5 Things to Do on Nassau Paradise Island with Kids in the Bahamas

You don’t need to be a guest at Atlantis Resort to interact with marine life on the hotel’s grounds. Resort day passes can be purchased at the Discover Atlantis desk in Coral Towers for access to the resort’s renowned water park and marine habitats. The Dig is where kids and adults get the chance to see hundreds of fish as they journey through the streets and tunnels of the fabled lost city of Atlantis. Kids will especially love the scavenger hunt maps and interactive touch tank aquarium filled with conchs, crabs and sea urchins.At Dolphin Cay, pay to participate in a variety of memorable animal encounters during which you can kiss, hug and even swim with dolphins, sting rays and sea lions. My 5-year-old daughter and I loved the Shallow Water Interaction, a 30-minute in-water experience with dolphins that makes a great choice for first-timers and small children.5 Things to Do on Paradise Island with Kids in the Bahamas - Families can take in Some History at the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas

Opened last year, the is jam-packed with kid friendly Bahamian artifacts ranging from prehistoric times to today. Families learn all about the history and heritage of the Bahamas including the days of Columbus, the piracy era, slavery and plantation life, the Maritimes of the 18th century, the days of the Duke of Windsor and current happenings. The museum’s collection will fascinate kids of all ages with items such as a 4.5 billion year-old meteorite, historic toys, Junkanoo costumes, pirate memorabilia, and a replica of a general store. The museum is located on West Hill Street, walking distance from Bay Street.5 Things to Do on Paradise Island with Kids in the Bahamas - Little pirate fans can learn about The Golden Age of Piracy at The Pirates Museum of Nassau.

Nassau is known as the capital of piracy and the home of Blackbeard. If you’ve got a little pirate lover, the is a must visit. The Golden Age of Piracy lasted for thirty years (from 1690 to 1720) and Nassau was home to thousands of pirates during that time. Upon arrival at the Pirates Museum, you’ll be greeted by a “real” pirate who will gladly pose for photos and welcome you inside. This interactive museum features exhibits like a moonlit dock where visitors will hear sounds of lapping water and see pirates celebrating at a nearby tavern. From there, guests board a replica of a pirate ship and learn about the lives and times of the pirate community. The exhibits are fairly dark and younger children may be scared of the wax figures (they are very real looking!) so plan accordingly. There is a well stocked gift shop and several fun photo-ops (guillotines anyone?) so plan to spend an hour checking it all out.Five Things to Do on Nassau Paradise Island with Kids in the Bahamas - Shop the Straw Market and Bay Street on Paradise Island with kids

Nassau Paradise Island is a great spot for kids to buy some local specialties as souvenirs of their family vacation. In Nassau’s famed girls will go crazy for the handmade straw purses and tote bags featuring designs of their favorite princesses or characters (Elsa, Anna, Dora, Ariel, oh my…!). With hundreds of vendors you might feel overwhelmed so definitely take your time to decide what you want and be prepared to bargain for the best price.Bay Street is the main drag of downtown Nassau. If you’re in the market for jewelry or watches, you’ll find a great selection of shops with duty-free prices. If you like rum cake, this is the place to try every variety. The best days to shop are when the cruise ships aren’t in town so be sure to check with your hotel before heading out.Five Things to Do in Paradise Island with Kids in the Bahamas - Families can eat like a local at Bimini Road in Marina Village.

Exposing kids to local cuisine on vacation is a great way to encourage them to try different flavors and foods. The best spot for kids to explore Bahamian cuisine is in the Marina Village shopping district. Families can try local favorites like Jerk chicken, conch stew and fritters, fried plantains, and peas n’ rice. For less adventurous eaters, a children’s menu is available featuring pasta, breaded grouper fingers, chicken nuggets and other kid favorites served with veggie sticks and apple wedges.Has your family traveled to the Bahamas yet? What was your favorite activity or what are you looking forward to trying? Tell us in the comments below!A Note from the Globetrotting Mama: Special thanks to Nassau Paradise Island, the Bahamas for hosting our visit. All opinions are my own, as always.