The opportunities for family fun in the Caribbean are almost endless. Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, and other luscious islands are bustling with lively hotels and resorts that can provide super vacation experiences for you and your family. There are games and entertainment for the kids, peace and relaxation for the parents, and sand and sunshine for all. From mega water resorts to educational activities, these six Caribbean resorts top the list of family fun for everyone.
Atlantis, Paradise Island, The Bahamas
Perhaps the Caribbean’s ultimate playground for families, this high-energy Bahamas resort is surrounded by the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, encompassing 14 lagoons, eight million gallons of ocean water, and more than 50,000 aquatic animals representing over 250 marine species. In addition, Aquaventure features over 20 million gallons of water, high-speed water slides, a mile-long river ride with rolling rapids and wave surges, 20 swimming areas, and a spectacular kids water-play fort. Plus, youngsters get up close and personal with the ocean’s gentlest creatures at Dolphin Cay. And, there’s no shortage of adults-only fun, including the on-site, state-of-the-art casino, award-winning Mandara Spa, and Tom Weiskopf-designed Ocean Club Golf Course.
The Crane Resort, Barbados
As the oldest continuously operating hotel in the Caribbean, The Crane Resort prides itself on offering something for everyone in the family. Their kids menu satisfies even the pickiest palate with traditional chicken fingers, fries, and other standard fare. One of the five pools at the Cliff Pool Complex is especially awesome for the younger set with a children’s wading pool and waterfall pool. The complimentary Calypso Kids’ Club offers games, arts and crafts, and fun Barbados educational discovery tours for ages four to 12. It’s a chance for parents to savor a renewing couples massage or hit the beach without worrying about the little ones. And the beach itself is perfect for kids to build sandcastles, for teens to boogie board, and for their parents to join in (or sit close by with a cocktail in hand).
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, The Dominican Republic
An all-inclusive oasis in Punta Cana, this rocking resort occupies 121 lush acres along one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches and gives kids their own piece of paradise at the Hard Rock Roxity Kids Club™, where endless entertainment awaits with tons of activities, games, crafts, and, of course, music. The Rock Star fantasy continues for junior guests with ultimate VIP treatment at The KIDZ BOP Experience, where they check in to the Pop Star lounge and get the chance to create the coolest band name, learn brand new dance moves, select a red carpet-worthy wardrobe, take their A-List photo, and perform on the big stage. There’s plenty of grown-up fun, including the 45,000 square foot casino, 2-level Oro Nightclub, and signature bars and lounges.
Hotel Riu Negril, Jamaica
Riu Negril offers the perfect blend of fun for kids, teens, and adults. This impeccable Jamaican beachfront property is graced with 5 first-class restaurants, a fitness center, numerous bars and Cubano lobby bar (open 24 hours). The kid’s RuiLand entertains the younger set with daily activities, games, and adventures, while parents enjoy free time in the sauna. And the nearby playground will tire them out if the dedicated children’s pool (with slides!) doesn’t do it first. There’s also day and night entertainment for the whole family and a wide range of sporting activities such as windsurfing, parasailing, banana boats, scuba lessons, tennis, and volleyball… just to name a few. this one-of-a-kind resort features 75 two-story bungalows, a shopping center, nightclub, casino, and the stunning Spa Sensations. Besides the soft white sand and cerulean sea,
Iberostar Selection Bavaro Suites, The Dominican Republic
This true hideaway in a coveted Dominican Republic location between lush tropical gardens and beach paradise, is also an entertainment paradise. Their Star Camp activity program has entertainment and activities separated into three different age groups (4 to 7, 8 to 12, and 13-17), with specific games and adventures to suit everyone’s needs. If it’s fun for the whole family you’re looking for, Bavaro isn’t lacking in activities. From professional nightly shows that range from magic and juggling to music and dancing to bingo, board games, and even group sports games, even the surliest teen will get into the action. Oh, and did we mention they have their own escape room, where families get to solve riddles in order to ‘escape’ before the clock runs out?
Planet Hollywood Beach Resort, Costa Rica
Vacation Like a Star™ at Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, where the destination’s stunning natural beauty complements an all-inclusive experience with endless amenities including authentic Hollywood memorabilia. Technically not part of the Caribbean (it’s close by in Central America), we’re adding it simply because the resort offers so many unique opportunities for the pint-sized set, including the unique Stars Kids Club, which will make the kids feel like movie stars throughout their trip. This program lets children perform, dream, and create with ShowTime drama classes, singer/songwriter classes, a wardrobe room, movie nights under the stars, and Planet Hollywood TV, which lets kids become newscasters, travel vloggers, talk show hosts, weather forecasters, cooking show demonstrators, TED Talk keynote speakers, and more. Families will also be able to take advantage of incomparable excursions in this absolutely stunning region of the world.
Bring your kids (and let out your own inner child) on your next Caribbean vacation. Contact your GOGO-backed travel advisor to start planning.
Please note: Travel requirements and health standards are continually changing. Visit our parent company Flight Centre Travel Group’s COVID-19 Travel Map for up-to-date information.
