Family holidays in the Dominican Republic offer a taste of paradise that will be remembered forever.

You’ll have the chance to discover jaw-dropping wildlife, spellbinding landmarks and enchanting scenery in a wondrous destination rich in culture and history. Bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, this lush island is home to a plethora of exciting activities and attractions to thrill all ages. You can dive beneath the waves to explore a marine wonderland thriving with colourful fish and coral reefs, or spend sun-kissed days embracing a diverse culture and discovering fascinating historical landmarks. The Dominican Republic also delivers adventure by the bucket load with ziplines, natural pools and hiking trails among the delights on offer. You’ll be able to relax in luxury in a sensational all-inclusive resort, and have access to mesmerising beaches, sparkling pools and serene wellness facilities that ensure both grown ups and children have the holiday of their dreams. To help you embrace all the wonders in this exhilarating tropical playground, we’ve put together our list of must dos in the Dominican Republic. Take a peek at the fun to be had and start looking ahead to an unforgettable escape.

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Embrace Adventure

The Dominican Republic offers families an action-packed environment filled with exciting adventures. It’s the perfect Caribbean destination to embrace new experiences and take on new challenges together across the lush, varying terrain. La Hacienda Park is a natural wonderland located in the divine Punta Cana region, where you can zipline on the longest course in the country, reaching incredible speeds of up to 70 kmph. Wild swimming in the crystal-clear river is also a favourite pastime here or you can hike through the verdant forest. The famous Scrape Park allows you to explore the ancient Iguabonita Caves, wandering through the deep limestone tunnels, while children will also love getting active on the high ropes course. Bávaro Adventure Park promises sustainable fun by blending nature with adventure. Family-friendly activities include mountain biking, ziplining, a climbing garden, Segway circuit, trampolines and more. For the ultimate family day out, this park is located close to the beautiful Bávaro Beach.

Seek Out Wildlife

Teeming with an abundance of exotic wildlife, the Dominican Republic is a dream come true for nature enthusiasts and is perfect for unforgettable family holidays. Make lifelong memories with a visit to the Seaquarium, where a catamaran takes you out to dive among stingrays, nurse sharks and more in the azure Caribbean Sea. Free-roaming squirrel monkeys are the highlight of Monkeyland, where these delightful creatures pose for photos and children will have the time of their life hand feeding them. Similarly, Monkey Jungle is an adventure playground that’s home to more squirrel monkeys. Zipline across the horizon or brave the free-fall 18 metre-high rope drop into a cave. The botanical gardens and Taino caverns here are a great way to investigate the Dominican Republic’s natural and cultural history. Another magical experience is a visit to the National Aquarium, where you can wander through the long shark tunnel and enjoy a hands-on experience in the manatee petting area.

Make Waves

The Dominican Republic is a hive for exhilarating water sports and there's a myriad of hotspots across the country where the whole family can make waves. Having more than 200 beaches to choose from means you can be sure of finding the best area to suit your family’s needs, with many of the most picturesque shorelines located close to the luxury resorts. Cabarete, the water sports capital of the Caribbean, is home to Kite Beach, a superb place for kitesurfing, windsurfing and water skiing. Other water sports on offer across the Dominican Republic include rafting and kayaking down the Yaque del Norte river and boat tours from Samaná Bay for North Atlantic Humpback Whale and dolphin watching. The Dominican Republic also boasts the Caribbean’s largest waterpark, El Dorado, where you can enjoy over 20 attractions, with some epic slides and chutes to really get your heart racing. Pools, loungers and private villas are also available for parents to relax in while the kids get wild.

Soak Up The Culture

Culture spills from every corner of the Dominican Republic due to its deep-rooted indigenous and European history. Soak up all of the rich heritage and culture in the Ciudad Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historical zone in Santo Domingo. Walk the oldest paved street in the Americas, Calle Las Damas, explore Columbus Park or tour authentic 16th-Century architecture. Immersive fun can be found at the Museum of Royal Houses and Museum of Natural History, while children will love the interactive Kah-Kow Experience. Chocolate is an integral part of the Dominican Republic heritage and you can follow the life of the cacao bean from farm to chocolate bar, making your own in the factory. For the sport-lovers, baseball is the most popular sport in the country. The season runs between October and January, making this the perfect time to enjoy a unique and lively experience at a game.

Get Lost In Nature

Embrace the natural beauty of this paradisiacal destination and prepare to be left completely breathless by the spellbinding scenery and diverse ecosystems to be found in the Dominican Republic. An experience like no other awaits at The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve, where you can swim in the inviting freshwater lagoons surrounded by lush subtropical forest. Los Haitises National Park has a hilly terrain and mangroves that provide sanctuary to a number of bird colonies. This eden is one of the last thriving rainforests in the country and is home to the endangered Rideway’s Hawk. Film buffs may even recognise this area as a location from Jurassic Park! Hidden gems can also be found across this landscape, such as the 27 cascading waterfalls of Damajagua. There are many ways to get lost in the Dominican Republic's natural beauty, with family-friendly options like cycling, kayaking and hiking. For the ultimate tour, opt for a more comfortable off-road safari.

Best time to visit

A warm, tropical climate is what families can expect on their dream holiday to the Dominican Republic. To get the best experience on offer, we would recommend travelling with children between December and May as this is when the weather is the driest and you can look forward to consistently pleasant temperatures in the mid to high 20s. This enables you to enjoy everything on offer in the Dominican Republic, from the outdoor adventure activities to the cultural experiences. The hottest time of year is June to September, when the temperatures reach around 30℃. Higher humidity and more rainfall is also expected during this period as it is officially the hurricane season in the Caribbean. However, the Dominican Republic is lucky to only receive short bursts of rain before returning to dry conditions, so if you’re seeking a family beach holiday, keeping cool with some water sports, or to spend your days lounging by the pool then this is the perfect time for you.

“Take your children on a once-in-a-lifetime family holiday to the Dominican Republic, using these 5 must dos as your guide for the ultimate memory-making getaway.

“You’ll be wowed by the lush, natural landscapes and exotic and endemic wildlife that make this Caribbean destination so enchanting.

“Get active by taking part in the exhilarating adventure activities, like ziplining, mountain biking and hiking, or dive beneath the surface of the Caribbean Sea to uncover a colourful world of marine life. The whole family can enjoy water sports like kayaking and snorkelling or embark on a whale-watching boat trip for unrivalled sights.

“Family holidays to the Dominican Republic can be educational as well as fun-filled. Tour the oldest and most historical sites in the Caribbean when you visit the capital city, Santo Domingo. Home to magnificent 16th-Century architecture and museums, you can soak up the culture and heritage of this diverse island.”

Impressive Punta Cana

An all-inclusive holiday of pure delight awaits beside pristine sands and crystalline waters at this sublime family-friendly haven. Superb leisure amenities, enticing dining destinations and modern living spaces ensure a fabulous time is had by all. Children will have hours of fun in the pool or at the kids’ club, while teens can escape to their own dedicated hangout. Grown up will also find plenty of opportunities for relaxation, recreation and entertainment with a gym, spa, nightclub and an assortment of bars among the features to discover.

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Caribe Deluxe Princess

A paradise beach location, extensive all-inclusive offering and a myriad of wondrous amenities make this 5-star sanctuary an ideal choice for your next holiday. Water sports, swimming pools, tennis courts, a spa, mini club, teen club and entertainment for all ages are among the delights you can expect. Rooms and suites are equipped with all the necessities to ensure you feel right at home, while you’ll be spoilt for choice at mealtimes with an irresistible array of eateries to pick from.

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Dreams Onyx Punta Cana

Make memories to last a lifetime with family, friends or that special someone when you stay in 5-star bliss at this sensational beachfront retreat. A jungle waterpark, spa, fitness centre and clubs for children and teens are among the highlights, while you’ll also be able to enjoy a host of sports, activities and entertainment. Refueling is a treat, with restaurants and bars galore to choose from, and you can recharge your batteries in the comfortable surroundings of your plush room or suite.

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Casa de Campo Resort & Villas

The first resort in the Dominican Republic, this exclusive heaven continues to stand the test of time, delivering unrivalled luxury, service and relaxation. With immaculate beaches, pools, water sports, golf, a spa, children’s activities and a cinema among the multitude of delights on offer, you can do as little or as much as you like. Lavish touches in the living spaces ensure you’ll stay in complete comfort, while you’ll enjoy a treat for the taste buds across an array of superb restaurants.

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