20 Best Things to Do in American Samoa with Kids

Chances are you're here to explore the U.S.'s 65th national park. A great place to start is the National Park of American Samoa Visitor Center, not just for planning your visit, but also to educate the little ones with its engaging exhibitions.

Inside, you'll discover topographic model maps of American Samoa, intricate sculptures showcasing the territory's unique flora and fauna, and an impressive whale skull that never fails to impress. The centre goes beyond just park information, offering insights into American Samoa's history and culture.

A presentation room hosts rotating temporary exhibitions; during our last visit, we were delighted by artwork created from repurposed plastic waste.

You can collect your national park stamp, browse memorabilia, and gather essential information to help plan your park adventures.

Continuing with visiting the National Park, one of the best trails for all ages is the Pola Island Trail, taking you right under the volcanic sill of Pola Island.

Located on Tutuila, this brief coastal walk leads you through lush coastal vegetation to a rocky beach encompassing views of the rugged coastline and Pola Island, a protected sanctuary for nesting seabirds.

The trail begins after you pass the last house in Vatia Village and continues along a gravel road, suitable for high-clearance vehicles if you want to park as close to the end of the trail as possible.

You'll pass interpretation panels before arriving at the rocky cove.

Taking 30-45 minutes return for the full gravel road walk, or 2-5 minutes return from the end of the gravel road, this nature walk is perfect for those with limited time but still looking for a real slice of American Samoan beauty.

Note that the powerful currents here pose a real risk to swimmers. We'd strongly recommend staying out of the water at this beach.

Another excellent option for families within the National Park, the Lower Sauma Ridge Trail is an easy march to the coast, where you can explore tidal pools and archaeological sites.

Taking around 15-20 minutes to complete at 660 yards (600 m), the one-way trail is moderately challenging with a gentle incline, perfect for a quick adventure with a big payoff.

At the start of the trail, you'll find interpretive panels highlighting the area's cultural significance, flora and fauna.

March downhill through the forest and over a stony path to an ancient star mound, an archaeological site used in traditional ceremonies and navigation.

The trail ends with stunning views over the Vai'ava Strait National Natural Landmark, with Pola Island visible in the distance; an iconic, narrow rock formation and nesting site for seabirds.

It's not just all about the national park in American Samoa, so let's get onto some of the alternative adventures to be had, starting with the Pala Lagoon Swimming Center!

The swim centre near the airport offers excellent value, making it perfect for budget-conscious travellers seeking relief from the tropical heat.

This local swimming facility features water slides that operate during normal opening hours, adding an element of fun to your swim session. The centre provides convenient shower facilities, allowing you to freshen up before or after your flight.

For added convenience, you can grab a bite to eat poolside from Vila's, making it easy to spend several hours relaxing by the water without having to venture far for refreshments.

Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday from 6 am to 8 am and 2 pm to 6 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm.

Kids love spotting American Samoa's large fruit bats, locally known as pe'a. While you can see them in many places around Tutuila, one of the easiest roosting trees to spot is right in the heart of Pago Pago.

Look up into the towering tree canopy and you'll discover dozens of roosting fruit bats (locally known as pe'a) hanging upside down in their daytime slumber.

You'll likely hear their distinctive squeaks and chattering before you spot their dark silhouettes amongst the branches, making this urban wildlife experience a treat for the eyes and ears!

Learn more about pe'a in our 20 Animals & Birds Found in American Samoa.

Speaking of pe'a trees, for any family venturing out to the Manu'a Islands LINK#D012 and the island of Ta'ū, Foga Mutietele Park is a fantastic place to stimulate kids between the rock pools, hiding all sorts of creatures, and to watch the pe'a flying into the trees overhead.

This unique grassy park transitions seamlessly from soft sand to ancient volcanic rock formations, creating a spectacular natural amphitheatre where waves crash dramatically over the cliff edges.

The park's rock pools provide endless fascination for visitors, carved naturally by centuries of wave action and tidal movements. These pristine tidal pools teem with marine life.

What truly sets Foga Mutietele Park apart is its reputation as the island's premier sunrise viewing location. The eastern-facing cliffs provide an unobstructed view of the horizon, making early morning visits absolutely magical.

The expansive grassy areas are perfect for picnicking, offering comfortable spots to relax while enjoying the dramatic coastal scenery and ocean sounds.

The most family-friendly beach on Tutuila, Lua Tala Beach, offers shallow waters, towering islets and a stunning stretch of sand that is perfect for kids to explore.

Famously known as Two Dollar Beach (though entry is ironically US$5), this picturesque stretch of sand boasts a charming islet connected to the mainland by a natural sandbar, creating an incredibly scenic backdrop that's perfect for photography. As the only beach on the east side of the island, it offers pristine, clean waters ideal for swimming, particularly during high tide when water levels are at their best.

The beach operates from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Saturday, remaining closed on Sundays. Beer is available for purchase, and visitors are advised to stay within designated swimming areas for safety.

Speaking of beaches perfect for kids, Fatu Ma Futi not only offers safe paddling but awe-inspiring views of its two islets with an associated legend that will get the imaginations of the little ones running.

According to local legend, these distinctive rock formations represent two lovers from the Manu'a Islands who were forbidden to marry because they belonged to the same 'aiga (family clan).

The story tells of Fatu, a woman who built a coconut raft and set sail for Tutuila when their love was denied. When Futi discovered she had gone, he followed after her in pursuit.

Both boats were destroyed in a tsunami and washed onto the reef of Fatumafuti, where they remain to this day as these towering rock sentinels.

The beach surrounding the rocks offers decent snorkelling and bathing opportunities in clear waters, along with an interesting view of Fatu and Futi where they lie today.

Convenient parking facilities sit right next to the shoreline, making access incredibly easy. Note that the beach is closed on Sundays.

If you're looking for an indoor attraction to escape the heat (or the rain, as the case may be), the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center is well worth a look.

What we're particularly drawn to is how this learning and discovery centre brings coral reefs and ocean ecosystems to life through interactive displays. You'll discover the deep connections between Samoan culture and the sea, whilst also learning the not-so-fun facts about the natural and human threats these underwater treasures face.

The absolute star of the show is the remarkable "Science On a Sphere". This room-sized display system projects planetary data onto a 1.8 m (6 ft) diameter sphere using advanced computers and video projectors. From what we've experienced, this cutting-edge educational tool (found in only select science museums worldwide) creates an immersive experience that brings ocean science to life in truly spectacular fashion.

The Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center is open from 9 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday, and remains closed on weekends.

Kids can't get enough of these quirky twin-hulled pedal bikes! Available with Adventures Unlimited, waterbikes can be hired as a unique way to explore the Pago Pago Harbor.

These unusual contraptions, essentially a bicycle mounted on two canoes that creates a surprisingly stable and fun watercraft, may be slow and require wide turns, but they provide an entertaining and memorable way to discover the harbour's hidden gems.

Paddle out to the right side of the harbour where sea turtles are frequently spotted, or explore the coral areas accessible through breaks in the reef. BYO your snorkelling gear, which you can put in the craft's compartments, if that interests you.

The shaded tree areas along the shoreline offer perfect rest stops during your aquatic adventure. You can venture anywhere within the protective reef breaks, making this a safe yet exciting exploration experience.

For those seeking a more traditional approach, groups can also enquire about hiring long boats for a classic paddling experience around the same scenic waters.

For active families who love an adventure, Nu'uuli Falls offers a short walk crossing shallow streams that make for an unforgettable journey.

The surrounding rainforest creates a natural amphitheatre that muffles the sound of the 20 m (66 ft) cascades, making this hidden gem feel worlds away from the nearby commercial strip.

The 15-minute walk/scramble through lush tropical vegetation over mostly well-formed trails adds to the adventure, leading you across several stream crossings before revealing this spectacular cascade and natural pool.

It's polite to ask permission from locals if you see someone at the nearby house, though you're not usually charged an entry fee.

The relatively easy access, combined with the dramatic setting, makes this one of American Samoa's most rewarding waterfall experiences.

There's something about the adventure of walking down tens of wooden steps to reach the edge of Tutuila Island that kids love; whether it's the adventure or counting the steps... Either way, don't miss a chance to delight them at the Tula Observatory.

Perched atop the sealed Fagasa Road, this National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) facility offers visitors a unique glimpse into weather monitoring and climate research (though access requires advance coordination by calling (684) 258-2848). Even if the observatory itself isn't accessible, which is fairly common, the journey is absolutely worthwhile for the stunning hibiscus gardens alone.

The real adventure begins with the wooden stairway descent of 178 steps (plus one charmingly broken step) leading down to Tutuila's rocky eastern shore. From this dramatic vantage point, you'll enjoy sweeping views stretching all the way to the Pola Islands along the northern coastline, making it one of the island's most spectacular and secluded viewpoints.

Do you see it?! While driving along the east coast of Tutuila (perhaps toward Tula Observatory - see the point above), stop off at the viewpoint in Aumi to see Camel Rock.

This rocky islet that's about 500 ft (150 m) long, indeed, looks like a big camel seemingly emerging from the waves. If you're not into camels, the coastline view from the roadside lookout, approximately 750 m (820 yards) east of Aumi village, where Camel Rock actually sits, is still pretty stunning.

This distinctive natural landmark offers one of the most recognisable photo opportunities you'll find, with its uncanny resemblance to our humpback friends creating an almost surreal coastal scene.

From the convenient roadside viewing area, visitors can capture the perfect shot without any hiking required, making it an effortless addition to any coastal drive.

Speaking of viewpoints, there are plenty to bag across American Samoa, which also make an effortless point of interest for the whole family to enjoy and grab some epic photos. One such viewpoint is in 'Amanave.

The lookout showcases the picturesque Amanave village and beach in all their glory, especially with its dramatic natural sandbar that stretches out to connect with the striking Utusiva Rock.

The elevated vantage point provides unobstructed views of this photogenic coastline, where the turquoise waters create a stunning contrast against the dark volcanic rock formations. A traditional, if not a little rickety fale adds authentic Samoan character to the scene, whilst convenient parking makes this an easily accessible stop for travellers.

Another Manu'a marvel that's great for little ones, Le Loto in Ofu offers shallow waters and an islet surrounded by sand to explore - best toward low tide.

The beach offers a delightfully ironic twist; its name means "deep" in Samoan, yet this stunning stretch of coastline is wonderfully shallow, especially at low tide.

The shallow waters create a unique opportunity to walk out to the nearby rocky islet and explore on foot, making it feel like your own private adventure. While locals favour swimming here at mid tide when the water levels are perfect, it's also worth donning a snorkel mask to discover the vibrant coral formations and tropical reef fish that call these waters home.

The beach itself is absolutely lovely, fringed by swaying palms and soft sand. There's a convenient parking area complete with a traditional fale, providing the perfect shaded spot to relax between swims or snorkelling sessions.

What kid doesn't like to see cannons?! The best example is at the top of the Blunts Point Trail, which only requires a short ascent to get there.

This uphill forest hike takes you up a wide and well-defined gravel road that gradually ascends past a water tank.

The first viewpoint rewards hikers with stunning harbour views and the opportunity to explore one of the huge WW2 guns up close. A short continuation up some stairs, also built during WW2, leads to the second gun turret positioned in the forest, offering even more impressive historical features engulfed by nature.

For those wanting to extend their historical exploration, the trail connects to the broader WWII Heritage Trail, as outlined in the 15 Best Walks in American Samoa. Be prepared for mosquitoes.

That's right, we think we've found the coolest place to play hide and seek, with its pill boxes, bunkers and winding garden pathways: the WW2 Tafuna Airbase Control Tower.

This fascinating historical site preserves artefacts from what was once the largest World War II installation on Tutuila, including original control tower buildings, a concrete pill box, and the underground bunker that once supported the towering control structure. The 1,829 m (6,000 ft) runway and numerous support buildings of Tafuna Air Base served as a crucial hub for military aviation and fuel storage, accommodating both heavy and medium bombers during the Pacific campaign.

Today, whilst much of the former airbase has been transformed into Pago Pago International Airport, these preserved structures offer a tangible connection to the island's strategic wartime role. A garden area enhances the walking experience around these historical remnants, creating an atmospheric setting for reflection and exploration.

On the island of Ta'ū, the Saua Trail (Si'u Point Trail) might be a little long for most kids, but this historical grinding stone is one of the first ancient artefacts you'll encounter, making it easy for families to discover.

This remarkable artefact showcases the ingenious craftsmanship of early Samoan communities, who used these specially carved stones to create essential tools and weapons for daily survival.

The stone's distinctive bowl-like appearance, created by countless hours of grinding and shaping, tells the story of generations who relied on these implements for crafting everything from fishing hooks to axes.

This outdoor display offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with Samoa's rich archaeological heritage whilst enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

It's easy to miss while driving, but you'll certainly notice it while walking.

An attraction steeped in legend, the Turtle and Shark Site combines island myths with epic coastal action!

According to locals, there are many versions of this captivating story, but one tells of a young husband from Upolu (Samoa) who was selected as a "guest of honour" for a cannibalistic feast by King Malietoa Faiga. The husband declined the invitation, so he and his wife set out in a canoe to escape, but a storm blew them to Tutuila, where the pulenu'u of 'Ili'ili, Letuli, took them in. When cannibalism became outlawed, Letuli offered them a free trip home, but they refused and repaid his kindness by jumping into the sea (?!) —the husband transforming into a shark and the wife into a turtle.

There is another version of the story shown on an interpretation panel at the site, but we'll leave you to discover this version on your own...

Today, it's said that if the villagers sing, a turtle and a shark will magically appear in the waters below. The words to the song are written on the interpretation panel at the site if you want to give it a go.

From firsthand experience, we have literally seen a turtle from the site, but no shark. Will you be lucky?

At the end of any American Samoa adventure, whether it's waterfall walks or a day at the beach, there's nothing kids love more than rounding it all off with cake or ice cream.

In Tutuila, there are plenty of options to satisfy those sweet cravings. Samu's Ice Cream is our go-to classic ice cream parlour with an impressive range of flavours. The kids absolutely love the "Oreo & Cream" and "Snickers" options (and honestly, so do we).

For something a bit more special, we're big fans of She Bakes Too, a cosy bakery and café that's become famous for their signature "Siam Popo" and "Koko Samoa" cupcakes. They also serve up delicious smoothie bowls and nutritious lunch options if you're looking for something a bit healthier.

Don't miss See U, where they specialise in those Instagram-worthy egg waffle ice cream treats. From what we've experienced, vanilla and chocolate are the most popular choices with families, though you really can't go wrong with any flavour.

With kid-friendly flavours and treats at every stop, these sweet spots are perfect for creating those memorable family moments after a day of island exploration.

Location: Samu's Ice Cream - Fagatogo Gas Station, Route 001, Fagatogo. She Bakes Too - Route 001, Pava'ia'i. See U - H&L Mart, Route 001, Nu'uuli.

Price Range: $