This question has probably been asked a gazillion times. I'm looking at several islands for a family vacation in July, kids are 11 and 14. We're not too adventerous but would like several options to either 'explore' the island or do the 'resort' thing. Just can't figure out where is the best place to visit, considering Grand Cayman, Aruba, Virgin Islands and Bahamas...Ideas ??? Thanks !

Somewhat off the beaten path, but a great island; Curacao!

See the very enthousiatic post: Curacao...WOW!

Take a look at The Buccaneer on St. Croix. Fun excursions to Buck Island for snorkeling and with Tan Tan Tours to see the island while 4 wheeling (your kids would love that). But also a quiet, relaxing resort.

My kids love Aruba, great beaches, great restaurants and perfect weather, the island is clean, safe and locals are very warm, friendly people
the best tourist infrastructure in the caribbean. some on this forum dont like the fact that it's too americanized with the fast food restaurants and chain hotels but that only adds to it's appeal when you have young kids.
we stay at the Hyatt, great resort with gorgeous grounds,nice restaurant and a multi level pool with swim up bar and all types of wildlife on the property, directly on beautiful palm beach.
Grand Cayman would offer the same type of experience with better snorkeling. both are flat scrubby islands with very little vegetation away from the resorts.I have also been to the Bahamas, while I enjoyed it,IMO ARUBA is superior in every way. haven't been to the USVI but from what everyone says ST John is the most visually appealing island in the caribbean,with a tropical look, beautiful cove like beaches and lush mountains, I would only visit ST Thomas for a day or 2 of shopping/sightseeing, ST John is by far the best of the VI and a short ferry ride away.
your kids will defintely love Aruba.

Thanks, will definitely check out the Hyatt !!

Also really enjoyed Aruba and stayed at the Marriott. So, another hotel to look into. Both hotels are very nice.

We are going to Grand Cayman this June and are looking forward to it as well.

Both Islands you can explore freely, drink water from the tap and is somewhat americanized. (I look at that as a good thing ) Although I don't like fast food places especially on vacation, there are other comforts like no language barriers, clean drinking water, can use american money. That kind of americanized is comfortable.
Have been to the Atlantis. It is a big zoo of a hotel. I found Nassau rather unappealing, but the resort is fun.

Bermuda is beautiful and July is the high season. It is a friendly beautiful island that is easy to take the bus or ride scooters around. It is more lush than GC or Aruba. It also has good dining and good snorkeling.

We are headed to Puerto Rico next week. That is an island that has some ups and downs, but are looking forward to enjoying the ups I will report when I get back about my view of it today (haven't been in 20years).

I have kids similar ages so I know what mine like is probably close to what yours like. Aruba and GC have all the watersports right in front of large resort hotels. There is good dining and easy to get around.

If you have been to islands before, you can say what you liked about it or didn't, you can state what your looking for in a vacation, large budget or small, etc.. everyone can be more helpful.

If you go to Grand Cayman, here are a few things my kids age 11-12 like to do (besides snorkel, swim, etc.) Climb around by the blow holes on the east end, find the star fish near the Kaibo Yacht club, look for the blue iguana's in the Botanical Gardens, horseback riding on the beach. We enjoy the east end best, but where ever you stay, get a car and explore the island. It's an excellent place for a family vacation.

Thanks for all the great responses. Atlantis did look fun but I can see what you mean by a zoo . I'm with ya on the americanized comment, it's a miracle I've convinced my husband to even leave the states. We went to the Bahamas for our honeymoon 17 years ago, haven't been to an island since..does a barrier island off the coast of NC count ! We like to swim, not sure about snorkeling, we've never been - definitley into watersports - jet ski's in particular. Jeep excursion is right up the husbands alley, he's a big ATV'r. Based on all I've read, I think Aruba will be the place. Looks like Radisson, Hyatt and Marriott has all recvd good reviews from recent travelers. Would prefer to keep flight and hotel under 5K. thx to everyone for being so helpful...