Bahamas: Children in the Bahamas

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Children in the Bahamas

Small visitors will generally receive a very warm welcome from Bahamians, especially in the smaller settlements, where children will receive special attention and, sometimes, little treats at restaurants and cafés. Be sure to plan ahead and involve your youngsters as you outline your trip. Take them to the library and find children's books about life in the islands to prepare them for the new culture they will be experiencing. Check out The Bahamas from the Enchantment of the World Book Series, by Martin and Stephen Hintz (recommended for ages 8 to 12), to get your kids up to speed. When packing, include things to keep them busy en route. On sight-seeing days, try to schedule activities of special interest to your children. Besides beaches, the Bahamas offers a variety of kid-friendly parks, museums, natural attractions, and opportunities to learn how to make local crafts. Many large resorts supervise children's programs. The Out Islands are less accommodating, but even the most remote areas, with their rich culture and family-centric lifestyles, are intriguing to children. Make your visit a learning experience for the children whenever possible.

Flying to the Bahamas

If you plan on taking your child to the Bahamas alone (without the other parent being present on the same flight), be prepared to show additional documentation. This may include a notarized statement from the other parent giving permission to take the child into the country. If the parent and the child do not share the same last name, it may even be necessary to show a marriage license or divorce decree to prove the relationship. Check with your airline well in advance of the trip to avoid surprises at the airport.

Food

Nassau and Freeport have all the fast-food chains children love. Try to introduce them to local cuisine, which is entirely palatable to children. Peas 'n' rice, macaroni and cheese, and chicken are common specialties. Adventurous little ones will think it's fun eating local specialties such as conch fritters, grouper "burgers" -- essentially fried-fish sandwiches -- and johnnycake.

Lodging

Most hotels in the Bahamas allow children under a certain age to stay in their parents' room at no extra charge, but others charge for them as extra adults; be sure to find out the cutoff age for children's discounts. Breezes, Sandals, some small inns, and some exclusive rental villas discourage or don't permit children. Be sure to ask. Other large resorts are designed around families. Resorts with fine kids' facilities and programs include Atlantis in Paradise Island, Radisson Cable Beach Resort, Nassau Marriott Resort, Our Lucaya in Grand Bahama Island, Small Hope Bay in Andros, and Beaches in Providenciales.

Precautions

Babies' and children's skin is highly susceptible to the strength of the tropical sun. Child-grade sun protection is available in Nassau, Freeport, and other large towns. If you're staying on an Out Island, bring your own child-grade sun protection. It's also best to bring along your own child-friendly insect repellent, which can be hard to find on some islands. Some small children object less to insect repellent in the form of creams and towelettes than to the traditional aerosol versions.

It's also a good idea to check with locals before you head for a swim at a deserted beach -- currents can sometimes be too rough for kids, and for many adults.

Supplies & Equipment

Disposable diapers, baby formula, and other necessities are widely available throughout the Bahamas, though at a higher price than you would pay at home. Take your own disposable diapers so you will have the extra space for souvenirs on the trip home. For older children, you can find toys and games at stores throughout the islands, again at up to double what they would cost in the States. Straw markets sell inexpensive maracas and folk dolls. Think twice before lugging a heavy stroller along; if you're spending much of your time at the beach, it will be useless. Instead, a lightweight, basic umbrella stroller, or a baby carrier in the form of a sling or a backpack, may be more convenient.