A family day outdoors comes in many shapes and sizes in Puerto Rico. With 36 nature reserves and 19 state forests, nearly 300 beaches and three bioluminescent bays, imposing mountains and mysterious caves, it's easy to enjoy the Island's great outdoors with kids in tow. 

From kayaking around San Juan to ziplining through the rainforest, discover why Puerto Rico is one of the best places in the Caribbean to travel with kids!

Family of three goes horseback riding in a lush hacienda.

Hacienda Carabalí offers tours for all ages on horseback and ATV.

Explore the Rainforest by Horseback or ATV

Near El Yunque National Forest, where you can spend the day hiking and basking under waterfalls, is Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park: A 600-acre ranch perfect for an action-packed day with the family. Discover endemic flora and fauna as you set out on a horseback-riding tour in the foothills, take a swimming break at the Mameyes River, or ride along the beach with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

If the family is looking for something a little faster-paced, you can race through lush vegetation, splash through rivers, and take in the rainforest scenery on an exhilarating ATV or UTV ride. Go-karts may be better-suited for the kiddies, while open-wagon hayrides are available for those seeking a more peaceful way to enjoy the rainforest.

Bonus: Carabalí has an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a traditional Puerto Rican meal or feast on Southern-style BBQ. 

Family with toddlers at the beach

Enjoy a family beach day in Puerto Rico.

Family Beach Day

In the metro region, visit Balneario de Carolina, offering something for everyone in the group, from a beach volleyball court to a small water park for children and an on-site microbrewery for adults. The whole family will enjoy swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding in the shallow waters of the Blue Flag-awarded beach of La Monserrate in Luquillo. After your family beach day, head over for a delicious bite at the nearby Kioskos de Luquillo. Venture to the west side of the Island and visit Balneario de Boquerón in Cabo Rojo for a fun-filled family day soaking up the sun, searching for seashells, and splashing around in the shallow ends of the beautiful beach.

 

Best Beaches for Families

A woman glides down a zipline at Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park in Orocovis, Puerto Rico.

Get a bird's eye view of Puerto Rico's lush landscapes on a zipline adventure.

Soar Like a Bird

One of the most popular outdoor activities for families in Puerto Rico is ziplining. With steep mountains and verdant scenery, you can practice the high-flying trend in different locations across the Island, from the second-longest zipline in the world at Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park (which Jimmy Fallon conquered) to the highest rainforest in Puerto Rico at Toro Negro. There are also shorter rails at El Yunque National Forest, where you'll find ziplines for all types of travelers. 

Staying in San Juan? Toro Verde has its own urban zipline park at Distrito T-Mobile. Once you've come back down to earth, enjoy dining, movies, concerts, and other family-friendly offerings in this popular entertainment district.

The River, Wilder, and Archer Show

A group of people snorkel on clear turquoise water at Flamenco Beach in Culebra.

Puerto Rico is surrounded by clear, calm waters ideal for snorkeling.

Sail & Snorkel on a Boat Tour

Surrounded by many cays and islets, Puerto Rico is full of unique locales to explore on a boat, catamaran, or yacht tour.

Charter companies like East Island Excursions, Traveler Catamaran, Salty Dog, and Sail Getaways will take you to Icacos Island on the east side of Puerto Rico. 

Not only will you relish views of the stunning coastline, you can discover Puerto Rico's diverse marine life while snorkeling around some of the most colorful coral reefs in the Caribbean. Many providers offer snorkeling packages that include gear, lunch, and refreshments. If diving in the water is not for you, simply kick back, relax, and enjoy the ocean breeze.

Explore the Puerto Rico boating directory

A family paddle boards at the Condado lagoon.

The Laguna del Condado in San Juan is a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding to enjoy a peaceful environment. 

Paddle Away!

Puerto Rico's nearly 300 miles of coastline boasts many calm beaches that are ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).

If you'll be staying in San Juan, your family can take advantage of several guided tours — including sunset and night paddles — to enjoy the city's skyline. Castillo Tours and San Juan Paddleboarding offer city-side bay kayaking and SUP around the lagoon and clear-water beaches, while Night Kayak Tours' illuminated paddleboards and kayaks cast a halo of light beneath your vessel. You can book a lesson for your group or rent out the equipment from these companies. 

For more glow-in-the-dark fun, head to Laguna Grande in Fajardo, La Parguera in Lajas, or Mosquito Bay on the nearby island of Vieques for guided aquatic tours of these amazing bioluminescent bays.

Check out more great places to go kayaking and paddleboarding

Biking in Cabo Rojo

Puerto Rico offers beautiful scenic trails to enjoy nature reserves and recreational parks. 

Bike Rentals 

Puerto Rico has hundreds of miles of trails and streets to be explored on a family biking trip. There are many bicycle rentals around the Island, so you can enjoy a morning, afternoon, or full day of cruising. 

From leisurely city roads like the ones you'll find in the Ocean Park and Condado neighborhoods of San Juan to more advanced wildlife trails in Guánica State Forest, Corredor Ecológico del Noreste, and Aguadilla Coast Trail (the longest route on the Island), renting a bike is a great way to take in the scenery while getting some exercise as a family.

Explore Biking Routes in Puerto Rico

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