Punta Cana is one of the easiest Caribbean destinations to do with children. The beaches are calm and shallow in many places, the resorts are built for families, and the airport is close enough that transfers do not wear out small travelers. The trick is to match the resort and the excursions to your children’s ages, and to keep days short enough that nobody melts down. Here is how to plan it.
Choosing a family resort
All-inclusives make family travel simpler, because food, drinks and activities are included and you do not have to find a restaurant every night. Barceló Bávaro Palace is the definitive family resort on Bávaro Beach, with more than 200 family rooms, two themed water parks, a range of restaurants and nightly shows. Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites gives every family a suite, with a kids club called Star Camp and a Blue Flag beach. The Hard Rock in Macao is huge, with a water park and a kids club, and suits big groups and multi-generational trips. For a flexible stay with a children’s pool and supervised childcare, look at Majestic Elegance and Paradisus Palma Real, both of which have family facilities. Check ages and hours for kids clubs, as they vary.
Choosing the beach
Bávaro Beach is the best choice for families, with long stretches of calm, reef-sheltered water and gentle slopes that suit young swimmers. The beaches at Uvero Alto and Macao face the open Atlantic and can have bigger waves, so they suit older children and confident swimmers better. Whichever beach you choose, use reef-safe sunscreen, rash vests and hats, and keep an eye on the flags.
Gentle excursions
Monkeyland is a family favorite, with squirrel monkeys, a safari truck ride and plantation demonstrations, and it takes five to six hours with transfers, which is manageable for most school-age children. The Indigenous Eyes reserve offers freshwater lagoons for swimming in a natural setting and an easy pace. Hoyo Azul at Scape Park is another good choice for older children, with a short walk and a swim in a cenote. Bávaro Beach itself is free, and a morning of sandcastles and shell hunting often beats any tour.
Excursions to skip, or save for later
The long days are hard on little ones. The Saona Island speedboat is not recommended for anyone with back problems or pregnancy, and the early start and nine-hour day are a lot for toddlers, though older children often love it. Santo Domingo and Los Haitises are long coach days that suit teenagers better than small children. Coco Bongo is for adults only. If you want a boat day with children, a half-day catamaran cruise is gentler and shorter.
Getting around
Most excursions collect from your resort, which is the easiest way to travel with children. Ask in advance about car seats on private transfers, because requirements and availability vary, and confirm any child pricing or age limits with the operator. Pack snacks and water for the road, and bring a small bag with a change of clothes for long days.
Health and comfort
The sun is strong, so reapply sunscreen often, use hats and keep children in the shade at midday. Drink bottled water, and watch for upset stomachs if children eat very different foods. Air-conditioned coaches can be cold, so pack a light layer. Check the entry requirements and travel advisories for your nationality before you go, and consider travel insurance that covers medical care.
A simple family week
Start with two or three days at the resort to settle in and let children use the pools and kids club. Add one half-day outing, such as Monkeyland or Indigenous Eyes, a catamaran morning if the group is confident in the water, and a lazy day on Bávaro Beach. Keep one day completely free, because children often prefer the pool to any excursion. With that rhythm, the whole family comes home rested rather than worn out.
Meals and routines
All-inclusive buffets are forgiving for fussy eaters, and most resorts have a children’s menu or simple options at every meal. Keep naps and bedtimes as close to normal as you can on the first few days, and plan the early excursions for the days when everyone has slept well. Book a family dinner at an à la carte restaurant for a treat, and ask the staff about allergies and special diets when you arrive, since kitchens are generally used to such requests.
