We are heading to Belize on a cruise with our two kids - 3 and 5. Anyone have any suggestions as to what to do ashore? I was considering a ship's exursion, but would rather do something on our own. We'd like to see more than just Belize City, but need to keep it kid friendly. Thanks.

The zoo! It's only about 45 minutes from Belize City and truly one of a kind. Other options are a visit to the Baboon (black howler monkey) Sanctuary or a boat trip up the New River to the Lamanai ruins (longer trip so might require a ship excursion to coincide with your timing). Hope you get to make it back to Belize with more time to spend - our family loved it there. Happy trails...

Thanks. Can you tell me a little about the zoo? What makes it unique?

Here's the website:

http://www.belizezoo.org/

The history of the zoo is fascinating, starting as a bunch of animals indigenous to Belize that were leftover after filming a movie. They basically carved trails out of a jungly area for visitors and put fencing up. In other words, you're walking around on jungle paths and the animals are in natural environments. There are lots of informative, creative, hand-painted signs and all of the animals are indigenous species and not wild caught (unless they were injured and couldn't return to the wild): tapirs, several kinds of monkeys, jaguars and other cats, toucans, etc. An hour or two might do it with little ones - it gets hot and the bugs are sometimes bad (this is Belize, after all). Highly recommended.

Not sure how much time you have, but if it is only a short period, then I too would recommend the zoo. My family, 1 and 3 year old stopped there on our way from San Ignacio to Belize City this past summer and my kids loved it.