Nassau

Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas is located on New Providence Island. The city is a place where old world charm meets the 21st Century. The area’s British heritage is evident in the historic heart of Nassau. Pastel coloured Georgian architecture and quaint wooden shops are scattered along lively Bay Street. The contemporary Bahamian art galleries and Junkanoo museum are perfect for those wanting to learn more about the islands culture and history. Nassau offers activities to entertain the whole family - golf, diving, tennis, squash and numerous other sports for the enthusiast. Shopping in and around Nassau is a delight.

Souvenir hunters will enjoy the unique selection in the Straw Market. Those searching for duty-free savings will find many stores throughout Nassau. The delightful Bahamian Riviera at Cable Beach is a magnificent two and a half mile stretch of golden sand beach lined with elegant resorts and homes. Cable Beach is also the hub of the island's exciting nightlife - nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and a casino are all just a short stroll away from each other. Diving in Bahamas is superb with warm, clear waters, mysterious caves, historical wrecks, vibrant reefs plus thrilling dolphin and shark dives. A holiday in Nassau offers visitors the freedom to do everything or nothing at all.

What makes the Bahamas family-friendly?

Top family attractions

There are some great attractions for families in the Bahamas, particularly around Nassau and Paradise Island. One must-visit is Atlantis Waterscape, which claims to be the world's largest open-air aquarium. There are dozens of lagoons that are home to more than 200 marine species, as well as rides and a replica of a Mayan temple.

Another top day out is the Pirates of Nassau Museum, located, unsurprisingly, in Nassau. This establishment aims to give you and the children an insight into the lives of the pirates who used to dock at Nassau and terrorise ships in the Caribbean. There's a partial re-creation of a sailing ship, as well as animatronic pirates to bring the displays to life. If that's got your children interested in the Bahamas' pirating heritage, make sure you also stop off at Blackbeard's Tower - a ruin near Port Montagu that is allegedly associated with the legendary pirate.

You can also introduce your youngsters to some of the Bahamas' incredible wildlife by spending a day or two exploring a couple of the national parks. In Abaco National Park, for instance, you can see the rare Bahama parrot, while Fowl Cays National Park is perfect for snorkelling thanks to the stunning reefs that are situated just beneath the surface.

Blue Holes National Park, meanwhile, offers the chance to see a high concentration of amazing blue holes that have been formed by erosion.

Family-friendly hotels in the Bahamas

The great thing about the Bahamas is that there is a wealth of family-friendly hotels dotted across the islands, so no matter how old your children are, you should be able to find accommodation that suits your needs.

Of course, mum and dad need a break too, so it's worth choosing an establishment with its own kids' club, so that you can have a bit of rest and enjoy a cocktail or two by the pool while your youngsters are off making new friends and trying out fun activities.

The majority of the hotels here will have their own beaches, as well as water sports and activities centres where you can have a go at all manner of pursuits - it could be advisable to book an all inclusive hotel in the Bahamas if you think you'll make good use of these facilities. One of such hotels, offering a little something for everybody, is the amazing Atlantis Paradise Island with its own water park and a long list of attractions for guests of all ages.

When travelling with your family to the Bahamas, you don't need to worry about having little to do when the sun sets either, as many hotels will put on fantastic evening entertainment - a great way to introduce your kids to a bit of Bahamian culture and local folklore – who said learning couldn't be fun?