Dominican Republic with Kids
Turquoise water, ocean-view villas and quieter beaches beyond the big resorts. How we planned a group trip to the Dominican Republic with our kids.
From Jen
The Dominican Republic is so much more than all-inclusive resorts. We skipped the crowds and stayed in Cabrera, a quieter town on the north coast, in an ocean-view villa we shared with five other families. Splitting a big villa made a luxury stay surprisingly affordable, and having a private chef meant no wrangling a big group into restaurants every night.
Our kids spent their days at The Hive Adventure, exploring nature and local culture, while we soaked up the views. These guides share where we stayed, how long it takes to get there, and the places worth your time.
Quick facts
Fly into: Punta Cana (PUJ) for the beaches, Puerto Plata (POP) for the north coast, Santo Domingo (SDQ) for the capital, or Samaná (AZS) for whale watching in winter.
Where we stayed: Cabrera, about 1.5 hours from Puerto Plata. Quieter and less touristy than Punta Cana.
Getting around: rent a car. Many roads have no sidewalks, so walking with kids isn't a great option.
Good to know: power outages can happen, so look for a rental with a backup generator if you need to work.
Stay connected: an eSIM keeps maps and messages working from the moment you land.
Good for ages: all ages. A shared villa works especially well for traveling with other families.
Start here
Planning a family trip to the Dominican Republic? Start with these three guides.
Getting there
How Long Is the Flight to the Dominican Republic?
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