Hello Captain ... you sure have a lot of questions, but that's what these forums are for! Some I can help answer, but there are folks on this site that know much more than I do about certain parts of St. Martin so maybe they will chime in too. La Galion beach was terrific for kids, and I believe the facilities there (snack bar, etc.) are long gone. But, the beach would still be there for a visit. And sadly, the Butterfly Farm -- one of my personal favorites -- got destroyed in the hurricane and has not been rebuilt the last time I checked. They were trying to raise something like 50,000 euros to rebuild, but I think that never really got going. As for an equivalent there are several other good choices. Might want to consider Great Bay Beach along the boardwalk in Philipsburg if calm seas are desired.

Pinel Island is really cool, and would be a shorter trip than Anguilla. There is one popular beach here, and a more isolated beach to the north that you can take a short hike to. You can also grab a quick bite to eat here. Just drive or take a taxi up to Cul-de-Sac on the French side and catch the small ferry across to the island. I believe it costs about 12 euros per person, but I'm not positive. Snorkeling can be somewhat limited on St. Martin. Maybe some others with experience will be able to lend some advice here.

Karakter is the beach area along the north shore of Simpson Bay that begins just west of Mary Boon's Resort and extends west towards Zafiro's Resort. It is a lovely stretch of beach for a day trip. Kim Sha is a beach at the east end of Simpson Bay. There were always water related activities here (boat charters, etc.), but I'm not sure what's presently up-and-running today. There were a few casinos nearby, but scratch that thought when visiting with a younger family.

Loterie Farm is known for there hiking trails, and this would be fine for older kids but maybe not for real young ones. There used to be a pool and a snack bar here, but I haven't heard much about this place since the hurricane. Maybe someone else on this board has made a recent visit? Also, I have no idea what the 'Flying Dutchman' is, but I assume it's the big zip line that was added a few years back. Not sure of it's present status, either.

Good idea to visit Parrot Ville. I believe it opens daily at 9:00 or 9:30 so a nice day trip would be to stop here and visit in the morning, and maybe continue on to Pinel Island in the afternoon. There's also a few other places that you may want to research such as the Yoda Guy Museum in Philipsburg (super nice guy when I met him, but I believe he's back in England), Fort Amsterdam, and the St. Maarten museum (also in Philipsburg). But, the museum might be a bit boring for kids. If heading west out towards Simpson Bay then I would suggest visiting Maho Beach and watching the planes land right on top of your head! Children that I've observed love this and between landings you have the beach right there.

Finally, when it comes to eating there is no shortage of excellent dining on SXM. That's why so many people are on this message board! Mark's Place is excellent, as are several other restaurants in the Simpson Bay/Maho area. We also like Chesterfield's near the cruise port in Philipsburg. Most are budget friendly, as well.

I hope this was helpful!