Family Activities in Suva
You know what they say: if the kids aren’t happy, you’re not happy. While Suva might not be the most family-friendly destination in the otherwise super accommodating Fiji, there are still a few family trips and attractions to find in Fiji’s capital. Of course, family activities in Suva are mostly city-orientated, but those looking for a quick escape will still find a spectacular retreat in the parks, Colo-i-Suva Forest Park and Pacific Harbour nearby. To help your family visit to Suva go smoothly for everyone, we’ve put this list together of things to do in Suva with kids!
While you’re here, don’t miss the advice in our Guide to Suva for Families, as well as 10 Things to Do in Suva.
1. Play in the Playground, Build Sandcastles and Have a Picnic at My Suva Park
No matter where in the world you go, kids love parks! If you’re only going to take the little ones to one park during your time in Suva, make it My Suva Park. It’s the ideal place for a family picnic with grassy areas, a large children’s playground and a beach for making sandcastles and going for a paddle. Find the park at the end of Muanikau Road.
© Matthias Süßen on Wikipedia
2. Get Some Splash Time in at Damodar Aquatic Centre or Your Hotel Pool
It can get pretty hot in Suva so cool off in one of the many outdoor pools available around the city while getting in some splash time with the kids. For public pools, you have the choice of the Olympic Pool on the waterfront of Victoria Parade or the Damodar Aquatic Centre on Gavidi Street. Alternatively, you could treat the kids to staying in accommodation with a swimming pool, such as the Holiday Inn Suva or Grand Pacific Hotel. The Suva Motor Inn even has a water slide! Check out our 10 Family Accommodation in Suva for more recommendations.
© Martin Dougiamas on Flickr
3. Explore the Forests and Waterfalls of the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park
Swap the hustle and bustle of the city for a day in the great outdoors at the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park. Boasting a river of crystal clear water in a serene rainforest environment, the park is a must for families! Check out the two waterfalls, short walking trails and stop for lunch at the Colo-i-Suva Resort. Find the park along Princess Road about 10 minutes from Suva. Bus services also run to the park. For an educative tour, guided walks of Colo-i-Suva are also available with Kay Services Tour (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).
© Public Domain Pictures
4. Take a Day Trip to the Pacific Harbour
Less than an hour’s drive along the Queens Road, the Pacific Harbour is packed with outdoor adventures suitable for the whole family. Try snorkelling above vibrant reefs, ziplining through the rainforests, river tubing, Navua River boat rides, beach time on Debua Beach, and much more! Be inspired by our 10 Things to Do on the Pacific Harbour with Kids, as well as Guide to the Pacific Harbour & Beqa for Families.
© Mark Snyder - Tourism Fiji
5. Have a Cultural Day at Orchid Island
Enter Fiji as it once was at the family-friendly Orchid Island. There’s a wide range of cultural and natural experiences to keep the kids engaged: craft demonstrations, local wildlife such as the crested iguana, a 50ft (15m) Bure Kalou Fijian temple, demonstrations of ancient rituals and so much more! Find Orchid Island 10km (6 miles) outside of Suva in Veisari. Tours to Orchid Island are available on Viator and Tripadvisor.
© othree on Wikipedia
6. Visit the Fiji Museum
Educate the kids (and yourself) at the hugely popular Fiji Museum. With a wide range of ancient Fijian artifacts, some dating back 3,700 years, there’s plenty to get the imaginations of the little ones running! See cannibal forks, drua canoes, tribal carvings, pottery, tropical plants and animals of the past.
© Matthias Süßen on Wikipedia
7. Let the Kids Run Around in the Suva Parks
If your kids have more energy to burn, take them to one of the fantastic city parks. One of the most popular areas is Albert Park, packed with recreational sports fields. Watch the locals play rugby or soccer, especially on a Saturday. Thurston Gardens next to Albert Park is another pleasant area to wander with tropical trees and flowers. Ratu Skuna Park, named after the founding father of Fiji, is a lovely green area along the waterfront flanked by McDonald’s for some emergency food.
© Matthias Süßen on Wikipedia
8. Do Some Souvenir Shopping
Get some retail therapy and set your kids on a souvenir-shopping mission to get a “present for Grandma” at one of the lively shopping malls in Suva. Malls like Tappoo City, MHCC and Damodar City have lots of options and are great for kids. Scour the interesting trinkets in the souvenir shops and stop at one of the food courts for an affordable lunch! Check out Where to Buy the Best Souvenirs in Fiji for souvenir-buying tips and inspiration.
© FijiPocketGuide.com
9. Let the Kids Loose at Tom’s World
Treat the little ones to a play session at Tom’s World. There are hours of fun to be had in the ball pits, slides and arcade games of this indoor kids playground – ideal for when the weather isn’t on your side. Tom’s World is located at the Damodar City shopping centre.
© MaxPixel
10. Watch a Movie at the Cinema
Need a break from the heat or just some time to unwind? Catch a movie at one of the cinemas in Suva. Damodar Cinemas has two cinemas in Suva, Village 6 in the city centre and one at the Damodar City shopping centre. You’ll see the latest blockbusters at super cheap rates – under FJ$6 for children under 12 years!
© Maksym Kozlenko on Wikipedia More Things to Do in Suva with Kids
That’s it from the things to do in Suva with kids. Get even more tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji for Families. Plus, discover more remarkable places to stay in the 20 Best Family Resorts in Fiji.
