Family vacations in the Dominican Republic take on a whole new meaning when you slow down and stay at one of Punta Cana’s top hotels, where peace and quiet are the real luxury. Here’s how to enjoy Punta Cana with kids through a slow travellens: the reasons to go, where to stay, what to do, what to eat, and what to pack.
Why Punta Cana is a perfect family destination
Calm beaches and gentle seas
Forget the stereotypes, Punta Cana is ideal for families. First and foremost: the beaches. With an average annual temperature between 79°F and 82°F, the water is crystal clear, shallow, and typically calm—some beaches even feel like natural pools. Areas like Bávaro Beach also offer full services, accessible entry points,and lifeguards for added peace of mind.
Everything is designed for relaxation
Iberostar Waves Dominicana is one of the best-rated family hotels in Punta Cana. Everything about it invites rest and beachfront enjoyment, from adapted rooms to five-star facilitieswith restaurants and bars, kids’ pools, and entertainment for all ages.
Caribbean weather and laid-back energy
Wondering when to go to Punta Cana? This is a year-round warm destination, with low rainfall,manageable humidity, and consistently mild temperatures, averaging 80°F. The dry season, or high season, runs from December to April, while the rainy season typically falls between May and November.
Where to stay in Punta Cana with kids: family resorts and All-Inclusive ease
All-Inclusive that truly makes life easier
All-Inclusive resorts in Punta Cana make family travel refreshingly simple. One top pick: Iberostar Waves Punta Cana, a five-star resort specially designed for families, located right on Bávaro Beach. From meals and golf to games for the kids and spa time for you, everything’s taken care of. Bonus points? The resort features a coral nursery and a bee conservation project, making the trip more sustainable and educational for everyone.
Location and beach: the foundation of the trip
In a Caribbean destination like this, beachfront access is a sure bet. Bávaro Beach is just a 20-minute drive from the airport, and other welcoming spots like Cabeza de Toro, Arena Gorda, and Uvero Alto also offer the perfect home base for families.
Rooms and thoughtful extras
Iberostar hotels in Punta Cana cater to all types of travelers. For families, that means dedicated room types with connecting spaces, accessible layouts, generous size, and décor that’s designed to inspire and engage young guests. As for the extras, the All-Inclusive experience includes a kids’ camp, water sports, and even a “mini Caribbean village” inside the resort. Need a baby crib? Just ask at check-in.
Setting the pace: fewer plans, better memories
Unhurried beach mornings
Slow travel means enjoying sunny beach mornings without the rush. That relaxed rhythm can include kid-friendly plans like a shoreline snorkeling adventure or a sustainable beach picnic. The advantage of staying right on the sand? Beachfront resorts offer direct access, plus towels, loungers, umbrellas, and snack bars for added comfort.
Midday breaks, with purpose
Trade fast-paced itineraries for a well-deserved pause after lunch at one of the resort’s restaurants or buffets. Whether you’re in your room with a view or outdoors by the pool surrounded by tropical gardens, downtime can be even more restful with a bit of mindfulness for little travelers. Their favorite storybook and the soothing sounds of nature in the background.
Gentle afternoons and short, sweet plans
In the afternoons, opt for short, relaxing family activities that help everyone unwind before the evening: a walk by the sea, some casual sports at sunset, or a special treat break. Sometimes the simplest plans are also the most meaningful.
What to do in Punta Cana with kids—without turning it into a marathon
Water experiences
Your kids might want to do everything at once, but it’s all about quality over quantity. A great option: a guided reef tour to spot marine life in a respectful, ethical way, with or without snorkeling. Other family-friendly water activities with supervision include paddleboarding, kayaking, and catamaran outings.
Nature to enjoy as a family
The Dominican Republic’s biodiversity is something to experience together. Hiking and cycling routes, along with ocean expeditions for wildlife watching, help children appreciate the beauty of nature and understand why it needs protecting. Some species you might encounter in Punta Cana include sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays, squirrel monkeys, and birds like pelicans, palmchats, and parrots.
Making the most of your resort days
Want to get the most out of your stay at a Punta Cana resort? Join the activities on offer. Every family—and every child—is different, which is why Iberostar designs its entertainment with variety in mind. Think beachfront yoga, craft workshops, themed dinners inspired by Dominican culture, and nature-based adventures.
Excursions worth taking with little ones
Isla Saona
When it comes to excursions, choose the ones that truly suit your family. A visit to Isla Saona is well worth it. The drive from Punta Cana to Bayahibe, the departure point, is around 80 kilometers, less than an hour by road. The boat ride takes between 45 and 60 minutes. Once there, you’ll arrive in a paradise of turquoise waters and white sand, part of the National Park of the East and home to vibrant starfish
Midday plans
At midday, take advantage of the time for short outings from the resort and try eating out now and then, perhaps at a local restaurant or beachside food stall.Community-based tourism lets you connect with the local rhythm through conversations and experiences that support traditional crafts and the circular economy.
Animals and educational experiences
Star Camp is Iberostar’s dedicated activity program for kids, with a schedule tailored to three different age groups across the resorts. It focuses on educational activities and animal-friendly, environmentally conscious experiences. While they play and explore, you get the chance to rest and recharge.
Glass-bottom boat rides
A glass-bottom boat ride brings marine life closer to little ones in a safe and respectful way. These trips are designed to observe speciesin their natural habitat without disturbing them. The experience is so impressive that you may want to join in even if you're traveling as a couple and staying at adults-only resorts like JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar.
Eating with kids in the Caribbean—no battles required
Buffets and restaurants: how to choose
Dominican cuisine includes plenty of dishes kids are likely to love. Try the bandera dominicana—a classic combo of rice, beans, and chicken or pork—pica pollo (Dominican-style chicken nuggets), the chimi (a local take on the hamburger), and desserts like yaniqueques and tropical fruit. Resorts offer a curated mix of local and international cuisine, with kids’ menus and varied buffets to suit different tastes.
Small “lifesavers” for the unexpected
If your children are hesitant to try new flavors, packing some of their favorite snacks from home can go a long way. These little “lifesavers” are helpful during travel or once you're at the destination, especially if one of your kids is gluten-free or your family follows a vegan lifestyle. Iberostar’s dining spaces offer inclusive options for everyone.
Smart packing for Punta Cana with kids
Beach essentials
At our five-star resorts in Punta Cana, complimentary beach and pool towels are available, along with refillable hygiene products, as single-use plastics have been phased out. Bring only what you really need for the beach and avoid overpacking “just in case” items: high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen, extra swimsuits, lightweight breathable clothing, water shoes, sunglasses, and sun hats or scarves.
A practical (not overstuffed) first-aid kit
Your Punta Cana travel kitshould include the basics: bandages, gauze, adhesive plasters, antiseptic, insect repellent, a thermometer, cream for bumps or scrapes, and general pain or anti-inflammatory medication. And of course, don’t forget any prescribed medications your family may need.
Family-friendly tech that’s actually useful
To really disconnect, swap screens for moving postcards. Limit mobile use and make it count with helpful apps like PackPoint (to build your packing list), Wanderlog (for collaborative trip planning), or Civitatis (for activity guides by category). At Iberostar resorts in Punta Cana, screens are usually the last thing on anyone’s mind.
