Hi
We are going to be in Kauai for about 10 days around christmas this year. This is the first time we are going with a toddler. We were worried he might not have much to do for 10 days and were thinking of a side trip to Oahu. Any recommendations while in Kauai?
Thanks

Lucky you. We went to Kauai last year at the same time, but without our kids. However, we did think that there was lots to do there with kids and it would be fun to bring them sometime. Lydgate state park is really great for kids and has protected swimming. It also seemed like there were lots of parks and beaches in the Poipu area as well that were kid friendly. I personally would stay in Kauai, we really spend a lot of time visiting various beaches in the north, south, etc. and I think my 2 and 4 year olds would have had fun exploring with us. They never tire of the beach and water.

My young mo`opuna (grandchildren) visit us here on Kaua`i annually, so I'm fairly well-acquainted with activities for ages 2-7.

Lydgate Park -- big, inventive playground plus beach and protected lagoon. The kids always whine when we say it's time to leave!

Children's Discovery Museum (near Safeway) -- small admission fee, but a play/learning experience for all ages.

If you're on the northshore, the playground near the entrance to Princeville can entertain for _hours_. Bring a picnic; eat at the sheltered tables.

Because my mo`opuna all live in the Pacific Northwest, coming to visit "Aloha Grandma" and being able to frolic in warm ocean waters, is the first thing they want to do upon arrival. Just be careful where you go, 'kay? This is a good beach/water safety site about Kaua`i:
http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/

And don't forget the sunscreen for that toddler. Our skies are devoid of smog, so the UV ratings are typically high. As the Aussies say, "Slip, slap, slop" -- slip on a shirt, slap on a hat, slop on the sunscreen. That new spray-on sunscreen is especially great for kids -- no rubbing required.

Salt Pond is another area that is protected, and might be good depending on surf conditions. We saw a lot of families with little ones there, and we saw a seal sleeping on the rocks.

Another recommendation for the playground at Lydgate Park. We were just there in October and my kids, although older, loved it. They also whined when it was time to leave.