This is my second cruise but first with my three daughters. What is a good exersion to do with children age 11, 8, and 6. I thought about dolphin encounter at first stop in Bahamas but not sure if they will be scared. A lot of money fot them to chicken out has anyone brought kids this age on this exersion. On the second stop we though about blackbeard treasure hunt and beach adventure is this a good choice.

On my firsy cruise I went snokerling which was the cooliest thing I have ever done thought I was in heaven. The second stop my husband and I got suckered into an Atlantis tore that was horrible said we will go to the beach for the day next time. Any info will be greatly appreicated. Thanks

How about taking them to Ardastra Zoo and Botanical Gardens??  It's a short cab ride away (about 10 minutes or so) and you can arrange a round-trip rate from your driver (be SURE to agree on a price BEFORE you get in the cab and include a "partial payment on the way back" clause if you can) and have him come back for you in an hour or two (won't take any longer than that - it's fairly small but quaint). 

Be sure to take time to watch the flamingo show - they have trained flamingos that march around to an old man who shouts unintelligible commands to them (at least for humans, that is - the flamingos seem to understand what he's saying).  I've been there twice and each time saw school groups there so it's fairly popular with the little ones. 

Like I said, it's not huge so short attention spans won't get bored from being there for too long.  They have kids rates and adults are only around $10 or so - they've got a website with exact prices, just google it.  If you go, watch out for the sleeping pig!!

That sounds realy cute we will have to look into that . Thank you for the great idea I just want them to have a great time. Have waited three years to go with the kids but  wanted the kids to be old enough to have fun know the yougest is six and it is time to go.

Dolphin encounter or snorkling. They will be afraid @ first but thats what u are there for. They feed off of u. If ur scared they're scared. But, they CANNOT drown when snorkling, easy to do, and they can touch the fish sometimes, JUST STAY WITH THEM.... Think about the stories they can and WILL tell to anyone that will listen. Then u can smile. Enjoy urselves let us know the outcome.

Luv 2 Float:

How about taking them to Ardastra Zoo and Botanical Gardens??  It's a short cab ride away (about 10 minutes or so) and you can arrange a round-trip rate from your driver (be SURE to agree on a price BEFORE you get in the cab and include a "partial payment on the way back" clause if you can) and have him come back for you in an hour or two (won't take any longer than that - it's fairly small but quaint). 

Be sure to take time to watch the flamingo show - they have trained flamingos that march around to an old man who shouts unintelligible commands to them (at least for humans, that is - the flamingos seem to understand what he's saying).  I've been there twice and each time saw school groups there so it's fairly popular with the little ones. 

Like I said, it's not huge so short attention spans won't get bored from being there for too long.  They have kids rates and adults are only around $10 or so - they've got a website with exact prices, just google it.  If you go, watch out for the sleeping pig!!

Thank you so much for this information!  I happened upon your post because my husband and I are going with my mom and dad as a foursome on the Sensation to Nassau next year; and am I looking for things to do that will be truly unique, instead of just the Straw Market and wandering in and out of stores.  I did that last month and it was okay; but now I want to step it up next time.  I had no idea this place even existed!

-Stephanie

Glad I could help, Steph.  FYI, on the way there (or back) you can also stop by the fort and check it out (up on a hill overlooking the harbor) OR there's a botanical garden right across the street from the zoo that you could also look into.  Lots of neat things outside of the "Bay Street" tourist shops!!  Also, in the same general vicinity of the fort/zoo there's a little waterfront grouping of shops and cafes.  Stop in there for some geniune Bahamian lunch - WAAAY better than you'll get at Senor Frogs!!

I did the dolphin encounter in Cozumel with my four kids:  8, 6,6, and 3....they loved it....you are standing in water with vests on in about 4 feet of water,(so my little guy was floating around, hanging on to either me or the side of the platform) you can choose whether or not you stick out your hand and touch the dolphins...they swam right by us very fast...amazing!  I you do not sign up to swim with the dolphins and just to encounter them, you will be in somewhat shallow water.  

My kids also snorkeled on that same trip.....the little one did not care for the salt water too much....he floated around a bit and hung out with my husband on the boats...my other 3 were fascinated...like their mom!  Hope this helps!

We've also done the stingray thing and loved it!