Things to Do in Puerto Rico for Families: Local Favorites & Must-Do Tours
- kindlittleexplorer
- Jul 26, 2021
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 19
Planning a family vacation to Puerto Rico? Whether you’ve already booked your flights or are just starting to explore options, you’re in for an unforgettable trip.
As a military family with two kids—and both my husband and I were born and raised in
Puerto Rico—we return to the island often to reconnect with our roots and share our favorite places with our children. We know this island inside and out, and we’re excited to share a local perspective on the best things to do in Puerto Rico for families.
From exploring hidden beaches on the west coast to swimming in glowing bioluminescent bays, there’s something here for every type of traveler. Many of the activities in this post are kid-approved by our own boys—and we’ve included bookable tour links to help you plan stress-free adventures.
Let’s dive into the most fun, unique, and family-friendly things to do in Puerto Rico!
For information on Puerto Rico's Top Resorts, click here.
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Things to do in Puerto Rico
There is no shortage of beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico, which brings us to the first on our list of things to do in Puerto Rico:
Head West to the Beach: Puerto Rico's Best Family Beaches
Puerto Rico is known for its stunning beaches, but if you're looking for family-friendly beach experiences, head west. This side of the island is home to calm waters, great snorkeling, local food, and amazing sunsets. As locals born and raised in Puerto Rico, we always make time to visit these gems when we come back with our kids.
Crash Boat Beach, Aguadilla
This vibrant beach is a favorite for both locals and tourists. It features a large pier perfect for jumping into the water, snorkeling, and taking unforgettable family photos. You can enjoy freshly grilled pinchos (meat skewers) from nearby food stands or dine at sit-down restaurants like Rico’s, Sazones, and Mona.
Why We Love It: Our boys love jumping off the pier, snorkeling around colorful fish, and we always grab pinchos and coconuts right while we are there. It’s a tradition every time we visit.
Great for:
Snorkeling or diving
Swimming
Pier jumping
Relaxing
Local food
Tip: Arrive early, free parking is limited. Last time we visited we payed $9 for parking. But even the paid parking fills quickly. I suggest arriving at 8am.
Rompe Olas Beach, Aguadilla
Located near the downtown boardwalk, Rompe Olas is perfect for young kids thanks to its gentle surf. It’s close to parks and eateries, making it easy to pair beach time with a casual lunch or evening stroll.
Why We Love It: It is a less crowded option and close to many dining options. We always stop by Rex Cream for some unique ice cream flavors and visit the big tree house located at Parqué Colón.
Great for:
Toddlers and small children
Swimming
Exploring Aguadilla's town center
Grabbing ice cream or casual meals
Pozo de Teodoro, Isabela
Also known as "La Pocita," this shallow natural pool is great for kids and beginner snorkelers. Our boys love collecting shells and spotting fish in the clear, calm waters.
Why we love it: It is a calm and relaxing spot for families with small children, and there is a restaurant & bar right there. There are also many dining places along the road. We always like to stop by " La Parada de los Surfers" for some empanadillas and other typical Puerto Rican cuisine.
Great for:
Families with young kids
Seashell collecting
Exploring tidal pools
Safe swimming
Explore El Yunque Rainforest: Kid-Friendly Hikes + Tours
Step into Puerto Rico’s lush rainforest—El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. With waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife, it’s a dream come true for adventurous families.
Tips:
Book a guided El Yunque tour for easy access, expert insight, and stress-free transportation. Click here for Yunque Tours
Kids can earn Jr Ranger Badges here, and it doubles as a Free souvenir!
🎖️ Military Tip: If you're a U.S. military family, you can enter El Yunque and other National Historic Sites for free using your America the Beautiful Pass. Just show your pass at the entrance!
One of the most magical experiences you can have in Puerto Rico is visiting a bioluminescent bay at night. Watch the water light up with every splash and paddle stroke.
You can choose from three incredible bays:
Mosquito Bay (Vieques) — Brightest in the world!
Laguna Grande (Fajardo) — Closest to San Juan
La Parguera (Lajas) — The Only bay where you can swim!
Why We Recommend It: We booked a boat tour in La Parguera, and it was surreal. Our kids were amazed at the glowing water—and swimming in it was the highlight of the trip. Experience one of nature’s most magical light shows with a nighttime tour of Puerto Rico’s glowing bioluminescent bays. Click here for Bioluminescent Bay Tours
Family-Friendly Hacienda Experiences in Puerto Rico
Hacienda is a term deeply rooted in the history and culture of Spanish-speaking countries, particularly associated with vast agricultural estates or plantations. In Puerto Rico, these haciendas not only represent a significant part of the island's past but also serve as unique destinations for visitors seeking a blend of history, natural beauty, and culinary delights.
Experience Puerto Rico’s agricultural history with a visit to a hacienda, where delicious food, rural charm, and family-friendly activities come together.
Hacienda La Fe: Ziplining, a rope bridge, walking trails, and a full restaurant.
El Paladar Campesino: Incredible views and authentic Puerto Rican cuisine.
Our Experience: At Hacienda La Fe, our kids loved the mini rope bridge and walking trail while we enjoyed coffee with a mountain view.
Stroll cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings, colonial forts, and centuries of history. Old San Juan is perfect for walking tours, food tastings, and sightseeing with kids.
Recommended Tours:
What We Love as a Family: Our boys were fascinated by the dungeons and cannons at Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro), one of Puerto Rico’s most iconic historic sites. Even better—kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge here by completing fun, educational activities provided by the National Park Service!
🎖️ Military Tip: If you're a U.S. military family, you can enter El Morro and other San Juan National Historic Sites for free using your America the Beautiful Pass. Just show your pass at the entrance!
Local Tip: Start your tour early to beat the heat and crowds, then grab a piragua (shaved ice) as you explore the plazas and parks nearby.
From food tastings to photography walks, there’s a tour for every type of traveler. Book now to uncover the rich stories hidden in every corner of this charming city!
Visit the Salt Flats of Cabo Rojo
A stunning natural site with pink-hued salt flats, unique photo ops, and proximity to:
Cabo Rojo Lighthouse
Local seafood restaurants
Nearby beaches
Why Go: It’s quiet, beautiful, and unlike anything else on the island.
Address: PR-301, Boquerón, Cabo Rojo 00622, Puerto Rico
This laid-back hidden gem is perfect for water adventures and for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path alternative! Book a La Parguera boat tour to:
Snorkel in mangrove canals
Swim in the bioluminescent bay
Relax at Cayo Caracoles—shallow and crystal-clear
Ready to feel the rush? Ziplining in Puerto Rico is a must-do for thrill-seekers! Fly above lush rainforests, rivers, and mountains with the help of expert guides. Click here for ZipLining Tours
Whether you're zipping over the treetops in Toro Verde Adventure Park or taking a family-friendly route, it’s an unforgettable way to see the island from a new perspective. Secure your zipline adventure today—it’s one of the top-rated tours on the island!
Horseback Riding in Puerto Rico’s Forests and Beaches
Ride along the beach or through a tropical forest with a guided horseback tour. It’s peaceful, unique, and great for bonding as a family. Click here for Horseback riding Tours
Top Picks:
Puerto Rico’s Best Caves to Explore
Discover the underground wonders of Puerto Rico through guided cave tours. Visit:
Cueva Ventana — A massive window cave with a jaw-dropping view
Rio Camuy Cave Park — One of the largest cave systems in the world
Here are some of the most frequently searched questions about Puerto Rico:
Do I need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico? No, U.S. citizens do not need a passport to visit Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory.
Is the water safe to drink in Puerto Rico? Yes, the tap water in Puerto Rico is safe to drink, as it follows the same sanitary standards as the U.S.
What is the best time to visit Puerto Rico? The best time is between mid-December and April when the weather is warm and dry.
Should I rent a car in Puerto Rico? Renting a car is recommended if you want to explore beyond San Juan. However, taxis and public transport are sufficient for getting around San Juan.
Do I need an international phone plan in Puerto Rico? No, Puerto Rico uses U.S. phone networks, and most mobile services work without additional plans.
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