Fun for teens/kids

[bigredhouse]

New here...hello and Happy Holidays to all of you very happy-sounding Abaconians! We're buried in snow and freezing in OH which is why we're looking at a property in Elbow Cay. We are curious, though, about what might interest our children, ages 15, 8 and 7 around there and are looking for an insider's advice. Thanks for anyone who can help.

[LEAPIN LIZARDS]

Well for starters, how about just being free? How wonderful it is to just be able to wonder in town and just be a kid, A bit of money in your pocket for lunch and you are all set. My daughter was ten when she got to experience this freedom. How about a game of basketball with some local children? Loads of fun. My son is 16 and he really enjoys combing the beach for treasures. He also enjoys helping his sister build pirate forts on the beach using things that have washed ashore. Lizard hunting is my daughters favorite, she is kind and would never harm them. Hermit crab racing is also a blast. Handline fishing is fun for all. I guess what I am trying to say is that it is the simple things that they will always remember and cherish. At home my children are "overly entertained" on Elbow they are resourceful kids who make their own fun. We are new homeowners by the way, and would be happy to share our experiences so far.

[Cathy Arizona]

We took our 3 daughters to Elbow when our youngest was about 11 or so. I was worried that the kids would be bored. I was happily mistaken. Our daughter is now 23 and has made 4 trips there, once paying her own way and now is planning her wedding there next June. There is as much or as little to do as you want. Beachcombing, snorkeling, fishing, swimming, hanging around in town...whatever. I have now taken my 3 grandsons there and they love it as much as the rest of us. Go, have some fun times, some relaxing times, some simple family time. You will all love it. Last year my sister and her husband joined us there and she said it was the best vacation she ever had. I have never met anyone who didn't enjoy their time in Abaco.

[bigredhouse]

Thanks to you both for your helpful remarks. Why am I worried about my kid being bored? Crazy. Like you, ours definitely have plenty of stimulation day in and out. We're just back from a pretty yucky Carnival Cruise (though the kids all liked it) and had our best time together the one day we were stuck on a quiet beach for the whole day. Looking for more of that, for sure, but I love the idea of letting our kids explore without fear of pickpockets, perverts or other unsavory experiences that we're so fearful of at home. Thanks again for your input. Enjoy the wedding, Cathy. Sure to be beautiful! Lizard: thanks for the offer for home ownership tips. Let us know what you've learned about owning in the Bahamas! Thanks again.

[HopetownLegend]

we have been to HT many times...the one thing that you will NEVER here is "we are bored"....don't worry they will have a blast !!!

[riss]

last year while on Guana, my nephew was invited to spend a day at the local school, participating in the lessons etc ... unfortuntalty it was the last day of their trip, but his parents are already making arrangments for his to attend for a few days on this years trip.... i believe that they will included a "where are you from lesson" to help the local children become aquainted of where he is from .... how he is only 5 years old, and is very excited about joining in with the class, and your 8 year old may not see the fun in "going to school" while on holidays, but it is somethign to consider

[RWillieK]

We had an 8 year old and a 13 year old with us this year, and they both enjoyed fishing, playing with hermit crabs, and digging in the sand. You might also pick up some snorkling gear at Walmart or something and search for some decent swimming spots!

Robbie