Date of publication 23/06/2025
Family adventures: Discover Puerto Plata through the eyes of little ones
This article is both a travel guide and a state of mind—one that transports you to a real destination: one of the best family-friendly hotels in Puerto Plata. Through the eyes of children—their unfiltered imagination—you’ll discover local beaches, explore unique natural hideaways, and experience the area’s cultural and historical authenticity through activities designed for all ages. Start packing for the Dominican Republic and get ready to enjoy the journey together.
Kid-friendly beaches in Puerto Plata: Safe fun and relaxed family time
Playa Dorada: calm waters and family comfort in Puerto Plata
Let’s start with the accommodation: Iberostar Waves Puerto Plata, a five-star family resort located in what is said to have been a favorite hideaway of the legendary Caribbean pirates. Then, the setting: Playa Dorada, an idyllic stretch of calm turquoise water, ideal for unwinding and spending quality time with the kids. This all-inclusive resort sits right on the beachfront, just a ten-minute drive from the city center, and is surrounded by nature and endless possibilities. It features a children’s pool, playground, spa, an impressive sports offering (including a dive center), and a wide selection of restaurants and bars. Rooms and suites are designed to suit your family’s needs.
No surprise it’s one of the most award-winning family hotels in Puerto Plata in recent years.
Family snorkeling at Playa Cofresí
Staying at a hotel in the Dominican Republic near the coast gives you direct access to inspiring activities like snorkeling at Playa Cofresí—a marine sanctuary bathed by the bay that shares its name. This stretch of sand is about a 25-minute drive from Playa Dorada. In this dreamlike setting, you’ll swim alongside loggerhead turtles, anemones, mollusks, crustaceans, and fish in every shape and color—and, if you’re lucky, even humpback whales. It’s an unforgettable way to help children understand the importance of respecting wildlife by observing it responsibly, right in its natural habitat.
Paddleboarding at Playa Sosúa
Just 19 kilometers from Playa Dorada—and its fantastic family-friendly resorts—you’ll find the equally vibrant Playa Sosúa, a coastline framed by tropical vegetation where the fun never stops. The beach is lined with Dominican eateries and is lively at all hours. Nearby, you’ll find several water sports centers offering paddleboard rentals, so you can paddle without venturing far from shore. Thanks to the shallow water and gentle waves, it’s a safe activity even for younger children, as long as they’re under adult supervision.
Puerto Plata’s historic center with kids: culture and entertainment
A stroll along the Malecón
Choose a hotel in Puerto Plata close to the historic center to experience the city’s culture and entertainment, without straying too far from the beach. Begin your visit at the Malecón, which starts at the iconic San Felipe Fortress (also known as “La Puntilla”) and runs for three kilometers along the coastline. This wide, accessible promenade includes a bike lane and is perfect for a mindful sunset walk, leaving screens behind and being fully present with your favorite people. Afterwards, stop for a drink or enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants in the area.
A visit to San Felipe Fortress
Did you know that San Felipe Fortress is the only remaining colonial military structure in Puerto Plata? Built in 1577 to defend against pirate and privateer attacks, it has housed a history museum since 1974. It’s a family-friendly stop where kids can learn about the city’s past while exploring hidden passageways and checking out the archaeological collection. From farming tools to decorative objects and military equipment, the artifacts span several historical periods and make for an exciting discovery for curious young visitors.
Puerto Plata Central Park: slides and kids’ workshops
Puerto Plata’s Central Park—also known as Independence Square—often hosts children’s workshops and features a play area with swings. It’s located in the city’s Victorian district, where the surrounding historic buildings are worth a walk on their own. At the heart of the square stands a neoclassical bandstand inspired by European music pavilions, now a symbol of the Dominican Republic. Relaxing in its shaded areas among trees, benches, and lawns alongside local families offers a glimpse into everyday life in this garden-like Caribbean destination. Back at your resort, the Iberostar Star Camp is waiting with even more fun and excitement for the kids.
Puerto Plata Municipal Market: exotic fruits and local souvenirs
At Puerto Plata’s Municipal Market—a traditional market with over sixty years of history—you’ll find (almost) everything. Especially worth seeking out is local produce like seasonal exotic fruits (you’ll quickly notice that papaya is everywhere in the DR) and Dominican coffee, as well as handcrafted items such as ceramics and jewelry—perfect keepsakes from your trip, even if your stay itself at one of Puerto Plata’s family resorts will be hard to forget. Our tip? Let yourself drift through the relaxed, bustling atmosphere as you wander the stalls at your own pace, taking in the explosion of colors, aromas, and textures with all five senses.
Nature adventures in Puerto Plata
Cable car to Pico Isabel de Torres: panoramic views for everyone
The Puerto Plata Cable Car climbs to 800 meters above sea level—just imagine the view. Little ones will be thrilled by this iconic attraction, which travels through Isabel de Torres National Park up to the peak that shares its name, the highest point in the area. From the top, you’ll enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramas—if not the very best—of the city and its surroundings.
This protected natural area is especially lush, home to endangered plants such as various types of palms, flowers, and pines, as well as a rich variety of native birds, including the guaraguao, the ash dove, and the palmchat, which builds its nests in royal palms and is easily recognized by its cheerful red eyes.
Day trip to the 27 Charcos of Damajagua
Less than an hour’s drive from the hotels in Puerto Plata, the 27 Charcos of Damajagua are another natural wonder of the Dominican Republic. This series of 27 waterfalls—along with the pools, caves, and streams that have formed over time along the fertile banks of the Damajagua River—offers a unique outdoor adventure. You can explore the entire route or choose shorter segments, depending on your level of daring, experience with adventure sports, and the age of your children. Either way, the best option is to join a guided tour tailored to your group’s preferences.
Hiking with kids in Isabela National Park
The Isabela Historical and Archaeological National Park protects one of the most fascinating sites in the Dominican Republic—a settlement perched on a coral platform in the Atlantic Ocean. It preserves the remains of the first village founded by Europeans in what is now the Americas. The entire area is protected for both its historical significance and ecological importance, with coral reefs, mangroves, valleys, and cliffs shaping its landscape above and below the surface. You can chart your own trail to explore its mysteries or join a guided tour for a deeper look into its rich history.
Marine excursions in Puerto Plata
Family expedition to Charco Azul
Taking the trail to Charco Azul—also known as Pozo Azul or Río Azul—is a standout experience that will leave a lasting impression on your family vacation in Puerto Plata. This striking lagoon, located in the Yásica area of Madre Vieja, features crystal-clear turquoise waters framed by rock formations and lush nature. It’s the perfect combination of peace, a break from daily noise, and a sense of adventure. After a 40-minute drive from Playa Sosúa, you’ll find a parking area nearby. From there, a short hike through the most intricate (and most beautiful) part of the trail leads you to this hidden gem—an open-air pool reflecting the sky in shades of clear blue.
Catamaran trip to Isla Cabra
Just one kilometer offshore from El Morro in Montecristi and only 20 kilometers from the city, Isla Cabra is one of those places where time seems to pause at just the right moment. Easily and quickly reached by catamaran from the mainland, this small, wild cay—only 500 meters long—is ideal for community-based tourism in harmony with the natural surroundings. It’s defined by stretches of fine white sand, crystal-clear waters without waves, and towering cliffs that speak in powerful silence. Note: There are no restaurants or bars on the islet, so be sure to pack your own sustainable picnic. The only structure you’ll find is a small lighthouse.
Clear-bottom kayaking at Playa Cofresí
Earlier, we mentioned the loggerhead turtles—one of the marine turtle species that nest along the Dominican coastline. Back at Playa Cofresí, with its emerald reflections, another unforgettable activity awaits families wanting to connect with the sea: a transparent-bottom kayak ride to observe marine life ethically and up close.
You might spot hawksbill turtles, leatherback turtles (a nearly mythical species that can grow up to 2.3 meters long and weigh more than 600 kilos), humpback whales, angelfish, butterflyfish, lionfish, and even the endangered Caribbean manatee. In fact, near Puerto Plata you’ll also find the Estero Hondo Marine Mammal Sanctuary, which protects these gentle “sea cows” and other vulnerable species. Discover family-friendly hotels in the Dominican Republic and hotels in Puerto Plata that support and encourage your family’s next great adventure.
