Travel solo and you can do whatever you want. Travel as a couple and you can compromise a bit. Traveling with children is a new story altogether. The good news is Punta Cana has something for everyone. Leave your worries at home and make memories with these family-friendly activities in the Dominican Republic.
Hit the Beaches
Instead of restricting yourself to your resort’s small stretch of sand, explore other beaches in the Punta Cana area. Bavaro Beach is brimming with abundant activities and delicious island cuisine. Playa Juanillo, where soft white sand meets warm teal water, is known as one of the best beaches on the East Coast. Macao Beach is a pristine and natural public beach without all the bustle from megaresorts.
Marinarium Snorkeling Cruise
The Marinarium snorkeling cruise will have your kids talking for months. Sail a glass-bottom catamaran out into the turquoise Caribbean and look down at the vibrant spectrum of marine life. Then, the whole family gets into the water to swim with stingrays and nurse sharks. Finish the journey on a sightseeing cruise along the coast of Cabeza de Toro and Bávaro.
Get Up Close and Personal — with Monkeys
Who doesn’t love monkeys? Five acres of lush Dominican forest have been set aside as a home for the curious and adorable squirrel monkeys, at Monkeyland. They’ll sit on your shoulders, play with your hat and glasses and eat food from the bowl in your hands. Bring your camera and snap priceless pics of your kids. Just don’t forget to show the pictures to the monkeys, they love seeing themselves on camera.
Scape Park at Cap Cana
If your teens show little interest in anything but their phones, take a trip to Scape Park. This park at Cap Cana is 247 acres of both land and sea activities. For children 11 and over, eight zip lines and a hanging bridge mean spending two exhilarating hours in the treetops. Explore an underground cave and rent a buggy for off-road and beach fun (children 6 and older), or jump on a horse for a leisurely ride through the Dominican countryside (10 and older). Scape Park also offers cenote, fishing, boating and biking excursions.
Who Doesn’t Love a Water Park?
With a fun pirate theme, Sirenis Aquagames has slides and rides that will keep you cooled off and smiling all day. A children’s area, kid’s club and baby area ensure fun for all ages. The central pool is great for relaxing and a buffet offers tasty BBQ, paella and international fare. Plus, there’s a hammock area for when the grown-ups need a rest.
4X4 and Catamaran Adventure in Punta Cana
Experience the best of land and sea on this rollicking excursion. Grab a 4X4 and head off into the Dominican countryside. Trek through lush jungle terrain and unsullied beaches, ending at Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve for a dip in a crystal-clear lagoon. Then, board a catamaran for a trip to Playa Blanca—a beautiful beach with warm shallow water and soft white sand. This excursion is an incredible opportunity to see the country and make priceless memories.
