Planning a family trip to Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas? Find the best resort for your family, where to eat, toddler-friendly activities, marine life experiences, packing tips, and a sample itinerary.

Atlantis: Where the Resort Really Is the Destination

With massive pools, beaches, aquariums, water slides, marine life, restaurants, kids’ activities, and enough to explore that you could easily spend your entire trip without leaving the property, Atlantis is especially easy for families.

We found that with little ones, the best approach is not trying to do everything. Instead, build your days around the pool, beach, naps, food, and a few special experiences.

Where to Stay at Atlantis

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is which Atlantis property to book. The experience can feel very different depending on your travel style.

The Reef — Best for Families

If you’re traveling with young children, The Reef would be my first choice.

The suites offer more of a residential feel, which can be incredibly helpful when traveling with babies or toddlers. Having additional space makes nap time, bedtime, snacks, and early mornings much easier.

The Reef is also close to the beach and many of the resort’s attractions.

Best for:

• Families with babies or toddlers
• Longer stays
• Families who want more space
• Travelers who appreciate having a kitchenette-style setup
• Has a private beach access for only Reef and Cove guests

Traveling With a Baby?

Don’t feel like you need to pack your entire nursery.

You can rent baby equipment through BabyQuip or arrange rentals directly through the hotel. Cribs and other baby necessities can be waiting for you when you arrive at the bellman.

This is one of those things that can make traveling with little ones significantly easier.

The Cove — Best for Couples & Singles

If you’re traveling without kids, I’d look at The Cove.

It’s a more sophisticated and secluded experience within the Atlantis property, making it particularly appealing for couples, honeymooners, or adults looking for a quieter vacation.

The Cove also gives you access to its beautiful adults-oriented pool environment while still keeping you connected to everything Atlantis offers.

Best for:

• Couples
• Honeymoons
• Adults’ trips
• Travelers wanting a more elevated atmosphere

The Best Part: You Don’t Need to Leave

One of my favorite things about Atlantis is that you can make your entire vacation happen right here.

You don’t need to rent a car.

You don’t need to plan an excursion every day.

You don’t even really need to leave the resort.

There are beaches, pools, aquariums, marine habitats, restaurants, bars, shopping, and activities all within the property.

For families with little ones, this is a huge win.

You can spend the morning at the beach, go back for a nap, return to the aquarium in the afternoon, have an early dinner, and be back in your room before bedtime.

That is my definition of a successful family vacation.

Beaches & Pools

Cove Beach

A beautiful option for a slower beach day. Bring the sunscreen, beach toys, and snacks and settle in. This was the calmest and clearest water I have been to. We did go down around 8am every day to put things on the chairs to reserve them.

Lagoon Beach

Another great family-friendly beach option with beautiful water and plenty of room to play.

Splashers Children’s Pool

For toddlers, this is one of the places you’ll probably spend the most time.

Splashers is designed specifically for younger children and includes water-play features that are much more manageable for little ones than some of Atlantis’ bigger attractions.

Ripples Pool

Another toddler-friendly option for cooling off without committing to the larger water attractions.

Marine Life: One of Atlantis’ Best Features

You don’t have to be an aquarium enthusiast to appreciate the marine habitats throughout Atlantis.

There are opportunities to see sharks, stingrays, turtles, tropical fish, and other marine life throughout the property.

For young kids, this can be just as exciting as the water park, especially as it has AC.

The Dig

The Dig is a must.

Enter through the lower level of The Royal lobby and you’ll find an elaborate aquarium experience inspired by the lost city of Atlantis.

For toddlers and young children, it’s especially fun because you can explore at your own pace without needing to commit to a formal activity.

Rise and Shine With the Dolphins

One of the special experiences to consider booking is Rise and Shine with the Dolphins.

Our schedule had this starting at 8:00 AM, which is actually perfect for families with young kids who are already awake at the crack of dawn anyway.

It’s an unforgettable way to experience the marine life at Atlantis and gives you a special activity to build the day around.

Marine Life Feeding Schedule

If your kids love animals, plan your day around some of the scheduled feedings.

Schedules can change, so always confirm times with Atlantis before your trip, but typical feeding times include:

Predator Lagoon

• Tuesday–Sunday: 8 AM & 3 PM

Mayan Temple Sharks

• Wednesday, Friday & Sunday: 12 PM

Mayan Temple Fish

• Tuesday–Sunday: 12 PM

Royal Walk East Sharks

• Wednesday, Friday & Sunday: 2 PM

Royal Walk East Stingrays

• Tuesday–Sunday: 2 PM

Ruins Lagoon

• Tuesday–Sunday: 9 AM & 3 PM

Hawksbill Turtles

• Tuesday–Saturday: 10 AM

This is one of those places where having a loose schedule helps. You don’t need to see everything—just pick a few feedings that work with your day.

Where to Eat at Atlantis

One of the biggest perks of staying at Atlantis is the variety of dining options.

And if you’re traveling with young kids, having restaurants right on property makes life so much easier.

Breakfast

Perch

Located at The Cove and exclusive to Reef guests, Perch is a great breakfast option.

Hours: 7 AM–12:30 PM

This is especially convenient if you’re staying at The Reef and don’t want to trek across the resort first thing in the morning.

Poseidon’s Table

Located at The Royal, this buffet is another easy breakfast option.

Hours: 7 AM–12 PM

Murray’s Deli

Located in Marina Village, Murray’s is open from 7 AM–10 PM, making it a flexible option for families who aren’t operating on a traditional meal schedule.

Lunch

Cocodrilo

Located within Aquaventure, this is an easy choice when you’re already spending the day around the water.

No reservations are required.

Hours: 11:30 AM–10 PM

Amber

Located at the Atlantis Casino, Amber offers another dining option and reservations are encouraged.

Hours: 11:30 AM–12 AM

Dinner

Nobu

If you’re planning one special dinner, make it Nobu.

Our itinerary included an 8:30 PM dinner, but if you’re traveling with children under 7, you have to be out by 6PM. We thankfully had babysitters so we could enjoy one night out.

Bimini Road

Reservations are recommended, and it’s worth noting that Bimini Road is closed Wednesdays.

Seafire Steakhouse

Located in Marina Village, Seafire is another great dinner option.

Reservations are encouraged.

Hours: 5–10 PM

Amber

Amber also works for dinner and late-night dining.

Traveling With a 17-Month-Old & 2.5-Year-Old? This is what we did

Atlantis can work incredibly well for this age group but don’t make the mistake of planning every minute.

A sample day could look something like:

8:00 AM
Breakfast in the room or at one of the resort restaurants

8:30 AM
Beach

10:30 AM
Splash time at a pool

12:00 PM
Lunch

1:00–3:00 PM
Nap / quiet time

3:30 PM
The Dig Aquarium or marine habitats

5:00 PM
Walk through Marina Village

6:00 PM
Dinner

7:30 PM
Back to the room

8:00 PM
Bedtime

Our Atlantis Family Schedule

If you’re looking for a simple way to structure a long weekend, here’s how I’d do it.

Wednesday — Arrival

Arrive in the Bahamas and arrange your airport transfer ahead of time.

We used Cheryl’s Bahamas Taxi and Tours, which made getting to the resort easy.

If you’re traveling with a baby, have your crib or rental equipment arranged before you arrive.

Once you’re checked in, keep dinner simple and get everyone to bed. Don’t overplan arrival day.

Thursday — Free Day

This is your day to do absolutely nothing.

And that’s the point.

☀️ Beach
🏊 Pool
🍹 Drinks
🐚 Explore the property
😴 Nap
🍽️ Dinner

Let everyone settle into vacation mode.

Friday — Dolphins + Beach + Dinner

Start the morning with:

8:00 AM — Rise and Shine with the Dolphins

Then head to the beach.

Spend the rest of the morning relaxing before returning for lunch and nap time.

In the evening, get dressed up for:

8:30 PM — Nobu

If you’re traveling with toddlers, consider arranging childcare if available and appropriate for your family or simply adjust the reservation to an earlier time.

Saturday — Cabana Day

This is the day to slow down.

Book a cabana at Poseidon Pool and make the pool your home base.

Have breakfast, swim, snack, nap, swim again, and enjoy the resort.

You don’t need an itinerary.

That’s the itinerary.

Sunday — Check Out

11:00 AM — Check out

12:00 PM — Airport pickup

Confirm your transportation in advance and give yourself plenty of time for the airport.

My Biggest Atlantis Tips

Book airport transportation ahead of time.

Don’t wait until you land. Have your private transfer arranged before you leave home.

Rent baby equipment.

If you’re traveling with a baby, use BabyQuip or arrange equipment through the resort rather than filling your suitcase with bulky items.

Don’t overschedule.

Atlantis has so much to do that you’ll naturally find things to fill your days.

Plan around naps.

A two-hour nap can make the difference between a wonderful afternoon and a complete toddler meltdown.

Make dinner reservations ahead of time.

Especially for the restaurants you really want to experience.

Give yourself a free day.

Beach + pool + food is a perfectly legitimate vacation day.

What to Pack

For a family Atlantis trip, I would absolutely overpack the following:

• Multiple swimsuits
• Rash guards
• Swim diapers
• Sunscreen
• Sun hats
• Sunglasses
• Water shoes
• Beach toys
• Toddler snacks
• Reusable water bottles
• Lightweight stroller
• Portable sound machine
• Baby monitor
• Favorite bedtime items
• Waterproof phone case
• Beach bag
• After-sun lotion
• Dinner outfits
• Small first-aid kit

And if you’re traveling with a baby or toddler, don’t forget the swim diapers.

Keeping it EllaVated

Atlantis is one of those destinations where you really don’t need to do much to have an amazing vacation. For families, especially families with babies and toddlers, that’s exactly what makes it so appealing. You can wake up, eat breakfast, walk to the pool, play in the water, watch sharks, eat lunch, go back for a nap, and still have an entire afternoon ahead of you. Our favorite family vacations aren’t necessarily the ones where we check the most things off a list. They’re the ones where everyone gets to enjoy themselves, and Atlantis makes that surprisingly easy. If you’re traveling with little ones, I’d choose The Reef, arrange your baby equipment before arrival, book your private airport transfer, make a few dinner reservations