My husband and I want to travel to the Caribbean for a week with our 2 y.o., but don't know which island to pick. I have narrowed it down to the Bahamas, Cayman islands, Aruba, and St. Maarten, but am open to other suggestions. Which island would have a lot of varied activities?

Forgot to mention that we will be traveling in April 2012. Also, which island has the warmest water to swim in?

When we had a toddler, not that long ago, just as important as which island was how long the travel time was. Time comes to a standstill when you're on a plane with a toddler. Don't know where you live, but it seems like you've chosen pretty accessible destinations. You might also look into Turks and Caicos, which has family friendly condos and calm, shallow waters, St. Thomas (Secret Harbour is a favorite here) and Anguilla, if you are into restaurants.

I think Grand Cayman would be the best choice. very clean, safe island with good roads. easy to get around. Great beaches with calm water. Also consider Providenciales, Turks & Caicos.

atlantis.com

Paradise Island great kids programs dolphins etc...

magical for children cheap close to the US

All the others will have less kids stuff be

more expensive to get to... Aruba Hyatt GoldPassport

babysitters kids room used to do them when my son was 2

Palm Eagle beach nice beach warmest water activities

for kids not as great farther away more $$$ than Atlantis

So it is Better in the Bahamas... water will be warm in Aug

I think Grand Cayman would have more diverse activites with a 2 year old than Turks & Caicos, but both are good choices for families with children it just depens on what you want to do or not do on vacation.

Grand Cayman - the Nautilus Submarine, Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park, Rum Point, great shopping and restaurants in Georgetown, Island Tour.

Check out http://www.grandcaymanian.ky/ for additional info on things to see/do andplace to stay.

Grand Cayman and Turks & Caicos are great suggestions...I agree. There is a Beaches family-friendly resort on Turks & Caicos and it is wonderful, probably the most favorite Beaches resort. Your little one can be with you, but also enjoy the Sesame Street characters, the children's program, with kid-friendly meals (all 3 bites) and also allow you and your husband to enjoy some adult time. The prices are all-inclusive, so you will pay up-front cost and that includes all of your meals, beverages, most activities and evening entertainment.

Atlantis might be better for a few years when little one is older - it is great for school-age children.