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Fun with the Kids

Families will find many fun-filled activities on St. Thomas. Here is a sampling:

Coral World Ocean Park. The familiar refrain "lions, tigers and bears, oh my!" from the classic movie Wizard of Oz transforms into the tropical "octopus, sea rays and sharks, oh wow!" as kids step into the magical realm of this interactive marine park. Guided tours of the exhibits take place regularly throughout the day, allowing kids to pet a baby shark, touch a starfish and feed a stingray. Families can wander on their own to the offshore underwater observatory, the 80,000-gallon coral reef exhibit and the 21-tank aquarium, where tiny seahorse and jumbo lobster are among the attractions. An exhibit introduced in 2007 let's kids who weigh 50 pounds or more swim with South American sea lions. An adult must accompany kids under age 12 on this swim. Cost: Park admission is $19 adults, $10 children (ages 3-12). The Sea Lion Splash costs $100 adult and $91 child, plus park admission. 340-775-1555

Lorikeet Garden. Hand-feed a lorikeet. Over 40 of these hand-raised, brightly colored parrots native to Australia fly freely in the aviary at the Coral World Ocean Park. Purchase a cup of mango nectar for $3 or two cups for $5, and watch the birds flock. It's uncanny to see their human-like tongues lap up this sweet liquid as they sit on your hand, shoulder or even head! The aviary is located in the center of the park just past the Shark Pool. Cost: Park admission is $19 adults, $10 children (ages 3-12). 340-775-1555

Atlantis Submarine. Kids who stand at least 36-inches tall can dive 85 feet below the sea with 48 other passengers on a submarine tour. Watch through this state-of-the-art vessel's TV-sized portals as the undersea world puts on a real life show. Schools of fish, stingrays and even a shark or two swim along the wrecks and reefs. One of the highlights of the trip is when a scuba diver feeds fish right before your eyes. The 90-minute trip includes a scenic boat ride to Buck Island, where you climb into the submarine. Cost: $99 for adults age 13 and older; $49 for children ages 4-12; not suitable for children under 3. 340-776-5650

Butterfly Farm. Watch over 1,000 butterflies flutter by as you step into this 10,000-square-foot mesh enclosed tropical garden. A 25-minute tour guides you through the life cycle of these beautiful insects, from tiny egg to fat caterpillar to gem-like pupa and finally magnificent winged adult. Visit in the morning when these winged creatures are at their most active. Cost: $15 adults; $9 children over age 2. 340-715-3366

Bumper Cars. You don't need to be a guest at the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort to drive one of their three-passenger motorized floating bumper boats. Nudge your neighbor, fire the craft's water cannons or try to steer clear of the fountains that splash up when you least expect on this six-minute adventure that's akin to bumper cars on land. Cost: $5 for the driver and $3 for passengers. 340-777-7100, ext. 2652

ATLANTIS SUBMARINE
9006 Havensight, Suite L
340-776-5650 / www.atlantisadventures.com
Discover the undiscovered St. Thomas. Plunge under the sea in air-conditioned comfort and safety in Atlantis XV, the high-tech, passenger-friendly, 48-seat submarine that will take you on an exciting tour of the ocean floor, entertainingly narrated by your co-pilot. You'll see coral, exotic fish and more during this educational and ecofriendly trip off the coast of St. Thomas. A 20-minute harbor cruise to the Turtle Cove dive site is an added bonus.

CORAL WORLD OCEAN PARK
Adjacent to Coki Beach, St Thomas
340-775-1555 / www.coralworldvi.com
Voted top attraction in the Virgin Islands. Get up close and personal with the beauty and magic of Caribbean marine life in a stunning setting. View life on a coral reef from the unique Undersea Observatory. Pet a shark, hand feed a stingray or a rainbow lorikeet! Add-ons include brand-new Sea Lion Splash, Snuba, Power Snorkel, Sea Trek Helmet Dive, Shark and Turtle Encounters, Nautilus Semi-Sub and Parasailing. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer schedule may vary.

SOUTHLAND GAMING of the VIRGIN ISLANDS
Over 60 locations, including Crown Bay Gaming Center, St. Thomas and The Parrot Club at Wharfside Village, St. John
340-777-SLOT / www.sgvi.net
WIN BIG JACKPOTS! The slots are the hottest bet in gaming, offering Vegas-style action day and night. Whether in a luxurious resort, a beachfront hot spot, favorite local restaurant or any of the over 60 locations on St. Thomas and St. John, it's sure to be exciting! Millions paid out. Blackjack, Keno, Poker, or whatever your game, the fun doesn't end when the sun goes down — it only gets hotter!

THE BUTTERFLY FARM
Havensight Dock
340-715-3366 / www.thebutterflyfarm.com
WOW, it's magic! The Butterfly Farm is an unforgettable encounter with the beauty and wonder of nature. You will enter a lush tropical garden teeming with butterflies from around the world. Tour guides will help you observe the extraordinary life cycle of these fascinating creatures as they change from eggs to caterpillars and then transform themselves into spectacular butterflies through the miracle of metamorphosis. You will be surprised and entertained by their amazingly festive lifestyle.

Visiting the United States Virgin Islands and want to go fishing or diving, charter a yacht or sailboat for a week, or rent a boat or sailboat for the day? Check out the Activities Directory for contacts and information.

Read unbiased opinions about St. Croix activities at TripAdvisor.