Family-Friendly Adventure! The 10 Best Things to Do in Nassau With Kids

While the Bahamas have been popular tourist destinations for many years, in March 2019, visitor numbers reached an all-time high of 749,040.

Thanks to the incredible beaches, balmy weather, and plenty of attractions in the capital city of Nassau, it’s clear why this slice of the Caribbean is a must-visit.

Whether you want to relax and kick back on a white sandy beach or explore the best family-friendly Nassau attractions, there really is something for everyone.

To learn more, check out this selection of the best things to do in Nassau!

Head to Ardastra Gardens

Set on four acres of tropical gardens, the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, & Conservation Center is one of the best family-friendly Nassau attractions.

Flamingos march on command to entertain visitors, while children love hand-feeding the rainbow lorikeets. The zoo also specializes in the conservation of several endangered Caribbean species, including a variety of iguanas and the Bahama Parrot.

Enjoy Blue Lagoon Island

No trip to Nassau is complete without a day on Blue Lagoon Island. Also known as Salt Cay, Blue Lagoon Island is a private island located 3 miles from Nassau that’s full of fun things to do for the whole family.

As a natural habitat for sea lions, dolphins, and a range of fish species, Blue Lagoon Island is home to a three-acre marine mammal facility. Here, animal lovers can participate in the Dolphin Encounters program. As well as learning all about dolphins, the program offers you the chance to feed, pet, and even swim with these friendly mammals—just don’t forget to take swimming lessons before that!

Other fun ways to spend your day on the island include touring the island on a Segway, relaxing in a hammock, snorkeling, and swimming. And children are sure to love the island’s water park, which is packed with inflatable toys and games.

Visit the Pirates of Nassau Museum

Here at the Pirates of Nassau Museum, children can learn more about Nassau’s seafaring days. Museum visitors get to explore the shantytown of Nassau as well as a replica of the pirate ship Revenge. There’s also plenty of pirate paraphernalia to interest your kids, while the theatrical pirate hosts are sure to keep them entertained.

Go on a Powerboat Adventure

If you’re looking for family activities with more of an adrenaline rush, how about a day trip in a powerboat?

It’s the ultimate way to take in all the sights and sounds of Nassau from the water. Plus, you’ll get the opportunity to snorkel in the crystal clear reefs and feed sharks, iguanas, and stingrays in the wild (if you dare)!

Food is included in the package, with a menu featuring grilled fish, steak, hot dogs, and pasta, as well as wine, liquors, juices, and sodas.

Relax on Cabbage Beach

While you’ll find plenty of nearby beaches on any map of Nassau, Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island is ideal for families.

Cabbage Beach is quieter and less crowded than other beaches in the area. And, with its crystal clear turquoise waters and a long stretch of white sand, it’s clear why it was named one of the world’s best beaches.

Gentle sea waves make it perfect for little ones to swim and paddle in while all you moms and dads can relax and sunbathe on the beach’s sandy shores.

Have a Blast at Atlantis Resort

As well as Cabbage Beach, Paradise Island is also home to one of the top Nassau attractions, Atlantis Resort. It’s the kind of place you have to experience to believe.

At this incredible resort, you’ll find 11 pools, a golf course, a casino, the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, and several walk-in aquariums.

Atlantis Resort is also home to the Adventure Water Park. The aquapark is complete with a variety of water slides, a replica Mayan temple, and an artificial river with rapids. Plus, there’s even a water slide that cuts through an aquarium full of sharks.

Experience Stingray City

There’s no shortage of opportunities to interact with marine wildlife in Nassau. But for something a little different, Stingray City offers you the chance to meet, pet, and feed stingrays.

Unlike some other species, the southern stingrays at Stingray City are harmless. As such, you and your family can enjoy the graceful movements of these unusual creatures as they caress you with their silky wings. There’s also a photographer on hand to capture these memorable moments.

Explore Parrot Jungle’s Garden of the Groves

Garden of the Groves is an 11-acre tropical paradise that you and your kids will love exploring. With waterfalls, an abundance of trees, and exotic flowering shrubs, you’ll feel like you’re in the depths of the jungle as you walk.

The area is home to a range of bird species, including the red-legged thrush, the long-tailed tropic bird, and the nighthawk. And, the forest groves of Rand Memorial also offer the perfect opportunity to spot flamingos along its network of dense trails.

Shop for Souvenirs

Nassau’s famed Straw Market is a great spot for you and your kids to buy souvenirs and local specialties as mementos of your family vacation.

Little girls will love the handmade tote bags and straw purses at the market. But with hundreds of vendors selling a variety of goods, you’re all sure to find something you love.

Another great destination to shop for souvenirs is Bay Street in downtown Nassau. With a wide selection of shops, you’ll be spoiled when it comes to finding trinkets and gifts. Plus, the Nassau downtown area is a great place to try local food and drink specialties, such as rum cake.

Try the Local Cuisine on Bimini Road

Whether you’ve spent the day shopping, sightseeing, or snorkeling, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite.

And there’s no better way to experience the different flavors and foods of the local cuisine than by heading to Bimini Road in the Marina Village shopping district.

Bimini Road has put itself on the Nassau map as a great family-friendly destination for exploring Bahamian cuisine. Try local favorites such as Jerk chicken, fried plantains, peas and rice, and conch stew and fritters. Delicious!

The Best Things to Do in Nassau with Kids

As this list of the best things to do in Nassau shows, this popular vacation destination offers plenty of ways to keep your kids entertained.

From water parks to wildlife encounters, you and your children are sure to have a ball in the Bahamas!

For more family fun, tips and advice, be sure to check out our other blog posts!