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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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