8 Family-Friendly Things to Do While Visiting Puerto Rico

La Isla de Encanto is the phrase of endearment for this 3,515 square mile island better known as Puerto Rico. This “rich port” certainly is an enchanting paradise. Glistening waters. Exotic plants. Delicious foods. Incredible coffees. The birthplace of the pina colada. It’s a divine spot to be a tourist, even with kids. It’s also affordable compared to other tropical destinations.

If you’ve decided to make Puerto Rico your next family travel destination, you may be looking for some family-friendly activities to add to your itinerary. Below are some of my favorites that I recommend adding to your next Puerto Rican family vacation!

Parque de las Palomas

A photograph illustrating Parque de las Palomas in Puerto Rico. The image showcases a public park with open spaces. Visitors can be seen enjoying the serene atmosphere, with scattered pigeons in the park.

Parque de las Palomas is a site where the pigeons gather in mass. From here, the views are sprawling, offering picturesque glimpses of cobblestone streets and monuments paying tribute to Boriquen history. Visitors can marvel at the panoramic scenes, encompassing the sea and the city center.

La Fortaleza is popular spot. The street in front of the structure is festively decorated, as if in constant celebration. But it’s also a historic building: It is the oldest and longest-continually inhabited government building in the USA. Even today, it remains the governor’s house. 

Puerto Rico was seen as a strategic foothold in the sea. One thousand miles from the North  American coast, and just over 800 to the South American coast of Venezuela, meaning whoever controlled it could have insight into foreign affairs and access to the gems on the southern continent.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

A photograph capturing Castillo San Felipe del Morro in Puerto Rico. The image illustrates the historic fortress situated against the coastline. The structure exhibits characteristic elements of Spanish colonial military architecture, featuring sturdy walls and lookout towers.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro, commonly referred to as “El Morro,” is perhaps the most well-known of any Spanish construction. The site was respected as a formidable entity, believed to be unconquerable.

With six levels looming over the Atlantic, it was designed to unleash massive artillery dominance over any approaching opponent. It wasn’t until the Spanish-American war that enemy bombardment struck the immense structure. After 400 years, the fort was conquered, falling into American hands. 

Castillo San Cristobal

A photograph capturing the entrance of Castillo San Cristobal. The image features the fortified structure's main gate and entrance pathway. Stone walls and architectural elements are visible. The entrance is adorned with classic design elements.

Castillo San Cristobal is revered as the largest fort constructed in the Americas, taking 150 years to complete. A dry moat surrounds this three-story stronghold. Within the structure, there are a series of tunnels used to move supplies and artillery, which also serve as strategic defense options against attacks.

Another interesting facet of the fortress is the rainwater networks. The water tanks below could hold up to 800,000 gallons of water. These are still in working order today.

Fortin San Juan de la Cruz

A photograph capturing Fortín San Juan de la Cruz in Puerto Rico. The image features the historic fortress situated against a coastal backdrop. The fort exhibits traditional military architecture with solid stone walls and structures.

Fortin San Juan de la Cruz, nicknamed El Canuelo, which translates to “small channel” in Spanish, was a small wooden structure built opposite El Morro on a small island. Though it wasn’t as robust as its counterparts, it was strategic to protect the river opening (Bayamon River) and served as a support to El Morro: Enemies attempting to avoid the larger fortification would most likely run aground, making easy targets for the artillery within the seemingly futile fortification.

Ultimately, the fort was burned in 1625 by a Dutch attack. Although it was rebuilt, it fell out of use in the 1800s and now serves as an ideal location to view the grandeur of El Morro.

The forts are accessible every day from 9 am to 5 pm, excluding Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Days. Entrance costs $10 for individuals 16 and older. It’s free for 15 and younger.

Enjoy the Beaches

Everywhere you turn on this captivating ilse, the sea shimmers, beckoning for people to enter the pristine waters. But not all shores are created equal. With currents differing, finding the ideal space for sand castles, water sports, or a safe place to splash in the waves can be overwhelming, especially for visitors. Fret not. Even if you’re staying local to the city center, beaches abound.

Condado

A photograph capturing Condado Beach in Puerto Rico. The image features a stretch of sandy shoreline. The turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean gently meet the sandy expanse. High-rise buildings form the backdrop, showcasing the urban setting around Condado Beach.

Condado is a perfect area in San Juan especially for kids. A rock wall serves as a barrier to break up the waves, making it ideal for families, paddleboarders, and kayakers who seek calm tides. Vendors set up shop for easy refreshment access and restaurants are a short stroll from the shore. 

Escambron

A photograph illustrating Escambron Beach in Puerto Rico. The image captures the beach's shoreline and sandy expanse, bordered by the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding area features palm trees and coastal vegetation.

Adjacent to Condando is another beach area ideal for families called Escambron. The coral reef acts as natural protection allowing the waters to remain tranquil and clear. This is a popular place for snorkeling. In the area, there is also a walking path that leads to an old fortification called Bateria del Escambron, once used by Spanish and American military forces alike. (The US military vacated this post in 1925).

La Playuela

A photograph capturing La Playuela Beach in Puerto Rico. The image features the sandy shoreline bordered by clear blue waters. The beachscape is characterized by its natural simplicity. The surrounding landscape includes coastal vegetation.

Located on the Southwest coast of the island is La Playuela. The water remains calm for most of the year, creating a serene spot for visitors with children. It’s also a favorite spot for surfers and has various hiking trails offering exquisite views of the area. 

Flamenco Beach

A photograph illustrating Flamenco Beach in Puerto Rico. The image captures the expansive sandy shoreline bordered by clear blue waters. The beach features modest infrastructure. Palm trees provide intermittent shade along the sandy expanse.

Flamenco Beach is another aquatic destination. This oasis is located on the island of Culebra, about 20 miles off the main island’s east coast. An iconic US tank remains displaced in the sand, solidifying it as a spot that peaks tourists’ curiosities. But this beach area is also a serene environment for snorkeling, sunning, and sleeping on the white sands due to its crescent shape.

Waves are nominal and amenities like showers, camping, parking, and lifeguards add to the popularity. Ferries and seaplanes transport guests to the island. Flights start around $60 and the trip takes about 30 minutes. Ferries depart from Ceiba, costing about two dollars one way, and only taking about 45 minutes. 

Bioluminesce in Laguna Grande

A photograph illustrating Laguna Grande in Puerto Rico. The image captures the water's bioluminescent properties, evident through the subtle glow in the water.

Take water excursions to another level. Kayaking or paddle boarding is the best way to experience this rare spectacle. What exactly is bioluminescence? This is caused by a chemical reaction ignited when a tiny organism is agitated while in the water. These little creatures are called dinoflagellates. There are three locations in Puerto Rico to witness these microscopic organisms glow; Laguna Grande, La Parguera, and Mosquito Bay.

The latter is the most dazzling place on the planet for this experience and is located on an island called Vieques, off the east coast of mainland Puerto Rico. There are various companies that offer tours on the island. Ferries from Ceiba to Vieques are common and inexpensive, costing as little as two dollars one way. Planes are also a great way to get there. Several airports have flight options or you can charter a plane

For tours on the main island, Fajardo is about an hour east of San Juan. It’s a quaint area on the waterfront where tours to Laguna Grande depart. Companies like Puerto Rico Bay Tours and Eco Adventures offer this distinct excursion.

La Parguera is southwest of San Juan and takes about two hours to drive to the town. What sets La Parguera apart is you can swim in these waters and truly be immersed in the experience. Parguera Water Sports and Parguera Eco Tours and Bio Bay offer various adventures, including the bioluminescent swim.

Ziplining Adventures

There are a few popular locations for ziplining that you can enjoy as a family if you have a more adventurous side. Below are two of my favorites!

Yunque Ziplining

A photograph illustrating the ziplining activity at Yunque Ziplining in Puerto Rico. The image captures individuals engaged in ziplining amidst the lush tropical landscape of the El Yunque National Forest.

An epic way to experience the beauty and mystique of El Yunque is ziplining. Float through the rainforest with Yunque Ziplining. Within the splendor of the forest, guests can experience five ziplining adventures, hiking, rappelling, and a canopy bridge. The organization also offers transportation to and from the national park for San Juan-based guests. 

Toro Verde Ziplining

A photograph capturing the landscape surrounding Toro Verde Adventure Park in Puerto Rico. The image features elements of the park's infrastructure, including zipline installations and natural surroundings. The park's location within the lush Puerto Rican terrain is evident, with verdant foliage and hilly landscapes framing the scene.

Toro Verde offers ziplining and other soaring excursions. This awarded company has some of the best and longest zip lines in the Americas, including the infamous Monster. While the views are spellbinding, the adventure will leave you breathless. Choose a package right for you or pick a pass to fly through all the lines. With all options, closed-toe shoes are a must. Height and weight restrictions apply.  

Visit Local Museums

Puerto Rico has many different museums you can visit that showcase it’s beautiful history. The following are some of my favorites.

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo

A photograph featuring the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo in Puerto Rico. The building exhibits contemporary design elements and is situated in a urban setting. The landscaping around the museum appears well-maintained.

Puerto Rico houses numerous museums. The Museo de Arte Contemporaneo focuses on works from the mid-20th century to the present. All artwork on exhibit pays homage to Puerto Rican, Latin American, and Caribbean people as well as their descendants.

The museum is dedicated to preserving and studying the local culture and those that influence the Puerto Rican lifestyle. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am until 5 pm. General admission is $8. Children under five are $3.

Museo de las Americas

A photograph depicting the Museo de las Americas in Puerto Rico. The image showcases the exterior of the museum, featuring a traditional architectural style. The museum's facade exhibits a simple yet structured design.

Museo de las Americas strives to emphasize Puerto Rican heritage intentionally and relevantly. Conversation of Puerto Rican history and lifestyle is also imperative to their mission. The museum is set in the Cuartel de Ballaja, in old San Juan, which was once the military barracks. 

Four permanent collections make their home here–Popular Arts in the Americas, African Heritage, The Indigenous of America, and Conquest and Colonization: Birth and Evolution of the Puerto Rican Nation–while numerous exhibitions are on display annually. General admission is $6. Children under 12 and adults over 65 are $4.

Museo de Nino Carolina

racing track. Close-up of mother and child in black Go-kart. Go-kart is a small, open-wheel vehicle designed for racing on kart tracks. The woman and child are wearing blue T-shirts with the Superman logo.

For kids in particular, the Museo de Nino Carolina is an expansive property about 20 minutes from the old town. Here, kids can explore playgrounds, meader through a mini zoo, learn about space, transportation, and even cruise through a go-kart course! Paddle boats allow you to adventure into the museum’s ponds for a closer look at the mangroves. Reservations can be made in advance and are recommended for larger groups.

The University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras hosts a small museum featuring an extensive collection of artifacts from the Antillean islands. Centuries of history are on display as well as pop culture items, paintings, and sculptures. Various events and workshops happen at the museum throughout the year. Entry is free.

Museo Castillo Serralles

A photograph featuring Museo Castillo Serralles in Puerto Rico. The image displays the exterior of the museum, showcasing its architectural features against a backdrop of clear skies. The building is characterized by its classic design and subtle detailing.

On the southern coast of the island, known as the “Pearl of the South,” is where you’ll find the popular town of Ponce. This rich and vibrant area is full of history. Visit the Parque de Bombas, the island’s first fire station is now a distinct landmark with a museum.

Ponce Museum of Art houses pieces from the 17th century. Here you will find Puerto Rican as we all European artworks. For rum enthusiasts, don’t miss the Museo Castillo Serralles. It was once the home of the Serralles family who are known for founding Don Q rum.