Top 5 Sights to Visit in the Bahamas with Kids

Many parents worry about keeping their children entertained on a family vacation, but this needn’t be a concern when traveling to the Bahamas.  Here are five attractions that are sure to be enjoyed by both parents and their children visiting this beautiful chain of islands.

1 – Dolphin Encounters

Blue Lagoon Dolphin Encounters (Nassau/Paradise Island) allows families to learn about marine life in the Bahamas through a series of exhibits that provide an up-close and personal look at animals. Along with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with dolphins and pet a sea lion, guests are able to participate as a Program Observer, in which they are taught about natural history, animal training, and ocean conservation.

2 – Aquaventure

Aquaventre at Atlantis (Nassau/Paradise Island) isn’t as much of an educational experience, but it certainly is one the whole family can enjoy. The water park is 141 acres of aquatic adventure, from high-speed water slides to river rides, and a lazy river for a relaxing float around the park. Perhaps the most popular attraction at Aquaventure is Splashers, a Mayan inspired pool complete with a temple. The pool is shallow enough for young children to play in, and the temple is equipped with slides, rope-bridges, and water cannons. Additionally, there is an outdoor rock wall from which climbers are rewarded a view of the entire water park when they reach the top.

3 – Garden of the Groves

Garden of the Groves (Grand Bahama Island), a 12-acre private nature park, gives parents the opportunity to treat their children to the natural side of the Bahamas in a more controlled environment than one might find in a forest reserve. Garden of the Groves is certified by the U.S Wildlife Federation as a Wildlife Habitat and features lush vegetation filled with butterflies, migratory birds, and indigenous vegetation. Located on the property are several waterfalls, a chapel, and a shopping and dining area.

4 – Fort Fincastle

Fort Fincastle was built on Bennet’s Hill in 1793 in order to protect Nassau from invaders. Although the fort never experienced a threat so great as to require the garrison’s guns to be fired, parents will appreciate it for its historic value – and kids will love its unique boat-like shape and its “cool” canons. The historic water tower now houses an elevator that allows guests to ride to the top and experience a view of Nassau that is unparalleled.

5 – The Beach

The beaches are one of the most appealing aspects of the Bahamas – something both parents and children will enjoy. Kids can easily keep themselves entertained for hours, splashing in the surf and building sandcastles in the soft, powdery white sand. The older ones may even want to participate in watersports like body surfing, and snorkeling. The following are some of the many beaches in the Bahamas that are popular for families with children:

• Cable Beach on New Providence Island is accessible from the Sheraton and Wyndham Hotels. The beach is somewhat small, making it easy to keep track of frolicking children, but it can get crowded by tourists staying at nearby resorts. The waters are clear and water sports like jet skiing and boating are both popular activities.
• Lucayan Beach on Grand Bahama Island is located directly across the street from the Port Lucaya hotels in Freeport at the end of Sea Breeze Lane. This beach is great for parents traveling with older children interested in doing more than swimming. Vendors along the shore offer a number of options, such as parasailing and jet-skiing. Snorkeling equipment, boogie boards, Frisbees, and more are available to rent.
• Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island is protected by a coral reef, which keeps the surf mild enough for youngsters and novice swimmers to enjoy without the risk of being bowled over by choppy waves. Pink Sand Beach runs the entire length of the island’s east coast, making it accessible from most side roads that lead east off Dunmore Street.

With these attractions and more, a trip to the Bahamas is sure to keep even the most energetic children enthralled – and the best part is that parents will find them pleasurable as well.