If you’re visiting St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands with kids and looking for a gentle, engaging way to enjoy the island’s natural beauty, the Children’s Botanical Garden offers a lovely, family-oriented experience. For around $92 per person, you’ll spend about two hours wandering through lush tropical gardens, meeting friendly wildlife, and playing Garden Bingo—all with the comfort of optional pickup and a relaxed pace that suits curious little minds.
What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines beautiful botanical scenery with interactive learning. The chance for kids to see parrots, tortoises, peacocks, and chickens up close makes it memorable, while the interpretive signs turn the garden into a mini outdoor classroom. Another highlight is the Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden, a 2-acre paradise boasting over 1000 orchids and a variety of bromeliads and exotic plants that make for an eye-catching, fragrant walk.
One potential consideration is that this tour is mainly geared toward families with children or those seeking a calm, nature-focused outing. If you’re expecting high-adrenaline activities or large group tours, this might not be the right fit. However, if you love discovering how flora and fauna coexist in a tropical setting, and value educational fun for kids, this experience suits you well.
This tour is perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone wanting a peaceful but engaging way to explore St. Thomas’ botanical side. It’s an excellent choice if you want a break from beaches or shopping, with plenty of opportunities for children to learn and play.
Key Points

- Family-friendly experience that combines nature and fun activities.
- Includes a visit to the stunning Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden.
- Interactive elements like Garden Bingo and wildlife encounters enhance learning.
- Expert guides help make the experience informative and engaging.
- Optional transportation makes logistics easier, especially with kids.
- Cancellable with full refund if plans change due to weather or schedules.
A Closer Look at the Experience

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The Tour Itinerary and What to Expect
The tour begins at the Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden, a place born from one woman’s vision to create a lush refuge for both locals and visitors. You’ll start here at 9:00 am, and since the garden spans approximately 2 acres, it’s best to wear comfortable shoes and bring a sense of curiosity. The garden is home to over 1000 orchids, along with hundreds of bromeliads and other tropical plants, creating a visual feast of color and fragrance.
As we wandered through the gardens, we loved the chance to observe nature in its most vibrant form. The orchids, with their intricate flowers, are a particular highlight and truly exemplify the island’s floral diversity. The garden is laid out with interpretive signs that tell stories about each plant, making it a gentle educational experience for all ages.
Wildlife Encounters and Interactive Fun
One of the tour’s greatest charms is the wildlife. Kids will delight in spotting parrots perched high in trees, tortoises slowly making their way across the paths, and peacocks strutting proudly. The chickens wandering freely add a farmyard feel, which kids find especially amusing. According to some reviews, children found the experience “fun and educational” as they learned about the different animals and plants.
The Garden Bingo Station provides a playful twist, encouraging children to identify various plants and animals, turning a simple walk into an engaging treasure hunt. This activity is designed to keep little explorers entertained while also teaching them about the environment.
Practical Details and Considerations
The tour lasts about two hours, making it an ideal activity for families seeking a morning outing without tiring the kids too much. The tour includes admission to the garden, and transportation is optional, which can be a big help if you’re staying somewhere far from the meeting point.
You should note that schedules are subject to changes based on local traffic and cruise ship timings, so check in advance if you’re on a tight schedule. The tour is also designed for most travelers, meaning it’s accessible to a wide range of ages and mobility levels.
Why We Like It
We loved the way the guide (if you get one) can enrich the experience with stories about the local plants and wildlife. The peaceful atmosphere makes it more than just a quick walk; it becomes a mini escape into nature that delights children and adults alike.
Another aspect we appreciated is how accessible the site is, being near public transportation, which simplifies logistics for families or solo travelers. Plus, the fact that the tour is cancellable with a full refund up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind for last-minute schedule changes.
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Who Should Consider This Tour?
This trip is ideal for families with kids of all ages, especially those who love plants or animals. It suits travelers who appreciate educational experiences blended with leisure and who want a break from more traditional tourist activities. If you’re traveling with young children or simply want a peaceful, nature-filled activity that’s easy to enjoy, this tour is a good match.
Conclusions

The Children’s Botanical Garden tour in St. Thomas offers a thoughtful mix of botanical beauty, wildlife encounters, and playful learning. It’s a chance for families to slow down and connect with the island’s lush environment in a relaxed setting. The expert guides and interactive activities enhance the experience, making it both fun and educational.
While it may not satisfy thrill-seekers or those looking for a rugged adventure, it’s a wonderful choice for families or anyone who enjoys discovering plants and animals in a beautiful, manageable setting. The two-hour format makes it easy to slot into your day, and the inclusion of optional transportation helps streamline logistics.
For those seeking a gentle, memorable taste of St. Thomas’s natural side, this tour provides good value with plenty of opportunities for children to learn, explore, and play.
FAQ
Is transportation included in the tour?
Transportation is optional. You can choose to be picked up, which makes it easier to reach the meeting point without hassle.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately two hours, making it a manageable activity for families with children.
What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket includes admission to the garden, access to the Garden Bingo Station, and the option for transportation.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is designed for most travelers, particularly families with children, with activities and sights suitable for a wide age range.
Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves walking through gardens, so comfortable shoes are recommended. It’s generally accessible but check with the provider if you have specific mobility concerns.
Can I cancel the tour if the weather turns bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What makes this tour educational?
Interpretive signs throughout the gardens explain the plants and wildlife, turning the walk into a casual learning experience.
Is there a guide leading the tour?
While the review highlights the value of knowledgeable guides, it’s not specified if a guide is always present. The signs and activities are designed to be self-guided or guided informally.
What is the main highlight of the tour?
The variety of orchids and the chance to see wildlife up close are standout features that make this experience memorable.
Who would most benefit from this tour?
Families with children, nature lovers, or anyone looking for a calm, scenic activity that combines education with fun.
This detailed look at the Children’s Botanical Garden in St. Thomas shows that it’s a gentle, engaging way to see some of the island’s lush flora and fauna while keeping children entertained. Whether you want a peaceful morning walk or an educational adventure, it offers good value and a chance to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty of the USVI.
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