10 Things to Do With Your Family in Nassau Paradise Island

Sunny skies, friendly faces, flawless beaches, and a huge selection of family-friendly activities make Nassau Paradise Island a perfect vacation destination for parents and kids of all ages. From babies and toddlers to tweens and teens, a visit to The Bahamas will put a smile on everyone’s face. And best of all, our family-friendly offerings are fun for Mom and Dad, too!

If you’re planning a family vacation to The Bahamas, don’t forget to add these 10 must-do family activities to your Nassau Paradise Island itinerary!

1. Zoom down the slides at Aquaventure at Atlantis.

Older kids will love the thrilling, high-speed water slides like The Abyss, The Drop, and The Surge. Little ones will have a blast splashing in one of the three kids’ pools. And everyone will enjoy a ride on the quarter-mile Lazy River. Aquaventure at Atlantis is a 141-acre water park featuring 20 swimming areas, 11 pools, and slides to suit every appetite for adventure.

2. Strut with flamingos at Ardastra Gardens Zoo.

The first and only zoo in The Bahamas, Ardastra Gardens features more than four acres of lush tropical gardens and a dazzling array of animals. The stars of the zoo are the Caribbean flamingos. These national birds of The Bahamas go on parade every day, and you can jump in and join them! Other animals range from exotic jaguars to Madagascar lemurs.

3. Take in the sights and sounds of a Junkanoo parade.

Junkanoo is traditionally celebrated around the holidays, but here in Nassau Paradise Island, you can experience a taste of Junkanoo all year round. On select evenings throughout the year, the streets of Marina Village light up with the sights and sounds of the Junkanoo. Parade days and times vary seasonally, so check with the Guest Services Desk at Atlantis to confirm when the next Junkanoo parade will take place. Then, grab your family and check out a little authentic Bahamian culture – we guarantee you’ll all be dancing by the end of the parade!

4. Spend a day on the beach.

Young and old alike can appreciate a perfect beach day, and there’s no shortage of them in Nassau Paradise Island. With some of the world’s best beaches complete with soft, powdery white sand, sparkling turquoise waters, and plenty of sunshine, it’s always a great day at the beach. Many of our hotels and resorts are beachfront properties, but no matter where you are in Nassau Paradise Island you’ll never be far away from one of our fantastic beaches. (Before you go, check out our guide to building the perfect sandcastle!)

5. Step back in time at the Pirates of Nassau Museum.

You’ve probably heard that once upon a time, Nassau Paradise Island was a hotbed of pirate activity. But did you know you can experience it for yourself? At the Pirates of Nassau Museum, you can board the replica pirate ship Revenge for an entertaining and educational history of pirates. Learn about some of the most infamous pirates to grace our shores. Be sure to brush up on your pirate lingo before you arrive.

6. Swim with dolphins.

Dolphin Cay at Atlantis is a pristine 14-acre environment showcasing one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated marine habitats. Children can participate in a shallow water interaction with dolphins or spend the day experiencing the life of a dolphin trainer. Older kids (age 10 and up) who are strong swimmers can take part in a deep water swim with the dolphins of Dolphin Cay. 

7. Saddle up for a horseback adventure.

Why not discover Nassau Paradise Island from a totally unique point of view – on horseback? Happy Trails Stables offers daily morning trail rides through the woods and onto a beautiful, unspoiled Nassau beach. Learn basic riding techniques before you head out on your one-and-a-half hour trail ride. The stable also offers a barbeque area if you’d like to enjoy lunch near your new four-legged friends.

8. Pick out a special souvenir.

Take your kids on a real-life treasure hunt through some of Nassau Paradise Island’s many shops and boutiques. Kids will love the colorful Straw Market, packed with handmade Bahamian crafts and gifts, or the Bahamas Craft Center, where you can watch local artisans at work creating new masterpieces.

9. Eat dessert first.

Go ahead – break the rules. You’re on vacation! Head to Graycliff Chocolatier, where you can watch as delicious, delectable chocolates are handmade on site. Kids can take a fun interactive children’s tour with Captain Choco and try their hand at making their own sweet treats. You’re never too old for dessert first!

10. Reel in the big one.

Kids of all ages love to go fishing, so book a fishing charter and catch the freshest dinner imaginable for you and your family! The experienced and friendly crew at Bahamas Marine Adventures can help you reel in big game or smaller fish, and they offer plenty of guidance for novice anglers. Or head out for a half-day or full-day excursion with Bahama Boat Excursions, which also offers water activity add-ons such as wake boarding or tubing in addition to fishing.