The Dominican Republic captivates visitors with pristine Caribbean beaches, vibrant culture, and rich colonial history. From the UNESCO World Heritage colonial zone of Santo Domingo to the luxurious resorts of Punta Cana, this tropical paradise offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Catamaran to Saona Island
A full-day catamaran excursion from Bayahibe to Saona Island includes open bar, buffet lunch on the beach, snorkeling stops, and a swim in the famous starfish natural pool. Children adore holding the starfish and the gentle catamaran ride.
Duration: Full day (8AM-5PM)
Monkeyland Wildlife Sanctuary
Squirrel monkeys freely jump onto visitors in beautiful botanical gardens at this wildlife sanctuary near Punta Cana. Children are absolutely delighted by the interaction; guides ensure safe and educational encounters with the monkeys.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Scape Park at Cap Cana
A family adventure park combining age-appropriate zip lines, a swim in the extraordinary Hoyo Azul cenote, cave exploration, and ATV rides across 30 hectares of natural terrain. Suitable for most ages with varying activity difficulty levels.
Duration: Half to full day
27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
The 7-falls option at Damajagua is manageable for children aged 5+ with good physical fitness. Swimming, sliding, and jumping through a natural limestone canyon with life jackets and helmets provided. Thrilling and safe for older children.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Los Tres Ojos Caves
Three magnificent limestone caves with underground lakes, accessible via walkways and a small boat ride. Children find the cave formations and mysterious atmosphere captivating, and the short duration is ideal for younger attention spans.
Duration: 1-2 hours
El Limón Waterfall Horseback Ride
A horseback ride through jungle to the 52-meter El Limón waterfall in Samaná is a wonderful family adventure. Children who are comfortable on horses find this particularly magical; guides lead horses in a safe convoy through tropical forest.
Duration: 3 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa
Family-focused unlimited luxury all-inclusive at Uvero Alto with dedicated Explorer's Club for kids (3-12) and Core Zone for teens (13-17). Multiple pools, diverse dining, and daily activity programs keep all ages entertained.
Family features: Explorer's Club kids club, Core Zone teen program, family suites, connecting rooms, shallow pool area, water sports
Majestic Colonial Punta Cana
Spacious all-inclusive resort in tropical gardens offering excellent family value with multiple pools, a kids club, and diverse entertainment. Large grounds give children room to roam safely within the resort.
Family features: Kids club (4-12), teen club, multiple pools including kids' pool, family rooms, sports complex, kids menus at all restaurants
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana
The most entertaining resort for children in the DR, with SpongeBob, Dora, and PAW Patrol character experiences, Aqua Nick water park, Slime Factory, and daily supervised activities themed around Nickelodeon characters.
Family features: Nickelodeon character experiences, Aqua Nick water park, Slime time, kids club, family suites, connecting rooms
Be Live Collection Punta Cana
Excellent value all-inclusive for families with multiple pools, a comprehensive kids club, family suites, and full entertainment schedule. Less crowded than some larger resorts with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Family features: Kids club, family rooms, pool complex, entertainment program, sports facilities, beach access
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Resort buffets are the most practical option for families with varied tastes and young children — most all-inclusives include children's sections with familiar foods
El Conuco in Santo Domingo offers a lively cultural dining experience with live Dominican music and dance shows that children find exciting alongside a varied menu
Street food like chimichangas and fresh juice is safe and exciting for older children in supervised tourist areas
Most restaurants can accommodate dietary restrictions if asked; resort kitchens are particularly accommodating for allergies with advance notice
Kids meals at mid-range restaurants typically cost $6-10; resort buffets are unlimited and included in all-inclusive rates
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
All-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana are the most family-friendly option in the Dominican Republic — kids clubs, pools, and medical staff on call create a safe, entertaining environment
Bring or buy Caribbean-specific SPF 50+ sunscreen — the tropical sun is significantly stronger than northern climates and children burn quickly
Travel health insurance covering emergency evacuation is strongly recommended for families — trauma and pediatric care outside major cities is limited