The Dominican Republic is one of the best options for traveling with children of any age. Nature seems to have created this paradise tropical corner specifically for the comfort of young travelers. The even warm climate without stuffiness, the cleanest sandy beaches, and the sea heated all year round to +25-27°C provide ideal conditions for swimming and acquiring a bronze tan.
Choosing the right resort in the Dominican Republic for a family vacation requires careful consideration. Resorts in cozy lagoons and bays with gentle sea entry are better suited for trips with babies. Family vacations with teenagers are preferable to plan in water sports centers with opportunities to visit interesting attractions. Hotels should be selected with a wide range of services for young tourists: from special meals to various entertainments.
Which Resort to Choose
When solving the problem of choice, you need to think about ensuring that the transfer is not excessively tiring, and the resort has the necessary infrastructure for family vacations, and is comfortable not only for adults but also for children.
Punta Cana
Located in the east of the country, washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Punta Cana is famous for its wide strip of white sandy beaches stretching about 50 km, framed by coconut palm groves. There is no pronounced rainy season here, as mountain ranges reliably protect against strong winds and hurricanes.
Families with small children are better off choosing a hotel in the Bavaro area, which has the cleanest beaches with a gentle sea entry. The coral reef does not let high waves through. Fine coral sand does not heat up, and kids can run around barefoot freely. The transfer from the international airport is short, and travelers find themselves in the realm of lush tropical nature within 10 minutes after a tiring flight.
The tourist center offers a wide selection of high-class hotels oriented towards year-round family vacations. Everything that can bring joy to children and provide a full rest for parents while the kids are under the care of attentive nannies is available here.
For diving enthusiasts, there are excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving. The rich world of the coral reef amazes with its variety of marine inhabitants. Nearby is the “Manati Park” — a reserve of exotic animals where you can visit a dolphinarium, a monkey nursery, an adventure park, and attractions.
Recommended Hotels:
- Majestic Colonial Punta Cana 5*: Located on Playa Bavaro beach, lagoon-shaped pool, daytime and evening entertainment shows, mini-club for children aged 4-14, play area for teenagers.
- Bahia Principe Grand Bavaro 5*: 500-meter-long sandy beach, 21 three-story villas, bars with entertainment, children’s water park, a small train runs through the territory.
- Majestic Elegance Punta Cana 5*: 9 outdoor pools, a la carte restaurants, 11 bars, daytime and evening entertainment shows.
Boca Chica
This is the most budget-friendly resort on the Caribbean coast, with most hotels being 3 or 4. Despite this, ideal conditions for family vacations are created here. The resort is located in a small bay surrounded by a coral reef that protects against high waves and cold currents.
Boca Chica’s delightful beaches feature a calm sea with a depth not exceeding one and a half meters, with crystal clear turquoise water. Fine “milky” sand does not burn, and lush tropical vegetation pleases the eye.
Nothing interferes with prolonged swimming and sunbathing. Boca Chica has few attractions and entertainments. People come here to enjoy the stunning nature of the Caribbean islands. When planning a trip with young children, it’s better to choose a hotel with its own beach. On weekends, many locals come here, which does not always contribute to a calm rest.
Recommended Hotels:
- Be Live Experience Hamaca Beach 4*: Sandy beach protected by a coral reef, 3 outdoor pools, beach and pool bars, snack bar, guests can use the infrastructure of the Be Live Hamaca Garden hotel.
- Be Live Hamaca Garden 4*: Located on the second coastline, 2 children’s clubs (mini-club for ages 4-7; children’s club for ages 8-12), 5 bars.
La Romana
A picturesque place in the southeast of the country surprises with stunning landscapes. The azure waves of the Caribbean Sea slowly lap onto the white sand, and palm trees on the beach create a delicate half-shade. The air is filled with the aroma of citrus fruits — orange groves are located on the shore.
It’s safe to go here on vacation with young children. The airport is nearby, and the transfer won’t take long. The cleanest beaches are located in a small bay, without waves or bothersome seaweed. The gentle sea entry with water heated to +27°C creates ideal conditions for kids to bathe. The rich underwater world of the coastal zone will be interesting for teenagers.
Prices at the resort are quite high. The concept of hotel complexes is to provide full elite rest on the hotel territory. Pools with water slides, their own water parks, luxurious terraces with exotic flowers and tropical vegetation, a variety of cuisine — will bring much joy to both children and adults.
Excursion lovers can ride a zipline over the jungle in Bavaro Adventure Park, visit an authentic village preserving the way of life of the indigenous tribes from Columbus’s times, or take a sea trip to the islands of Catalina and Saona.
Recommended Hotels:
- Bahia Principe Grand La Romana 5*: Main building and 25 villas, freshwater pool, children’s club (ages 4-12), children’s discos, scuba diving lessons.
- Casa de Campo Resort & Villas 5*: Total area of 28 sq. km., family pool on the beach, a la carte restaurants, large Greek amphitheater, children’s club and club for teenagers (ages 13-17).
Bayahibe
The resort is located on the Caribbean coast, slightly south of Punta Cana. Until recently, it was an ordinary fishing village, but now tourists who value a calm, relaxing atmosphere enjoy vacationing here.
Bayahibe is an excellent option for traveling with children. The island’s cozy corner features excellent beaches with white sand and a whole forest of palms that save from the midday heat. For families with babies, the smooth sea entry, complete absence of waves and seaweed is convenient. The central beach has a Blue Flag — a testament to the safety of the rest, clean water, and sand.
Scuba diving enthusiasts can admire the inhabitants of the coral reef — colorful starfish and exotic fish just a few meters from the shore. The famous Parque Nacional del Este cave with rock paintings is within walking distance, and catamarans depart from the resort’s piers to the beautiful islands of Saona and Catalina.
The resort can offer several worthy hotels suitable for comfortable family vacations. Guests are provided with multi-level pools, a children’s menu, and professional animation.
Juan Dolio
A charming spot on the Caribbean coast on the shore of a lagoon surrounded by a coral reef with magnificent beaches. The resort is perfect for vacations with small children. The transparent turquoise sea is shallow and calm, and the white coral sand does not burn the kids’ feet. The water temperature never drops below +25°C.
The rich underwater world of the Caribbean offers wide opportunities for snorkeling and diving. A trip to Juan Dolio is a relatively inexpensive vacation option. The resort hotels are located close to the coastline, surrounded by picturesque green areas, and offer decent service. All amenities are provided for the comfortable stay of little guests.
The rest here is calm and measured, giving a chance to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the big city. During walks along the picturesque lagoon shore, you can buy souvenirs and gifts in numerous shops. Beach vacations can be diversified by visiting caves with rock paintings of indigenous tribes, a flower farm with a botanical garden, and a maze of tropical plants.
Puerto Plata
The most popular resort on the northern coast of the country, Puerto Plata offers a wide choice of hotels with varying levels of service. Arriving here, it’s pleasant to sunbathe on the golden sand in the lacy shade of palm trees and swim in the crystal-clear bright blue water.
The Atlantic Ocean is often restless, making most beaches suitable for active family vacations with teenagers. All along the coast, there are rental points for water sports equipment. In the evenings, the coastal restaurants host noisy youth parties.
Families with small children are better off planning a trip to the Playa Dorada tourist complex. Its famous “amber” beach is regularly awarded the Blue Flag, distinguished by the cleanest water and gentle sea entry.
Interesting Places to Visit:
- Ocean World Adventure Park: A picturesque lagoon with a dolphinarium and a zoo.
- Botanical Garden of Tropical Plants: With a cable car.
- Fun City Amusement Park: Where you can ride go-karts.
Cabarete
A small resort town in the northern part of the country, located on the Atlantic Ocean shore. Local hotels offer good service at democratic prices. The climatic conditions allow for year-round vacations, but the most comfortable weather (+30-32°C without rain) is from December to March.
The extended golden sandy beaches, scattered with coconut palms, and crystal clear water with a gentle depth entry make the resort attractive for vacations with children.
In the morning, there are excellent conditions for sunbathing and swimming. After lunch, strong waves often attract extreme water sports enthusiasts to the beach. Experienced instructors help families with older children master windsurfing, kiteboarding (riding on water with kites), and kiting techniques.
Nearby is the El Choco National Park, famous for its picturesque lagoons and caves with underground lakes. The Cordillera hills, covered with tropical vegetation and colonies of orchids, allow for a stunning photo session.
Samana
The peninsula, located in the northeast of the country, is famous for its magnificent beaches, which are among the top ten most beautiful places on the planet. The difference between summer and winter air temperatures is only 5-6°C, and the water is always heated to +26-28°C — conditions are ideal for year-round measured family vacations.
Samana has many beaches with white or golden sand, each to taste. The azure clear water with white foam, the famous palms hanging over the water, create an ideal atmosphere for relaxation and seclusion. The coast is framed by mountain ranges, protecting from winds.
The peninsula is rich in natural attractions: virgin tropical forests, soaring cliffs, waterfalls, and caves. Teenagers will be interested in horseback riding, snorkeling, and sailing trips. From January to March, about 2,500 humpback whales come here for breeding, and at other times of the year, you can watch dolphins and manatees playing in the ocean.
Sosua
A small resort town on the Atlantic Ocean coast near Puerto Plata province attracts with some of the most beautiful beaches and quite budget-friendly prices. The international airport is only 7 km away, and hotels are oriented towards family vacations.
The picturesque bowl-shaped bay is protected by a coral reef located 100 meters from the shore. The beaches are covered with golden sand, and the clean azure-turquoise water is always calm. Numerous palm trees grow along the coast, providing shade from the midday heat.
The resort is suitable for those who appreciate leisurely, peaceful vacations. Most of the year, the ocean is serene, and the weather is conducive to walks and admiring the luxurious sea sunsets. Those who enjoy a varied vacation can rent snorkeling equipment to get acquainted with the inhabitants of the coral reef: sea urchins, crabs, parrotfish, or go sea fishing.
Recommended Hotels:
- Casa Marina Beach & Reef All-Inclusive: Restaurant, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 children’s pools.
- Garden By The Sea: 3 minutes drive from the center of Sosua.
Santo Domingo
The capital of the Dominican Republic is the first city built by Europeans on the American continent, rich in historical and natural attractions, with developed infrastructure. Despite being located on the Caribbean Sea, there are no suitable beaches for family vacations in Santo Domingo itself.
There is no coral reef near the coast to protect from waves, strong sea currents are present, and the port pollutes the water. Visitors to the resort go to the beaches of Bona-Chica and Juan Dolio, located 30-40 minutes drive from the city.
Santo Domingo is interesting to visit with children as a day trip:
- Walk through the streets with colonial-style architecture.
- Visit the famous Columbus Lighthouse — his burial place.
- Go to the zoo and botanical garden located in the middle of the tropical forest.
- Explore the unique Three Eyes Cave with a system of underground lakes.
For vacations with babies, Santo Domingo will not be the best choice.
Which Beach to Choose
There are countless beaches in the Dominican Republic, each beautiful in its own way. Everyone will find their place in the sun — both those who love to laze on the sand and active extremists. On the Atlantic side, the beach sand resembles flour, soft and white, practically not heating up in the sun.
In summer, the beaches of the northern coast may have seaweed brought by the current from the unique Sargasso Sea, whose shores these seaweeds form. In winter, they are not present. On the Caribbean coasts, the sand has a light golden hue.
The universal favorite is Bavaro Beach. Located in the Punta Cana resort in a bay, it is worth paying special attention to when traveling with children. Its length is 5 km, and the coral reef stretching along the coast ensures the calmness of the coastal waters. If seaweed appears, it is quickly removed.
The swimming area is limited by buoys, and lifeguards closely monitor vacationers, ensuring swimming safety. The sea entry is gentle and convenient even for the smallest ones. Parents will not be bored either, as the beach infrastructure is well developed — many bars and discos, and life is always in full swing here. If desired, you can explore the coral reef, underwater caves, and sunken ships.
The magnificent Rincon Beach on Samana Island, where the famous Bounty advertisement was filmed, is worth visiting to experience that very “paradise delight.” This very picturesque place with white sand, a gentle sea entry, shimmering azure water, and lush vegetation framing the shore can be reached by boat.
Macao Beach is located 20 km from Bavaro, very beautiful, and still considered wild, which is rare in the Dominican Republic. The ocean shimmers in all shades of blue and turquoise, and the white sandy shore is framed by the greenery of palm trees. You can visit it on an excursion, but such a beach is hardly suitable for babies. There is no protective coral reef. You can encounter decent waves and take surfing lessons.
However, Boca Chica Beach will delight with its shallow and calm sea, the beauty of coastal vegetation, and the presence of a picturesque coral reef. When choosing a vacation spot, it is useful to find out in advance the features of the nearby beach so that it is convenient for every family member.
Hotels for Family Vacations with a Water Park
Family vacations are attractive not only for the opportunity to enjoy the sea and sun together with children but also for the well-developed infrastructure for children’s recreation. Children’s clubs, animation for children, and even their own water parks are quite common for hotels here.
Recommended Hotels:
Barceló Bávaro Palace All-Inclusive 5*:
Located just 20 km from Punta Cana airport on the magnificent Barceló Beach. The nearby extensive coral reef is full of life and worthy of detailed study. The rooms are decorated in a tropical style, and there are specially equipped rooms and suites for family vacations. In 12 restaurants, bars, and buffets, a variety of dishes are offered to suit every taste, and there are always options for children. The complex, considered one of the best on the coast, provides all conditions for accommodating and comfortable rest with children. On the territory of the resort complex, which includes the hotel, there are several children’s pools, special entertainment, and educational programs for children. If necessary, a nanny can be invited to the child. From 9 am to midnight, a club for children aged 3 to 12 operates, and there is a disco for teenagers aged 13 to 18, where only non-alcoholic drinks are served, the Barcy children’s water park with slides, castles, and waterfalls, and a pirate-themed water park with artificial waves.
Bahia Principe Grand Turquesa — All-Inclusive 5*:
Located just 35 km from Punta Cana international airport, so the transfer will not be tiring. It is maximally oriented towards accommodating children, including the smallest ones. In well-equipped family rooms, there is a zone with a changing table, microwave, and sterilizer for baby bottles. There are children’s toiletries, a daily replenished mini-bar with juices, milkshakes, and non-alcoholic drinks. The diverse food in the restaurants includes a regular children’s menu and a menu for children with special needs. The hotel has special conditions for family vacations, including access to the water park, children’s spa treatments, an exclusive children’s zone in the buffet, swings, and entertainment. A club for children aged 4 to 12 operates, educational programs on the theme of environmental protection are organized. Children’s sports equipment is provided, there is an ice skating rink and a bumper car attraction. All this is at the disposal of vacationers who are tired of the sea and sun.
Princess Family Club Bávaro 5*:
Located 250 meters from the famous Bavaro Beach and only 11.2 km from Punta Cana airport. Specially equipped rooms are provided for family vacations, some of which have direct access to the pool. There is a playground for the smallest ones, a children’s club, and a themed water park with slides. On the hotel territory, you can play tennis, table tennis, darts, and animation programs are held for adults and children.
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana — Gourmet All-Inclusive by Karisma 5*:
Located in the Uvero Alto resort, 60 km from the airport. It has a wellness spa center with a full range of services and a great water park for water fun. Free cribs are provided in the rooms. Entertainment and clubs for children in the playroom under the supervision of hotel staff are also free. For an additional fee, a nanny can be invited to the child. The white sandy beach is in close proximity to the hotel.
Royalton Splash Punta Cana Resort & Spa — All-Inclusive 4*:
The resort consists of 4 buildings, 2 of which are located in close proximity to the beach, and 2 are slightly further away. A walk to the sea through the hotel territory, where peacocks walk, takes 10-15 minutes, but you can take a bus. The hotel has a water park, playrooms, and clubs for children of different ages. Vacationers have access to a fitness center and sports equipment. Experienced instructors conduct aqua aerobics lessons and teach volleyball and dancing.
Occidental Caribe — All-Inclusive 4*:
Located directly on the white sandy Bavaro beach and awarded the “Blue Flag” for careful treatment of nature and the “Green Globe” certificate. The territory is green with many palms, there are large pools in the form of natural reservoirs, and a water park with slides for children’s entertainment. Fun performances for children and themed parties are held. The food is very diverse and will satisfy the most discerning taste. Nearby is the “Manati” amusement park, which children will surely appreciate.
Entertainment for Children
Practically every hotel designed for family vacations conducts entertainment programs for children, ensuring they won’t get bored. However, if you want more, you can diversify your time with visits to amusement parks.
While staying in Punta Cana, don’t forget to visit the Bavaro Adventure Park – an amusement park offering interesting attractions for children and adults. Here, you can fly over the jungle on a cable, ascend with parents on wings that look very real, 20 meters above the ground, and enjoy the park panorama from a bird’s-eye view. Children can swim in a lagoon with a large waterfall, descend a hill in a plastic sphere, ride horses, play paintball, and jump on a trampoline.
Manati Park, a themed entertainment park, deserves special attention. The park features lush tropical vegetation and about 200 species of animals and birds – monkeys, turtles, crocodiles, flamingos, parrots, and many others. There are parrot shows, sea lion and dolphin shows, horse shows, and children and adults can swim with dolphins. An Indian village of the Taino tribe has been recreated, where shows with dances and rituals are held.
At the Dolphin Island Park, located on a special platform in the sea near the coral reef, you can have fun with dolphins and sea lions in their natural environment, which is absolutely safe and leaves unforgettable impressions. A trip on a catamaran to the Seaquarium offers the chance to dive with special equipment or under a dome, walk along the coral reef, and observe underwater life.
Ocean World Adventure Park in Puerto Plata allows young visitors and their parents to get closer to marine animals. They can interact, pet, and feed them. Special programs focus on environmental awareness.
Excursions
Various excursion programs help get to know the country better and gain new impressions. If the children are old enough, visit the capital of the Dominican Republic. There, you can see many interesting things, as Santo Domingo was the first city founded by Europeans in the New World after Columbus discovered America.
The vice-kings’ residence palace, with a collection of art objects and colonial artifacts, built for Diego Colon, Christopher Columbus’s son, has been preserved, as well as one of the first Catholic cathedrals in the Western Hemisphere.
The Columbus Lighthouse, a unique museum-mausoleum, houses a sarcophagus with the remains of the navigator. Excursions to nearby islands, to the exotic Samana Peninsula with almost untouched nature, are interesting. From January to March, you can see the mating games of humpback whales in the bay near the peninsula.
Best Time to Travel
The Dominican Republic is considered a year-round resort with a tropical trade-wind climate. The hottest month is August, with temperatures up to +32°C, but even at this time, the sea breeze brings freshness. The coolest month is January, when air temperatures can drop to +22°C. During this time, the water temperature remains at +26-28°C, and the air can be cooler than the water.
On the Caribbean Sea side, it’s always slightly warmer than on the Atlantic coast. May to September is the rainy season, with rains usually occurring at night and generally not interfering with vacations. Hurricanes are possible in September-October, but Dominicans believe that God protects their island from cataclysms, and it is less prone to them than the Bahamas.
The best and most comfortable season for family vacations is from December to April. In March, the number of fresh tropical fruits increases, allowing you to enjoy delicious, aromatic mangoes and stock up on natural vitamins, which are scarce in our latitudes in spring.
Tips for Tourists
Plan your trip in advance, carefully choosing the resort and hotel, reading reviews, and considering all possibilities and nuances by “playing out” the upcoming vacation in your mind. You’ll not only be well-prepared, avoiding potential problems but also enjoy the process. Additionally, early booking can save you a lot.
A direct flight will take 12 hours, and when traveling with children, it’s better to choose night flights. The child can sleep for most of the journey and won’t get tired. To spend time pleasantly and usefully, bring books (preferably electronic ones, as they are lighter), travel guides, and movies and cartoons for the child.
Prepare a travel first-aid kit, remembering to include the medicines you typically use in case of need – antiseptics, antipyretics, painkillers, cold remedies, and stomach upset treatments, as well as moisture-resistant adhesive bandages. Mosquito repellents and sunburn treatments, which are better avoided, are also helpful. To do this, stock up on sunscreens with maximum protection. Never neglect medical insurance.