- Get your kids involved in capturing memories from the trip. Pick up a waterproof digital camera and let kids take some photos at the beach and in the pool. When you return home, they can put together a digital album or print off some of their favorite photos for a scrapbook at home.
- Don’t forget children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen, an anti-nausea medication, band-aids, and plenty of sunscreen, as well as sunglasses and protective clothing and hats.
- Stock your carryon bag with fun and engaging activities for kids – coloring books and activity books, travel puzzles, or small toys – or charge up the tablet with beloved movies, shows, or games to help make the flight “fly” by. (Check out our guide to flying with kids for more ideas!)
- If your schedule and budget allows, let kids pick out one must-do activity or adventure for the family to take in during your trip. Kids will love being part of the planning process!
- Try to stick to a regular bedtime and wake-up time to keep everybody on schedule.
- If your child will be missing school, check in with his or her teacher beforehand about making up for missed assignments or tests.
Travel Tips for Visiting The Bahamas With Teens
We guarantee that a vacation in The Bahamas will put a smile on anyone’s face, including your teenager. Endless water activities, new experiences to try, beautiful beaches…Nassau Paradise Island has something for everyone to enjoy. No “lame” family vacations here!
- If your kid needs his or her space, considering giving your teenager a little freedom on vacation. If you’re staying on a resort, maybe they could spend an afternoon at a pool separate from the rest of the family, for example.
- Let your teen choose an activity for the whole family to try. They’re more likely to be on board with the idea of a family trip if they’re able to have input into the planning.
- Make sure to check in with teachers about catching up on any tests or assignments if your child is missing school.
- Try not to worry if your teen seems glued to the phone during vacation – they might be missing friends or perhaps just Instagramming all the cool things they’re seeing in The Bahamas! Before you leave, make sure to purchase a Caribbean roaming or data package to avoid any surprise cell phone bills upon returning, and take advantage of free WiFi wherever it’s available.
Check out even more suggestions on traveling with teens!
Resorts in The Bahamas With Babysitting or Kids’ Programming
Maybe you want to have an afternoon to yourself. Perhaps your kids are clamoring to hang out with others their age. Or, just maybe, all this family time is getting to be a little too much and everyone could use a break! Don’t worry, Mom and Dad…there are all sorts of children’s programs and organized activities for kids and teens. They’ll have fun and make friends in a safe, supervised environment, and you’ll get to head to the spa, go shopping, nap by the pool – whatever you like!
Atlantis, Paradise Island
Children aged 3-12 can take part in Atlantis Kids’ Adventures each day, which include interactive games, arts and crafts, cooking classes, theater, outdoor play, and more. Morning and Afternoon adventures are available for kids aged 3-5, while kids as old as 12 can participate in evening adventures until 10:30 p.m. Childcare is also available for an hourly rate. Teens can also spend the evening at CRUSH, a 14,000-square-foot nightclub exclusively for 13-17 year olds, which features an Internet lounge, dance floor, video games, snacks, and drinks!
Baha Mar
Kids aged 3-12 can take part in the Explorer’s Club, where daily activities and challenges will teach them all about Bahamian culture, conservation, and the biodiversity of The Bahamas. It’s a fun and educational program where kids can make friends and indulge their inner explorers.