San Juan, Puerto Rico is one of the Caribbean’s most exciting spots for a family vacation. There’s such a wide variety of things to see and do. If you’re planning a family trip to San Juan, here are ten great things to do with the kids:

Hit the Beach

Beachy

Families staying in San Juan should head for the golden sands of the Isla Verde or Condado to build sandcastles and take a swim. Those who are willing to go a bit farther should check out Luquillo Beach. Here, families can enjoy local foods, rent water sports equipment, and use the changing facilities.

Don’t Miss the Forts

Channel your inner Pirates of the Caribbean at San Juan’s two huge fortresses — the massive Castillo de San Felipe del Morro built in 1539 and Castillo San Cristóbal completed in 1785. Both World Heritage Sites have tons of cool places to explore (like dungeons and barracks) and lots of space to run around.

Check Out the Old City

OldSanJuan

Wander through the walled city of Old San Juan with its cobblestone streets, pastel-hued Spanish-style townhouses, and wrought iron balconies overflowing with flowers. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city and try some of the piraguas (shave ice) or Ben & Jerry’s finest. Within the city of San Juan, Luis Muñoz Marín Park’s playground and grounds are fantastic for kids.

Go Bargain Hunting

Teens and parents seeking retail therapy should leave plenty of time for shopping in San Juan. Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, U.S. citizens don’t pay duty on things purchased here and brought back home. Calle Fortaleza, Calle San Francisco, and Calle del Cristo in Old San Juan are a mecca for shoppers. Factory outlet stores, such as Coach and Ralph Lauren, are here as well.

Take a Hike

Rainforest

El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest within the U.S. National Forest system, is a “must-do” for nature-loving families. This 28,000-acre rain forest’s waterfalls, natural pools and tiny tree frogs (coqui) are kid-pleasing favorites. Seeking more natural wonders? Take a stroll through Puerto Rico’s Rio Camuy Cave Park, the third largest cave system on the planet.

Rev It Up

Parents and kids seeking an adrenaline rush can get their fill both on land and in the air. Hacienda Carabali, a 600-acre adventure ranch located near El Yunque, offers ATV trail rides, go-cart rides, horseback rides and more. Kids can play Tarzan and fly through the trees on zip lines at La Marquesa Canopy Tour, located about 30 minutes outside of San Juan.

Get Hands On at a Museum

Tell your kids to “touch this” for a change at San Juan’s El Museo del Nino (The Children’s Museum.) All three floors of this air-conditioned museum are filled with fun interactive exhibits. The information is in Spanish, but don’t worry – the staff will help interpret if needed. If your kids are interested in astronomy and extraterrestrial life, don’t miss the Observatorio de Arecibo, a little over an hour outside of San Juan.

Glow In The Dark

Families can tour one of Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent lagoons for some nighttime fun. Kayak in small groups through Fajardo’s Laguna Grande filled with glow-in-the-dark plankton. Touching the water with your hands will cause the little dinoflagellates to light up like fire flies. Check with your hotel to arrange a tour.

Soak Up a Little Culture

Beach

Visiting San Juan gives families the opportunity to learn about another culture without going far from home. Let the kids practice their Spanish, learn about the history and customs of the Caribbean and the Americas at San Juan’s Museo de las Américas (Museum of the Americas) or make a daytime visit to Plaza de Mercado de Santurce’s old-fashioned market to try out some traditional foods.

Catch a Wave

Head to the watersports centers on San Juan’s Isla Verde Beach for jet ski rentals, water skiing, parasailing and banana boat rides. Surfing lessons are also available in Luquillo for kids who want to learn how to hang ten.

 

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