Puerto Rico gets the attention of couples and solo travelers, but it can also be a family-friendly destination, as well.
A trip to Puerto Rico is a top-notch experience for the family. Imagine being hugged by the warmth of the tropics, enjoying the pristine Caribbean waters, and exploring a culture so unique, travelers will want to be immersed in it all day. There’s a reason why this destination is called the ‘Island of Enchantment,’ and visiting here would give tourists more than just answers.
Puerto Rico is rich in history, heritage, and natural wonders working together to give families a memorable vacation. The island offers lots of activities for laid-back parents, playful kids, curious teens, and adventurous adults. Come one, come all, the Caribbean awaits.
Family-Friendly Destinations
From urban attractions to nature spots, Puerto Rico has what it takes to surprise any type of traveler. Here are destinations that should not be missed when visiting the island with the fam.
San Juan
San Juan is Puerto Rico’s capital and most populous city, so expect an urban jungle teeming with culture, history, and heritage. Called ‘The Walled City,’ it has some of the island’s popular attractions.
- Beaches: All San Juan beaches face the Atlantic Ocean, like the El Escambrón, a famous recreational area for families, and the Ocean Park, which is the largest in the city.
- Old San Juan: This historic district is a vivid destination where even kids can enjoy a trip down memory lane. Here, travelers can visit plazas, historic buildings, museums, and lots of shops.
- El Morro: This national park is a citadel where travelers can check out the picturesque San Juan Bay. Here, families can enjoy kiting, stargazing, and picnicking.
- Caño Martín Peña Nature Reserve: This reserve will let guests enjoy and learn more about wetlands and mangrove forests.
Museo del Niño de Carolina
Let the kids play while learning new things at Puerto Rico’s only children’s museum. Just half an hour from San Juan, this institution should not be missed.
- Admission cost is $10 (age 15 up) and $6 (age 1-14). Infants and senior citizens are free of charge.
- It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Wednesday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Sunday and Saturday.
- There are over 100 hands-on interactive exhibits about music, art, and science, among others.
- Outdoor sites include a go-kart track, an American Airlines plane, mini zoo, and Blasina Lake
Parque de Bombas
Parque de Bombas is a former fire station in Ponce and is considered one of the most recognizable landmarks on the island. The attractive red building now serves as a museum.
- Admission is free. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weekdays) and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weekends).
- Its Dispatch and Transportation Hall houses antique firefighting equipment and an old fire truck.
- The Equipment Hall exhibits actual picks, axes, bells, and other apparatus used by firefighters when the station was still operational.
- The Historical Records Hall, located on the second floor, is teeming with memorabilia, portraits, and documents about the institution.
El Yunque
The El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the national forest system of the United States, so it deserves a visit. There are endless surprises in this reserve even if travelers just want to sit pretty with Mother Nature.
The historic Baño Grande pool is filled with waters from an upper branch of La Mina River. Built in the late 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) the pool is no longer in use for swimming, but is still a popular scenic stop during a visit to #ElYunqueNF. pic.twitter.com/KUkg3B8K5E
— El Yunque NF (@ElYunqueNF) May 29, 2021
- It’s open daily (except Christmas Day) from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The visitor center opens at 9 a.m.
- There is no entrance fee, but reservations are required via Recreation.gov.
- There’s a non-refundable fee of $2 for a 180-minute reservation ticket.
- There are recreational areas in the reserve where families can have picnics, swim, wade through rivers, and enjoy cascading waterfalls.
- Short paths await guests, even kids, where they can check out brimming wildlife.
Family-Friendly Resorts
It’s always rest and relaxation when visiting Puerto Rico and thanks to resorts that dot the island, travelers can cap off their days with more fun and serenity. Here are some resorts with family-friendly amenities and then some.
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
This four-diamond hotel welcomes guests to their oceanfront amenities, where they can enjoy watching the sunset while being caressed by the Caribbean breeze.
- Families can choose from spacious cabana rooms, suites, and guest rooms.
- Amenities include a swimming pool with a slide for kids, plus fitness and wellness centers for adults.
- At the Red Coral Lounge, guests can enjoy a weekend of live Puerto Rican music.
- Aside from swimming and beachcombing, guests can also try yoga and water activities.
Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort
Another luxurious hotel, the Hilton spells rest and relaxation the Caribbean way. Guests can choose from their rooms and suites that either face the pool or the ocean. Whatever the choice, it’s always the right one.
- Adults can enjoy putting on the 27-hole championship course of the Costa Caribe Golf Course.
- Food lovers can satisfy their cravings at three dining options: El Bohio Sports and Pool
- Bar, La Terraza Restaurant, and Sancho’s Oriental & Sushi Bar. Yum!
- There’s a whirlpool spa and a water slide, plus a fitness center for adults.
El Conquistador Resort
El Conquistador is among the most iconic destinations on the island, thanks to its beachfront and picture-perfect views.
- Aside from suites and guest rooms with ocean views, they also offer the Las Casitas Village, located at the resort’s highest point.
- The hotel is also home to Palomino Island, a white sand beach that’s exclusive for guests.
- Kids and teens will enjoy splashing at the Coqui Water Park. It has a lazy river pool and speed slides.
- There are eight dining options for guests, from cafes to bars.
- Amenities include an 18-hole golf course, a fitness center, pools, and tennis courts.
Families just need to choose where to stay and what they want to do; Puerto Rico got them covered, whatever the reason and the season. From urban escapades to a day with Mother Nature, this Caribbean island knows how to make every trip fun-filled. Family bondings are always premium in this paradise.
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