Planning a family vacation can be a challenge! Depending on the ages of your kids, you might be thinking about how to entertain toddlers, teens, and everything in between. If you’re traveling with a baby, you may be wondering which items to bring with you and what to rent or borrow once you arrive at your destination. And, of course, family-friendly dining is a must!

To make planning your next family trip easier, we’ve rounded up some of the questions we’ve been asked recently and answered them here. Where to stay, where to eat, what to bring, and what to do: we’ve got you covered!

We’re a big family with kids of all ages, and we’re looking for things to see and places to go outside our resort. What activities do you recommend?

With lots of activities that will keep everyone entertained, Nassau Paradise Island has plenty to offer for families who are looking for a quiet, relaxing vacation or need to burn off some energy! Here are some of our top choices that will please kids of all ages and adults, too.

Grab an Ice Cream: Whether you’re a kid or a parent, there’s nothing like a delicious ice cream cone–the ultimate treat on a sunny day or a warm evening! Pick out your favorite flavor at Marina Village and then go for a family stroll. You’ll have fun checking out the luxurious yachts docked in the harbor, browsing for souvenirs in the shops, and snapping photos in front of the colorful buildings. In addition to shopping and dining, Marina Village also hosts Junkanoo parades, live entertainment, and an Art Walk on the second and fourth Saturday of each month featuring locally-made crafts and artwork. Check out our full list of events for the most current happenings, dates, and times.

Go to the Zoo: No matter how young (or young-at-heart!) you are, animals are always a delight to see. Head to Ardastra Gardens & Zoo to explore four acres of picturesque gardens and observe dozens of animal species in action. The small zoo is great for little legs to explore, and one-of-a-kind experiences are scheduled throughout the day, such as feeding lorry parrots and marching with flamingos on parade.

Saddle Up: Older kids (12+) and parents can unwind with a leisurely horseback ride along a pristine Nassau beach at Happy Trails. No riding experience is necessary, and it’s a fantastic way to take in the beauty of The Bahamas and connect with animals, too!

Step Back In Time: Make learning fun for the whole family with an historic day out in Nassau! First up, visit the Pirates of Nassau Museum, where an interactive replica pirate ship and interesting exhibits provide an in-depth look at the age of piracy in The Bahamas. After lunch, check out one or all of Nassau’s forts. Dating back hundreds of years, each of the forts has a unique story and kids will love using their imaginations as they explore the structures.

Try Something Different For Lunch: Everybody loves a meal at the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay! This colorful, lively row of restaurants is popular with locals and visitors alike and it’s a great spot to introduce your kids to the flavors of The Bahamas with conch fritters, cracked conch, or conch salad. For kids (or grownups) who aren’t adventurous eaters, there are plenty of familiar options too, like burgers, fries, and chicken fingers. 

We like to prepare our own food on vacation. What kind of residential-style accommodations are available for families in Nassau Paradise Island?

Harborside Resort at Atlantis offers the convenience of a full-service resort plus all the comforts of home: spacious, residential-style villas with fully equipped kitchens. For a luxurious home away from home, choose The Reef at Atlantis, with elegant suites ranging in size from studio to three bedroom. Pick up groceries and supplies and make yourself at home, or indulge in the dining and amenities Atlantis has to offer–the choice is yours! Sunrise Beach Club & Villas and Bay View Suites Paradise Island, Bahamas provide comfortable, casual accommodations–some with full kitchens–that are perfect for relaxing with family. Discover all of Nassau Paradise Island’s accommodation options to choose the perfect place for your family to stay.

Which hotels and resorts offer kids’ programming?

Some Nassau Paradise Island resorts have scheduled activities and programs for children every day, while others provide babysitting services on request. Whether your children want to spend the day hanging out with other little ones or you’re planning a nice dinner for two or a spa treatment (no kids allowed!) these options let everyone in the family make the most of your vacation. In addition to Meliá’s Kids Club (above), the following resorts provide kids’ programming.

Atlantis, Paradise Island

Atlantis Kids’ Adventures (available for a fee to all resort guests) provides interactive programming for kids ages 3-12 every day. Hosted by a staff Adventure Guide, kids can take part in cooking lessons, interactive art, theater, outdoor play, and more.

Baha Mar

Kids ages 3-12 will love the Explorer’s Club, where they’ll learn all about Bahamian culture, conservation, and biodiversity through daily activities and challenges such as hands-on animal encounters and feedings. Explorer’s Club services are available to all Baha Mar guests for a fee.

Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort

The Kids For All Seasons program, geared towards young guests ages 4-12, is complimentary. Participating children can play games and sports and do arts and crafts. Plus, kids receive gifts and special surprises like afternoon milk and cookies!

Should we bring kids’ life jackets in our luggage or would popular tours/rentals have this item? Do we need to bring car seats for young children?

There’s no need to pack life jackets! Save the luggage space–resorts and tour operators carry all the equipment you and your kids need for fun in the water. When it comes to car seats, bringing your own is best. Airlines accept car seats free as checked baggage for no additional charge. Check out our handy family vacation packing guide to see what else to bring and what to leave home.

What is the best family-friendly dining option–both budget and high-end?

There are many kid-friendly restaurants in Nassau Paradise Island with menus that will satisfy even the fussiest little eaters! Pizza, tacos, burgers: you’ll find them all in our family-friendly dining guide. Guests at Comfort Suites Paradise Island can also enjoy a free hot breakfast buffet every day. Be sure to keep an eye on our travel deals when booking a family vacation, since some hotels and resorts offer “kids eat free” promotions throughout the year.

Why is Nassau Paradise Island a good option for a family vacation?

With convenient nonstop flights from many major US cities, preclearance customs to help you move through the airport faster, and so many kid-friendly hotels, resorts, activities, and attractions, Nassau Paradise Island is the perfect Bahamian family vacation destination. Easy to get here, easy to get around, and easy to make unforgettable memories: it’s no wonder Nassau Paradise Island continues to be popular with parents and kids of all ages. For your next school break, summer vacation, or just a little quality family time, it’s better in The Bahamas! Learn more about planning a family vacation in Paradise or sign up to receive emails with great deals and helpful trip planning info.