Things to do on STJ with baby?

Try putting a notice on the bullitn board at Connections in Cruz Bay to get in contact with other mothers of young kids.
Maybe a weekly, bi-monthly or monthly get together. Good luck.

Thanks! Yeah I've run into some other moms at connections...it's hard to break into the STJ "mom circle" haha

You've hit on two of the newcomer challenges that aren't often talked about.

(1) Gaining social acceptance in a very small town, where the locals have become accustomed to people vanishing without much or any notice, is difficult. It is not a lot of fun to make new friends and watch them move away over and over... so a lot of people become socially skeptical, for lack of a better phrase. From a newcomer's perspective, it can look like snobbishness, but it's more just caution. Especially if you mention you may be moving to STX (or anywhere else), many people won't invest their time in getting to know you. It's nothing personal.

If you're actually sticking around on STJ, then give it time and find ways to contribute to the community. This is pretty challenging without your own transportation, but find a way. Get outside and walk to where you're going if you have to. If you are really brave, organize a playgroup and advertise that at Connections. Hang out at the playground as much as you can during hours when other toddler moms will be there. Do it regularly; show up over and over. And eventually you will make friends with other mommas.

(2) There is not a lot to do here! We don't have Gymboree or baby music classes or all the many things that stateside mamas are doing to keep their babies entertained. It's the beach and the playground and home and other people's homes. And although it sounds ideal in the imagination, the reality (as you are discovering) is a different picture, especially when you're on your own and with no way to get around. And that is why a lot of people don't stick around.... see #1.

Good luck!

socially skeptical - I love it.

Missi3170, there is a board member here that goes by stjohnjulie, she might be of help. Maybe drop her a PM. She has a couple children, but I'm not sure of their ages.

On STT there are usually learn to swim classes for kids, and I think the youngest they accept is 6 months. In the summer, Secret Harbor on STT offers their Tiny Bubbles program, but I think there's at least one other entity that offers swim programs.

When I lived in NY the movie theaters had daytime mom/baby movies maybe once a week or once a month. Maybe you could approach the movie theater on STT with the idea and help them get it started.

There's a kids' program at Tutu Park Mall on STT that I think is a program of VI Community Foundation or some other reputable, local non-profit. They were looking for people to read to the children, and I called to volunteer, but they never called me back. I donated a book, though, and was impressed by the bright, colorful room with children playing with the toys, etc.

The STT carnival, held in April, has a toddler Derby every year. You should sign your little one up for that just because it's so much fun! From the pictures I see in the Daily News it's mostly Caribbean local babies participating, but I think it's a great activity for all.o
a storytelling session going.

Now that the new library on STT has finally opened the children's section, you may want to see if you can get some type of toddler program going.

You might also want to check with Tess at International Capital and Management on STT to see if they have toddler programs. Many of their employees are young professionals with families, and they may have similar needs.

For St John, the only thing I can think of is contacting the Westin and Caneel to see if they could add a day pass kiddie program option for locals. Maybe even contact the Ritz on STT. Why limit their facilities to guests only?????

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond! Those are really great suggestions and I will give them all a try! My husband is here for a job...we are here for the long run...we were fully aware of what living on STJ would be like. I know how the locals are skeptical and knew it wasn't going to be easy. However, everyone arrived here for the first time at some point, and I'm sure appreciated when locals helped guide them and accepted them. A lot of people have been really nice and friendly since I've been here and I really appreciate those people. I'm sure it's really hard to see people come and go. It's a shame this "social skepticism" has to be...you never know who you will meet, why shut out the possibility of meeting someone you really like based on judgment, fear and doubt that they will leave?

You might also try posting for play dates on Craig's list.