10 Most Popular Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a paradise for family travelers, offering various activities for children of all ages. Its rich blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant festivals makes it the perfect destination to create unforgettable family memories. Whether your kids are little adventurers, history buffs, or beach lovers, Puerto Rico has something special for every family. Here are ten kid-friendly things to do in Puerto Rico to ensure a fun-filled vacation in this Caribbean gem

Puerto Rico at a Glance.

Situated in the heart of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico boasts a blend of natural beauty and rich history. This unincorporated U.S. territory is a tapestry of lush rainforests, bustling cities, and tranquil beaches. The island’s unique blend of Spanish, African, Taino, and American influences has created a cultural identity that is both captivating and welcoming.

Children will be enchanted by Puerto Rico’s vibrant traditions, from colorful festivals to lively music and dance. The island’s warm climate makes it a year-round destination, offering families a perfect escape from the everyday routine. With English widely spoken and a familiar currency, traveling here is convenient for U.S. visitors, making it an ideal choice for family vacations.

Affiliate Disclosure: There are affiliate links throughout this post. This means if you click on a link and purchase a product through that link, then I will receive a small commission for the referral. And that is kinda cool.

Top Reasons to Travel to Puerto Rico.

1)  The Climate.

The weather is perfect, with temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. It is perpetual beach weather. It can be muggy, but there is always a gentle ocean breeze. Sometimes, it rains, but wait a few minutes, and the shower will have passed.

2)  Puerto Rican cuisine, my favorite attraction.

Mofongo, beans and rice, fresh seafood, plantains, lechon, fresh tropical fruits; I could go on and on. I average about five pounds of additional weight gain after vacation. But it is so worth it.

Snapper Mofongo from El Patio de Sam.

3) Traveling from the United States to Puerto Rico is very easy.

You do not need a passport, and you do not need to go through immigration. Most Puerto Rican citizens are at least bilingual, so there is a minimal language barrier. There is no currency exchange. Plus, the island is a quick three-hour flight from Orlando.

Here are 25 Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Puerto Rico!

1) Castillo San Felipe del Morro, locally known as El Morro, is likely the top kid-friendly activity in Puerto Rico.

There are two ways to see El Morro: from the inside and the outside.

The majestic structure has tunnels, ramps, dungeons, spiral staircases, and archways.  Walk into the garitas, the sentry boxes where the guards stood watch.  Imagine what the men saw while protecting their land.  Take a picture with one of the old cannons still in place in the fort.

You will see the kitchen where their food was prepared. And the bathrooms are seriously a room with a view.

The inside of Castillo San Felipe del Morro is truly astounding.  However, in my opinion, spending time exploring the outside grounds of El Morro can be just as fun.

Fly a kite.  Bring a picnic.  Or sit and relax and take in the view on the front lawn of El Morro.

Head towards La Puerta de San Juan (the San Juan Gate).

Once you walk through the gate, you will discover Paseo del Morro to the right.  Follow this path towards the entrance of San Juan Bay while walking alongside the stately walls of El Morro.

The path ends in a picturesque coastal cemetery with incredible views of Old San Juan and La Perla.

Now it is time to grab a Piragua from the closest Piragüero and cool off.  A Piragua is a frozen treat of shaved ice covered with fruit-flavored syrup.  The kids love it.

Touring El Morro inside and outside is worth your time and is a top kid-friendly thing to do in Puerto Rico.  You will capture amazing images, get some exercise, and spend quality time with your family.  It has always been one of my favorite things to do in Puerto Rico.

For more information on Touring El Morro Inside and Out, including fun family pictures, CLICK HERE.

2) Discover Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Old San Juan combines history, art, architecture, culture, culinary delights, colorful scenery, and shopping—plan on at least half a day, maybe even a full day of exploration. Strolling Old San Juan is one of the top 10 kid friendly things to do in Puerto Rico.

Old-world architecture is prevalent in the area of Old San Juan; the colors are vibrant, the doors are unique. I could dedicate a single post to just the doors of San Juan. They all seem to scream individuality.

At the end of Calle Cristo is the Parque de Las Palomas, another top 10 kid-friendly thing to do in Puerto Rico.  They will love it.  Buy bird feed from the vendor and watch the doves become your best friend.

You will find an adult version of Piragua disguised as a Margarita at El Parnaso, a Mexican Restaurant at the end of Calle Cristo, with seating on the cobblestone street.  The area is usually pretty busy and is the best spot for people-watching.

Here is some advice on exploring Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

• If you go early in the morning, you will beat the crowds and you will be able to take pictures before everyone arrives.  The lighting in the morning is gorgeous.  And it can be quite peaceful at this time of the day.
• Go off the beaten path.  The architecture and art of the city are fascinating.  You will find hidden treasures in the sights, sounds, and scents off the beaten path.  This is how I found this fantastic façade.

  

• Take your time.  As many times as we have had the opportunity to explore Old San Juan, we still see new things every time.  Each year of life with the kids brings a new point of view of the city.

3) Explore El Yunque National Forest.

Travel from the beach to the stunning tropical rainforest of El Yunque National Forest in less than an hour from San Juan, Puerto Rico. El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, a must-visit for families, and a top 10 kid-friendly thing to do in Puerto Rico. Children will love hiking its trails, discovering hidden waterfalls, and spotting colorful birds and coquí frogs. The visitor center offers educational exhibits, making it a perfect spot for curious minds.

The hours of operation of El Yunque National Rainforest are from 6 AM to 6 PM.  They will close the gates if the park becomes full, so arrive early.

You can access the rainforest for free, but I suggest you check in to the Visitor’s Center for directions to Big Tree Trail.   There is a charge of $4 at the Visitor’s Center, but it is worth it.  It is full of information, as well as a gift shop and coffee shop. 

You can try to find the trail with your GPS, but so far I have had no luck with this option. GPS is hit or miss on the island, so best to find the Visitor Center and get proper old fashioned directions.

Our favorite hike in El Yunque, one we have done year after year, is the Big Tree Trail to La Mina Falls.

The hike from the trailhead to the falls may take about an hour, give or take.  When the kids were little, it sometimes took up to two hours.  But, the last time we hiked the trail, it took about 45 minutes.

You will be serenaded by the coquis throughout your trek to the falls.  It is much like a peaceful enchanted forest.  Unique flora and fauna.  And the hike comes with a massive reward at the end.

The trail is almost entirely paved. There are some steps to climb.  You will be walking at an incline on the way back to the trailhead.  I would say that the hike is easy to moderate.  There are a few rest stops, in case you need a break or want a snack.  These are useful for when it rains, as well.

You will hear the falls a bit before you arrive.

Your efforts will be rewarded with a beautiful site at the end of your trek, La Mina Falls.

4) A relaxing beach day is in order after touring El Morro (inside and out), walking the vibrant streets of Old San Juan, and hiking the rain forest.

So many beaches, so little time! A relaxing beach day undoubtedly makes the top 10 kid friendly things to do in Puerto Rico list.

There are many unbelievably beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico; your choice will depend on what you want to do.  Some beaches are quiet and secluded.  If you prefer a more happening scene, some beaches are bustling with activity.

Isla Verde Beach.

We always stay in Carolina on Isla Verde beach.  There is nothing better, in my humble opinion, than a day relaxing on a beautiful laid-back tropical beach lined with coconut trees.

Isla Verde Beach is calm, and the water temperature ranges from about 78-83 degrees F year-round.

Family Beach Day, Isla Verde.

Plenty of people are around listening to music, playing paddleball, making sandcastles, picnicking, and relaxing.

If you love watersports, you can rent a jet ski, ride on a banana boat, or learn to surf.  This is a popular area for kite surfing and parasailing.  I have seen flyboarding, but when we were there in the summer (2018), this activity was unavailable in Isla Verde.

Beach vendors in Isla Verde, a leisurely lunch.

Helados Caribe on the beach, a cold, sweet treat.

Plenty of beaches in other areas of Puerto Rico are away from the hustle and bustle of Isla Verde.

Luquillo Beach is beautiful, with the backdrop of El Yunque National Forest—another family-friendly beach with calm surf.  The police officers patrolling are on horseback.  There are multiple kiosks full of authentic Puerto Rican food to sample, and ice-cold Medalla (refreshing 98-calorie local beer).

Out of the city of San Juan, you will find the following unique, beautiful beaches:  La Playuelo in Cabo Rojo, Gilligan’s Island in Guanica, Crashboat Beach in Aguadilla, Mar Chiquita Beach in Manatí, Piñones, and Ocean Park.

The beautiful coconut palm-lined Luquillo Beach.

A day at the beach of Guanica Reserve.

The most famous beach in Puerto Rico is Condado.  However, I find this area to be a bit rough for children.  But the surfers love it.

If you are looking for seclusion and unspoiled beaches, hop on a quick flight to one of the Spanish Virgin Islands, Culebra or Vieques.  I believe these islands have the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Voted as one of the world’s best beaches, Flamenco Beach on Culebra Island promises a day of sun, sand, and sea. Its gentle waves are perfect for young swimmers, while older kids can enjoy snorkeling adventures. The beach’s iconic tanks add a touch of history to your beach day.

The US Navy once used the beautiful island of Culebra for training exercises. In the ’70s, Culebra and Puerto Rico citizens began protesting their presence on the island. Eventually, they stopped all testing and left the island. The Navy left behind some reminders, including this abandoned, rusting tank covered in graffiti sitting on the pristine shores of Flamenco Beach.

Beautiful Beach on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico.  Photo cred:  ME!

5) The perfect break from the heat and humidity of the island of Puerto Rico is a day at Plaza Las Americas (“Plaza” in local lingo).

Plaza Las Americas, the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean, is in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  It was the very first indoor shopping mall built in Puerto Rico.

I know what you are thinking. It is just a mall on a beautiful island, with so many other things to do.  However, you will thank me for this tip as it is a nice cool down and fun.

There is a movie theater, Caribbean Cinemas, with recent movies.

There are many stores to shop, including large “anchor” stores such as Macy’s and JCPenney.  Plaza also has several of my favorite stores we do not have where I live; maybe this is why I love it.  These include a Bose Store, Kiehl’s,  Kipling, and Playero.  There are even some boutiques: Carolina Herrera, Cartier, Michael Kors, Tous, and Tiffany &Co.

This is not me, but you get the picture, right?

There is a vast variety of restaurants, including one of my favorite mall restaurants, The Cheesecake Factory.  And they have a Starbucks.

Starbucks keeps me happy.

6) Kayaking the bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico is simply a magical adventure.

There are three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico.  Mosquito Bay, in Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, is considered the brightest bio bay in the world.  While visiting Vieques last year, we took a kayak tour of Mosquito Bay.

What is this bio bay all about?

A bio bay is full of tiny unicellular microorganisms that light up when the water is agitated.  This glow is only visible at night.  It is best seen when the light is low.  Plan your visit with the moon cycle, as you will not be able to see the beauty if there is a full moon.

There are multiple tours for kayaking.  They will pick you up at a designated spot and drive you to the bay.  It is very dark; it has to be for the bay to glow the brightest.  You will paddle your kayak into the middle of the bay and spend about 1 1/2 hours around in the bay.

Be prepared to be in awe.  It is truly mesmerizing and peaceful and beautiful. 

When the paddle hits the water, you will see the water light up blue/green.  Your hand in the water will cause the reaction as well.  What a rush it would be to swim in the bay.  Imagine your whole body lighting up like a glow stick. However, this is forbidden due to conservation efforts.

When fish swim by, they light up.  This can get a little scary because some big fish are out there.

I don’t have any images of this experience for a couple of reasons. Three (expensive) underwater cameras in my possession flooded therefore I am now forbidden to own one. And, I could not bring myself to carry my beloved Canon DSLR or my iPhone into a kayak with a ten year when it is pitch dark.

Here is a link to a Vieques Island Tourism site with information and pictures.

Advice for your bio bay adventure. 

• Use bug spray, and use DEET free to be environmentally friendly. 
• Wear something you don’t mind getting wet. 
• Bring a change of dry clothes and a towel.  We were very wet in the Kayak.

7) Camuy River Cave Park is a natural attraction boasting one of the largest cave networks in the world.  Another unique adventure that is a top 10 kid friendly thing to do in Puerto Rico and is just WOW!

After about an hour and a half drive from San Juan, you will arrive at the Camuy River Cave Park.  They will provide you with a set of headphones for an audio tour.  A trolley will take you deep down into the cave system.  The ride is so much fun, especially for the kids, steep, winding, and rolling.

See how the rays of the sunlight up the entrance to the caves.

Once you arrive at the cave entrance, you will be walking for this part of the tour.  There are rails to hold on to since the ground can be slippery.  Wear comfortable shoes, pay attention, and be mindful.

I have tried to capture the beauty and mystique of these caves and will share some images.  These images will not do justice to the wonder of this cave system.  You must see it for yourself.

The River runs through the Camuy Cave System.

Stalactite or Stalagmite?

Cool rock formation in the Camuy Caves.

***Hurricane Maria Update:  Cleanup and restoration efforts continued at Camuy River Cave Park through March 2021. The Camuy Cave National Park is now open again.***

8) Touring Casa Bacardi in Cataño has been on my bucket list for years.

Bacardi is the largest privately held, family-owned spirits company in the world.

We finally put a checkmark for Casa Bacardi last summer, although there have been plenty of rum tours at my house over the years.

You can catch the Old San Juan Ferry at Pier #2 to get to Cataño. The cost of the Ferry ride is $0.50! And it is fun. A taxi will then take you to Casa Bacardi.

We took the Historical Tour since we had the kids with us.

The cost is $15 for adults, and children under 17 get in free.  Sadly, a rum-tasting tour or mixology class would not have been appropriate as they were 9 and 11 at the time. Maybe this isn’t a top 10 kid-friendly thing to do in Puerto Rico, per se, but they had fun, nonetheless.

We learned about the history of rum, including the reason for the bat logo.

The tour was about 45 minutes.  Afterward, we enjoyed a complimentary rum drink at the waterfront Bat Bar Pavilion.  Purchase rum cake in the gift shop to enjoy with your beverage.

For more information on this tour or to buy tickets, the link to Casa Bacardi is HERE.

9) At the top of the list of kid-friendly things to do in Puerto Rico, and my favorite vacation activity, is horseback riding.

There are many places that you can get only on horseback.  I find the sound of the cadence of their footsteps and the rhythmic movement of the ride relaxing and peaceful.  We have been on multiple rides on the island over the years.

Recently, we visited Hacienda Campo Rico in Carolina.   Campo Rico Trail Rides is my favorite ride on the main island.

What a peaceful ride!

From San Juan, Hacienda Campo Rico is about fifteen minutes away.  DO NOT use the GPS, as it will take you somewhere else.  Use the directions on the website.  HERE is the link.

Hacienda Campo Rico has several activities to choose from.

Firstly, if you wish not to partake in any of them, you can relax at El Mojito Bar with TVs, an ice-cold Medalla, and stunning views of the valley.  They have ATV rides, Archery Tag (I didn’t know this was a thing), and ziplining.  They also provide an eco-tour of the Plantation.

Our ride through this beautiful sugar cane farm was humbling but encouraging.

Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico’s agriculture.  However, our ride proved the resilience of nature.  There were new leaves as far as the eye could see.   Our guide pointed out new papayas, guava, mangoes, almonds, and, of course, plantains.

During the storm, the horses were set free to find shelter in the hills.  It took about 2-3 weeks to clean up and rebuild the stables before they could bring the horses back.   It was heartwarming to hear they didn’t lose any of their horses during this catastrophic storm.  AND three of them came back pregnant.

This white peacock is something that I have never seen before.  He was beautiful, however, he wasn’t too friendly.

I have never seen a reindeer in person.  The last place I ever thought I would see a reindeer was Puerto Rico.

10) It may seem funny for some to hear food referred to as an “attraction.”  But hear me out on this.

Yes, Puerto Rico is a beautiful island with stunning beaches, nature, history, happy and friendly people, lively music, and vibrant colors.  But, don’t miss out on the island’s unique cuisine.

Puerto Rican cuisine is a mix of Taino (The Native Puerto Rican), African and Spanish influences.

The basics are beans, rice, pork, plantains, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits.  These basics are prepared with salt, other delicious Puerto Rican Spices, and love.  Fried or roasted on a spit.

Seriously, Puerto Rican food deserves a post all on its own.

But, for now, I will leave you with my favorites.

I begin with my all-time favorite quintessential Puerto Rican dish, Mofongo.  Green plantains are fried, mashed with salt, garlic, and oil, molded into a “bowl,” and then filled with pork, fish, chicken, or shrimp.

Typical Puerto Rican Platter with pork, moro rice, fried green plantains, and yuca.

“Chillo Frito Con Tostones Y Ensalada”  Fried Red Snapper with fried plantains and a salad.  Order this, you won’t regret it.  Simply delicious.

Tropical Fruits of Puerto Rico.

“Tortas de Bacalao”  fried codfish are often served on an appetizer platter with croquettes (see below), alcapurrias, and tostones—all fried deliciousness.

Croquettes!

Pinchos (meat on a skewer) are NOT fried, so it might be a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

“Coco Frio.”  You can find this scene all over the island.  The machete chops off the top of the cold coconut.  Grab a straw and drink cold coconut water straight from the coconut.  I hear this is amazing with a shot of Rum.

Sorry, Starbucks, but the Puerto Ricans have you beat.  You can find strong, delicious local coffee anywhere in Puerto Rico.  And it will be better than any Seattle bean you have ever tasted.

Puerto Rico has so many kid-friendly things to do. With its rich culture and stunning landscapes, Puerto Rico is an ideal vacation spot for families. The island offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and learning opportunities that will create lasting memories. Ready to plan your family’s Puerto Rican adventure? Share your experiences, book a trip, and immerse yourself in the magic of this enchanting island.

Whether you’re lounging on pristine beaches or exploring ancient forts, Puerto Rico promises an unforgettable family getaway. Pack your bags, gather the kids, and prepare for an adventure filled with discovery and delight.. There are adventures in nature, stunning beaches, historical sites, culture, and cuisine that you don’t want to miss. Have fun, take lots of pictures, and tell me what you think.