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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.