Things to Do with Kids in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana is a Dominican Republic resort destination where most families never leave the property. The trip improves dramatically if you book one off-resort day with the right operator. El Buey Tours is the family-rated excursion company most concierges quietly point to. Hoyo Azul (a 14-meter cenote inside Scape Park) is the standout half-day with kids who can swim confidently; the water is 84 degrees and the descent is via wooden stairs that work with strollers (collapse and carry). PANACA PUNTA CANA is the agricultural-themed family park that handles ages 3 to 12 and gives parents a break from the beach. Papelería Marlin is the practical stop for any school supply or beach-toy refresh. Most large resorts have a kids' club, but the quality varies; ask for the actual age-group activities and the supervision ratio when you check in. Pro tip: the East-end beaches (Macao Beach, especially) are public and free, and a $20 taxi each way gets you a more authentic beach day than the resort strip. Bring water shoes; the cenote rocks are slippery. Tip in dollars or pesos but tip; the dollar economy in Punta Cana runs almost entirely on it, and a $5 tip after a beach lunch goes a long way.