The Ultimate Guide to fun Activities in Barbados beyond the Sun, Sea and Sand

Barbados Wildlife Reserve

Whether it's a rainy day or you're just not feeling the beach for whatever reason, here are lots of fun activities that you can enjoy in Barbados that don't involve the sun, sea or sand, including some that are free.

Walker's Reserve

Fun Historical Activities

• Visit the Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Museum, the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere.
• A tour at the historic Houses of Parliament
• Visiting one of the many historic churches across the island - my favourites include St.James Parish Church, St.Francis Church, St.John Parish Church and St.Patricks Church.
• A tour with the Barbados Museum and Historical Society (There are a number of interesting tours available, check out their Facebook page!)

Volunteering and community impact

• There are a number of volunteer opportunities in Barbados! I run a local volunteer platform called Caribbean Collaborative where I match people with volunteer opportunities in the island. If you're visiting Barbados and you're interested to see how you can volunteer or perhaps bring certain items that charities in Barbados may need (Such as our annual Children's Book drive for Giving Tuesday Barbados) please get in touch.
• Planting a tree with WIRRED at Walker's Reserve
• Volunteer with Barbados RSPCA and The Ark Animal Welfare (Walking and playing with dogs and cats, but you will need to contact them to arrange this beforehand)

Hiking + Outdoor Activities

• A hike or tour of Walker's Reserve (You will need to check out the schedule on their Facebook page)
• A spooky cave tour with Harrison's Cave Barbados.
• A lovely stroll through Hunte's Gardens, Flower Forest, Orchid World and Andromeda Gardens.
• Do a self guided island tour around Barbados.
• Hiking with Barbados Hash House Harriers .
• Horse Races at The Garrison Savannah
• Checking out the caves and cliffside views at Animal Flower Cave
• Go stargazing at the Harry Bayley Observatory.
• Go karting at Bushy Park Racetrack
• Hiking and 'forest bathing' at Coco Hill Forest
• Hike to the HARP Gun
• A Sunday picnic at Queen's Park, Barclays Park or Brandons Beach.

Fun activities that feature animals

• Farm tour and play with chickens and pigs at PEG Farm and Nature Reserve.
• Visit the Barbados green monkeys at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. The animals are offered fresh fruit every day at 10am and 2pm and you can observe them while they feast!

A note about ethical animal encounters at Barbados Wildlife Reserve: These are wild animals who are free to leave the reserve when they please. Please do not touch or feed any of the animals yourself. You can read more about ethical animal encounters here.

• Horse riding on the East Coast with Nature Fun Ranch, a social enterprise that empowers Barbadian youth.
• Sea turtles/hatchling releases (if the timing is right) with Barbados Sea Turtle Project (Hands down, one of my favourite activities in Barbados, it's even more fun and exciting with children!)
• Check out the fishing boats and see the turtles on the Oistins fish market jetty.

Creative Arts

• Check out the local art scene via this Facebook Group that lists arts events in Barbados, or you can check out this monthly Visual Arts Barbados Magazine by Corrie Scott.
• Enjoy an art exhibit at the Daphne Joseph Hackett theatre in Queen's Park. Make sure to have a look at the magnificent boabab tree outside.
• Watch movies at the classic Drive In, a favourite local spot. We also have Olympus Theatres and Limegrove Cinemas.
• Visit the Earthworks Pottery and Hamilton's Pottery.
• Visit local artist and creator Something Samarah at her studio (right next door to Earthworks Pottery)

Fun Food Activities

• A trip to one of the many markets around the island: Namely Cheapside in Bridgetown, Oistins Fish Market, Holder's Farmers Market and Brighton Farmer's Market.
• Visit Lemon Arbour or Souse Factory on Saturdays for Pudding and Souse, dominos and lots of rum.
• A rum tour at Foursquare Rum Distillery.

TIP: Download the FREE Slow Food Barbados Local Buyer's Guide and Sustainable Seafood Guide for when you visit the markets!

Cultural Activities

• Take a walk through Bridgetown! Best to go early in the morning while it's cool. Check out the sights, sounds and smells. Get lost, have fun!
• Enjoying one of the many festivals taking place throughout the year.
• Shopping at Limegrove Lifestyle Centre and a coffee at Always Summer Cafe.

Are there any more fun activities in Barbados that you think I should add to this list?

Let me know in the comments below!