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.
In This Guide
- Things to Do with Kids
- Getting Around as a Family
- Staying Safe with Children
- Family-Friendly Foods
- Packing Tips
- FAQs
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 with our Santo Domingo City Tour. 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 perfect for kids.
- Caving and zip lining in Scape Park: Located in Cap Cana, this eco-adventure park is perfect for families. Kids can zip line, explore caves, swim in the stunning Hoyo Azul cenote, and enjoy cultural shows.
- 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 Monkeyland: Kids love interacting with the playful squirrel monkeys at this popular attraction. Combined with jungle buggies, it makes for an unforgettable family adventure.
- Splash at El Dorado Water Park: Punta Cana’s newest water park (opened 2024) in Cap Cana features 20+ attractions, a 600-meter lazy river, wave pool, and a dedicated children’s area with mini slides and splash zones. Open Thursday-Sunday.
- 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.
For stress-free arrival, book airport transfers in advance. Many transfer services offer child seats upon request.
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, 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 busy, 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, so be careful with what you order. However, at resort restaurants and reputable local eateries, you won’t have any problems at all.
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, 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, try Dominican staples like fish, barbecued chicken, or deep-fried conch meat with rice and beans. Arroz con habichuelas (rice and bean stew) is available at every local restaurant. A menu del día (set lunch) at a local restaurant usually costs around $4-6 USD, providing a tasty and affordable meal option for families.
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. 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.
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. If you plan to go hiking, pack socks and hiking shoes. Also, pack extra swimwear since you’ll be in and out of pools all day!
Check out our monthly weather guides to plan your packing list based on when you’re visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age to take kids to Punta Cana?
Kids of all ages can enjoy Punta Cana. Toddlers love the calm, shallow waters of Bavaro Beach. Children 5+ can participate in most excursions including snorkeling, zip-lining (with height requirements), and boat tours. Teens enjoy water sports and adventure activities.
Are Punta Cana resorts safe for children?
Yes, family resorts in Punta Cana are very safe. Most all-inclusive properties have gated grounds, lifeguards at pools, kids’ clubs with supervised activities, and shallow pool areas for young children. Many also offer babysitting services.
What excursions are best for families with kids?
Top family-friendly excursions include Saona Island ($59-75 adults, $30 kids), Monkeyland ($80-95 adults, $50-60 kids), Scape Park ($129-169 adults, $69 kids), and horseback riding. These activities are suitable for children and offer unforgettable experiences. Always check age and height requirements before booking.
Do I need to bring car seats to Punta Cana?
Yes, it’s recommended to bring your own car seats. Rental cars and taxis in the Dominican Republic rarely provide them. Some airport transfer services offer car seats upon request—be sure to specify when booking.
What should I pack for kids in Punta Cana?
Essential items include reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), swim diapers for babies, floaties, water shoes, hats, and light clothing. Don’t forget any prescription medications, as pharmacies may not stock specific brands. Bring entertainment for travel days.
Is the food safe for children in Punta Cana?
Food at resorts and reputable restaurants is safe for children. Stick to bottled water, avoid street food for young children, and be cautious with raw seafood. All-inclusive resorts offer familiar foods like pizza, pasta, and chicken that kids love.
