Key Takeaways: Top Activities for Kids in the Dominican Republic
| Activity | Location | Ages |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Splash Around at Water Parks | Punta Cana | All Ages |
| 2. Swim with Dolphins | Punta Cana | 5+ |
| 3. Explore Caves | Puerto Plata | 6+ |
| 4. Go Snorkeling | Bávaro | 5+ |
| 5. Visit a Chocolate Factory | Puerto Plata | All Ages |
| 6. See Indigenous Art | Santo Domingo | All Ages |
| 7. Go Whale Watching | Samaná | 5+ |
| 8. Ride Horses | Punta Cana | 6+ |
| 9. Splash in Waterfalls | Jarabacoa | All Ages |
| 10. Relax at Beaches | Bávaro | All Ages |
See all 20 top activities
| Activity | Location | Ages |
|-|-|-|
| 11. See Rare Plants | Jardín Botánico | All Ages |
| 12. Go Shopping | Santo Domingo | All Ages |
| 13. Fly Through the Jungle | Puerto Plata | 6+ |
| 14. Visit Amber Museums | Puerto Plata | 6+ |
| 15. Learn to Surf | Cabarete | 8+ |
| 16. Play Mini-Golf | Punta Cana | All Ages |
| 17. See Sea Turtles | Bávaro | All Ages |
| 18. Visit History Museums | Santo Domingo | 8+ |
| 19. Go Fishing | Punta Cana | 5+ |
| 20. Make Crafts | Jarabacoa | All Ages |
The Dominican Republic is a wonderful destination for families, with plenty of kid-friendly activities perfect for making memories. From exploring tropical forests to snorkeling in crystal clear waters, there are endless options for entertainment and adventure.
Use this guide to plan an unforgettable vacation in the Dominican Republic with kids of all ages.
1. Splash Around at Water Parks
With several world-class water parks, the Dominican Republic delivers family fun for all ages. Manati Park in Punta Cana features kid-sized slides, a lazy river, and splash area for toddlers. Adults can enjoy thrill rides like the Boomerang. Parque Acuático Oasis Canoa in Punta Cana and Ocean World Aquatic Park in Puerto Plata also have areas perfect for little ones. With rides, rapids, wave pools and more, an action-packed day is guaranteed.
2. Swim with Dolphins
A highlight for many families is swimming with friendly dolphins in their natural habitat. Dolphin Island Park and Marinarium in Punta Cana offer programs where kids can get up close to pet, feed, dance and swim with these amazing mammals under supervision. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to interact with dolphins that the whole family will treasure.
3. Explore Caves
For adventurous families, explore fascinating underground caves like Los Tres Ojos near Puerto Plata. Guided tours take you 30 meters below ground to see stalactite formations, cultural Taíno cave drawings, and underwater lakes to swim in. With stalagmites, rock formations, and resident bats, it evokes an other-worldly atmosphere. Another cave system, Cuevas de Borbón, has скелеты ancient human remains and tunnels to crawl through.
4. Go Snorkeling
Snorkeling the clear waters of Bávaro Beach offers a vibrant underwater world for kids to discover. Spot colorful fish and sea creatures as you float over coral reefs teeming with life. Many all-inclusive resorts offer snorkeling equipment and trips to prime spots. For advanced snorkelers, take a boat trip to the untouched Saona or Catalina islands. As one of the top activities for families, snorkeling creates magical memories.
5. Visit a Chocolate Factory
At a Dominican chocolate factory like the Chocal Artisan Chocolate Factory Tour in Puerto Plata, kids can see first-hand how cacao beans are transformed into delicious chocolate treats. The interactive tour lets them touch, smell, and taste ingredients throughout the process. Best of all, everyone gets to sample fresh chocolate straight from the factory. Parents will also enjoy learning how the island’s world-famous cocoa is cultivated.
6. See Indigenous Art
Introduce kids to Dominican culture by visiting the Museum of Dominican Man in Santo Domingo, home to ancient Taíno and colonial artifacts. Marvel at rock carvings and drawings left by the indigenous people centuries ago. See weapons, tools and masks that provide insight into how Taíno tribes lived. Trying to spot familiar shapes in the abstract designs makes for an engaging activity for youngsters.
7. Go Whale Watching
Samaná Bay hosts thousands of humpback whales every winter that migrate from the Arctic to mate and birth calves. Watching these gigantic yet gentle creatures leaping, breaching, and slapping their fins is astonishing. Whale-watching cruises allow kids the unforgettable chance to observe the whales up close in their natural habitat. Seeing a mother whale swimming with her calf is heartwarming.
8. Ride Horses
Horseback riding along the beach or through lush vegetation lets kids feel like adventurers exploring the island. Several stables in Punta Cana offer beginner rides for children on gentle horses with guides leading the way. Form friendships with the sweet-natured horses and enjoy gorgeous scenery from the saddle. Trotting hooves kicking up sand into blue waters makes memories to cherish.
9. Splash in Waterfalls
Playing in refreshing waterfall pools makes the heat more bearable. Scattered across the countryside, cascades like El Limón Waterfall in Jarabacoa offer natural waterslides, shallow pools and pretty picnic spots. Kids can monkey around climbing rocks or imagining tales of treasure hunts. Rinse off under the tumbling water before enjoying local treats from vendors. With many flowing year-round, waterfalls provide free family fun.10. Relax at Beaches
Renowned for picturesque shores, the Dominican Republic’s beaches captivate kids with warm sands and gentle waves perfect for swimming. Popular stretches in Bavaro like Macao Beach tempt families to try beach activities like paddle-boarding, building epic sandcastles, and treasure hunts. Playing beach tennis or baseball together creates giggles too. With coconut palm trees swaying in ocean breezes, lounging on beach days builds golden memories.
11. See Rare Plants
At unique botanical gardens like Jardín Botánico Nacional Dr. Rafael Ma. Moscoso in Santo Domingo, kids gain appreciation for the island’s dazzling greenery. This vast garden cultivates native species like Hispaniolan orchids and exotic imports alongside stylish sculpture installations. With so many colorful curiously shaped plants and art features to discover, it makes learning about nature riveting. The serene Japanese garden transports you to faraway places, with water features, red bridges and bonsai trees.
12. Go Shopping
From bustling markets to contemporary malls, shopping excursions entertain kids while giving an authentic taste of Dominican life. Find handcrafted souvenirs, custom jewelry or traditional herbs and spices at Mercado Modelo in Santo Domingo. At sleek malls like Blue Mall or Novo-Centro, families can escape the heat, have meal and find popular brands for fashion and toys. Trying on funky carnival masks makes shopping extra playful too. Haggling for deals also teaches money skills.
13. Fly Through the Jungle
Experience a birds-eye view of nature by zip-lining over lush jungle canopies in Puerto Plata province. Soar superman-style on cables between towering trees and mountains with unbelievable vistas. Kids get a thrill gliding at high speeds with the wind whistling past their ears. Some parks like Monkey Jungle Zip Line offer additional activities like rope courses to extend outdoor adventures. Family bonding is strengthened braving thrills together.
14. Visit Amber Museums
The unique geology of the Amber Coast along the Northern Corridor produces exquisite golden amber, petrified tree resin that occasionally encases ancient plants and insects. At museums like Amber World Museum in Puerto Plata, kids gain insight into paleontology seeing specimens with bugs trapped inside. Plus the glowing shades of amber are irresistibly pretty. Trying their hand at polishing rough amber is good crafty fun too.
15. Learn to Surf
With ideal waves, surf towns like Cabarete on the northern coast tempt adventurous families to try this cool watersport. Sign up the kids for private or group lessons to learn surfing basics on safe sandy beach breaks from expert instructors. Soon they’ll be standing up catching waves as parents watch proudly from shore. Having your dinner at a funky surf bar afterwards completes the coastal experience.
16. Play Mini-Golf
When kids need a break from sightseeing, mini-golf is an easy family favorite. At Punta Cana courses like Jellyfish Mini Golf and Caveman-themed Nevele Golf, creative hole designs lined with Dominican flora and fauna turn putting into an exotic adventure. As you play together, savor island treats like coconut ice cream. With kid-sized putters and balls provided, it’s the perfect laidback activity for some friendly competition.
17. See Sea Turtles
Witnessing endangered sea turtles in their natural habitat makes for poignant encounters. Many resorts in Bavaro assist local conservation programs, allowing kids to safely see hatchlings scurrying to the ocean. While pools at Manati Park offer great turtle viewing without any waves obstructing little eyes. Chance sightings of these ancient mariners while snorkeling or boating also inspire caring for ocean life.
18. Visit History Museums
Make the vibrant history and culture of the Dominican Republic exciting for kids by visiting interactive museums in the capital Santo Domingo. At family-friendly Museo Alcázar de Colón and Museo de Las Casas Reales, young historians walk in Columbus’ footsteps touring iconic 16th Century buildings. Museo Memorial de la Resistencia highlights 20th Century struggles for freedom through sculptures, artwork and games. Engaging exhibits like these illuminate why Dominicans are so proud of their heritage.
19. Go Fishing
Casting fishing lines off the Punta Cana coast allows kids to reel in fast-biting fish like mahi-mahi (dorado) or wahoo. Most resorts and private charter companies provide all necessary rods, bait and equipment for novice anglers. After a few catches, the crew turn the fresh fish into a beachside lunch or dinner if you choose the catch-and-release option. Sunset cruises make for magical evenings bonding together.
20. Make Crafts
Tap into your family’s creativity with Dominican arts and crafts. Local guides lead workshops suitable for kids in cultural crafts like weaving palm fronds into hats or boxes at places like Altos de Chavón village in La Romana. Paint your own souvenir tribal masks reminiscent of Carnival celebrations. In Jarabacoa mountain town, fashion mini musical instruments like maracas from dried gourds. DIY craft classes make cherished keepsakes.
Plan Your Family Adventure in Paradise
With cave adventures, speeding down ziplines, riding horses along beaches, snorkeling coral reefs and so much more, the family fun never ends in the Dominican Republic. It’s no wonder many globe-trotting parents rate the DR as their top destination for memorable activities kids will treasure forever.
Simply Dominican helps families unlock the very best of this vibrant Caribbean island. As the Dominican’s leading villa specialist and #1 Destination Management Company (DMC), we know what it means to have every detail taken care of during your holiday. After all, this is the most important week or two of your year, so we want to make it as magical and stress-free as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area in the Dominican Republic for families?
The best area for families is Punta Cana, which has many all-inclusive resorts, soft sandy beaches, calm waters, and the highest concentration of kid-friendly activities.
What is there to do with toddlers?
Great activities for toddlers include playing at water parks like Manati Park), building sandcastles on beaches in Bávaro, seeing animals at Eco Parque Nizaro in Puerto Plata, and splashing in gentle waterfalls like El Limón Waterfall in Jarabacoa.
What is the best way to get around with kids?
The most convenient way to get around with kids is by hiring a private driver or renting a car with car seats already installed to easily visit multiple destinations at your own pace.
What activities allow kids under 5?
Many activities allow kids under 5, like playing at water parks, whale watching boat tours, swimming with dolphins programs, horseback riding, amber museums, mini-golf, splash pads, beaches, seeing animals, and visiting botanical gardens. Always check specific age and height restrictions.
What months are best to visit Dominican Republic with kids?
The best months for traveling to Dominican Republic with kids are mid-December through mid-April when it’s warm but not too hot. There are also various school holiday periods. Avoid hurricane season which runs from June to November.