Punta Cana is perfect for a family vacation, thanks to its various all-inclusive resorts, amazing water parks and a short flight time from most destinations. But what are the things to do in Punta Cana with kids when traveling?
The selection of Punta Canas’ family activities might be overwhelming, especially when looking for some affordable and sustainable excursions. That’s why I as a long-term resident of Punta Cana and travel professional in the Dominican Republic have created this comprehensive and hand-selected list for you. It includes guided excursions and DIY adventures for families, of which some are geared towards kids, other towards teens. Furthermore, I have also taken into consideration some sustainable criteria and therefore have excluded family excursions where animals are kept in captivity. Therefore, this is one of the most comprehensive resources you can find when looking for the best things to do with kids in Punta Cana 2026.
- Quick Overview
- The best family activities for different ages
- What's new for 2026?
- My personal advice: how to plan a fun & safe family excursion in Punta Cana
- The best water-based things to do with family in Punta Cana
- Relax and play at family-friendly Bavaro Beach
- Try different water activities at the beach
- Go scuba diving in Punta Cana
- Take a surf lesson in Macao
- Book the best-rated family excursion in Punta Cana for snorkeling
- Marvel at Hoyo Azul at Scape Park Cap Cana
- Visit a waterfall in the Punta Cana area
- Choose a family all-inclusive resort with a water park
- El Dorado Water Park
- Visit Caribbean Lake Park any try wakeboarding or other activities
- The best land-based family activities in Punta Cana
- Have a blast with a Family Buggy Adventure
- Fly high at a canopy adventure in Punta Cana
- Learn more at a countryside tour and outback safari
- Visit a theme park in the Anamuya Mountains
- Have a full day of entertainment at Bavaro Adventure Park
- Go whale watching in the Bay of Samaná
- Explore wildlife at Los Haitises National Park
- Take unique photos at Montaña Redonda
- Have a family photoshoot
- The best family activities in Punta Cana – what else to consider?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This article is about the best things to do in Punta Cana with kids.
If you’d like to get more inspiration on what to explore in Punta Cana, check out the most exciting things to do in Punta Cana and the best day-trips from Punta Cana.
Are you interested in further Punta Cana tours? If so, check out our comprehensive Punta Cana Excursion Guide with the most exciting 40+ activities for your vacation.
If you are still looking for a place to stay in Punta Cana, have a look at the best family all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana.
Completely UPDATED by your Punta Cana expert Chris: September 2025
Quick Overview
Before we start, let’s have a quick look at what’s important for you:
- Yes, Punta Cana is safe for families (find further details in a separate section below or read the full honest evaluation about safety in Punta Cana here).
- Yes, Punta Cana is a perfect family destination (find further details in a separate section below).
- This article doesn’t involve any activities where animals are living in captivity.
- There are different suitable activities for different ages.
The best family activities for different ages
When writing this article about the best family activities, I decided against sorting the suggestions according to the (kids) age and instead sorting them according to the type of activity. Like this, you get a better overview of what’s possible in Punta Cana and can decide on your own if a specific activity suits your children. Every kid is different and you know them the best.
The best activity/excursions for toddlers (0-2 years): beach time (or countryside safari*)
The best activity/excursions for smaller kids (3-6 years): El Dorado Water Park*
The best activity/excursions for older kids (7-11 years): Family-friendly snorkeling*
The best activity/excursions for younger teens (12-14 years): Scape Park Cap Cana*
The best activity/excursions for older teens (15-18 years): Surf Camp in Macao*
If you have any questions about if a certain activity is suitable for a certain age, feel free to let me know in the comments.
In case you don’t want to read so much, you can also check the following tours, which are some of the best excursions for families in Punta Cana and guarantee great adventures for your kids and teens.
What’s new for 2026?
I always try to keep this blog as updated as possible. If you’re a seasoned traveler to Punta Cana and want to know the latest updates and newest activities for kids and teens, here you go:
- New activity: Go Karting has now arrived to Punta Cana. If you want to have a fun race with your loved ones, you should give Go Karting Punta Cana a look. Even kids and teens can drive, hence it is a perfect quick outing for the family, which you can book incl. resort transfers here*.
- Expanded offers: Caribbean Lake Park continues to expand its offers with more action-packed activities for the whole family. With AquaKarts, JetSkis, FlyBoards and Buggies, a lot of thrilling options are offered. Teens with a minimum of 16 years can drive all of those on their own, smaller kids of 6 years and older can ride buggies and Aqua Karts if accompanied by an adult. You can book your park pass directly here*.
- Public Water Park off-resort: it already opened in 2024, but it still can be considered a pretty new family attraction in Punta Cana – the El Dorado Water Park. It’s the perfect option if you want to spend a day in a water-focused theme park and ride thrilling slides, especially if you don’t have a water park included in your (family) resort in Punta Cana. Tickets with transfers included are available here*.
- The best family activity: if we have to elect a winner for the best family activity in Punta Cana for 2026, it is definitely this family-friendly snorkeling tour with seafood lunch in small groups. It constantly receives (the best) outstanding reviews and focuses on personal attention, a sustainable approach to the ocean and high-quality food and drinks. Get your tickets here before your trip as they do sell out*.
- A new family yacht: something new for those who want to experience a private family outing without breaking the bank is this small yacht, which shows you the coastline of Punta Cana, the natural swimming pool, a reef for snorkeling and a pristine beach for photos. As there is only one yacht available like this, advance bookings are recommended here*.
My personal advice: how to plan a fun & safe family excursion in Punta Cana
Here’s a quick 5-step process to help you choose, book, and enjoy family activities during your trip:
- Match by age & interest — pick activities that suit your youngest or most cautious family member – you can find the age group recommended for each activity below in the blog.
- Check timing & duration — some excursions are half-day, others full-day — plan rest time and adapt to your family. Young kids usually don’t need to be on the road the entire day.
- Book ahead — especially for popular parks or private charters (peak season fills up). It also saves you time and hassle during your vacation if you have planned ahead. Most activities allow you to cancel for free.
- Pick the right family activities — avoid activities with animals in captivity, such as all dolphin excursions or the shark & stingray encounter and opt for excursions with natural wildlife sightings instead, such as whale watching or snorkeling.
- Balance your schedule — mix high-energy adventures with chill rest or beach days in between, don’t pack every day full of excursions.
The best water-based things to do with family in Punta Cana
Relax and play at family-friendly Bavaro Beach
So let’s start with the water-based family activities in Punta Cana because kids simply love the water! Even better, we’ll start with one thing in Punta Cana which is absolutely for free: the amazing beach!
Chances are high that your hotel – especially when booking a family-friendly all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana – is right at the beach. Bavaro Beach is one of the most family-friendly options in Punta Cana. Playa Bavaro, as it is called in Spanish, is extremely wide, has only occasional waves and is pretty gently sloping, which makes Bavaro Beach one of the best beaches for a family vacation in Punta Cana. There are tons of sand to build sandcastles, it’s easy to splash around in the ocean and if your kids would like to play soccer or any other sport that requires some space, there is more than enough as the beach is never crowded.
For further information and the most family-friendly resort at Playa Bavaro, check out this comprehensive article about Bavaro Beach.
What makes it special for families: kids will love the beaches in Punta Cana, Bavaro Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches
What is the recommended age for the kids: suitable for all ages, even though kids from 0 to 12 usually enjoy the beach most
Approximate price: for free
Duration: to your liking, anything from 1 to 4 hours or even more
Additional information to read more about my experiences:
– Bavaro Beach – resorts, best spots, activities and public access to Punta Cana’s main beach
– The 10 best beaches in Punta Cana
– the best beaches in the Dominican Republic
Try different water activities at the beach
Once at the beach, you can also spice up your family vacation a little bit. Several beach activities, suitable for the entire family, are waiting for you.
If you prefer non-motorized watersports, you shall check with your all-inclusive resort, as most hotels include water activities in Punta Cana with kids, such as kayaks, Hobie-cats or some snorkeling.
Most important thing to book before your trip – what most people forget: health insurance for the Dominican Republic – get prices here*
(gets you covered in case of illness, accidents or necessary medical treatments)
If you want a little bit more action, you can have a ride on the banana boat or go parasailing to see Punta Cana up from the air*. Your kids will love the combination of action and water! Those motorized water activities are usually not included, but you can prebook them easily or check out the nearest water sports centers for details.
What makes it special for families: when spending time at the beach as a family, those craving for some action will be pleased
What is the recommended age for the kids: non-motorized water activities are recommended for kids of 3 and older, motorized water sports for 6 and older
Approximate price: some activities might be included in your all-inclusive resort
Duration: depends on the activity
Additional information to read more about my experiences:
– 16 amazing things to do for free in Punta Cana
– the best snorkeling spots in Punta Cana
– how to kayak in Punta Cana
Go scuba diving in Punta Cana
Scuba Diving is not the typical excursion for families in Punta Cana, but if you have some water-loving and adventure-focused teens (+ if you are a diver on your own), you might sign up for a test dive, which could be the beginning of a new love relationship for your kids (as long as they are old enough).
Even Punta Cana is for sure not a mecca for divers in the Caribbean, there are some interesting spots, especially some wrecks and reefs around Punta Cana and the beautiful underwater world of Isla Catalina and Isla Saona. Particularly the easy diving conditions with clear water and non-existent currents (for most of the dives) make it an ideal area to start diving, in case your kids are interested to learn a new hobby. Furthermore diving is an excellent way to see the beautiful underwater world in its natural habitat – especially for older teens.
What makes it special for families: young people who start diving will love diving for the rest of their life
What is the recommended age for the kids: 12 and older
Approximate price: a single dive starts at 60-70 USD per person plus equipment
Duration: usually half-day, but it depends on the number of dives
Additional information to read more about my experiences:
– Scuba Diving in Punta Cana – your full guide with the best dive sites & dive shops in Punta Cana
Take a surf lesson in Macao
Talking about new activities especially teens will love – if scuba diving doesn’t call their immediate attention, how about surfing?
A little town called Macao just a quick ride north of Punta Cana is what can be considered the most popular surfing location in the east of the Dominican Republic. The area is perfect for beginners, as waves are usually always present, but not monstrously high. The ground is always covered with sand, so there are no reefs where you can scrape your leg when falling from the board. In other words, Macao Beach is a perfect surfing beach for beginners and would be an ideal terrain to convince your teens of the love of surfing.
Playa Macao is also one of Punta Canas’ most beautiful beaches, so even if you are not surfing, it is worth a trip.
What makes it special for families: especially for teens who are quickly getting bored, it is a perfect option to discover a potential new passion during their Punta Cana family vacation
What is the recommended age for the kids: kids are surfing starting from the age of 6-8, but it is most recommended for teens older than 12
Approximate price: board rentals start at 15 USD per hour, full surfing lessons incl. equipment and transfers usually start at 99 USD (check out the prices here*)
Duration: usually half-day
Additional information to read more about my experiences:
– the full Macao Beach Guide
– the best beaches in the Dominican Republic
– the most beautiful beaches in Punta Cana
Book the best-rated family excursion in Punta Cana for snorkeling
As mentioned above in this article, here at Punta Cana Travel Blog I don’t support excursions for families with animals in captivity, such as swimming with the dolphins (or other activities we don’t want to mention here). However, we understand that your kids love animals and want to see some of them during your family vacation in the Caribbean. So how about seeing colorful fish in their natural habitat while snorkeling?
There aren’t many reefs in Punta Cana accessible right from the beach, but luckily, one of the best-rated family excursions in Punta Cana is this super cool snorkeling trip offered by one of the most trusted tour companies*. It is even a completely kid-friendly option, as this excursion is particularly focused on families. No booze cruise, no wild music, no excess of alcohol – you and your kids will love this tour. For years, this snorkeling excursion gets some of the best ratings in the industry and has a satisfaction rate of more than 97%.
During this snorkeling excursion, you will head to a reef far away from all the party boats. The reef is part of a restoration project and has one of the highest fish populations in Punta Cana. They naturally live here and don’t have to be enticed with bread or other techniques like at other snorkeling spots. Usually, there are only very modest waves and currents here, so it is also very safe for your kids to swim here. Obviously, life jackets and the entire snorkeling equipment is provided.
What makes it special for families: cruising with a catamaran through the turquoise ocean while exploring the underwater world of Punta Cana is a great adventure for your kids
What is the recommended age for the kids: 3 and older
Approximate price: approx. 115 USD (you can see the prices here*)
Duration: half-day
Additional information to read more about my experiences:
– Snorkeling in Punta Cana – the best spots and reefs (+ a secret to tell)
– The best Punta Cana catamaran tours – booze cruises, private catamarans, party boats & more
Marvel at Hoyo Azul at Scape Park Cap Cana
Ok, let’s assume your kids don’t like saltwater that much, they prefer sweet water. No problem at all! Hoyo Azul at Scape Park Punta Cana is a must-see place which is fed by the cleanest and clearest underground water you can imagine.
Hoyo Azul is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Punta Cana with kids. It is also called Blue Lagoon because the water has an incredible turquoise color. It is the perfect setting for stunning family photos. Your kids will love the Hoyo Azul as they can jump into the water, splash around and enjoy the beautiful nature.
Hoyo Azul is part of Scape Park Punta Cana, which comes with further family activities, such as an adventurous ziplining circuit, several swimming pools and a large cave system to explore. It is one of the tropical theme parks and is one of the best kid-friendly things to do in Punta Cana if you are looking for a day full of fun, diversity, action and entertainment.
What makes it special for families: Hoyo Azul is unique and can be combined with the many other things to do for kids Scape Park Punta Cana is offering
What is the recommended age for the kids: possible for all ages, but due to the separate zipline, one of the main attractions at Scape Park, the minimum age is 6 years to fully enjoy the entire theme park
Approximate price: 130 USD per adult with discounts for children (check the current promotions here*)
Duration: full-day
Additional information to read more about my experiences:
– Scape Park Cap Cana – a tropical theme park with a zipline and blue lagoon in Punta Cana
– Hoyo Azul Punta Cana – the famous blue lagoon
– The best theme parks in Punta Cana
Visit a waterfall in the Punta Cana area
Another activity for families with freshwater is to visit a waterfall in the area. Even there is no waterfall in the immediate area of the all-inclusive resorts, there are plenty of waterfalls you can visit from Punta Cana in under three hours – on an exciting day-trip or a road trip through the Dominican Republic.
If visiting a waterfall is something you consider during your family vacation in Punta Cana, I’d recommend you the following options:
– Saltos de Anamuya if you don’t want to hike a lot, just relax in the natural waterfall swimming pools (not recommended on the weekend as it can get crowded)
– the waterfall Salto Socoa for a short hike (15 minutes) and plenty of space to splash around in the natural swimming pool (it is a bit more than a two-hour drive though)
– Salto de la Jalda for a full-day adventure with older teens who love to hike (6-hour hike)
If you are interested in visiting a waterfall, check out further information in my Punta Cana waterfall guide.
What makes it special for families: explore the beautiful nature Punta Cana has to offer. Kids will love to swim and play in the natural swimming pools.
What is the recommended age for the kids: the recommended age depends on the type of waterfall you visit
Approximate price: most waterfalls can be visited for free or for a minimal entrance fee; guides and tours cost extra
Duration: depends on the waterfall, can be half- or full-day
Additional information to read more about my experiences:
– All waterfalls reachable from Punta Cana in under 3 hours
– Salto de la Jalda – the highest waterfall in the Caribbean
– The best day trips from Punta Cana
Choose a family all-inclusive resort with a water park
Ok, this is not an activity by itself, but considering this will make your kids happy for the entire vacation, it is a big deal: choosing an all-inclusive resort with a (huge) water park.
It is without question that most kids of all ages love water parks. The water slides are perfect for some action, the water playgrounds make younger kids happier and in general, most children love to romp for the entire day.
Even the water parks in Punta Cana might not compete with the biggest Florida theme parks, they are quite impressive. Royalton Punta Cana, Hyatt Ziva, Grand Sirenis, RIU Resort and Dreams Onyx are some of the hotels with the biggest waterparks in Punta Cana. Hard Rock Punta Cana also added a water park recently to its property.
Please note that most all-inclusive resorts don’t allow outside guests, so it is usually not possible to visit the water park just for a day when staying in another hotel. However, in 2024 the first public water park in Punta Cana has opened. Read the next suggestion to learn more about it.
What makes it special for families: kids simply love water parks
What is the recommended age for the kids: from 0 to 18
Approximate price: if you stay in a resort with an on-site water park, it is for free
Duration: full-day
Additional information to read more about my experiences:
– the best resorts with water parks in Punta Cana
– the best family resorts in Punta Cana
El Dorado Water Park
El Dorado Water Park is one of Punta Cana’s newest family attractions: a completely newly built water park in the elegant and safe area of Cap Cana.
It features around 15 attractions, among them several slides for different ages and an impressive amphitheater with a capacity of more than 3000 people. It is without question the largest water park in Punta Cana, much bigger than what all the resort water parks are offering. It is also the first water park in Punta Cana that is accessible to the public and NOT located on resort grounds.
If you’re on a family vacation in Punta Cana and are planning to visit a water park, El Dorado is your place to go. Transfer from your resort is included in all online tickets. However, if you’re already staying in a resort with a water park such as RIU Palace, Royalton, Grand Sirenis, Hyatt Ziva or Dreams Onyx, it is in my opinion – even though El Dorado is much bigger – not worth spending an extra day (and extra money) at El Dorado.
What makes it special for families: the only water park in Punta Cana which is accessible to the public – and therefore the perfect option if your hotel doesn’t have one
What is the recommended age for the kids: 3 and older
Approximate price: 129 USD per person (check prices here*)
Duration: full-day
Additional information for reading more about my experiences:
– the best resorts with a water park in Punta Cana
– the best theme parks in Punta Cana
Visit Caribbean Lake Park any try wakeboarding or other activities
Another place to visit in Punta Cana with kids and particularly with teens is the Caribbean Lake Park. It is a compilation of various attractions which can either be booked separately or as a full-day ticket – similar to other theme parks in the area. Compared to other parks like Bavaro Adventure Park or La Hacienda Park, Caribbean Lake Park is completely water-based, except for their dune buggy adventure.
A Tibetan bridge, a floating circuit, zip lines, a doughnut ride and wakeboarding are just some of the attractions. Recently, they have also added Aqua Karts, Flyboards, a buggy ride and Jetskis, making them the only place in Punta Cana where it is allowed to ride JetSkis. There is also a newly-opened restaurant next door with well-elaborated drinks and dishes, which offers perfect views of the Caribbean Lake Park.
What’s particularly cool for families is that teens of 16 years and older can drive Jet Skis, Buggies and Aqua Karts on their own with adult consent, and children 6 years and older can ride buggies and Aqua Karts accompanied by an adult, guaranteeing pure family fun.
What makes it special for families: a lof of child-friendly activities where kids and teens can actually ride and drive for themselves
What is the recommended age for the kids: 6 and older
Approximate price: starting at 99 USD (check prices here*)
Duration: half-day, can be made full-day as well
The best land-based family activities in Punta Cana
Have a blast with a Family Buggy Adventure
Dune buggy tours in Punta Cana are one of the most popular excursions in Bavaro, thanks to their combination of entertainment and action. While some of these tours are not suitable for children, a family buggy adventure is a perfect option if you are looking for things to do in Punta Cana with kids.
This family excursion is operated in adjusted family buggies for up to 5 passengers and takes you to the backcountry of Punta Cana. You’ll pass a lot of farms, ride along dirt roads without any traffic and visit a local village where you can get some impressions from the local life. During the ride, you will get muddy and wet, which keeps the kids entertained.
The tour operator of this family buggy adventure* pays special attention to buggy maintenance, so it is a perfectly safe family activity. However, please stick to the safety rules of the tour and watch to your left and right when driving.
What makes it special for families: action and fun for the entire family while exploring the backcountry of Punta Cana
What is the recommended age for the kids: the minimum age is 3, but I would recommend booking only with children of 6 years and older
Approximate price: starting from 50 USD per person (see full prices here*)
Duration: half-day
Additional information to read more about my experiences:
– The best dune buggy adventure tours in Punta Cana (tested and hand-picked)
– Safety in Punta Cana
Fly high at a canopy adventure in Punta Cana
Another fun- and action-filled family activity is ziplining in Punta Cana. Your children will love it when they are flying through the air, see everything from above and feel the adrenaline in their bodies.
Punta Cana has several zipline excursions. You have to decide between two options when looking for the perfect excursion for families: a canopy adventure through the tropical jungle of the Dominican Republic or a zipline circuit in a theme park with a unique water splash, where you end your zipline adventure right in the water. Both options are available, you can find the details in my detailed post about ziplining in Punta Cana.
Ziplining is definitely one of the most exciting things to do in Punta Cana with your family, so make sure you don’t miss it.
What makes it special for families: ziplining is great fun for kids and adults
What is the recommended age for the kids: kids and teens will love it, but most zipline excursions require a minimum age of 6
Approximate price: tours are starting at 70 USD per person (you can compare different prices here*)
Duration: usually half-day, but it depends on the specific zipline excursion you choose
Additional information to read more about my experiences: The best ziplines in Punta Cana – your canopy adventure in paradise!
Learn more at a countryside tour and outback safari
In case you want to explore Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic in a more relaxed way than ziplining or dune buggy adventures, you can sign up for an educational tour through the countryside. What first sounds like a boring ride with an elderly guide is in reality a pleasant tour with a lot of interesting activities.
During this tour suitable for kids of every age, you will visit a typical house, see the traditions of the Dominican people and can admire the beautiful countryside of Punta Cana. Furthermore, you can taste a lot of local products you might even not find in your all-inclusive resort: local chocolate, exotic fruits, freshly ground coffee and famous Dominican rum are just some of the delicacies the Dominican Republic has to offer.
The tour is usually done in a safari truck, so it is much more than just a tour around the area. That’s why it is also called outback safari or safari adventure. You can smell the different flavors of the Dominican Republic and enjoy the Caribbean breeze the entire day. Especially with younger kids, this is a perfect option to see more from the Dominican Republic than just your family all-inclusive resort.
What makes it special for families: if you don’t like action and adventures in Punta Cana, this is one of the best tours to get to know the Dominican Republic
What is the recommended age for the kids: while teens might get a bit bored, this is a perfect excursion for kids with no minimum age restriction
Approximate price: usually ranging between 60 and 90 USD per person with discounts for children available (check prices here*)
Duration: half- or full-day
Visit a theme park in the Anamuya Mountains
Let’s say, you like ziplining, buggy adventures and a countryside safari, but don’t have time to do them all on 3 different days. Here is your solution: La Hacienda Park!
La Hacienda Park is a theme park in the Anamuya Mountains, approximately 1 hour away from most all-inclusive resorts in the Bavaro area. It features 6 adventures at one, among them the three aforementioned family activities as well as a chair lift, a free fall and a horseback ride. There is also a beautiful river with fresh spring water where you can relax.
Even the individual activities are not as extensive as if booking a single excursion (for example, La Hacienda Park has 5 cables instead of 12 when booking a full zipline adventure), it offers an unbeatable price-value ratio and guarantees a perfect day in Punta Cana with your kids.
What makes it special for families: La Hacienda Park combines different family adventures into an affordable package.
What is the recommended age for the kids: It is perfect for older kids and teens. Most activities require a minimum age of 6.
Approximate price: around 100 USD (check the family price here*)
Duration: full-day
Further information to read more about my experiences: the best theme parks in Punta Cana
Have a full day of entertainment at Bavaro Adventure Park
Talking about amusement parks, I shouldn’t forget to mention Bavaro Adventure Park. Currently, Bavaro Adventure Park is offering ziplining, a buggy tour, the waterfall pool and a horseback ride through the park. Additional activities might be added in 2023 or 2024. Particularly interesting is the buggy tour as it includes a race track in an abandoned mine and the zipline, which consists of a hanging bridge and 6 cables, where the last one sends you full-speed right into the water – a highlight your kids will never forget.
Bavaro Adventure Park is located very close to the hotel zone in Punta Cana and Bavaro, so if you are looking for family-friendly things to do in Punta Cana with very short transfer times, this is your tour to book. You can either book individual activities or a full-day access pass.
What makes it special for families Bavaro Adventure Park offers something for every type of traveler (and child)
What is the recommended age for the kids: 6-18, younger kids might be limited at some of the activities
Approximate price: individual activities starting at 70 USD, a full-day pass is around 140 USD (see the prices of Bavaro Adventure Park here*)
Duration: half- or full-day
Further information to read more about my experiences: the best theme parks in Punta Cana
Go whale watching in the Bay of Samaná
Do you remember why I don’t want to support tourist attractions in Punta Cana focusing on animals in captivity? Well, I have explained the reasons in the introduction. But there is something much better anyway: watching animals from a respectful distance in their natural habitat.
Exactly that’s what you can do when you are deciding on a whale-watching excursion in Punta Cana. These huge mammals will definitely impress your kids and create long-lasting memories.
The humpback whales come to the bay of Samaná (which is around a 1.5-hour drive away from Punta Cana, where you’ll board the whale-watching vessel) every year between January and March. In the sheltered waters of the bay, they are giving birth to their babies and feeding them for the first weeks before heading back to the Atlantic Ocean.
During the whale-watching excursion, you will have plenty of opportunities to see the whales, it is more than common that you have at least a dozen sightings or more. If you are lucky, the whales are even going to swim right beside your boat.
Whale watching in the Dominican Republic is organized very strictly so that the boats don’t interfere in the natural habitat of the whales. Each boat does need a whale-watching license, needs to keep a minimum distance and a maximum of 3 boats is allowed at each group of whales.
What makes it special for families: whale watching is an excursion every child dreams about
What is the recommended age for the kids: no age restrictions, even I would recommend it only for all kids and teens from 3 years and up due to occasional bumpy waves and long bus rides
Approximate price: for a full-day excursion from Punta Cana, prices start at 169 USD per person (see prices here*). There are even whale watching tours by plane available (book them here)*.
Duration: full-day
Additional information to read more about my experiences:
– Whale watching in the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana/Samaná)
– The best Punta Cana helicopter tours (incl. air tours and excursions by plane)
Explore wildlife at Los Haitises National Park
Talking about watching animals in their natural habitat, Los Haitises National Park is another family excursion in Punta Cana where you can admire the stunning beauty of the Dominican Republic. Los Haitises is still widely inaccessible due to the dense vegetation and is dominated by its dozens of islands and countless gentle hills.
When exploring the national park, you will embark on a boat that will lead you through the mangroves of the park. You’ll see the enormous Bay of San Lorenzo and visit caves, where you can still find paintings from the native inhabitants of the Dominican Republic, the Taínos. Concerning wildlife, you are usually able to see frigate birds and pelicans, as well as various crabs in the mangroves.
The national park is a 2.5-hour drive away from Punta Cana, which is a little bit far for a day trip. I’d recommend you either take a couple of (electronic) games into the bus when doing this trip with your children to keep them entertained or visiting Los Haitises National Park as a 2-day trip so that you also have more time to enjoy the unique waterfall swimming pools in the park.
What makes it special for families: for a nature-interested family, Los Haitises is one of the highlights in the east of the Dominican Republic
What is the recommended age for the kids: this tour can be done with kids of all ages
Approximate price: usually starting at 150 USD per person (see current tour prices here*)
Duration: full-day
Additional information to read more about my experiences: Los Haitises National Park – a wonderful excursion or road trip from Punta Cana
Take unique photos at Montaña Redonda
If you don’t want to travel as far as Los Haitises National Park, Montaña Redonda is a unique family adventure not too far away from most family-friendly all-inclusive resorts.
Montaña Redonda is a mountain with a spectacular 360-degree panorama surrounded by lush vegetation and untouched nature. What your kids will love at Montaña Redonda are the giant swings and cozy hammocks, both being set up right at the edge of the mountain, which allows for fantastic photo opportunities you can’t get anywhere else. This is a very affordable option to allow your kids some unique photos they later can share with their friends.
You can visit Montaña Redonda either on a guided tour or a road trip. If you decide to go there on your own, you can either walk up (the entrance fee is not really set and should be between 100 DOP and a maximum of 5 USD) on a short but steep path (allow between 30 and 60 minutes to get to the top depending on your fitness level) or take one of the safari trucks (approximately 10 USD) which are waiting at the bottom of Montaña Redonda.
What makes it special for families: Montaña Redonda is unique and your kids can use the biggest swings they have ever seen in their life
What is the recommended age for the kids: this is suitable for kids and teens of all ages
Approximate price: a guided excursion incl. pick-up in your resort is between 80 and 120 USD (get the current price here*)
Duration: half- or full-day, depending on the specific excursion you choose
Additional information to read more about my experiences: Montaña Redonda in Miches – the instagrammable mountain with spectacular views
Have a family photoshoot
Alright, this guide includes so many of the best Punta Cana family activities, which will already bring you tons of memories and unique experiences. But why not adding a professional photoshoot to your list, as this will offer you a totally different perspective.
Just imagine those family photos you usually put in your living room, well set with a beautiful frame and in an important position. Instead of doing a shooting in a photo studio at home, why not use the stunning setting of Punta Canas’ most beautiful beaches for a family photoshoot.
There are a lot of talented photographers in Punta Cana, which will create a unique story for each family and use the tropical backdrop for impressive results.
Just watch out that you don’t book a family photoshoot during the peak of the seaweed season in Punta Cana. Even though the photographers can usually edit the pictures a bit, it still is more pleasant if the beaches in Punta Cana are indeed beautiful and pristine.
What makes it special for families: it is something different than the typical Punta Cana family excursions, but the results might last forever
What is the recommended age for the kids: possible for all ages
Approximate price: usually, private photoshoots start at around 300 USD per session (check availability here*)
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
The best family activities in Punta Cana – what else to consider?
Is a family vacation in Punta Cana the right choice?
Are you wondering if it is the right choice to plan a family vacation in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic? It definitely is! Here are a few reasons why Punta Cana is the perfect destination when planning a family holiday:
- it is just a short 3-4 hour flight away from most US east coast destinations
- there are direct flights to Punta Cana from more than 40 cities in Canada and the US
- time for airport transfers to all the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana is short (15 to 35 minutes)
- the Dominican Republic offers the best price-value ratio in the Caribbean
- a trip to Punta Cana is safe for families
- there are so many unique things to do in Punta Cana for families (which you can see in the blog post above 😉 )
- most beaches in Punta Cana (particularly Cap Cana, Cabeza de Toro and Bavaro Beach) are perfect for families as they are wide with perfect sand and shallow ocean
- there is a huge number of family resorts in Punta Cana
- Punta Canas’ resorts have some of the largest water parks in the entire Caribbean
- Punta Cana family vacations are famous among other travelers as well, hence you will meet many likeminded travelers with other kids and teens
Best family resorts in Punta Cana
You don’t know where to stay? Don’t worry, Punta Cana has an amazing array of family resorts with so many amenities that make your kids happy, among them a dedicated kids and teens club, playgrounds, water parks, beach cinemas, kids parties, family suites, kids menus and much more.
You can check out the best family all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana here. For some further information, check out the following hotels for your family trip to Punta Cana:
- Finest Punta Cana
- Hard Rock Punta Cana
- Hyatt Ziva*
- Royalton Splash*
- Tropical Deluxe Princess
- Dreams Macao Beach
- Grand Sirenis Punta Cana
- Nickelodeon Punta Cana*
Animal family activities in Punta Cana
Covid-19 has also shown us that our world sometimes needs a little break. While I don’t want to proclaim a completely sustainable blog post about Punta Cana excursions for families, I’d like to continue what I am already following for many years: protect our nature and especially our animals.
That’s why my personal suggestions above doesn’t include any excursions, where animals live in captivity, are forced to participate in non-species appropriate animal shows or are simply tortured by the number of tourists visiting and touching them every day.
Therefore, you won’t find the typical animal activities in this list, which are usually featured when talking about what to do when traveling to Punta Cana with your family. All the dolphin shows incl. swimming with a dolphin, the manati park, the stingray and shark Marinarium and the Monkeyland are among these activities.
I won’t judge anyone booking these tours, but please think twice before supporting these animal activities.
Is Punta Cana safe for families?
Yes, absolutely. In general, Punta Cana is the safest part of the Dominican Republic. The resorts are super-safe for families and also wandering around on your own outside of Punta Canas’ resorts is no problem if you avoid a few shady areas (such as “El Hoyo” in Bavaro) and the night hours between, let’s say, 11 pm and 5 am. But considering you’re traveling as a family to Punta Cana and are sleeping at night, this won’t be a problem.
Furthermore, all the things to do with kids in Punta Cana presented in this article are very safe. You’re either with experienced guides or venturing in safe areas where most likely nothing is going to happen. Also for the DIY family activities presented here, you don’t have to worry as long as you practice common precautions (leaving valuables at home, don’t flash jewelry and other expensive things, being cautious when contacted by strangers, etc.).
This list of the best excursions in Punta Cana with kids is not complete, but it shows the most suitable options in Punta Cana which are possible in 2026.
If you need further ideas on what to do in Punta Cana during your family holiday, you can check out the following posts:
– Exciting things to do in Punta Cana
– The best day trips from Punta Cana
– 16 amazing things to do for free in Punta Cana
– The most recommendable tours and activities in Punta Cana
– The best theme and amusement parks in Punta Cana
As you can see, it won’t get boring during a family vacation. There are tons of stuff to do for every type of traveler. This being said, there is not THE best family activity in Punta Cana, so it is hard to recommend a special one. Therefore, feel free to pick from your favorite one(s) from the list above and don’t hesitate to leave me a comment if you have any further questions.
What is your favorite among these things to do in Punta Cana with kids?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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CHRIS
Author, Travel Coach & Industry Professional (Bachelor’s degree in tourism)Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean soul, who has been living in the Dominican Republic for 6 years. I’d love to be your Punta Cana expert, as I have stayed at more than 45 all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana and the country, visited more than 70 beaches, explored more than 40 waterfalls and have seen basically all the attractions Punta Cana has to offer. I have also studied tourism for 3 years and worked in the tourism industry my entire life, which is why I am not only giving you recommendations and tips as a traveler but also the best secrets and travel hacks as an industry professional.
Do you need more information? Read more at my About Me Page, send me a travel coaching request or Contact Me here.
ALSO WORTH READING:
Dominican Republic E-Ticket: how to fill it out without mistakes + common issues explained
The best Punta Cana catamaran tours – booze cruises, private catamarans, party boats & more
Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana – a comprehensive review for this all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana
Punta Cana itinerary for an easy 1-week road-trip – beaches, culture and mountains
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