The Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico with Kids

Puerto Rico is a great destination for a family vacation, with warm weather, fun beaches, tasty treats, and plenty of outdoor fun. If you’re planning to travel with kids, you can find many activities that they can enjoy, from safe swims to short nature hikes. Depending on the age of your kids, you might opt for a snorkeling adventure, a visit to the Children’s Museum, or a relaxing day playing in the sand. Check out this guide for the best family-friendly things to do in Puerto Rico!

Where to Stay

Puerto Rico has accommodations for all kinds of travelers, including convenient resorts with amenities for the whole family. When traveling with kids, families often look for a central location, like San Juan, and access to a pool or beach so the little ones can swim. Here are some family-friendly resorts in Puerto Rico to consider.

• DoubleTree by Hilton San Juan — Amenities include four restaurants, a swimming pool, and free shuttle service to Ocean Park Beach. Located in Downtown San Juan.
• San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino — Amenities include a swimming pool with a waterslide, a casino, and six restaurants. Located along the beach in San Juan.
• El Conquistador Resort — Home of Coquí Water Park, which features a waterslide, a lazy river, an arcade, a kids’ club, and many activities for kids. Other amenities include a golf course and five restaurants. Located in Fajardo.
• Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde — Amenities include a pool, beach access, plenty of water toys for kids and teens, ping-pong tables, a toddler pool, and a playground. Located on Isla Verde.
• Caribe Hilton San Juan — Amenities include oceanfront pools, a kids’ club, water sports at a secluded beach, and delicious piña coladas for parents. Located in San Juan.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Puerto Rico

Regardless of where you decide to stay, the island is full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or fun at the beach.

Visit a Historic Fort

San Juan is full of historic architecture, and the Castillo San Felipe del Morro is straight out of a storybook. This fortress is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, and it’s a beloved spot for families to explore and learn about the history of the city. Parents will love the stunning views and interesting facts, and kids will have a blast hiding in the garitas (small enclosures where soldiers stood guard) or flying a kite in the extensive esplanade.

Snorkel with Wildlife

If your kids love the water, they’ll be absolutely delighted on a snorkeling tour. Snorkel sites abound all over the island, featuring coral reefs, colorful fish, turtles, and more. The warm waters are welcoming to all ages, and you can find safe, shallow sites for the younger kids who are not quite confident swimmers yet.

Experience the Wilderness

If your kids love wildlife and nature, you can’t miss a visit to Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve. This stunning wilderness has mangroves, lagoons, coral reefs, beaches, and more to discover, offering something for every traveler. Depending on how active you want your visit to be, you can explore by trolley, bike, or kayak. Touring with a naturalist guide is the best way to learn about the local wildlife and this beautiful ecosystem, creating a fun and exciting experience for the whole family!

Visit a Bio Bay

The kids might have to stay up past their bedtime for this one, but it’s worth it. Exploring a bioluminescent bay is an unforgettable experience that your family will be talking about for years to come. Regardless of age, everyone is amazed at the sight of the water glowing at night. Puerto Rico is home to three bio bays, including the brightest one in the world, Mosquito Bay. Some can be explored by boat, while others can be experienced on a kayak. This is a can’t-miss activity on your family vacation!

Spend the Day at the Beach

Even if you don’t stay at a beachfront resort, it’s still easy to enjoy a kid-friendly family day at the beach in Puerto Rico. There are many shallow, safe beaches all over the island where kids can splash around and play in the sand. One of the most popular is Flamenco Beach on Culebra, featuring white sand, pristine shallow waters, great swimming areas, and fun activities like snorkeling. If you prefer not to stray far from San Juan, opt for Playa Escambrón or Playa de Condado. If staying in Isla Verde, check out La Posita de Piñones. A day at the beach is a budget-friendly and unforgettable family activity!

Enjoy Kid-Friendly Snacks

Traveling with picky eaters can be difficult, but Puerto Rico’s cuisine has plenty of dishes that the little ones are sure to love. Check out local restaurants and beachside kiosks to enjoy bacalaitos (deep-fried cod that is sure to delight kids who like fish sticks) and empanadas, which can be filled with beef, seafood, and other kid-friendly ingredients. One of the top treats for kids are piraguas, snow-cone-like snacks drizzled with the syrup of your choice. Piraguas are sold all over the island and are the perfect refreshment on a hot day.

Ride the Free Trolley

The Old San Juan Trolley is the most convenient way to get around the city, allowing your family to explore all the major landmarks without having to walk too far. This is a beautiful city to discover on foot, but the youngest members of the family might get tired quickly, especially on a hot day. You can hop on to cool down on an air-conditioned car, then hop off to explore your next destination. The trolley is free to ride, so you can enjoy it as many times as you want!

Take a Short Hike

El Yunque National Forest is one of the top destinations in Puerto Rico, and it’s full of fun trails and activities that kids can enjoy. Adults exploring on their own can opt for the more difficult trails and high-adrenaline adventures, but there’s no shortage of things to do for the whole family. Choose an easy trail like Vereda Caimitillo for a relaxed family walk where you can enjoy the wildflowers and wildlife like birds and the popular coquí. Keep in mind that public transportation won’t take you all the way to El Yunque, so it’s best to rent a car or visit on a guided tour that includes transportation.

Discover the Children’s Museum

The Carolina Children’s Museum is a great option on a rainy day or if you want to take a break from all the outdoor adventures. The museum has over 100 interactive exhibitions, offering fun and educational experiences for everyone. Whether your kids are interested in music, art, science, or wildlife, they’ll find something to love here. The museum even has a mini zoo and fun pedal boats!

Your Puerto Rico family vacation promises to be one to remember. With so many fun activities for all ages to enjoy, there won’t be a boring moment during your stay on the island. Reserve your tours and activities ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss out on anything and make the most of your trip. The Island of Enchantment is waiting for you!