Dominican Republic family holidays

Best family activities in the Dominican Republic

There are hundreds of miles of coastline here, so naturally, water activities abound: paddle-boarding, surfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, diving and snorkelling included (often all of the above are doable within your resort). You’ll find oodles on terra firma too, from horse-riding to tennis, hikes and mountain biking. And if you want to get them into golf (or have a round or two while they’re ocupado at kids club), this is arguably the Caribbean’s greatest golfing destination.

All inclusive holidays are perfect for families - you'll have plenty of water-based activities included in your holiday package alongside fantastic hotel entertainment and kids’ clubs where they are available.

Family-friendly days out include safaris through the jungle and rural villages, tours to coconut oil and cocoa farms and whale watching in Samana. There are also plenty of great waterparks to found in the Dominican Republic, you have Sirenis Aquagames situated near Punta Cana and if you wanted a more natural waterpark experience then we love the 27 Waterfalls where you can take a running jump off one of the waterfalls and splash into the sparkling pools below!

Best family excursions in the Dominican Republic

A long-time family favourite’s the day trip to Saona: whether to play pretend pirates or satisfy social media feeds, it combines a scenic boat ride with time together on a desert island. That’s one of many boat-based excursions for clans who like to hit the high seas – others will whisk you snorkelling, fishing or whale watching. If your lot go mad for match days at home, take them to a ball game to experience the national sport. For older kids, there’s all kinds of excitement like buggy rides through rainforest, ziplining and cycling down some of the Caribbean’s biggest mountains.

Best family destinations in the Dominican Republic

Punta Cana would be a top recommendation for family holidays with some amazing all-inclusive hotels to choose from and some incredible beaches to spend your days on. If you are staying near Punta Canta then you absolutely must visit monkey island where you can watch and interact with the beautiful squirrel monkeys in a natural environment that offers magnificent mountain views.

Samana is also a great destination to head to as a family with plenty more beaches to be found on much less built-up peninsular. It is also a fantastic whale watching area as thousands of whales flock to Samana Bay each year between January to March.

Best family hotels in the Dominican Republic

Punta Cana all-inclusive paradise perfection with Club Med is a fantastic all-inclusive family hotel option. Set in a coconut grove where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean Club Med Punta Cana offers a vibrant island paradise full of fun-filled adventures. The hotel offers endless watersports including kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and sailing. Club Med include everything, one booking takes care of every detail including your flight and transfer to the resort, accommodation, meals, drinks, entertainment, sports, and recreational activities. Kids club is included in your holiday package for children aged 4-17 where they will discover a whole world of sports with their friends and try out new skills in team games, as well as getting to know each other through creative activities.

Bahia Principe Grand Cayacoa in Samana is another fantastic family-friendly all-inclusive resort where you can experience nonstop thrills with exciting sports like beach volleyball, kayaking, snorkelling and paddle surf and the hotel offers international entertainment programmes for both adults and children during both the day and night. The hotel amenities include 3 pools, 5 restaurants, 4 bars, a wonderful bar and even an onsite disco!

Types of family holidays

Dominican Republic holidays with a baby/infant

Bring baby and settle into a stay of dazzling sunshine and delicious Dominican downtime. There’s no doubt new parents deserve a break, and this place gives you ample opportunity – resorts have childcare offerings for tiddlers as young as four months old, on demand so you can use it as much or little as you like. Pick a room with a terrace, swim-out or beachfront location, so that you can enjoy the resort and sunshine while they snooze safely indoors. Most resorts can deliver equipment (buggy, baby bath, bottle warmer etc) to your door, and have areas for food prep and sterilising. And it all adds up to a stay that’ll leave them gurgling with glee and you well rested.

Dominican Republic holidays with a toddler

Toddlers have an absolute blast in the Dominican Republic and parents too. The family resorts here are just right for young broods, with private beaches where parents can soak up the rays while tots potter between the sand and shallows - your room moments away for naptimes. On site kids clubs offer hands-on childcare with sensory activities, incorporating sleeps and mealtimes to give you a good dose of adult time (when that book / spa / golf course / romantic restaurant comes a-calling).

Dominican Republic holidays with a child

Some of life’s great happinesses are watching your youngsters explore the world, find new talents and enjoy family time, and a trip the Dom Rep can do just that. Watch their jaws drop as you sail to desert islands, snorkel reefs and stomp through rainforest. In your resort alone, kids can have a whale of a time on pristine private beaches and water parks, with opportunities to develop skills in golf, tennis, football, Spanish and more. Kids clubs help sprogs make friends with people from all over the planet. And mealtimes are a breeze even with the fussiest of eaters – just let them loose in those buffet restaurants.

Dominican Republic holidays with a teenager

The DR’s sheer size and opportunity makes it one of our favourite destinations for holidays with teenagers. This country has some of the biggest and best resorts in the Caribbean – offering coaching in the likes of tennis, golf, scuba, surfing and sailing as well as Insta-worthy beaches and poolsides. Specialist teen lounges give youngsters a chance to socialise and there’s oodles for the family to enjoy together – exciting excursions and excellent restaurants included.