The Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine

October 15, 2015 by 9 Comments

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The Nonantum Resort is is Kennebunkport, Maine and is one of the prettiest seaside villages in New England. Their waterfront rooms are surrounded by sandy beaches and shores that can be enjoyed during any season of the year. You can easily walk into Dock Square and visit shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The resort is open from mid-April to mid-December. You will experience and enjoy the hospitality that the resort has to offer and start many traditions of your own on your visit.

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When you stay at the resort, there is now a complimentary shuttle service within a 5-mile radius of the resort. This is available the third week of June through Columbus Day. They are open Sunday-Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm, and on Friday and Saturdays from 10 am to midnight. Anywhere you need to go within five miles of the resort, you can get to by the shuttle service and that includes the Amtrak DownEaster Station in Wells.

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There are lots of activities for children to enjoy when they are vacationing no matter what age they are. There is the Kids’ Corner Crafts, Follow Me Kayaking Excursions, Family Movie Nights Under the Stars, Kids’ Ice Cream Parties, Princess & Pirate Parties, Stand-up Paddleboard Demonstrations, Family Campfire Sing-A-Long’s and Marshmallow Roasts, and Lobster Cracking 101 Demonstrations. The resort also serves a children’s friendly menu at each of their dining places.

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If you are curious about what kind of opportunities there are for the kids you can take a look at the 2015 Activities Schedule. Enjoy kayaking, biking, tours of the coast, hiking, paddleboarding or you can just simply relax around the pool while the kids enjoy the activities that are just for them.

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You can also take your family on a Lobster Tour on the Rugosa. The Rugosa is a restored 1963 oak-planked Lobster-style boat that will take you on 1-1.5 hour tour of the Kennubunk River and allow you to see the coastline. You captain will educate you on your trip about all the techniques of catching/trapping lobster. You will learn the life cycle of the lobster, the process of mating and molting, the migration of the lobster, and of course the laws and regulations that are set in place to help protect the Maine fish population.  The kids get to help and take part in this exercise, and band lobster claws.  (All lobster are thrown back, as they were when they were caught- it’s all good.)

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After your tour of the coastline, you will then get to haul in some traps. You can put everything that you have learned now into action. You will hook and haul traps, measure, band, notch, and determine what sex your catch is. The other activities you will take part in is baiting, throwing the catch back, and inspecting other creatures, such as crabs, urchins and sculpin that may have found their way into the lobster pot.

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This is the perfect experience for someone that may not have all the knowledge of what it takes to be out on the water for the first time. Adventurers that have been out on the water before will also enjoy this one of a kind experience for a little bit of adventure outside their element. The Rugosa tour has something for everyone to enjoy from scenic views to hands on participation.

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The Rugosa is available for you to either book from the hotel or to privately charter, and can fit up to 30 guests. The boat has hardwood, cushioned seating and a covered canopy as well as many open spaces to be able to socialize. The tour is $30 per adult and $20 for children. The private charter rate is $600 for a two hour trip.

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So with so much to explore and do on the coast of Maine at Nonantum Resort, visiting here no matter in the spring, summer, or fall- it is the right choice for a little change in pace from your average hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Join Me for a #FamTimePV Family Travel Twitter Party

October 6, 2015 by 2 Comments

Please join me for a TMS Family Travel Twitter Party! @TMSFamTrav and Family Travel Consulting (@FamilyTravel4um and @Takingthekids) are cohosting an hour Twitter chat with Visit Puerto Vallarta (@PuertoVallarta) on “Food & Fitness for Healthy Family Travels”. The chat will take place on Thursday, October 8th, from 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET. The chat will use hashtag #FamTimePV.

Panelists: make sure you follow!

– Lois Alter Mark – Midlife at the Oasis – @loisaltermark

– Heather Delaney Reese, It’s a Lovely Life – @itisalovelylife

– Samantha Feuss – Have Sippy Will Travel – @havesippy

– Dave Parfitt – Adventures by Daddy – @adventuresbydad

– Carrie Robinson – The Frugal Foodie Mama – @FrugalFoodieMama

Prizes:

Chat Participants will have the chance to win 1 of 6 prizes!

We will be giving away 4 Visit Puerto Vallarta Swag Bags as well as 2 Grand Prizes! The Grand Prizes are a 3 night stay for 2 at the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta (@HyattPVZiva) and a 3 night stay for 2 at the Hilton Puerto Vallarta (@HIltonVallarta). Both properties are all-inclusive. *Trip does not include airfare.

To enter the prize giveaways, participants must follow @PuertoVallarta, @HyattPVZiva, and @HiltonVallarta.

Swag Bag winners will be announced at the conclusion of the Chat on October 8th.

Trip prize winners will be announced on Monday, October 12th.

Here’s how the chat works:

  1. Log in to Twitter at http://twitter.com before the chat starts at 8:00 PM ET.
  2. Enter the hashtag #FamTimePV into the search bar and select the “All” search option to follow the chat in real time (you will see all of the tweets coming in that incorporate that hashtag).
  3. Remember to always add the hashtag #FamTimePV to your tweets.

Good Luck!

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#ExploreMore with the 2016 Ford Explorer

October 6, 2015 by 11 Comments

Just recently, I had the opportunity to drive from Montana to Wyoming in the new 2016 Ford Explorer. It was a beautiful car, with plenty of room and a smooth ride.  We had a pleasant trip through some very scenic states and areas, and had so much fun getting to take this auto on quite the test drive.

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Taking a little break to enjoy the scenery.

The new Ford Explorer has lots of updates and improvements, but the most noticeable thing about the new Explorer is its ease to drive and fun to get behind the wheel.  From an ecologically minded engine, to many places to plug in your devices and music players, to all the “extras”, there is so much that will make you fall in love with the Ford Explorer.

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The road trip begins! We all get into an Explorer and go exploring. Fairly apt, don’t you think?

The vehicle itself sports new lift gate, new tail lamps, new fascia and new exhaust tips,Redesigned hood, headlamps, grille, fender and fog lamps,Five all-new wheel designs and three new colors, Unique interior and exterior and premium appointments on the new Platinum series,Nirvana Leather with perforated and quilted seats on Platinum model.

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Plenty of room for 3 people’s bags and computers with lots of spcace to spare.

The engine is a 280 hp beats which delivers 310 lbs of torque using its twin turbochargers which give the engine faster pickup and enhances acceleration.

The hands free parking is a thing of wonder.  It helps keep the guess work out of weather you are in the spot or not. The Explorer uses its available ultrasonic systems to help you in nearly all parking situations – park out assist, perpendicular parking, and Forward and Side Sensing Systems.  While the car is large, you wont’ feel like you are parking a boat.  It is also really nice to be able to see behind you easily via screen while you are backing up.

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The navigation system was super easy to use, and very accurate. It was even great when we had to take a route we didn’t know, after a road was closed and no “alternate route” was posted at all. No problem!

Available enhanced active park assist adds the ability for Explorer to help you with perpendicular parking. Utilizing the vehicle’s 12 ultrasonic sensors, Explorer will scan for suitable parking spaces and will assist in backing the vehicle into the spot. All you have to do is shift, accelerate and brake, and active park assist will take care of the steering.

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 The audio/phone system is also neat its call SYNC and lets you listen to music make a phone call and use voice controls to select apps and tons more.  Including:Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Phone Book Download, Music Search and Control, SYNC® AppLinkTM and No-Extra-Charge 911 Assist.
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Gone Exploring…..So much to see! How beautiful is this scenery?

 

The radio was fun, and had SO MANY options.  It took a hot minute for this not-so-techy chick to figure it out, but it wasn’t too long.  It was fun to explore the stations- there were so many to choose from, which is perfect for a road trip.
The whole “road trip” experience was really enhanced in the Explorer- the seats were comfortable (and had warming options), you could all choose your ideal temperature so no one has to have the heat or AC blasting at you if you are chilly but your partner is not, and there were cup holders galore.  Anyone who has ever taken a family roadtrip can tell you that those are so very necessary, and there are never enough.  Guess what?  There totally were- and there were spots for your keys, sunglasses, and more to be held, too.  Nothing not to love- I was a little too excited about this aspect.  But you know what?  It’s the little things that matter most when it comes to comfort, and I can tell you that I was comfortable the entire time.
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Overall the new Ford Explorer is a blast to drive no matter your expertise or comfort level and will be a favorite for everyone in your household.
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Discover the Forest #Naturehood

September 29, 2015 by Leave a Comment

Did you know? Children who play outside are more creative, have lower stress levels and more active imaginations. They also become fitter and leaner, develop stronger immune systems, and have greater respect for themselves and others as well as the environment.

With all of the new technologies and overscheduling of today’s world, it’s easy to forget just how close—and how important— your local forest or green space really is for your kids! There are many developmental benefits for children who spend time in nature, and it’s closer than you think.

Spending time in nature can spark the imagination of kids of all ages. Even then, after aimlessly wandering into hectic schedules, technology overload, and the never ending busy world around us, adults, like ourselves might find a spark of creativity in exploring the outdoors.

Saturday, September 26th, is National Public Lands Day! This is a day to encourage your family, friends and colleagues to enjoy your local #Naturehood. What is #Naturehood, you ask? It is the forest that is right in your neighborhood, and you may not even know it. Beyond the swings, slides and clearings, there are trails, trees, wildlife and water just waiting for you.

The forest and the outdoors are a place for adventure, learning, fun, and discovery! You can even incorporate it into homeschool lessons, or just a fun weekend science lesson. The forest provides many benefits, like fresh water, shade and fresh air. There are so many possibilities. It might be tough deciding where to begin. Check out these games and activities, which can help get you going.

Forest Snapshot Game – Get behind the lens and take photos of your favorite forest friends in their natural settings.

  • Biodiversity Bingo – How many different kinds of plants and animals live in your neighborhood? Find out by trying this PBS KIDS Plum Landing scavenger hunt!
  • Forest In the City – Can there be a forest hiding inside the city? Watch this PBS KIDS Plum Landing video with Ranger Jesse and find out!
  • Sound Safari – What kinds of sounds do you hear around your neighborhood? Try this PBS KIDS Plum Landing Sound Safari activity to find out!
  • Use A Compass – Finding your way with a compass is easier than you think. Learn an important skill for navigating the forest.
  • Leaf Rubbings – Leaf rubbings are a cool way to document your forest discoveries. See what they’re all about, then get outdoors and make your own.

Visit the Discovertheforest.org “What to Do” page for a full list of fun activity ideas to get you started on your outdoor adventure!

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Spending the Holidays in New York City

September 28, 2015 by 3 Comments

The holidays are one of New York City’s busiest seasons of the year — with an estimated 5.2 million visitors expected to stay in the city during the 2015 holiday season. According to NewYork.com, now is the best time to book your trip to the Big Apple to ensure you get the best rates and availability on hotels, attractions and Broadway shows.

Also, many of NYC’s tour companies offer seasonal versions of their tours, like the popular Gray Line City Sightseeing Holiday Lights Tour and the Hornblower Thanksgiving Day Dinner Cruise, that generally go on sale 2–3 months before the holidays.

NewYork.com has compiled lists of the best hotels, attractions and Broadway shows of the holiday season that are most likely to sell out over the holiday and/or are offering early access pricing:

Top Hotels

  • The New York Palace goes all out for holidays, stringing up more than 68,000 lights and hanging 32,000 ornaments on the looming Christmas tree that presides over the elegant courtyard, and is one of the most sought-after hotels over the holiday season.
  • Centrally located near Central Park and the city’s most iconic stores, from Tiffany’s to Bergdorf Goodman, and holiday window displays, AKA Central Park gets snapped up quickly.
  • This playful midtown hotel, Le Parker Meridien, is one of the city’s most coveted holiday hotels with its annual Gingerbread Extravaganza fundraiser, where local bakeries craft gingerbread houses in the shapes of New York landmarks.

 

Top Attractions

  • Top Of The Rock Observation Desk often reaches visitor capacity during the holiday season, so book now to guarantee entry on the day of your choice. For those who want to skate at Rockefeller Center ice rink after, it’s important to book tickets at the rink in advance as there are limited tickets available.
  • Empire State Building is one of the hottest tickets in town, especially during the holidays. Book now and time your visit for just before sunset, so you can watch the skyline glow under changing colors as day turns to night.
  • Gray Line City Sightseeing Holiday Lights Tour showcases the best of the holiday sights and sounds in Midtown Manhattan and beyond. See all of the best of the holidays in one convenient loop with this tour — but be sure to bring a hat, scarf and gloves if the top deck is calling you.
  • Thanksgiving Day Dinner Cruise Tickets lets you take your Thanksgiving dinner offshore this year. Hornblower’s Thanksgiving Day Dinner Cruise is perfect for those want a side of skyline views with their turkey and stuffing (and for someone else to do all the cooking and cleaning up).

 

Broadway Shows

  • Radio City Christmas Spectacular has been one of the most popular and iconic holiday shows in NYC for decades. There are up to six performances on some days beginning November 13 through January 3, 2016 and early access pricing is in effect.  Book now to not only save money, but also get the date that’s best for you.
  • An American in Paris is one of the few Broadway shows performing on Christmas Eve so tickets are sure to go quickly.
  • On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan opens for the very first time on October 5th, but the pre-NYC production in Chicago is generating a lot of buzz. Booking tickets now means more availability and lower prices than when the buzz hits after the Broadway premiere.
  • Allegiance, starring George Takei and Tony winner Lea Salonga, is also one of the most buzzed about new shows opening this fall. Get tickets now before the positive reviews roll in when the show opens in early November and prices skyrocket.
  • The Off-Broadway run of Hamilton, the new musical by Lin Manuel-Miranda, was a sold-out sensation, and tickets are already going fast for the Broadway run. If you are coming for the holidays, tickets are available now for December – but probably not for long.
  • The Lion King and Matilda are one of the top shows for families during the holidays and prices can get higher and higher as the date nears. If you are planning on bringing the whole family, it will also be also more difficult to get multiple seats together if you don’t book well in advance.

This is a guest post from NewYork.com. NewYork.com is a leading and trusted expert on New York City and the only existing website to plan and book a complete New York City itinerary, ranging from hotels, Broadway shows, dining, attractions and tours.

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The Beach House Inn, Maine

September 23, 2015 by 7 Comments

The Kennebunkport Area is one to explore in Maine and there are plenty of things to do to keep you busy. The Beach House Inn is a great hotel that you could go to stay whether it be for a family vacation, a getaway as a couple, or a seaside escape from the city. The Beach House Inn is a relaxing place to rest your head, no matter what your reason for visiting may be.

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Explore the beaches (just down the street in either direction), head into the village or Dock Square to dine or browse the shops, or visit the playground. You could also take the chance to visit the Breakwater Spa and treat yourself to a day of pampering bliss. If you just don’t feel like doing anything or going anywhere you can enjoy the view of the ocean from your room or one of the porches that wrap around the building.  The hotel offers beach towels and beach chairs for use free of charge, as well.  Just sign them out with your room number and you are good to go.

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Just a few things to do when you are in the area are visiting Maine Antiques, Kennebunkport Shopping, Kennebunkport Brick Store Museum, Seashore Trolley Museum, golf courses, whale watching, nature walks, sailing, the gyms, art galleries, shore walks, the beaches, and the First Families Museum.

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The First Families Museum is an 1853 Greek Revival house reflecting the lives of its early residents Charles and Celia Perkins, whose fortunes were connected to the thriving shipbuilding era of Kennebunkport, making the town one of the wealthiest in New England. Original furnishings and French wallpaper (in it’s original state, and full of arsenic if you can believe it!) reflect the luxurious living of the family. The guided tour presents stories and artifacts from sea captains and shipbuilders to rusticators to Kennebunkport’s most famous summer residents, former President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush and their family. It’s a fun stop to learn about the area, it’s residents, and the former president.  It doesn’t take long to get through, and yes- it has a gift shop.

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After you have had a long day of enjoying Kennebunkport, you will be hungry. Why not visit one of the local favorites, Stripers Restaurant. (Yes, the Bush family have eaten there among other famous diners.) Many, if not most of the tables offer views of the water and lobster boats that are heading to and from the ocean. Stripers Restaurant is delicious, and offers the best of coastal Maine.

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Enjoy New England seafood classics, locally sourced, as well as beautiful views. The sunsets are amazing. Feel free to take your food outside and dine on the waterside deck. Before you get started, there are cocktails and appetizers available on the Adirondack chairs on the riverfront lawn or at your table. For lunch or dinner, there are local fish, lobster, and shellfish meals-  if seafood is not your style, they do have alternatives for you.

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The dining area at the Beach House.

The lunch menu is a little lighter with salads, burgers, and sandwiches along with specialty seafood dishes. Make sure that you try their truffle fries or oysters on the half shell while you are there.  There is also a Sunday Brunch offered as a Kennebunkport  tradition with lobster omelets, Stripers burger and Bloody Mary mixes. If you would rather something more casual while you dine, The Sunset Lounge would be perfect for you. There is a huge selection of daily specials, cocktail menu and wine list for you to choose from.

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When you head back to the Beach House’s cozy rooms to get ready to relax for the evening, remember there is a fire pit outside that can be lit.  Pull up a rocking chair, grab some marshmallows or a s’mores kit  from the front desk, and enjoy your evening.  (There are no sticks to roast the marshmallows with, so make sure to bring your own).  The rooms are spacious, and have nice views and cross breezes- even though we were there in August, we didn’t need to use the air conditioner at all.  In the morning, breakfast is served in the front, and you can eat indoor or outside.  There is also a “snacktime” at around 5, when there are teas, coffees, cookies, muffins, and other food and beverages out.

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So come and enjoy the view and the great food at Beach House Inn and Stripers Restaurant. The duo is one of the best in Maine and will do the best to make sure that you have a full heart and a full stomach when you leave.  Make your reservations here.

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Roadtrips with Kids- What to Take

September 22, 2015 by 1 Comment

When you are taking a road trip with the kids, you want them to be comfortable and occupied (and quiet!) so the trip will be more enjoyable for everyone.  Here are some new road trip accessories for kids of all ages to help you keep on truckin’.

You’ve likely heard of BubbleBum (an easy to take along car seat that folds up and flattens out for travel).  They have expanded their lines to include Sneck (a seatbelt travel pillow) and Junkie.

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The Junkie helps keep your kids organized, and the car cleaner.  It is both a car organizer and an activity station that can help keep the kids busy once you put their favorite things inside. It is easy to harness into the backseat and store activities, coloring books, snacks, drinks, and more between two children (and carseats).  There are two retractable trays, two cup holders, an insulated area for cold items, and plenty of storage.  The tote bag is removable, so you can bring your “projects” into the house, hotel, restaurant- wherever you are headed next-  easily.  Junkie makes road trips more organized.

Sneck is a travel pillow that lets kids nap easily in the car, filled with micro-beads and is plush on the outside.  The Sneck attaches most headrests easily with a Velcro strap so it stays where the child wants it to.  There is a small mesh pocket that can hold a small toy or electronic device.  Kids can use Sneck 3 ways to find the position that is most comfortable for them to sleep in.

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You can find BubbleBum, Sneck, and Junkie on Btheir website as well as Target.com, Babiesrus.com, Sears.com and Walmart.com. You can also connect with them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

NeckNapperz are easy to take along, adorable, transforming plush pillow/stuffed toys that are perfect for roadtrips, planes, trains- or even for your child’s own bed.  These neck pillows transform from plush toy into a plush neck pillow and back again, which makes them great for dual uses.  Kids are easily bored, as we all know, and being able to entertain themselves while you wait to board the plane or snuggle up with in the car, then use it when they are ready to nap is doubly-useful.
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The pillow offers support and cradles your child’s head, so none of those stiff shoulders and necks when they wake up from sleeping “funny”.  The neck pillow has a snap on the end, so they can snap it shut and secure if they would like to. It is easy to attach it to luggage or a carry on while you are moving about, so it doesn’t get lost.  They are priced at $19.99- you can get yours at http://www.necknapperz.com/

Equiptbaby is for the littlest travelers, and makes it easy to put baby to sleep wherever you are. This portable bassinet is so small, you can fold it up and put it into your diaper bag.  Made of rip stop nylon, it has SPF 50 protection from the sun to keep baby safe while he or she sleeps. Baby is visible from all angles and protected against insects with fine mesh- there are no chemical sprays used.  The inside, soft padded insert is machine washable, so if baby has an accident, cleanup is easy.  Setup is a breeze- it pops right out in about 2 seconds.  No worries!  It’s easy to fold back up too, and place back into your bag when baby wakes up.  Recommended for ages 0-6 months. You can get yours for $69.95 at www.equiptbaby.com

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If you are headed to a hotel, cabin, campground, or even a relatives house where you will need more sleeps pace then you have, check out Kid O Bunk.  These portable bunkbeds are perfect for camping, or anytime when you need an extra bed for the kids.  There are no tools needed to put it together, as it has lock in disks that snap together. They look somewhat like army cots, but are smaller in size and are built as multi-use bunk beds.  You can also use it like a bench/couch for daytime use, or side by side beds if you have the room or the kids prefer it.

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The bed’s material is machine washable, should anyone have a spill or an accident.  They come with a zippered carry bag for storage and to take it from place to place, and have side organizers to place “treasures” in for safe keeping while they sleep.  The Kid O Bunk is recommended up to age 12, but bigger kids will be too long to fit easily.  Each cot holds up to 200 lbs, so that’s a non-issue for most kids of those ages (one would think).  There are no ladders or mattresses needed- you can get your bunk for $289 at http://www.kidobunk.com or Cabela’s in lime green or teal.

Disclosure- I have received the above in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own and honest.

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Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island

September 16, 2015 by 9 Comments

Nassau Paradise Island, Bahamas is home to sand, surf, and family-friendly accommodations (like the mega-resort Atlantis), but families on spring break will find that the destination also offers immersive and educational experiences fit for kids and adults alike.  Have you ever considered taking the kids to Atlantis in the Bahamas? There are so many things offered that will make this a vacation to remember, from Dolphin Cay (an experience on 14 acres and almost 7 million gallons of crystal clear water) to Aquaventure (the island’s water park on 141 acres) and more pools and slides then you will have time to visit in a long weekend. Then there is the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, where you can learn how they are working to conserve the reefs. Should you care to venture off the resort, Paradise Island has many activities that your children can enjoy at any age.

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Atlantis has a great habitat that supports marine life and animal rescue and rehabilitation facilities. You can see tanks and aquariums all over the resort, which is enormous.  You have to take buses all over in order to get from place to place- it’s as big as a town, for sure.  Walking would be nearly impossible.  You pick up the buses in the lobby of your hotel, and each of them has the names of the stops they make on the side and top of it.

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Aquaventure is of course the water park and has non-stop action. There are Atlantean-themed towers, water slides and a mile long river that has rolling rapids. This thrill of a place has over twenty million gallons of water, 20 swimming areas, a kids water play fort, and 11 swimming pools. Everything is connected together by a tropical environment and is sure to please everyone visiting from young to old. There is also a “Cartoon Lagoon” which looked very cool, but we were not able to try out.  Turns out you need to make an appointment to use it, and it often fills up months in advance for a time slot, so if you want to use it, book it when you book your stay, and don’t be late or forget to show up or you miss your chance.

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There is a fun cartoon character parade through Atlantis, check with the desk for times and locations.  You can also see Caribbean dancing, music, and more depending on the date and time. My son loved seeing his favorite TV toons in person!

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As I mentioned,  you can learn how scientists are conserving the coral reefs through the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation. You can ask about any of the Blue Adventures at the center that is operated by Stuart Cove. As you learn, you will also be donating to the foundation as a portion of the the proceeds of each adventure goes to help the foundation.

You can also experience activities that involve fitness, golf, shopping, pottery, rock climbing, Atlantis theater and of course a spa. The Mandara Spa brings together Balinese healing touches, traditional European therapies and natural elements that are specific to the Bahamas. The Taking of the Waters has both warm and cool pools as well as steam and sauna rooms for you to enjoy. There is even a Couple’s Spa Suite and a women’s aromatherapy area. Men can experience  time for themselves too with barber services and a plasma TV in the lounge. The Earth and Fire Pottery Studio was a big hit with my son, who loved making and taking home his own painted creation (note- you only paint it, you don’t mold it).

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Kids will fall in love with the colorful sea creatures they will get to see, the water slides, and of course searching for treasures on the beach. There are things that will surely bring a smile to their faces and they will remember always. As tweens and teens, they will also want to explore Atlantis on their own and not just with their parents. Atlantis has something to offer for them, too. Preteens can have tons of fun in the sun by going on snorkeling and scuba adventures to come face to face with marine life. Atlantis also has a kids-only nightclub along with them adventure play rooms and an “underwater” video arcade.

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Teens that vacation on Paradise Island can have non-stop fun and excitement with the Aquaventure Waterpark, up close encounters with dolphins, and rides in the shark filled lagoons. And as the sun goes down, there are multiple activities such as a nightclub where there are no parents allowed, the “underwater” video arcade, and the Atlantis Movie Theatre.  There are also movies and TV shows offered on a large screen on the lawn each night (weather permitting) for everyone to enjoy.  We were able to see “We Bare Bears” before it was on TV back home, which thrilled my boy.

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Also available (for an extra fee) is  in room babysitting- all sitters are CPR-certified. You will have to call one week prior to travel in order to book the babysitting. Something else to think about is that children must be free of diapers and pull-ups to go to the Atlantis Kids Adventure Club, and proof of their age will be required. Some of the waterslides that the children will want to get on will have the requirement that  they are at least 48 inches tall.

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Atlantis aims to please those of all ages. With all that there is to do in paradise, you can be sure that you will be wanting to come back again and again to experience the thrills that Atlantis has to offer- this will be a vacation to remember forever. As your children get older there will be different things that they can enjoy, there is something for everyone and all ages.

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Should you feel like spending time off resort, head to some of the very cool museums and see what the island is all about.  The The Heritage Museum of the Bahamas will give you a brief history of the island (complete with real and original artifacts on display) and houses a collection of items spanning more than a 1000 years . The Pirates of Nassau Interactive Museum is not to be missed, either. From 1690 to 1720, Nassau had the highest concentration of pirates ever seen in the New World. At the Pirates of Nassau Museum, which provides the perfect mix of entertainment and education, kids and parents alike will love learning about the Golden Age of Piracy. Guests can board the “Revenge,” a replica of a real-life pirate ship, and feel as if they’ve gone back in time for a truly interactive history lesson.

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For more information, and to book your stay visit www.nassauparadiseisland.com.

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