The 8 best things to do in the Bahamas with kids

Sprawling beaches, pristine waters and more than 700 islands full of tropical playgrounds make the Bahamas a very family friendly getaway.

From all-inclusive resorts to more boutique options, kids clubs and young explorer programs abound in the Bahamas. Modern resorts on most main islands have evolved to incorporate activities for children to experience this island paradise with — or without — their parents. Island-hoppers benefit from short flight times, and car rental services and shuttles provide hassle-free transport for families, making vacations in the Bahamas top notch, whether you want waterslides, waterfalls or underwater adventures. And there isn’t really a bad time to visit.

Narrowing down which islands to go to can be a challenge, but there are some that stand out for family travelers. Just off the coast of New Providence a short distance from Nassau is Paradise Island, with the one-two punch of Atlantis and Baha Mar resorts making it the top destination in the Bahamas for kids. Freeport in Grand Bahama offers an easily accessible alternative to New Providence that comes with a more do-it-yourself attitude for the kids. While families won’t be fully remote here, attractions like Coral Vita and Gold Rock Beach offer ready-made adventures for families of explorers. Chances are older children will appreciate the idyllic hamlet of Harbour Island just east of Eleuthera, which is completely navigable by golf cart. Here, pink sand beaches blend with the tranquil confines of Dunmore Town for a destination that offers flawless fun. 

Here are the best things to do with children in the Bahamas. 

1. Float away at Aquaventure Water Park on Paradise Island

Aquaventure, located on Paradise Island, is a 141-acre water park offering a Disney-like atmosphere that puts visitors inside a fantasy world built to evoke the lost city of Atlantis. Attractions include water slides themed on Mayan pyramids and jungles — including one slide that transports riders through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks.  

2. Learn about smugglers at Pirates of Nassau Museum

Just a short ride from Aquaventure, get face-to-face with replica pirate ships and the legacy of pirate lore in the Bahamas at Pirates of Nassau Museum….