Best Summer Activities in Puerto Rico with Kids

The “Island of Enchantment” is a fantastic place and summer destination picked by many families. There are many reasons why people choose this place, especially to come with kids. The combination of adventure, natural places, historical landmarks and rich culture makes it amazing!

Besides that, the place offers many beach activities, rainforest places to visit and even educational places where kids cannot only learn but also have a great day filled with fun activities. In this guide, you can check some of the best things to do with your little ones this holiday.

Things You Need to Know Before Traveling with Kids

A trip to Puerto Rico with kids can be an amazing activity, although it’s important to be prepared. Making sure you’re well-equipped to ensure their fun and safety is vital. You can find many of these items at our store in Caribbean Trading, which will make your life and trip way easier:

Sun Protection

One of the most important things when traveling to Puerto Rico: sun protection. The sun is harmful to adults, so imagine what it can do to small kids. Buy high SPF protection and water-resistant products. This is vital especially for sensitive skin.

Hats, sunglasses or UV-protection swimwear can also protect them from the tropical sun when playing outdoors. Still, they’re no replacement for sunscreen!

Water Shoes

Wearing water shoes can be a life changer, believe us! They are specially designed to provide comfort when doing water activities, while protecting against hot sand or slipping! Since they’re lightweight and made of quick-dry materials, they can be easily stored anywhere.

These shoes come with adjustable straps that make them fit perfectly. They allow proper customization to your feet, providing stability and avoiding discomfort.

Beach Gear

Always pack an extra set of swimwear for beach and pool days! You can also bring sandcastle molds, shovels, buckets and more toys to keep your children entertained all day long at the beach. Don’t forget to bring beach towels too, as well as inflatables or floaties if you’re staying at a hotel!

The Best Kid-friendly Activities and Locations

There are many places that you can explore with your children in Puerto Rico. These are some of those locations and activities that you must visit:

Beach Days at Playa Flamenco, Culebra

We all know it: the Caribbean’s main attraction is its beautiful beaches. Nothing can beat that! Puerto Rico is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the region, with Playa Flamenco as one of the best you can see. Located in Culebra, this pristine beach has much to offer to everyone!

There are many things that make this beach perfect for families. Its crystal-clear sands, beautiful water safe for children and spots to snorkel are all amazing! Its soft white sand is also really nice to build sandcastles or just to lounge while your loved ones play.

But that’s not everything: there are also many shops around that offer local delicacies for families to have a nice taste of Caribbean cuisine while taking care of their kids.

Exploring El Yunque National Forest

El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest; so it’s a must-visit if you’re planning to go to Puerto Rico. It can be an amazing time for any type of household, from older people to kids: everyone is welcome!

Its lush greenery, relaxing waterfalls, and trekking trails offers youngsters an interactive way to enjoy nature and discover the fauna and flora of the place.

There are also numerous child-friendly trails, such as La Mina Trail, which leads to a picturesque waterfall where children can cool off inside the natural swimming pools. The beautiful experience of hearing the coquí frogs, feeling the mist from waterfalls, and watching birds makes it an unforgettable adventure!

Visit to the Bioluminescent Bays

Did you know that Puerto Rico is home to three of the world’s bioluminescent bays? There are only five on Earth!

Laguna Grande in Fajardo is the most accessible one for families of all ages. A kayak tour through the glowing waters is a magical experience for kids and adults alike, as tiny organisms called dinoflagellates light up when disturbed, developing a starry-night effect in the water.

This experience isn’t only great for an entertaining night, it’s also very educational! It can teach children about the natural phenomenon while giving them a completely unique nighttime adventure.

Old San Juan Walking Tour

Old San Juan offers a glimpse into Puerto Rico’s very deep and rich history, with its colorful colonial homes, cobblestone streets, and impressive fortresses that date back many centuries.

Families can have an amazing day exploring this historic district. It is both great for learning about the history of the island and enjoyable for children and adults alike! Tourists can start by traveling to Castillo San Felipe del Morro, in which kids can run across the expansive green lawns or fly kites (a local hobby).

Once inside the fort, children can enjoy exploring the tunnels, dungeons, and battlements. Nearby Castillo de San Cristóbal there’s another must see landmark: interactive exhibits that deliver Puerto Rican history to life!

Ziplining in Toro Verde Adventure Park

If you have children that are very energetic and adventurous, you might want to take them to Toro Verde Adventure Park in Orocovis. This park is home to some of the longest and highest ziplines in the world.

The “Monster” zipline, for example, is a thrilling ride that gives breathtaking perspectives of the lush mountains. While the most extreme zip lines are most suitable for older kids and teens, the park offers sports like rope courses and mountain climbing adventures that are perfect for the young ones!

Snorkeling at Icacos Island

A short boat journey from Fajardo can take your family to Icacos Island, a small, uninhabited island that is ideal for a day of snorkeling and swimming. The waters around Icacos are crystal clear, making it amazing for kids to spot many colorful fish and different types of marine life.

Many boat excursions also offer guided snorkeling trips, presenting all the necessary gear. This makes this a perfect pastime for both newbies and experienced snorkelers of all ages!

Camuy River Cave Park

The Rio Camuy Cave Park is one in every of the biggest cave systems in the world, making it an exciting and very educational place for families to discover.

But, what does the cave park offer? There are many guided tours that take you via impressive limestone caves, underground rivers, and very deep sinkholes. Kids might also be interested in the stalactites and stalagmites, as they also learn about Taino people, who once used those caves as shelters.

Besides all of this, the caves are pretty cold, so it’s an amazing opportunity to have a nice break from the hot weather outside!

A Day at the Carolina Children’s Museum

It’s possible that your kids will eventually tire from exhausting physical activities, and that’s fine! There are many other fun things to do that are way more relaxing too. If your kids need a break from outdoor activities, a visit to the Carolina Children’s Museum is an excellent way to spend the day!

This interactive museum offers an amazing learning experience for kids, including science, technology, culture, and environment. Children can play in the exhibits, learning through exploration. There’s also an outdoor playground area and splash zone, perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.

Conclusion

These activities showcase the rich diversity of experiences available for families visiting Puerto Rico with kids. Whether you’re looking for adventure, education, or relaxation, Puerto Rico offers a perfect summer escape for children and parents alike.

Just be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, snacks, and a sense of adventure as you explore this beautiful island together!