Watch

"Finding Nemo" -- Technically he's in Australia but Nemo's underwater adventures are perfect for pre-beach viewing. (Preschoolers and Up)

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" -- Captain Jack Sparrow's pirating ways are too intense for young ones but highly entertaining for the older set. (Teens)

"Captain Ron" -- Take comfort in the fact that your Caribbean vacation can't possibly go as wrong as Kurt Russell's in this family comedy. (Teens)

Eat

Mango Salsa -- Mangos abound in the tropics. Serve with chips for a fruity twist on nachos.

Conch Fritters -- Conch (pronounced "conk") is a local seafood delicacy. Ease into the islands' signature conch ceviche with this tasty appetizer.

Read

"Caribbean Dream" by Rachel Isadora-- Soothing watercolors follow a group of children through a day in the life of a Caribbean islander, from swimming to sunset. (Ages 1 to 4)

"Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef" by Marianne Berkes -- Playful rhymes and vibrant pictures will have kids wide-eyed over this magical, tropical world. (Ages 1 to 4)

"Into the Sea" by Brenda Z. Guiberson -- Like "Finding Nemo" for bedtime, this calming tale follows a female sea turtle through the coral reef. (Ages 5 to 9)

"Up Mountain One Time" by Willie Wilson -- Written in the Virgin Islands dialect through the eyes of Viggo the mongoose, this unique tale adresses personal values and the Caribbean way of life. (Ages 8 to 12)

"Claude's Adventure" by Wendy-Ann Diaz -- Older kids will relate to Claude's fish-out-of-water experience in the Virgin Islands. (Ages 8 to 12)

"Caribbean Capers" by Joan and Marco Santomenna -- Add intrigue to the trip with a St. John version of "The Hardy Boys." (Ages 9 to 12)

"Escape From Fear" by Gloria Skurzynski -- Ecological concerns combined with the fascinating, mysterious culture of the Caribbean leave readers intrigued to experience it for themselves. (Ages 8 to 12)

Make

Paper Sand Dollars -- Even toddlers can help make these pretty shells; Get the whole family to search for real ones on the trip.

Water Purse -- Made from an onion bag, this super-easy beach tote captures the colorful, laid-back islands vibe.