Punta Cana with kids
By Mimi Slawoff
Canopy Adventure Zipline is a family-friendly attraction in Punta Cana for big kids. (Canopy Adventure Punta Cana)
Punta Cana is an exotic destination packed with family-friendly attractions. Located on the Dominican Republic’s sunny east coast, Punta Cana and the Bávaro area form La Costa del Coco — or the Coconut Coast — home to numerous all-inclusive, kid-friendly resorts and an array of activities, including zip lining, horseback riding, kayaking and sailing. Boasting silky, white sand beaches, calm surf and a relaxing Caribbean vibe, Punta Cana is an ideal choice for a family vacation.
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Canopy Adventure Zipline Tours
Soar through the Anamuya jungle on eight lines on this kid-friendly, half-day tour for ages 5 and older. Guides point out tropical plants as you walk on jungle trails. Participants must be able to walk half a mile on uneven terrain. For an adrenalin rush, try the Extreme Swing Adventure, where you free fall and swing in a horizontal position (flying like Superman) more than 200 feet above ground. Ages 5 and older.
Fun Fun Cave
Fun Fun Cave is one of the top things to do with kids in Punta Cana. (Fun Fun Cave)
Good for teens and older, this guided, family-friendly adventure explores one of the Dominican Republic’s largest natural caves. Walk through a rainforest, then rappel into the cave to explore large tunnels and corridors filled with stalactites and stalagmites, lava, columns and crystals. Hundreds of bats fly over an underground river. Back outside, ride horses to a ranch for a Dominican buffet.
Sailing
Go sailing with the kids in Punta Cana (grouppalmera.com)
Sailing with kids is a breeze at the 5-star, all-inclusive Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites Resort & Spa. Bavaro Beach’s calm, aquamarine water is perfect for swimmers and water sport enthusiasts. Sailing is among the many land and water sports at the family-friendly oceanfront resort, which has outstanding amenities for kids.
Manati Park
Manati Park is one of Punta Cana’s family friendly spots. (Photo: Princess Caribe)
Among Punta Cana’s most kid-friendly attractions is Manati Park, home to dolphins, iguanas, crocodiles, parrots, sea lions, horses and 150 species of Caribbean flora and fauna. See animal shows and swim with dolphins while learning about these gentle creatures during a 30-minute encounter program. Stroll along lush, tropical grounds, grab a bite to eat and see dancers perform at a recreated Taino village.
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HorsePlay Punta Cana
Big kids and adults will love the experience at HorsePlay Niagara and Punta Cana (HorsePlay Niagara and Punta Cana)
Explore Punta Cana with kids on a two-hour horseback ride through the countryside, which is just part of this fascinating cultural tour that immerses visitors in local Dominican life. Visit towns and sample fruits, coffee, and cocoa. The tour includes zip lining, a Dominican feast and swimming.
Mimi Slawoff of Planetfamilytravel contributed this to MiniTime. She is a Los Angeles-based journalist and a seasoned family travel expert who explores the world with her three children and writes about their journeys.
