20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]
20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2024]

© Samoa Tourism Authority

What are the Best Family Activities in Samoa?

An effortless tropical excursion, Samoa makes it so easy to whip up the perfect family getaway. With a varied array of family-friendly activities (we mean, this article is 20 points long, people!), there’s no chance of any family member getting bored here. In this list of the best things to do in Samoa with kids, we’re covering family activities across both the islands of Upolu and Savai’i. So get a notepad and pen and start making your family bucket list by scrolling down!

Before you do that, though, don’t forget to open up The Complete Travel Guide to Samoa for Families in a new tab – you’ll definitely thank us for it.

1. Check Out Samoa’s Best Family-Friendly Swimming Hole, the Piula Cave Pool

Although Samoa is blessed with a number of freshwater springs making for the most refreshing experience you can get in the hot Samoan sun, the most famous freshwater pool is Piula Cave Pool. A hit with travellers, locals, families and freshwater fish alike, the crystal clear waters provide a cooling swimming experience with caves to explore and no tides to negotiate (although, the water is deep so keep an eye on weak swimmers). There are two cave entrances connected underwater by a short tunnel. Alternatively, you can walk a few metres around the cave to find the other entrance. For more unmissable swimming pools, check out the 10 Best Swimming Spots in Samoa.

Location: On the grounds of the Piula Theological College, Lufilufi village, signposted along the Main East Coast Road on the northeast coast of Upolu.

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]© Samoa Tourism Authority

2. Experience Cultural and Crafting Workshops at Samoa Cultural Village

A hands-on experience that’s excellent for curious kids, which is also free so even more excellent on parents’ wallets, the Samoa Cultural Village is a family-friendly attraction in Apia complete with Samoan crafting, tasting and dancing.

Happening from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday, the activity starts with weaving your own plate for the umu. You’ll then be formally welcomed with an ‘ava ceremony (kids don’t have to taste this bitter drink) before seeing how a traditional umu feast is prepared. While your lunch is cooking, you’ll see how ‘ava bowls are carved and even witness a traditional painstaking Samoan tatau (tattoo) being performed (you might not want to let squeamish kids look too closely). Finally, sit down with your freshly prepared umu lunch while watching a fiafia cultural performance including fire dancing! For more cultural experiences to educate the little ones, check out the 10 Best Cultural Activities in Samoa.

Location: Behind the Samoa Tourism Information Centre, Beach Road, Apia.

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

3. Have a Splash at the Afu Aau Waterfall…

Who doesn’t love a good waterfall?! One of the most stunning waterfalls and swimming holes in Samoa (and the South Pacific) awaits down a short and gorgeously maintained jungle trail on the southeast side of Savai’i. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the aqua-blue waters at the base of the Afu Aau Waterfall where there are plenty of shallow sections and rocks to climb for an awesome natural playground for kids. Pay your fees at the fale just off the main road (the entry sign is easy to spot) then it’s a 650 m (711-yard) drive on a flat dirt road to the car park with a toilet block and changing room. For more waterfalls to find, check out the 10 Best Waterfalls in Samoa.

Location: Palauli village, signposted off the main road on the southeast coast of Savai’i.

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

4. … And at the Natural Playground of the Papase’ea Sliding Rocks

Another waterfall attraction where families can have great fun, try out nature’s waterslides at the Papase’ea Sliding Rocks. After walking down an anxiously high number of steps, knowing that you have to get back up them again, you’ll come across the first and biggest slide that locals call the “men’s slide”; a near verticle 5-m (16-ft) slide. Further down is the “kids’ slide”, a much less precarious slide with a little drop at the end of extra fun. Finally, at the bottom, you have the “women’s slide”. Lots of fun, lots of laughs; what’s not to love? Avoid the busiest times, which tend to be the weekends, to get optimal slide time. Note that this attraction is best for active kids; in other words, it’s unsuitable for toddlers. For more family-friendly attractions on Samoa’s main island, also check out the 10 Things to Do on Upolu with Kids.

Location: Se’ese’e, Faleata District on the outskirts of Apia. The access road turns off Maugafolau Road near the University of the South Pacific campus.

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

5. Take a Day Trip to Namu’a Island

From spotting turtles on the boat journey across the lagoon to playing in the sands on an uninhabited island, a day trip to Namu’a is full of excitement and well worth treating the family to. Boats run daily (except Sundays) from Mutiatele village, taking you to a stunning island with walks, amazing snorkelling and beach fales to make sure your family gets plenty of shade. There are toilets on the island, but no other facilities, so make sure to bring any lunch or snacks along with you. For more information, check out The Travel Guide to Aleipata Islands: Nu’utele, Namu’a, Fanuatapa & Nu’uala.

Location: Take the ferry from Mutiatele (check in at the shop opposite the wharf), Main South Coast Road on the east coast of Upolu.

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

6. Experience a Fiafia Night

Nothing captivates the kids more than watching an epic fire show! Just a small part of a fiafia night, these evening shows meaning “happy” include fire dancing, cultural dancing, singing and likely an ‘ava ceremony (kids can skip drinking this slightly narcotic drink made from the root of a pepper plant). And in true Samoan spirit, you will be encouraged to eat more than is reasonable from the buffet, which although has traditional Samoan dishes, there are usually a few western favourites should you have fussy eaters in your tribe. See which fiafia night to book yourselves into in the 10 Best Cultural Shows (Fiafia) in Samoa.

Location: All over Samoa! See the link above for specific locations.

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

7. Watch the Awesome Alofaaga Blowholes

An icon of Savai’i and Samoa, the Alofaaga Blowholes put on a spectacular show of wave power between the fissures of volcanic rock on the coast. Although a treat at any time, the best time to go is high tide. It’s a short but rugged walk that can be slippery, so sturdy shoes are best. Note that you may have to pay two entry fees (totalling approximately ST$10 per person) as the attraction crosses two family lands. Locals will sometimes put coconuts on the blowholes for extra drama. It’s also worth asking for directions to the culturally significant Pa Sopo’ia Cave also at the site. See more of Savai’i’s family-friendly attractions in the 10 Things to Do on Savai’i with Kids.

Location: Taga village, signposted off the main road on the southwest coast of Savai’i. Note that the road to the blowholes is about 1.5 km (0.9 mi) of rough unsealed road. 2WDs will just manage but drive carefully.

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]© Samoa Tourism Authority

8. Explore the Saleaula Lava Fields

Discover the remnants of the destructive Mt Matavanua 1905-1911 eruption at the enchanting Saleaula Lava Field. It’s a short walk to the lava field’s most striking feature, the LMS Church which sits in ruins with a lava flow solidified right through its arching entrances. Walk approximately 300m (328 yards) west following the sign and you’ll encounter the mysterious “Virgin’s Grave” where the lava flow is said to have avoided the grave of a young girl. Past the church ruins is an attractive wetland viewpoint, then head back on the trail and go northeast for approximately 900 m (984 yards) over an exposed lava flow to the striking lava cliffs. Walks are mostly flat and suitable for most mobile and energetic kids.

Location: Saleaula village, signposted off the main road on the northeast coast of Savai’i.

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

9. Have a Stroll Through Friendship Park

A neat little area on the Apia waterfront, Friendship Park offers an attractive park for a stroll, to catch the latest community event and to let kids loose at the playground! Explore the Mangrove Tidal Garden with boardwalks and bridges to mosey over, watch locals battle it out at the sports courts, and head down to the amphitheatre to catch a free gig or event. For more experiences in the capital, check out the 10 Things to Do in Apia with Kids.

Location: On the waterfront behind the Government Building on Beach Road, Apia.

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

10. Discover the Famous “Ma Tree”

“Ma” meaning “shame”, the Ma Tree was named by the paramount chief of A’opo on Savai’i possibly due to the uniqueness of this tree compared to other rainforest species, such as its silver-brown patches under the leaves and its occurrence in solitary patches. Most notable about O Le Pupu Pu’e National Park‘s Ma Tree, however, are the giant buttress roots extending metres around its base. This family-friendly walk is only a 780 m (853 yards) walk from the well-established car park and information boards in the National Park. For more walks, especially if you have older kids, check out the 15 Best Walks & Hikes in Samoa.

Location: O Le Pupu Pu’e National Park, at the information boards (not the Visitor Centre) along Main South Coast Road between Sa’agafou and Saleilua villages on the south coast of Upolu.

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

11. Get in Some Beach Time

What kid doesn’t love the beach? You’ll have nothing short of hours of fun at Samoa’s beaches, whether it’s to hunt for crabs, build sandcastles or swim in the lagoon. Some of the safest swimming beaches for families include Maninoa Beach and Tafatafa Beach on Upolu and Lano Beach on Savai’i, but there’s plenty to choose from in the 10 Best Beaches in Samoa. With almost all of Samoa’s main beaches having beach fales that are mandatory to hire in order to use the beach, at least you have plenty of shade to keep sun exposure under control – see our Samoa Safety Tips for more advice.

Location: All over Samoa! See the link above for specific beach locations.

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

12. Snorkel Until Their Heart’s Content

Snorkelling often becomes a daily occurrence on a family holiday to Samoa thanks to its abundance of fish, coral and even turtles accessible with a quick paddle from shore. Popular places to snorkel include Lalomanu, Saleapaga and Manase Beaches, while more confident swimmers will love the adventure out to Palolo Deep. Some accommodations hire snorkelling gear for a small fee, but these aren’t always great quality or well-suited to small faces. For this reason, we highly recommend bringing your own – find out more in The Best Snorkelling in Samoa: Top 10 Places to Snorkel.

Location: All over Samoa! See the link above for specific snorkelling locations.

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

13. Head Out on a Family Kayaking Excursion

Most accommodations in Samoa, especially the ones listed in the 25 Best Family Resorts in Samoa, have kayaks available to hire usually for a small fee. Whether it’s your little one’s first or fifth paddling experience, there’s always something fun about drifting over the lagoon, looking at the fish through the clear water, and teaching little ones to paddle. Be careful of passages in the reef, however, as the currents can be strong even for those in a kayak. For more tips on where to paddle, check out our guide, Kakaying in Samoa: Top 10 Places to Kayak.

Location: All over Samoa! See the link above for suggested locations.

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]© Samoa Tourism Authority

14. Learn Something New at the Museum of Samoa, Falemata’aga

A less active experience and a good way to get into the shade with some air-conditioning during the heat of the day, the Museum of Samoa, Falemata’aga in Apia hosts an impressive collection of historical Samoan and Pacific artefacts. If you don’t want to sift through it all yourself, free guided tours are available with passionate guides to show you through the six different galleries boasting 3,000-year-old Lapita pottery, ancient tribal tools and weapons that will get the kids’ imaginations running, collections from across the Pacific, colonisation history and even a small art exhibition. For more museums to scout out, check out the 5 Best Museums in Samoa.

Location: Vaitele Street (look out for the large mural on the building), Apia.

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

15. Tour the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum

The impeccably maintained grounds and villa of the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1895), who lived in Samoa for the remaining four years of his life, are preserved for visitors to enjoy today. While “Villa Vailima” has had a few makeovers over the years, the home has been filled with replicas to represent how this classic colonial home would have looked like. That’s not to say there aren’t a few original trinkets, books and personal belongings to admire, as well as stories to immerse in while taking the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum tour with one of the museum’s incredibly knowledgeable guides. What’s more, the museum is a great option if the weather isn’t playing ball, as are the 20 Things to Do in Samoa on a Rainy Day.

Location: Signposted along Cross Island Road in the village of Avele, just south of Apia.

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

16. Admire the Flowers at Vailima Botanical Garden

Encompassing 12 ha (30 acres) of native, introduced and naturalised plant species, Vailima Botanical Garden offers a wonderful free space for families to explore in Apia. The information centre here provides more details about the biodiversity of the gardens, while the freshwater pool and waterfall of the Loimata o Apaula stream is a wonderful place for a refreshing dip. The walkways here are also stroller-friendly. Should you have more active or older kids, you can also start the Robert Louis Stevenson Tomb Trail from this attraction, as detailed in the 10 Best Walks & Hikes on Upolu.

Location: Follow signposts for the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum along Cross Island Road in the village of Avele, just south of Apia. Instead of turning down the lane to the museum, however, continue straight until you reach an archway and sign for Vailima Botanical Garden.

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

17. Catch the Apia Night Market

A congregation of street food and family-friendly fun await at the Apia Night Market, happening on the last Friday of the month from around 4 pm. Feast on affordable international and local staples and treat the kids to carnival food, fairground rides and bouncy castle fun. Discover more street food delights in The Top Cheap Eats in Samoa, as well as more markets to explore in the 8 Best Markets in Samoa.

Location: Samoa Tourism Information Centre, Beach Road, Apia.

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

18. Indulge in a Family Spa Treatment

One of the less quintessential things to do in Samoa with kids, parents looking for a pampering don’t have to miss out at the Manaia Polynesian Spa of the Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort. The spa in a picturesque outdoor setting also offers kids’ services in its extensive menu of massages, body scrubs, facials and a steam room. Parents can also take resorts up on the offer of babysitting, should there be any of those not-so-child-friendly activities you dream to experience, perhaps scuba diving, golf or one of the other things listed in the 10 Best Activities in Samoa for Adults.

Location: Sheraton Access Road, Mulifanua, northwest coast of Upolu. For more spa options, see the 10 Best Places to Get a Massage in Samoa.

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

19. Stay at a Beach Fale

Like a family camping trip to the beach, staying at a beach fale is an exciting thing to do in Samoa with kids! Sleep in a traditional hut elevated on the sands with mattresses and mosquito nets set up for the whole family. Samoa’s beach fales also offer the cultural experience of dining on Samoan staples for breakfast and dinner, where there are usually a “kids option” if they’re a bit fussy. Beach fale stays aren’t for everyone though, so you should check out whether it’s your family’s thing in our guide, Staying in a Beach Fale in Samoa + 10 Essential Tips!

Location: All over Samoa! Check out all of your options in the 20 Best Beach Fale Accommodations in Samoa, as well as the best fales for families in the 25 Best Family Accommodations in Samoa.

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

20. Enjoy a Resort Day

Either stay at one of the 25 Best Family Resorts in Samoa or you can pay to visit just for the day and reap the benefits of these fun-filled resorts. One of the best resorts for families, especially for day visits, is Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa with its watersports hire, trampoline, restaurant with a kids’ menu, family-friendly swimming pool and slides into the lagoon. Otherwise, there are plenty more resorts with swimming pools, watersports hire and activities, some even with kids’ clubs, to keep the whole tribe entertained. Learn more about Samoa’s limited selection of kids’ clubs in The Best Kids’ Clubs in Samoa.

Location: All over Samoa! See the links above for recommended resorts and their locations.

20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids 👪 [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

More Things to Do in Samoa with Kids

See, we’ve got your back when it comes to things to do in Samoa with kids. Want to know how you’re going to put all these activities together? You might want to check out our family-friendly itineraries:

Finally, anything we might have missed can be found in The Complete Travel Guide to Samoa for Families. Plus, find the 25 Tips for Your Family Samoa Vacation with Kids.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Samoa and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Our editorial standards: At Samoa Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Samoa Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Samoa. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Upolu and Savai’i’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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