Aitutaki. Cook Island. Polynesia. South Pacific Ocean. Some tourists take a sun bath on the beach of Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa Hotel. One big playground just outside your door. For families Aitutaki is really one big playground just outside the door of your accommodation. It is also very safe. Children, young and older, can spend hours enjoying the lagoon - above and below water - while they are swimming, kayaking, snorkelling and sailing. Back on land you can explore on bicycles, hike around some of the inland trails, go beachcombing and take a four-wheel drive safari. The pace of life is gentle here, there is only one television channel (unless you are staying somewhere with Sky satellite televison), and shopping is limited to the basics and some local crafts. Clams at the Research Centre. The Aitutaki Marine Research Centre is an interesting visit for all the family. Their projects include farming giant clams that are later moved to the lagoon and to aquariums overseas. There are also baby sea turtles. The research centre is open weekdays and will do tours. Several lagoon trips include a stop around the clams that have been relocated into the lagoon, and it is interesting to compare their beginnings back at the research station with their growth out in the lagoon If you go snorkelling with one of the boat tours you will also see some of the mature giant clams (Tridacnidae gigas) out in the lagoon. The research station is located on the way to the golf club on the north western side of the island. Family-friendly accommodation. Families often choose self-catering accommodation and there are several choices of accommodators with well-equipped units with kitchens and laundry facilities. You will find food is generally a bit more expensive than on Rarotonga because of the freight involved. The local market, supermarket and shops usually have fresh local vegetables and fruit for sale although the supply depends on the season. Sometimes mosquitoes and sand flies can be a problem on Aitutaki. The accommodation units will be screened but take plenty of repellent in case they are a problem on inland jaunts or at the beach.