10 of the best things to do with kids in Puerto Rico

30.04.2024 - 08:01 / lonelyplanet.com

Puerto Rico, known for its rich culture and stunning landscapes, is a favorite destination for families.

From hundreds of beaches to historic cities, things to do in Puerto Rico with kids are endless and ensure non-stop fun for everyone. 

The archipelago’s highlights, like snorkeling, hiking, and ziplining, are topped with a welcoming and inviting culture in which kids are smiled at and taken care of by everyone.

Here are the best things to do in Puerto Rico as a family, along with some top tips to help you plan your trip.

Puerto Rico has attractions for every taste and age. Popular things to do in Puerto Rico with kids are mostly free or cheap, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a memorable family vacation. 

Kids are welcomed in restaurants, beaches, museums and malls. Most restaurants offer high chairs and kid-friendly menus, and family bathrooms with baby changing tables are common in shopping malls.

You’ll need a rental car to move around the island, as public transportation is limited and not the most suitable for traveling with kids. 

If traveling with a baby, a carrier or sling is the best option for exploring Puerto Rico's outdoor attractions such as the rainforest, reserves, waterfalls and beaches, as these will have rough and unpaved terrain. In cities, an umbrella stroller is a good option.

Coastal towns like Cabo Rojo and offshore islands like Vieques and Culebra promise a fun beach vacation. History comes to life in San Juan, Ponce and San Germán with family-friendly museums and landmarks. 

Head to El Yunque National Forest in the northeast to soak in nature while hiking, ziplining and horseback riding. The mountainous region, though challenging to navigate, has rivers, farms and affordable restaurants ideal for a retreat on a budget.

Even the Metro Region fusions top-notch accommodations and malls with beaches, historical sites and outdoor attractions.

Spending time in San Juan? Here are the city's best activities

Puerto Rico houses water parks where both parents and kids can escape the heat. Las Cascadas Waterpark in Aguadilla, Surf N Fun in San Germán and Albergue Olímpico in Salinas are the largest water parks on the island.

Toddlers can play in water jets and shallow pools while adults relax at wave pools and lazy rivers.

Admire colorful Casitas de Colores (colored houses) murals created by artists of the community group Pintalto. These murals are characterized for covering structures entirely in asymmetrical vibrant shapes resembling puzzles or mosaics.

Manatí hosts the first mural, but it’s Yaucromatic in Yauco that’s the most popular among these eye-catching exhibitions. Find more Casitas de Colores in Las Piedras, Añasco, Río Grande and Aguadilla too.

At Museo del Niño in Carolina