If the kids like to be kept busy, pack plenty of entertainment with you. Otherwise, they will be climbing walls within a week. Montserrat is ideal if you want to dial back your lifestyle. If you like a beach where yours are the only footprints on the sand, where you can hike a trail all afternoon and not meet anyone else, you'll enjoy it a lot, as I just did. But there is really not a heckuva lot to "do," which may present a challenge for the kids.

The other is food shopping. Fresh produce is in short supply. There are a few small supermarkets on island, each with a fairly limited inventory. Virtually everything is imported (inexplicably, even bananas!). Montserrat will test your culinary skills. There are, however, a few good and reasonably priced restaurants on island.

First, let me say that I loved Montserrat and I wish the best for the little island. In a short time we got to know locals, expats and fellow guests. That being said, it doesn't seem like the place for your family at present. Easily accessible beaches are limited. The Vue Pointe Hotel, which has a beach next door, finally had to give up after years of struggling with a hurricane and repeated volcano eruptions.

This year, we went to Virgin Gorda, another little island, but with better developed tourist facilities. We stayed at Guavaberry, and saw families who seemed to have a great time. They have a private access road to a beach. Up the beach is a cluster of giant boulders that create pools with almost no wave action--very uncrowded. They have a commissary (24 hour, honor system). You can see the inventory on their web site. There is a decent little supermarket (Bucks) in town. Food is expensive here as well.

http://www.guavaberryspringbay.com/

When we last went to Montserrat, our boys were about 3 and 7 and we had a great time. We stayed about 4 nights at the Vuepointe, which I understand is closed. My boys quite enjoyed just playing at the pool and on the beach under the volcano. They really enjoyed visiting the volcano observatory. I assume for that long a period of time you would be renting a villa.

I think this all depends on the nature of your kids. If they are pretty easy going and adaptable and can make friends with some of the local kids they would probably have a good time.

Sorry we didn't shop there so can't comment on the supplies.

Even though the Vuepointe is closed I'd go to their website and email Carol Osborne with any questions. If there is something to know about Montserrat she will know it.