Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in the Bahamas

Situated on a gorgeous stretch of sand on Paradise Island, this iconic section at the heart of the sprawling Atlantis Resort features two big pink towers and easy access to all of the resort’s myriad amenities, including the aquarium, casino, and the celebrated Aquaventure water park. That water park — and the fact that The Royal Atlantis is closest to it — makes this our top pick for families coming to the Bahamas. Kids flock to the huge water slides and lazy river. Most of the rooms at Atlantis Royal Towers offer one king or two queen beds and many have beautiful views out over the sea. However, The Royal at Atlantis Terrace View Room is a good value choice if you don’t mind a more modest view. Make sure to opt for a Deluxe Water View Room (located on floors 17 to 24) if you want the chance to stare far out over the sea from your balcony. The other reason The Royal bests The Ocean Club for families? It's a more affordable choice.

Blending upscale amenities with tons of kid-friendly features, this beachfront property is a great option for those in search of a bit of sophistication. Yes, the price tag reflects that. But it's worth it. Rooms are spread across two-story buildings with ocean-facing balconies along with cottages and villas, some with their own plunge pools. The Ocean Club is next to a golf course and just a short ride from Atlantis on the resort’s free shuttle, but there's plenty to do on-site, too — especially for families with kids. There are three pools (including a family pool and one that’s for those 14 and over), six tennis courts, and free loaner bicycles, plus direct access to a beach with lifeguards. There's also a kids' club housed in a large clubhouse, complete with a computer center, arts and crafts, games, books, and video game consoles. Keep in mind that access to the Atlantis Aquaventure is free for guests of the Ocean Club.

This modern, luxurious condo-hotel with nearly 500 residential-style units is located on the far edge of the enormous Atlantis complex. The big studios, one-, and two-bedrooms units (many with views) are well-suited to families, and have pull-out sofas plus fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes. It's one of the priciest Atlantis options (though not quite as expensive as Cove), but families will likely appreciate being able to cook to save money, as Atlantis' 19 bars and 21 restaurants are notoriously expensive. The property has a nice stretch of beach and a large family pool that is exclusive to Reef and Cove guests, and major Atlantic highlights such as Aquaventure are within walking distance.

This huge Cable Beach property offers a ton of on-site amenities for kids and grown-ups alike, from a casino (one of the largest in the Caribbean) and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course, to six outdoor pools and a gorgeous beach. Highlights for families at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar include an aviary with a flamingo habitat, and a sanctuary with sea turtles, sharks, and fish. There's also a kids' club for those between ages three and 12 with games and crafts. Rooms and suites are spacious, though families may prefer to stay in one of the Grand Hyatt's Poolside Villas or Residences, which have perks such as full kitchens and washer/dryers. “Is Grand Hyatt Baha Mar all-inclusive?” you might wonder. It’s not — but there are plenty of dining options to choose from, including restaurants and even food trucks.

If you're traveling with kids, you can't go wrong with a stay at The Cove at Atlantis, the most upscale lodging option on the massive Atlantis property. Not only does it offer easy access to the Aquaventure waterpark and other highlights, but it's also right by the beach. Fans of celebrity-chef dining are also in luck, as Fish by Jose Andres is also located at The Cove. The Ocean and Deluxe Ocean Suite at The Cove Atlantis — on floors 19 and lower — make up the majority of the rooms here, and many come with double queens to accommodate families. Suites on higher floors offer great views over the adults-only Cove Pool.

With 600-plus rooms, the comfortable Coral Towers is a section of Atlantis that appeals to mid-range travelers -- mostly families. It's cheaper than the Royal at Atlantis but closer to the action (and crowds) than the budget-friendly Beach Tower. Coral offers larger room options, such as the Regal Suite, which has two full bathrooms. It sits next to the harbor (some rear-facing balconies have views of it), and offers easy access to Marina Village for more choice in restaurants, shops and after-dinner strolls among the yachts. The most notable Atlantis features include its extensive marine habitat (the world's largest outdoor aquarium); and Aquaventure, a 141-acre, 200-million gallon water park that combines a series of slides (Mayan Temple and Power Tower), a lazy river, and the Current, a mile-long water ride with waves and tidal changes. Access to both of these is free for guests.

Situated on Cable Beach, one of the prettiest stretches of white sand in all of Nassau, this all-inclusive resort offers good value and great amenities for families. However, its distance from Atlantis, a good 25-minute drive away, may be a drawback for some guests. The ambiance is fun and casual, with three free-form pools, live animation, and a kids' club with games, basketball, TV, and a variety of activities. There's plenty for adults, too, including dance classes, a fitness center, and even a casino. Rooms and suites feature small balconies and either one king bed or two queens. The Melia Nassau Beach Level upgrade option means that guests can pay an extra fee to get perks such as access to a VIP lounge, private check-in, a reserved beach area, and priority restaurant reservations.