Best Destinations for Families
Punta Cana
The undisputed champion for family vacations. The all-inclusive resort model means predictable costs, kids' clubs, pools with slides, and supervised activities — all steps from the beach. The calm, shallow water at Bávaro Beach is perfect for young children, and resorts like Hard Rock, Nickelodeon (now Rafa Nadal), and Club Med have exceptional children's programs.
La Romana / Bayahíbe
Quieter and more intimate than Punta Cana. Casa de Campo is the ultimate family resort — a private resort city with horseback riding, a replica 16th-century Mediterranean village (Altos de Chavón), and multiple pools. Day trips to Isla Saona from Bayahíbe are manageable with older kids and create magical memories.
Puerto Plata
The north coast offers more adventure-oriented family trips. The 27 Waterfalls (kids 6+ can do 7 falls), Ocean World marine park, and the cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres provide variety beyond the beach. All-inclusive options at Playa Dorada are family-friendly and more affordable than Punta Cana.
Kid-Friendly Beaches
The best beaches for kids have shallow, calm water, soft sand, and facilities nearby:
- Bávaro Beach, Punta Cana — Calm reef-protected water, resort services, lifeguards on duty
- Playa Juanillo, Cap Cana — Ankle-deep water extending 50+ meters, perfect for toddlers and young swimmers
- Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata — Gentle waves, clean sand, resort facilities within reach
- Boca Chica — A natural coral-enclosed lagoon with water rarely above waist-deep. Very popular with Dominican families
- Playa Bayahíbe — Small, calm cove with shade trees and gentle entry
Beaches to avoid with small children: Macao (strong currents), Cabarete (wind/waves), Playa Grande (powerful surf), and any beach without lifeguards or facilities.
Activities for All Ages
Ages 3-8
- Resort kids' clubs with supervised play, crafts, and pool time
- Glass-bottom boat rides to see colorful fish without snorkeling gear
- Manatee and marine animal encounters at Ocean World, Puerto Plata
- Horseback riding on the beach (most stables accept riders age 5+)
- Visiting a cacao plantation to learn how chocolate is made
Ages 8-14
- Snorkeling at Catalina Island or the reefs off Bayahíbe
- The 7 Waterfalls at Damajagua (minimum age 6, recommended 8+)
- Zip-lining through jungle canopy at various adventure parks
- Surfing lessons at Macao or Encuentro (beginner programs available)
- Exploring the Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo — Alcázar de Colón and the Columbus Lighthouse
Teens
- Kitesurfing lessons in Cabarete
- Full 12 or 27 Waterfall experience at Damajagua
- ATV tours through sugar cane fields
- Diving certification (PADI Junior Open Water from age 10)
- Deep-sea fishing from Punta Cana or Cap Cana
Health & Safety with Kids
- Sunscreen is critical. Apply SPF 50+ every 2 hours. The Caribbean sun burns fast, especially on kids' skin. Consider UV-protective rash guards for extended beach time.
- Hydration. Pack reusable water bottles and keep kids drinking throughout the day. Dehydration sneaks up quickly in tropical heat.
- Bottled water only. Never drink tap water. Use bottled water even for brushing teeth with very young children.
- Mosquito protection. Use repellent containing DEET or picaridin, especially at dawn and dusk. Dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses are present.
- Medical facilities. Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and Santiago have modern private hospitals. Major resorts have on-site medical staff. Purchase travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
- Sea safety. Always supervise children near the ocean. Even calm beaches can have hidden currents. Use reef shoes on rocky or coral-studded beaches.
Packing Tips for Families
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+ for kids)
- UV-protective rash guards and hats
- Water shoes (for rocky beaches and coral areas)
- Insect repellent (kid-friendly formulation)
- Compact first-aid kit with children's medications
- Waterproof phone cases and GoPro for underwater memories
- Snorkeling gear (resorts provide, but kids' sizes may be limited)
- A lightweight stroller for airport and resort walking
- Zip-lock bags for wet swimsuits and sandy shoes