Things to Do in Puerto Rico With Kids
Despite Hurricane Maria’s devastating effects on Puerto Rico, vacationing in Puerto Rico is the best way to help the rebuilding efforts and experience a great family vacation spot. This small Caribbean island still boasts some of the best beaches on the planet. But, there are other options for family fun, too. And, there’ll be no vacation brain drain thanks to fascinating historical sites and thrilling family activities. So, read on for some of the best things to do in Puerto Rico with kids.
Kids Attractions in Puerto Rico
There are a lot of kids attractions in Puerto Rico. So, it can be hard knowing where to start and what to see. Here are a few to get your family started.
1. Museo del Nino Children’s Museum
The Museo del Nino children’s museum in Carolina is one of the best kids attractions in Puerto Rico. It has lots of cool interactive exhibits, go-karts, a mini zoo, playground and full-size airplane to explore. Open Wednesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., holiday 10-6 p.m. Closed Monday-Tuesday. Admission: $10, ages 15-59, $6, ages 1-15. Small fees for certain attractions. Read reviews of Museo del Nino.
2. Castillo San Filipe del Morro
El Morro, as it’s commonly called, is a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 16th century to protect San Juan from intruders. The whole family will love exploring the castle-like structure. Plus, the views are breathtaking. Be sure to buy a kite for the kids to fly on the lovely lawn. The pics will be amazing. Open daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: $7, ages 16-up until Jan. 1, 2020, when it rises to $10; free, ages 15-under. Read reviews of El Morro.
3. Isla de Culebra National Wildlife Refuge
For a truly remote experience in Puerto Rico with kids, visit Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. It’s accessible only by a 30-minute boat ride. It’s pristine with lots of birds and sea turtles. The water is calm and clear for little ones. There are bathrooms, but you’re advised to bring your own food and water. Open daily, sunrise to sunset. Read reviews of Isla de Culebra National Wildlife Refuge.
4. Just 4 Fun
Your family will inevitably need a break from the sun and heat. And that’s where Just 4 Fun, an indoor playground in Puerto Rico, comes in. It has ball pits, slides and lots of space for the kids to run and play. Open Monday-Thursday, 12:30-8:30 p.m.; Friday, 12:30-9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission: $9.99 for one hour or $14.99 unlimited. Adults $2 extra. Read reviews of Just 4 Fun.
5. Bounce Trampoline Park
Another great indoor kids attraction in Puerto Rico is Bounce Trampoline Park in Carolina. There are lots of spots for open bounce trampoline dodgeball and basketball and more. Open Monday-Thursday, 1-9 p.m.; Friday, 1 p.m.-midnight; Saturday, 10 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Read reviews of Bounce Trampoline Park.
Outdoor Activities in Puerto Rico for Kids
Obviously, beaches are among the best outdoor activities in Puerto Rico for kids. But, read on for other outdoor attractions for families in Puerto Rico.
6. Flamenco Beach
For one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico—and the world—leave the mainland. Playa Flamenco on Culebra is stunning. The water is calm, so it’s great for swimming, diving, snorkeling and littler kids. Be on the lookout for The Tank, a remnant from when the U.S. Navy occupied the island. There are vendors selling food and beach needs. The cheapest way to Culebra is a ferry from Ceiba. Fee ranges from $1-$2.25. It’s best to buy in advance. You can also fly from the mainland, but that gets expensive when traveling with family. Read reviews of Flamenco Beach.
7. Mosquito Bay
With the heat, daytime outdoor activities in Puerto Rico for kids can lead to a cranky brood. So, wait until nightfall and kayak, canoe or boat in Mosquito Bay on the island of Vieques. The tiny organisms living in this bioluminescent bay light up when disturbed. It’ll be refreshing—and the kids will be awed. Cameras usually don’t capture the illumination, so you’ll all actually be in the moment—together. Prices vary by tour operator, but can range from $48-$76 per person. The best way to Vieques is a ferry from Ceiba. Fee ranges from $1-$2.25. Buy in advance. Read reviews of Mosquito Bay.
8. El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. national forest system. You can swim, hike, picnic and more. Though its trail is closed, you can still view beautiful La Coca Falls. Hike to historic Yokahu Tower for incredible views of the rainforest and Puerto Rico coast. Note: camping and some areas and trails remain closed for hurricane recovery efforts. Open daily (except Christmas), 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: Free, some attractions have nominal fees between $2-$4. Read reviews of El Yunque National Forest.
9. Paddleboard in Laguna Condado
The family can try their hands—and feet—at stand-up paddleboarding in Laguna Condado with VIP Adventures. You’ll get great views of the city, maybe a manatee sighting and definitely exhausted kids. Open daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost: $20 per person for one hour, or $30 for two hours; includes basic lesson for beginners and equipment. Read reviews of VIP Adventures.
10. ToroVerde Adventure Park
Zip lining is one of the most thrilling things to do in Puerto Rico with kids. And a great place to do it is ToroVerde Adventure Park in Orocovis. It has eight courses, including “The Beast,” one of the world’s longest zip lines. You fly that one superhero-style. Note: there are no age restrictions, but kids must weight at least 100 pounds and be at least 4.5-feet tall. So, this might be a better family attraction if you have older kids. Open daily, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Costs range from $36-$75 by attraction. Read reviews of ToroVerde Adventure Park.
2 Things to Do in San Juan with Kids
No matter where you stay on your family vacation in Puerto Rico, San Juan should be on your list of things to do in Puerto Rico with kids. It’s capital and largest city is an amazing place to discover the island’s history and culture. It has lots of family attractions, shopping and restaurants. In addition, it’s super walkable. But, when you’re all tired of walking, free trolleys get you around town, too.
11. San Sebastián Street Festival
Ain’t no party like a Puerto Rican party. And the five-day Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián in Old San Juan is one of the best. In addition, this send-off to the holiday season is Puerto Rico’s biggest festival. There’s music, dancing in the streets, parades, local artisans, masks and more. The next San Sebastián Street Festival is Jan. 15-19, 2020.
12. Old San Juan
Maybe you want to dial it down on your family vacation in Puerto Rico. A simple stroll around historic Old San Juan is perfect for just that. The kids will love scoping out souvenir shops. There are a ton of options when hunger strikes. And, the cobblestone streets and candy-colored architecture make for gorgeous photo opps.
Best Hotels in Puerto Rico for Kids
There are just as many best hotels in Puerto Rico for kids as there are family attractions. Here are a few places that’ll be a great home away from home with lots of things for kids to do in Puerto Rico, too.
13. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar
First off, the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar in Rio Grande is gorgeous. Second, it’s one of the best hotels in Puerto Rico for kids. It offers them lots of activities like nature walks, iguana feeding, arts & crafts, salsa dancing and more. In addition, they can hit the beach or a lagoon-style activity pool with a waterslide. Bonus: when you need mom time, there’s a quiet pool and a spa. Read reviews of Wyndham Grand Rio Mar.
14 & 15. El Conquistador Resort & Coqui Water Park
Another great resort in Puerto Rico for kids is El Conquistador Resort in Farjardo. It’s beautiful, with lots of family-friendly amenities. What’s more, staying here’s the only way to access Coqui Water Park. The recently opened park has slides, a lazy river, infinity pool and more. In addition, its Camp Coqui offers tons of supervised attractions for kids ages 4-12, like nature hunts and beach activities. It’s available daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (must register by 5 p.m. the day before). Cost: $75 for a full day plus lunch, or $45 for 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. without lunch or 1-4 p.m. with snacks. Coqui Water Park open daily. Full-day admission from 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., $19.95 adults; $14.95 ages 3-12; half-day from 1:30 p.m.-6 p.m., $12.95 adults; $8.95 ages 3-12. There is an all-inclusive package for guests, too. Read reviews of El Conquistador Resort. Read reviews of Coqui Water Park.
16. Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort
This 80-acre beachfront resort in Ponce is a great hotel in Puerto Rico for families. The grounds and beach are beautiful. Plus, there are children’s menus, water features, a playground and lots of amenities for family fun. And, breakfast is included. Read reviews on Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort.
17. Club Seabourne
This hotel in Puerto Rico for kids is actually not on the mainland. Club Seabourne on Culebra has basic rooms and villas perfect for visiting Puerto Rico with family. It has a beach, pool and lush garden with hammocks. In addition, you can kayak, bike, snorkel and more. Breakfast is included. Read reviews of Club Seabourne.
Best Restaurants in Puerto Rico for Kids
It’s hard to know where to start when looking for the best restaurants in Puerto Rico for kids. Here are a few we recommend checking out.
18. Café El Punto
For local flavor, head to Café El Punto in Old San Juan. Everything is fresh, homemade and reasonably-priced. The kids can wash meals down with fresh fruit juices. But, treat yourself to sangria or a pina colada.
Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Read reviews of Café El Punto.
19. Oceano
For a locally sourced meal in Puerto Rico, visit Oceano in Condado. It’s sleek and modern, but welcoming. The seafood-heavy menu has lots to offer everyone. Lunch: Friday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m.; dinner: Monday-Thursday & Sunday, 5-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 5-10 p.m.; brunch: Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Read reviews of Oceano.
20. Lote 23
Have picky eaters? Lote 23 in San Juan to the rescue. The variety of food trucks will make breakfast, lunch and dinner a breeze. Plus, there’s always fun family-friendly entertainment. Open Sunday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Tuesday-Wednesday, 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thursday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-midnight; Saturday, 8 a.m.-midnight. Read reviews of Lote 23.
21. Serafina
Italian eatery Serafina is beloved in the world over, and San Juan is no exception. With this many pizzas and pastas, no one will leave the table hungry. And since there are so many activities in Puerto Rico for kids, everyone definitely needs to carb-load.
Open Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11:55 p.m. Read reviews of Serafina.
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