two creators and one mentor shares a robotics kit and programming workstation, collaborating to build and program robots to autonomously navigate increasingly complex puzzles. For more Public Libraries Cayman’s public libraries (CIPLS) boast a fully-accessible book collection for both adults and children, as well as a comprehensive e-book collection. Children who are confident readers can take part in their annual Summer Reading Programme. Visit www.cipl.gov. ky or the CIPLS Facebook page for more information on such programmes and events. Library cards are free for children (up to the age of 17) and cost CI$5 a year for adults. Below are the public libraries in the Cayman Islands:

> George Town Library: 68 Edward Street,

George Town. Tel: (345) 949 5159 > Emily Redley Powery Memorial Library and

Learning Centre: 182 Reverend Blackman

Road, West Bay. Tel: (345) 949 7659 > Vernon L. Jackson Library: 69 Bodden Town

Road, Bodden Town. Tel: (345) 947 0966 > North Side Library: 891 North Side Road,

North Side. Tel: (345) 947 9362 > East End Library: 2739 Sea View Road, East

End. Tel: (345) 947 7729 > Cayman Brac Library: 263B Stake Bay

Road, Cayman Brac. Tel: (345) 948 0472

For more information on Cayman’s public libraries, grab a copy of the latest issue of

Cayman Parent magazine.

Leadership Development

YMCA’s ‘The Y Difference’ programme uses camp as a tool to develop the potential of youth, especially in the area of character development and values learning. It helps kids discover more of what makes them unique, as well as how strong values lead to a more enriched and fulfilling life. The programme is designed to be fun with diverse options that capture the attention of the kids. The YMCA selects and trains camp leaders who embrace their core values and philosophy, with a heart and passion for developing youth. From field games to sports and swimming, there is tremendous opportunity to teach campers through routine and personal interaction. For more information, visit www.ymcacayman.ky/ programmes/y-day-camps.

Scouts associations are non-formal educational programmes that encourage the holistic development of boys, mainly through enjoyable outdoor activities. From the Beaver-Scout programme (6-8 years) to the Cub-Scout programme (811) and finally the Scouts (11-19 years), boys of all ages will enjoy developing vital skills and earning badges. Groups meet weekly. Tel: (345) 939 8813, visit www.scouts.org.ky or visit the Scout Headquarters on 34 Middle Road, George Town.

Girl Guides Association

Girlguiding Cayman Islands gives girls (ages five years and up) and women a space where they can be themselves, have fun, build friendships, gain valuable life skills and make a positive difference to the community. Sections include: Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers. Girl Guides Members enjoy a variety of annual events, including camps, sleepovers, leadership days and pack holidays. For more information, visit www.facebook. com/girlguidingcaymanislands or www. girlguiding.ky. You can also contact them by email: ggcimarketing@gmail.com.

SUMMER CAMPS

There is a huge selection of summer camps available across the Island, with everything from sports and art to music and more. No matter what your kid enjoys, there is something for everyone. Check out the Summer Camp pages on the Cayman Parent website (www. caymanparent.com) for a comprehensive list of 85+ different camps. Many of these get fully booked before the end of June, so plan ahead to ensure your kids are covered! THE

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