Dominican Republic with Kids: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Last Updated on Juli 28, 2026 by Ina Geißler

When we started looking for a sunny destination for the Easter holidays, the Dominican Republic wasn’t at the top of our list. We had considered several destinations where warm weather in April is almost guaranteed, but in the end, one thing tipped the scales: value for money.

For a family of six, long-haul holidays are never cheap. Compared to many other destinations we looked at, however, the Dominican Republic with kids offered surprisingly attractive package deals. Instead of spending the same amount on an uncertain spring holiday somewhere in Europe, we could enjoy tropical temperatures, palm-fringed beaches and an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean.

Unlike many visitors, we didn’t stay in Punta Cana. We based ourselves in Cabarete on the Dominican Republic’s north coast, a destination known for its long sandy beaches and world-famous kitesurfing conditions. It turned out to be a fantastic choice for our family, although not always for the reasons we had expected.

This guide isn’t a generic overview copied from travel brochures. It’s based entirely on our own experience traveling to the Dominican Republic with four children. You’ll find honest impressions, practical advice and the small details that often make the biggest difference when planning a family holiday.

Why you can trust this guide:
✔ Based on our own family holiday in the Dominican Republic
✔ More than 60 family trips across Europe, North America, Asia and the Caribbean
✔ 17 years of traveling with children of different ages
✔ Honest recommendations based on real experiences rather than sponsored content

Dominican Republic travel facts

Before diving into our personal experience of traveling to the Dominican Republic with kids, here are a few practical things that are useful to know before planning a family holiday in the Dominican Republic. Some of these details are easy to overlook during the booking process but can make traveling around the country much easier once you arrive.

Dominican Republic currency & how to pay

The official currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP).

As a rough guide:

• 100 DOP ≈ €1.45
• 100 DOP ≈ US$1.70
• 100 DOP ≈ CA$2.35
• 100 DOP ≈ A$2.60
• 100 DOP ≈ £1.25

Exchange rates naturally fluctuate, but these figures are useful when you’re quickly estimating prices while traveling. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets and many restaurants, especially in tourist areas such as Cabarete, Puerto Plata and Punta Cana. Even so, it’s worth carrying some cash for small purchases, local shops or tips.

Although the official currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP), US-Dollars are widely accepted throughout the country, particularly in tourist areas. We also noticed that Canadian dollars were accepted in some places, reflecting the large number of Canadian visitors. That said, paying in Dominican Pesos usually gives you the better exchange rate, as prices converted into foreign currencies are often rounded up. If you have the option, it’s generally worth withdrawing some local currency for everyday expenses.

Getting around the Dominican Republic

One thing we noticed almost immediately was the traffic. Driving is certainly possible, but it’s very different from what many visitors are used to in Europe or North America. Motorbikes weave through traffic, overtaking rules are interpreted rather generously and road markings often seem more like suggestions than strict regulations.

Because of that, we would personally choose organized transfers or private drivers again rather than renting a car. For families visiting the Dominican Republic with kids, especially after a long international flight, it simply makes the journey much more relaxing.

Flying to the Dominican Republic with kids

The Dominican Republic is well connected with direct flights from North America, Europe and the Caribbean. Travelers from the United States can choose from airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue and United, while Air Canada, Air Transat and WestJet offer many flights from Canada.

From Europe, airlines including Condor, Discover Airlines, Air Europa, Air France, British Airways, Iberia and KLM serve the Dominican Republic either nonstop or with one connection, depending on your departure airport.

Dominican Republic international airports are located in Puerto Plata, Punta Cana and Santo Domingo.

How to survive your flight to the Dominican Republic with kids:
If you’re traveling with children, be sure to check out our guide on flying with kids, where we share practical tips for long-haul flights, choosing the best seats and making the journey easier for the whole family. And here, you’ll find even more tips on air travel with children.

For Cabarete, the easiest arrival is via Puerto Plata Airport (POP), which is only about a 20-minute drive away. Flying into Punta Cana (PUJ) or Santo Domingo (SDQ) is also possible, but both airports are several hours from Cabarete and are usually a better choice if you’re planning to stay in those regions.

-> Long-haul flight to the Dominican Republic with kids? Check out these tipps to find the best seats on the plane!

Best time to visit the Dominican Republic with kids

The Dominican Republic enjoys warm temperatures throughout the year, but the weather does vary slightly depending on which part of the country you’re visiting.

For us, April was an excellent time to visit the Dominican Republic with kids.

Daytime temperatures were generally between 25 and 32°C (77–90°F). Most nights brought a tropical shower, and occasionally it rained briefly in the early morning. During the day, however, we enjoyed sunshine almost the entire time. Only once did a thunderstorm roll in during the afternoon, and even that passed surprisingly quickly.

If you’re travelling to the Dominican Republic at Easter, don’t automatically assume that you’ll experience constant rain just because it’s spring. Our experience was the exact opposite.

Generally speaking:

North Coast (including Cabarete and Puerto Plata): pleasant all year, with particularly enjoyable conditions from December to April.

South and East Coast (including Punta Cana): also excellent during the European winter and spring, although temperatures are often slightly higher.

Dominican Republic all inclusive resorts: Are they worth it?

The Dominican Republic is one of the world’s classic all-inclusive destinations, and for good reason. Many family-friendly resorts include meals, snacks, drinks, entertainment and children’s activities in the room rate. Whether that’s the right choice depends on your travel style, but for our family, it worked extremely well even though we usual prefer individual itineraries. But for visiting the Dominican Republic with kids, all inclusive was the perfect choice.

-> Find out if all-inclusive holidays with kids are worth it

Beach vendors in the Dominican Republic

One topic that often comes up when people research holidays in the Dominican Republic with kids is beach vendors. Yes, you’ll almost certainly meet people wanting to braid your kid’s hair and selling souvenirs, excursions or jewellery while walking along the beach.

During our stay, however, we never found them aggressive or intimidating. A friendly smile and a simple “No, thank you” were always enough, and everyone moved on without any discussion. It was something we noticed, but it certainly wasn’t something that affected our holiday.

Is the Dominican Republic a good destination for families?

Every family is looking for something slightly different. Some want endless sandy beaches and children’s entertainment, while others prefer to leave the resort from time to time and experience a little of the country itself.

For us, the Dominican Republic offered a surprisingly good balance. We enjoyed the comfort of an all-inclusive resort, but never felt confined to it. Within a few minutes, we could walk into Cabarete, have dinner in one of the beachfront restaurants or simply wander through the town and watch everyday life unfold around us.

What probably surprised us most was how international the north coast felt. We expected to meet mostly European tourists, but instead we heard English almost everywhere. Many visitors came from Canada and the United States, which isn’t surprising considering the relatively short flight times. The atmosphere felt relaxed and informal, making it easy to settle in from the very first day.

-> Get to know more awesome travel destinations with kids

Of course, no destination is perfect. If your dream holiday consists of a completely calm, turquoise sea that looks like a postcard every single day, Cabarete might not be exactly what you’re looking for. The north coast has its own character, and understanding that before you travel to the Dominican Republic with kids makes all the difference.

We also think the Dominican Republic offers excellent value for money, particularly for families. During our search, we found some surprisingly affordable package vacations that included flights, accommodation and all-inclusive meals. Compared to many other Caribbean destinations, the overall cost was much lower than we had expected. If you’re considering booking a package vacation, you might also find our article on package vacations with kids helpful.

Is the Dominican Republic safe with kids?

One of the questions I was asked most often before our trip was whether the Dominican Republic with kids is a safe choice. I traveled there alone with our four children, and I can honestly say that I never felt unsafe during our vacation.

We stayed in Cabarete, walked around the town, visited local shops and restaurants, and explored areas beyond the resort. The people we met were friendly, welcoming and helpful, and we always felt comfortable. As with any destination, it’s important to use common sense, keep an eye on your belongings and avoid unfamiliar areas late at night, but that’s advice I’d give for almost any trip.

Based on our own experience, I would have no hesitation recommending the Dominican Republic for families, especially if you’re looking for a relaxed beach destination with excellent value for money.

Why we chose Cabarete

When people think about the Dominican Republic with kids, Punta Cana usually gets all the attention. We looked at it too, but eventually decided to head to the north coast instead.

The main reason was surprisingly simple: we found much better value for money during the Easter holidays. At the same time, Cabarete appealed to us because it seemed smaller and less dominated by huge resort complexes. We liked the idea of staying somewhere that still had its own town centre instead of spending an entire holiday inside a gated hotel. Looking back, that was exactly the right decision for us.

One of the things we appreciated most was being able to leave the resort whenever we felt like it. Whether we wanted to buy a few snacks, browse the small local shops or simply watch the sunset from one of the restaurants along the beach, everything was within walking distance. That gave the holiday a completely different feel compared to destinations where you need transport every time you leave the hotel.

Where to stay in Cabarete with kids

Choosing the right hotel can completely shape a family holiday. While we can’t compare different resorts in Cabarete from personal experience, we’re very happy with the one we booked and would choose it again.

Viva Wyndham Tangerine Cabarete with kids

We stayed at Viva Wyndham Tangerine, an all-inclusive resort directly on Cabarete Beach. One thing we immediately liked was the layout. Instead of one enormous hotel block, the accommodation is spread across several low-rise buildings surrounded by palm trees and tropical gardens. The entire resort felt open and green, which made it much more pleasant to walk around than many larger Caribbean resorts we’ve seen in photos.

Everything was within easy reach. The restaurants, pool, beach and rooms were all just a short walk apart, something we always appreciate when travelling with children.

The resort itself isn’t ultra-luxurious, and it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it felt clean, well maintained and comfortable, with a relaxed atmosphere that suited our family perfectly.

-> Check current prices to Viva Wyndham Tangerine

There was also plenty going on throughout the day. The entertainment team organised activities for children as well as games and sports for adults, so anyone who wanted to join in always had something to do. In the evenings, the resort hosted different shows and entertainment programmes, creating a lively atmosphere without making the hotel feel overly crowded or noisy. If you enjoy a holiday with optional activities rather than complete peace and quiet, Viva Wyndham Tangerine strikes a nice balance.

One feature we particularly appreciated was the selection of à la carte restaurants. In addition to the main buffet, guests can choose between a Mexican restaurant, an Italian restaurant and a more upscale dining option. Depending on the length of your stay, each restaurant can usually be visited once per week with advance reservation. It was a nice way to break up the routine of buffet dining and made the all-inclusive experience feel a little more varied.

Beach or pool?

This is probably one of the biggest questions families ask before booking a holiday in Cabarete. The beach is undeniably beautiful. Long stretches of golden sand, swaying palm trees and colourful kites dancing across the sky create exactly the kind of Caribbean scenery most people imagine.

Swimming, however, is a slightly different story. Cabarete is famous around the world for kitesurfing, and that isn’t by accident. The steady trade winds that attract watersports enthusiasts also create waves that can make the sea challenging, especially for younger children.

That doesn’t mean you can’t go into the water. We still walked into the sea almost every day, cooled off and enjoyed the beach. But we definitely spent much more time in the pool than we normally would on a Caribbean holiday.

Fortunately, that never felt like a compromise. The pool is located just a few steps above the beach, so moving between both was incredibly easy. The children could swim in the calmer water before heading down to the sand whenever they wanted, which actually turned out to be the perfect combination for our family.

Things to do around Cabarete with kids

Although many visitors spend their entire holiday inside an all-inclusive resort, we always like to explore the area around us whenever possible. You don’t have to plan full-day excursions every day. Sometimes the most memorable experiences happen during a simple walk outside the hotel.

Exploring Cabarete on foot

One of Cabarete’s biggest advantages is how easy it is to explore without a car. From our hotel, we simply walked along the beach or the main road into town. There are small shops, cafés, supermarkets and plenty of restaurants, so even an ordinary evening stroll never felt boring.

For families, that’s a real advantage. Instead of organising transport every time you want to leave the resort, you can simply head out whenever you feel like it.

A day trip to Sosúa

We also visited nearby Sosúa, which is only a short drive from Cabarete. The beaches there are beautiful, with lots of entertainment in many places, making them popular with swimmers and party people. That said, we personally preferred Cabarete.

Sosúa felt much busier and more hectic than we had expected. While many travellers enjoy the lively atmosphere, we found ourselves appreciating the more relaxed vibe back in Cabarete. As always, that’s a matter of personal preference, but it’s worth knowing that the two towns feel quite different despite being so close to each other.

Laguna de Cabarete

One place we had been looking forward to visiting was Laguna de Cabarete, a protected nature reserve just outside the town. From what I had researched online beforehand, the area is officially open to visitors for a small national park entrance fee. Unfortunately, our experience was a little different.

When we arrived, we were told that access was only possible with a guide. Since the guided tour was considerably more expensive than we had expected and we hadn’t planned for it, we decided not to visit the lagoon itself.

While that was slightly disappointing, it’s something worth knowing before you go. If Laguna de Cabarete is high on your list, it’s best to check the current access rules in advance and factor the cost of a guided tour into your plans.

Walking beyond the tourist area

Although we didn’t end up visiting the lagoon itself, the walk there turned out to be an experience in its own right.

Instead of taking a taxi, we walked from our hotel towards Laguna de Cabarete and continued through parts of town that most holidaymakers probably never see. Away from the beachfront restaurants and resorts, daily life feels very different. Small neighbourhood shops, local homes, children playing outside and people simply going about their day offered a glimpse of the Dominican Republic beyond the tourist resorts.

For us, those walks are often among the most memorable moments of a trip. They don’t appear on excursion brochures, but they provide a much better sense of a destination than spending the entire holiday inside a resort. As always, we were mindful and respectful, but at no point did we feel uncomfortable or unwelcome.

Popular day trips in the Dominican Republic

When you’re planning day trips in the Dominican Republic with kids, you’ll quickly notice that organised excursions can be surprisingly expensive. This isn’t just because of the tours themselves – transport often adds significantly to the overall cost, especially if you’re staying on the north coast.

Many excursions involve long transfers across the island, so it’s worth checking both the travel time and the total price before booking. While we only explored a small part of the Dominican Republic ourselves, these are some of the most popular family-friendly day trips you’ll come across when planning a holiday.

• Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island): one of the Dominican Republic’s most famous island excursions, known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise water.
• Monkey Jungle: a wildlife park where visitors can interact with friendly squirrel monkeys while supporting local education and healthcare projects.
• 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua: one of the country’s best-known adventure tours, featuring natural pools, jumps and water slides through a tropical canyon.
• Ocean World Adventure Park: marine shows, dolphin encounters and a small water park near Puerto Plata.
• Mount Isabel de Torres: take the cable car (if it’s working…) to the summit overlooking Puerto Plata and visit the botanical gardens.
• Snorkelling or Catamaran Cruises: available from several locations along the north coast.
• Damajagua River Zipline Adventures: often combined with the waterfalls for adventurous families with older children.
• Coffee and Chocolate Plantation Tours: a great option if you want to learn more about local agriculture and Dominican products.
• Los Haitises National Park: a full-day excursion featuring mangrove forests, caves and boat trips, usually departing from the Samaná area.
• Whale Watching (January to March): if you’re visiting during the winter months, humpback whales can be seen in the Bay of Samaná.

Is Cabarete the right choice for your family?

Cabarete could be a great fit if you…
✔ are looking for reliable sunshine during the Easter holidays or in spring.
✔ prefer a relaxed beach town over large, purpose-built resort areas.
✔ enjoy exploring beyond your hotel instead of spending your entire holiday inside a resort.
✔ like the convenience of an all-inclusive holiday without feeling completely disconnected from local life.
✔ don’t mind a wavier coastline and appreciate having both the beach and a large pool to choose from.
✔ want to experience a different side of the Dominican Republic beyond Punta Cana.

Our verdict: Is the Dominican Republic with kids worth it?

Every family holiday leaves a different impression, and ours certainly did. Before travelling to the Dominican Republic with kids, we expected beautiful beaches, warm weather and a relaxing all-inclusive holiday. We found all of that, but what stayed with us even more was how varied the experience turned out to be.

We spent our days by the pool and on the beach, walked into town whenever we felt like it, discovered places beyond the resort and got a small glimpse of everyday life on the north coast. That’s something we always appreciate when travelling as a family. Even if it’s just an afternoon walk through a neighbourhood or a conversation with a local shop owner, those moments often become some of our favorite memories.

Cabarete might not be the right destination for every family though. If your priority is a perfectly calm Caribbean sea every single day, you’ll probably be happier on the east coast around Punta Cana. But if you’re looking for a relaxed beach town, enjoy exploring beyond the hotel and don’t mind a breeze that keeps the kitesurfers happy, Cabarete has a great deal to offer.

One thing we would definitely do again is travel to the Dominican Republic in spring. The weather was exactly what we had hoped for. Warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine and only short tropical showers during the night or early morning meant we could spend almost every day outdoors.

Would we return? Without a doubt. Not because everything was perfect, but because the holiday felt genuine. The combination of a family-friendly resort, a walkable town, beautiful beaches and the laid-back atmosphere made this one of those trips we’d happily repeat.

If you’re currently planning a trip to the Dominican Republic with kids, don’t automatically focus on Punta Cana. The north coast deserves a place on your shortlist as well.

Frequently asked questions on the Dominican Republic with kids

Planning a trip to the Dominican Republic with kids often raises plenty of questions. Below you’ll find quick answers to some of the things families ask most before booking their vacation.

Is the Dominican Republic good for families?

Yes. The Dominican Republic with kids is a great choice if you’re looking for warm weather, family-friendly resorts and beautiful beaches. We especially enjoyed Cabarete because it combines an all-inclusive vacation with a relaxed beach town that is easy to explore on foot.

Is the Dominican Republic safe for kids?

We felt safe throughout our stay in Cabarete, both inside the resort and while exploring the town. As with any destination, it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings, use common sense and arrange reliable transportation for longer journeys.

Dominican Republic: Punta Cana or Cabarete?

That depends on the type of vacation you’re looking for. Punta Cana is known for calm beaches and large resorts, while Cabarete offers a more relaxed atmosphere, a walkable town and excellent conditions for families who like to explore beyond the hotel.

Can you swim in the ocean in Cabarete?

Yes, depending on the weather you can. But expect stronger waves than in Punta Cana. Cabarete is one of the world’s best kitesurfing destinations, so the sea can be rough on windy days. That’s why we loved having a large pool just steps from the beach.

Is April a good time to visit the Dominican Republic?

Absolutely. We visited the Dominican Republic at Easter and enjoyed warm temperatures between 25 and 32°C (77–90°F). Most rain fell overnight or early in the morning, leaving us with sunny days throughout our vacation.

Which airport is best for Cabarete?

Puerto Plata Airport (POP) is the best choice. It’s only about 30 minutes from Cabarete, while transfers from Punta Cana or Santo Domingo can take several hours.

Are all-inclusive resorts worth it in the Dominican Republic?

For our family, definitely. Having meals, drinks and entertainment included made traveling with four children much easier while still allowing us to explore Cabarete whenever we wanted.

How many days should you spend in the Dominican Republic?

A stay of at least seven days gives you enough time to enjoy the beach, relax at your resort and take a few day trips. If you want to explore different parts of the country and depending where you’re flying from, ten to fourteen days is even better.

What is the best area to stay in the Dominican Republic with kids?

It depends on your priorities. Families looking for calm beaches often choose Punta Cana, while we would happily recommend Cabarete for its relaxed atmosphere, walkable location and family-friendly resorts.

Would we visit the Dominican Republic with kids again?

Without hesitation. We loved the combination of reliable spring weather, a family-friendly resort and the relaxed atmosphere on the north coast. We’d happily return to Cabarete and would also love to explore more of the Dominican Republic in the future.