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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

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 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

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 Virgin Islands Activities guide for contacts and information.