The Federated States of Micronesia is a stunning Pacific island nation comprising over 600 islands spread across four states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. Known for world-class diving, ancient ruins, pristine rainforests, and unique traditional cultures including stone money and manta ray sanctuaries.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Giant Clam Farm, Kosrae
Kosrae's marine conservation facility breeds endangered giant clams (Tridacna gigas) for reef restoration. Children find the enormous clams fascinating, and the snorkelling adjacent to the farm over pristine coral garden is excellent for older children.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Kepirohi Waterfall Hike, Pohnpei
Pohnpei's most accessible waterfall with a manageable jungle trail suitable for children 6 and up. The 100-foot cascade empties into a swimming hole perfect for cooling off, making it the favourite family activity in FSM.
Duration: 2-3 hours including hike
Stone Money Viewing, Yap
Walking tours through Yapese villages to view the remarkable limestone disc currency captivates children of all ages — explaining a monetary system based on 4-tonne stones creates a memorable teachable moment about culture and value.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Snorkelling at Resort Beaches
FSM's calm lagoon beaches offer ideal conditions for introducing children to snorkelling. The crystal-clear water at Walung Beach (Kosrae) and resort beaches on Yap have gentle entry, extraordinary visibility, and abundant reef fish that delight young snorkellers.
Duration: Flexible, 1-3 hours
Kolonia Market Morning Walk
A sensory and cultural adventure through Pohnpei's busy morning market. Children can see exotic fruits, live reef fish, and colourful local life. Sampling fresh coconut ($2) and tropical fruits makes for an interactive and affordable family experience.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Walung Village Cultural Demonstration, Kosrae
Living museum with authentic demonstrations of canoe building, pandanus weaving, and traditional cooking. The hands-on elements engage children actively — older children can try weaving and participate in traditional food preparation alongside local artisans.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Pacific Resort & Spa
Pohnpei's most complete resort for families with an infinity pool, spacious rooms, reliable restaurant with kid-friendly options, and a tour desk to arrange all island activities from one place.
Family features: Infinity pool, family rooms available, restaurant with children's portions, air conditioning, tour desk
Kosrae Nautilus Resort
Ideal eco-resort for families who value nature — beachfront cottages with direct reef access, organic restaurant, and a deeply peaceful environment away from crowds. Children thrive in the safe, beautiful setting.
Family features: Beachfront access, snorkelling gear, organic family dining, kayaks, very safe environment
Cliff Rainbow Hotel
Central Kolonia hotel offering practical family accommodation with a reliable restaurant, helpful staff who arrange tours, and easy access to town activities. Good value for families on mid-range budgets.
Family features: Restaurant with familiar options, central location, air conditioning, tour desk, airport transfer
Oceanview Hotel Pohnpei
Comfortable family-oriented hotel in Kolonia with spacious rooms, reliable WiFi for keeping children entertained, and a helpful team who assist with island-wide activity planning.
Family features: Larger rooms, laundry service, WiFi, tour booking assistance, air conditioning
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most FSM restaurants welcome children warmly — bring small items to keep younger children occupied during longer waits as service can be leisurely
Kaselehlie Diner (KD) $8 all-you-can-eat buffet is ideal for children as there is always something familiar — rice, chicken, noodles — at very affordable prices
Bottled water is essential for children throughout FSM — tap water is unsafe to drink; budget $2-3/day per child for bottled water
Resort restaurants at Pacific Resort & Spa and Kosrae Nautilus accommodate dietary needs with advance notice — email ahead for allergies or restricted diets
Fresh tropical fruit from the market is the perfect snack for children — papaya, mango, banana, and rambutan are abundant and inexpensive ($1-3 per portion)
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Bring comprehensive first aid supplies including antihistamines, antiseptic cream, coral cut treatment, and children's pain relief — local pharmacies have limited stock
Medical facilities are very limited in FSM — travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is non-negotiable when travelling with children
Reef shoes protect children's feet from coral, stonefish, and sea urchins at all beach entries — pack them from home as they are unavailable locally
Educational preparation before the trip (explaining Nan Madol, stone money, WWII history) transforms children's engagement with FSM's extraordinary sites