Zanzibar for The Family Explorers: a Friday-to-Monday weekend

Children run on the grass and watch the boys leap into the harbour; free, flat and full of stalls selling juice and sweets.

A fort with a courtyard and ramparts that children treat as a castle; low ledges, so hold small hands near the edge.

An early family dinner on the seafront with grilled fish, chips and fruit juices; the staff are used to children and the portions are generous.

A short boat ride to Changuu, where giant Aldabra tortoises, some over a century old, lumber about; children can feed them leaves.

A sandbank in the shallows with warm, calm water for paddling and a seafood grill on the sand; bring sun hats and reef shoes.

A casual early dinner by the water with grilled fish and chips; the open-air layout suits children who cannot sit still.

Red colobus monkeys swing through the trees at close range, and a boardwalk crosses the mangroves; the paths are flat and children love it.

Children sniff and taste fruit and spices from the trees and watch a boy climb a palm; a coconut-rice lunch follows.

A friendly local supper of chapati, chicken and chips; the portions are large and the prices low.

Colourful stalls of fruit, spices and fish; hold hands, the aisles are crowded and wet, but the sights are lively.

A last run around the gardens and a fresh coconut from a vendor; pick up the souvenirs on the way out.

A relaxed lunch of pancakes, fruit bowls and juice; the menu has simple things for fussy eaters.