Use Reserve Now & Pay Later and GET 10% OFF at checkout – Code: ADVENTURE10

Punta Cana with Kids: Travel Tips for Families

I know that finding travel destinations to enjoy with children is no easy task considering you have to equally please all the members of the family.
Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana
Contents

Traveling to Punta Cana with kids can be stress-free and fun. Family-friendly all-inclusive resorts make everything easier. They answer the biggest travel questions right away: when to eat, where to eat, and what to do. Many offer kids’ clubs, mini discos, childcare, and family-friendly pools. With these services, families can relax and enjoy a safe Caribbean vacation.

What Things to Do in Punta Cana with Kids

There are plenty of things to do for kids of all ages, and the great infrastructure in the country means it’s easy to get around and explore Punta Cana, making it ideal to visit with kids. So, ditch the iPads and phones, and prepare your kids for some outdoor adventures and time on the beach! Here are some of our favorite things to do in Punta Cana with kids:

  1. Explore the old City of Santo Domingo: Spend a day in the capital’s historic quarter. The cobblestone streets feature colonial buildings and interactive museums. Kids love the Museo Infantil Trampolin, which offers guided tours designed for ages 2–12.
  2. Catch a catamaran and go snorkeling at Saona Island: Take a catamaran from Bayahibe to Saona Island. This tropical paradise is part of Parque Nacional del Este. The excursion usually includes a boat ride, a buffet lunch, and time at a shallow sandbank.
  3. Caving and zip lining in Scape Park: in Cap Cana is perfect for families. Kids can zip line, explore caves, or swim in cenotes. The park also offers fun cultural shows and exciting water activities for all ages.
  4. Enjoy Bavaro Beach — No trip to Punta Cana is complete without spending time at the famous Bavaro Beach. With its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s perfect for building sandcastles, swimming, or just relaxing under the sun.
  5. Visit resort playgrounds and kids pools — Many family resorts in Punta Cana feature excellent playgrounds and dedicated kids pools, providing a safe and fun environment for children to play and make new friends.

Getting Around as a Family

Driving in the Dominican Republic is easier than many expect. Roads are clearly marked, and distances between towns are short. Download offline maps before your trip to navigate Punta Cana easily with your kids without mobile data. Bring your own child seats, as rentals and taxis rarely provide them, which ensures safe travels in Punta Cana with kids.

Staying Safe with Children in Punta Cana

Safety is always an issue when traveling with children, but the Dominican Republic is relatively safe and easy for kids. As compared to other parts of the Caribbean that we’ve been to, the DR is rather affluent, and most beach towns are relaxed, calm, and safe. Only parts of Santo Domingo (being the largest city in the Caribbean) can feel quite dodgy, but stay in the old town and you’ll be absolutely fine for exploring with kids.

Tap water is not safe to drink in the Dominican Republic. Some local foods can pose health hazards, just be careful with what you order. I know you will not have any problems at all, even at cheap street-side eateries. In fact, the best food I had was at a truck stop along the highway from Santo Domingo to the Samana Peninsula — the barbecued pork belly was ridiculously succulent and tender, perfectly matched with rice and bean stew.

Family-Friendly Foods in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has a huge variety of food and restaurants available. You’ll find anything from Italian taverns to Japanese sushi joints, American chains (including Denny’s), and big food courts, especially in the resort areas and major cities. It won’t be difficult to find something your kids will like, making it a perfect destination for families.

If you’re looking for something local, though, try the Dominican Republic’s staples like fish, barbecued chicken, or deep-fried conch meat with rice and beans. Arroz and habichuelas (rice and bean stew) are omnipresent in every local restaurant here, whether it’s an upscale restaurant or a simple eatery. A menu del día (set lunch) at a local restaurant usually costs around 200 pesos, providing a tasty and affordable meal option for families in Punta Cana with kids.

Packing Tips for a Family Trip

My mantra has always been, “the less you pack, the happier you’ll be.” Packing light makes it easier to move around and allows you to explore more without the extra weight. Especially for a beach destination like the Dominican Republic, you really don’t need anything more than a few sundresses or lightweight t-shirts, shorts, bathing suits, and flip-flops, making packing for a trip with kids to Punta Cana a breeze.

Don’t forget your sunscreen, a hat, a waterproof bag, and towels for snorkeling trips and beach excursions. For your kids, remember their floaties and waterproof t-shirts, and you’re all set. If you do plan to go hiking in the jungle, then pack socks and hiking shoes. Also, if your family resort has multiple swimming pools, you might want to pack extra swimwear for Punta Cana’s kid-friendly fun.

You may also like: Weather in Punta Cana

Pre-book Your Punta Cana Adventures & Tours

Plan your Punta Cana adventure with us. We offer direct pick-ups from your resort. Secure your spot today!
Playa Rincon tour from Punta Cana or Bayahibe
Book Now, Pay Later

Playa Rincon, Samana, and Cayo Levantado Day Trip from Punta Cana

Experience the beauty of Playa Rincon on a day trip from Punta Cana. Relax with a traditional Dominican...
Zipline Splash, 4×4 Polaris Off-road & Horseback Riding Combo
Book Now, Pay Later

Mega Combo: Zipline, 4×4 Off-road Polaris & Horseback Riding

Dive into Punta Cana's ultimate adventure with a 7-line zipline, Polaris 4x4 off-roading, and serene Blue Lagoon visits....
Monkeyland and Zip Line tour from Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Zip Line & Monkeyland Adventure

Monkeyland and Zip Line tour. Includes our Zip Lines, a visit to the Coconut House, and a full...
Snorkeling and Parasailing Combo from Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Snorkeling, Parasailing and Party Boat in Punta Cana

Discover the sky and sea to the fullest with this excursion where you can meet the coast of...
Dune Buggy and Parasailing Combo
Book Now, Pay Later

Dune Buggy and Parasailing Multi-day in Punta Cana

Save money and have more fun with our Dune Buggy Punta Cana and Parasailing Punta Cana Combo!...
Power Dive Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Power Dive & Party Boat: Explore Punta Cana’s Marine World

Explore the exotic marine world of Punta Cana with our Power Dive adventure. Discover the natural beauty of...
Sunset Horseback Riding Tour from Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Sunset Horseback Riding tour from Punta Cana

Imagine horseback riding through the white sandy beaches of Punta Cana along with your significant other, or even...
Swimming with dolphins in Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Punta Cana Dolphin Swim Adventure

Dolphin Swim Adventure in Punta Cana invites you to do as you immerse yourself underwater is to take...
Doctor Fish Ocean Span in Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Ocean Spa in Punta Cana

Experience ultimate relaxation at Ocean Spa Punta Cana with massages, floating mats, and yoga aboard a luxurious catamaran!...
Santo Domingo City tour from Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Full-Day Santo Domingo City Tour

Visit the oldest city in the Americas! Come and join us to experience walking through where the history...
Saona Natural Pool
Book Now, Pay Later

2 Day Combo: Saona Island & ATV Off-Road Buggy

Experience two of Punta Cana’s top tours across two unforgettable days. On day one, cruise to Saona Island...
Dune Buggy, Party Boat & Snorkeling Combo
Book Now, Pay Later

Dune Buggy and Party Boat Multi-day Combo from Punta Cana

Enjoy the best of the Caribbean on a Booze Cruise. White sandy beaches, coconut palms, crystal-clear turquoise waters,...
Punta Cana Buggies
Book Now, Pay Later

Off-Road Dune Buggies & Cenote Cave

Escape into Punta Cana’s lush countryside in a 3‑hour buggy ride through forests and rocky terrain. Taste local...
Tour to Saona Island from Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Saona Island Day Trip From Punta Cana with Lunch and Open Bar

Enjoy a full-day tour to the beautiful Saona Island (Isla Saona)! Relax on the pristine beaches, swim in...
Monkeyland + Jungle Buggie
Book Now, Pay Later

Combo: Monkeyland & Jungle Buggies

Come ride a buggy at Monkeyland! We have the most amazing Jungle Buggies. You can enjoy them for...

Latest posts

Cabeza de Toro
Discover Cabeza de Toro in Punta Cana

Nestled along the Dominican Republic’s eastern coastline, Cabeza de Toro Punta Cana beckons visitors with its pristine shores, crystal-clear waters, and an air of serenity

Cabeza de Toro
Discover Cabeza de Toro in Punta Cana

Nestled along the Dominican Republic’s eastern coastline, Cabeza de Toro Punta Cana beckons visitors with its pristine shores, crystal-clear waters, and an air of serenity

Coming to Punta Cana?

Schedule your Excursions &
Tours before arriving.

Our activities include roundtrip transportation from every Punta Cana resort!
ATV Tour from Punta Cana

Coming to Punta Cana?

Did you know you can plan and schedule your activities before arriving? Doing so will save you time & money!

Enter your email below & we’ll show you how: