International Day of Families in the Caribbean: fun for the whole family
Here’s our guide to the range of family-friendly activities you can enjoy in the Caribbean, depending on your destination:
Every year the 15th of May is International Day of Families, a day designated by the UN in 1993 in an effort to highlight and recognise the importance of the family as the fundamental unit of society and to promote policies that strengthen its well-being.
And what better way to celebrate it than by taking a trip together?
The Caribbean is the perfect destination for a family holiday or shared getaway, as it combines idyllic beaches, a tropical climate, and a wide range of entertainment options for all ages.
Destinations such as the Riviera Maya, Punta Cana or Jamaica stand out for their family-friendly ambience and the availability of exciting excursions and activities designed for children and adults alike.
Read on to discover the full range of activities you can enjoy as a family at any of these three destinations.
Family Vacations in Jamaica
Jamaica has long been one of the Caribbean’s most captivating destinations, but for families, it offers something even more valuable: space to reconnect, explore, and experience something new together. With its warm culture, swimmable beaches, and diverse landscapes, the island naturally lends itself to multi-generational travel.
At the heart of this experience is Princess Grand Jamaica, where family travel is not just accommodated, but thoughtfully designed.
Here, every detail, from expansive suite options to immersive kids’ and teens’ spaces creates an environment where each generation can enjoy their own version of the perfect vacation, while still sharing meaningful moments together.
Activities at Princess Grand Jamaica
At Princess Grand Jamaica, families can curate their days with ease, choosing between relaxation, play, and discovery, all within the resort.
- A world designed for younger guests
From an expansive kids’ club with an interactive 7 zone gaming area to a multipurpose court and VR experiences, younger travelers are immersed in spaces built just for them, encouraging creativity, social connection, and fun at every turn.
- Endless water experiences
Multiple pools, splash pads, and thrilling water slides create a lively, sun-soaked playground where families can spend the day moving effortlessly between excitement and relaxation.
- Shared moments, reimagined
Outdoor live shows, and family-friendly entertainment create opportunities to reconnect after a day of exploration.
Whether it’s a casual evening under the stars or a lively performance, every moment is designed to bring families closer together.
Activities in Jamaica
For families eager to explore beyond the resort, Jamaica offers a curated mix of adventure, culture, and unforgettable moments:
- Dunn’s River Falls adventure
Climb the iconic Dunn’s River Falls as a family, forming a human chain while ascending its natural limestone steps.
It’s an experience that blends fun, teamwork, and a refreshing connection with nature.
- River rafting on the Martha Brae
Glide along the tranquil waters of the Martha Brae River aboard a handcrafted bamboo raft.
Guided by a local raft captain, this peaceful journey offers a slower pace: perfect for families seeking relaxation and storytelling.
- Marine encounters in Montego Bay
Discover vibrant marine life through snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tours in the Montego Bay Marine Park.
It’s an accessible and educational way for children to connect with the island’s underwater ecosystem.
Family holidays in Punta Cana
Punta Cana is one of the Caribbean’s most all-inclusive destinations for family holidays, and its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and Princess resorts ensure that both parents and children enjoy a comfortable, safe and activity-packed experience.
Relaxation and adventure go hand in hand here, and here at Princess hotels we have tried to perfect our offering so that every generation can enjoy themselves in their own way without logistical complications or routines getting in the way.
The region also offers a wide variety of excursions and entertainment options both inside and outside the hotels, making it an ideal choice for celebrating International Day of Families.
Activities in Punta Cana
Beyond the resorts, Punta Cana offers a wide range of day trips and excursions that are perfect for the whole family:
- Isla Saona is a classic destination where the combination of calm waters, white sand beaches, and marine wildlife spotting make for the perfect leisurely day out. One of the most popular day trips in the country, this is the ideal way to spend the day relaxing on pristine beaches, swimming in natural pools, and generally enjoying the great outdoors. Click here to find out more about this tropical paradise in the Dominican Republic.
- Adventure parks: activities such as zip lines, buggy rides, and nature trails offer an adrenaline-fuelled experience for the whole family. One such park is Scape Park in Cap Cana, where younger children can enjoy natural lagoons, zip lines, and adventures in the mangroves. Find out more about Scape Park in this article.
- Cultural excursions: discover Dominican culture through local markets, food tastings or guided tours. We always recommend a guided tour of Santo Domingo and its beautiful colonial quarter. If you’d like to find out more about this city, here’s our guide to what to see in Santo Domingo in one day.
Activities in the Princess Family Club Bávaro
The Princess Family Club Bávaro is designed specifically for families, with spaces and activities tailored to young children, the aim is to offer a stress-free experience for all:
- Water park with slides and shallow splash zones
- The Hobbit: Younger children can enjoy a supervised kids’ club with creative workshops, guided activities, and lots of fun and games.
- Family shows and evening entertainment such as The Lion King (in which children can take part), or the mini disco.
- Interactive experiences for children such as decorating biscuits, drawing, learning to make fruit skewers, or exploring the mangrove swamp.
This is the perfect place for children to have fun whilst adults enjoy a moment of relaxation.
The big advantage is that parents can relax in the knowledge that their children are entertained and safe at all times.
Activities in the Grand Bávaro Princess
The Grand Bávaro Princess, retains the chain’s signature style while offering a more spacious, versatile layout that combines nature, entertainment, and comfort in a setting that is perfect for the whole family:
- Swimming pools for adults and children, in addition to an in-house supervised kids’ club, playground, arcade games… and more.
- Beach sports (volleyball, football, etc.) for teenagers and adults, perfect for sharing a laugh in family competition.
- Evening shows for all ages, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available.
- Walks through natural areas within the resort, such as our very own nature trail.
- Restaurants with options for the whole family, including special children’s platters…
The range and variety of available services means the whole family is free to enjoy both active pursuits and moments of relaxation together.
Activities in the Tropical Deluxe Princess
The Tropical Deluxe Princess offers families a lively ambience with many entertainment options.
With a more relaxed yet equally welcoming atmosphere, the Tropical Deluxe Princess stands out for its entertainment areas set amidst natural surroundings:
- Daily entertainment programmes designed for all ages, including non-motorised water activities, beach games, and dance classes led by our entertainers…
- Children’s pool with water games next to the supervised mini-club, which features a cinema, toys and activities specially designed for the little ones, and complemented in the evening by a mini-disco for the little ones.
- A Teens Club designed for teenagers, featuring billiards, video games, and board games.
- A sports bar with mini-bowling and arcade games, where you can play, drink, eat and socialise whilst watching your favourite sports.
- Mini-golf for the whole family, an outdoor area perfect for sharing memories that will last a lifetime.
This is an excellent choice for families looking for endless entertainment in a Caribbean setting.
Family holidays on the Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya is one of those destinations that has everything you need for a memorable family holiday.
The beautiful beaches combined with the area’s natural riches and the opportunity to combine relaxation with adventure mean that every day can offer a new experience.
Families spending time here can alternate between a day spent by the pool and playing games within the resort to an excursion to cenotes, nature parks, or a wealth of cultural attractions, and all with the beautiful Mexican Caribbean as a backdrop.
Activities on the Riviera Maya
Outside the resort grounds the Riviera Maya offers a wide range of activities that are perfect for the whole family.
One great option is to explore the Cenote Trail, close to Puerto Morelos, where you can combine activities such as snorkelling, zip-lining, cycling and nature walks. Here’s our choice of the top 5 cenotes in the Yucatan peninsula.
Also worth highlighting are the region’s ecological and water parks, as well as other experiences that bring both adults and children closer to the destination’s natural and cultural surroundings.
For families looking to combine adventure with comfort, this destination offers the chance to enjoy a well-balanced holiday: mornings spent exploring, afternoons by the pool and peaceful evenings soaking up the Caribbean atmosphere.
This level of flexibility is part of the charm of travelling to the Riviera Maya with children.
Activities in the Princess Family Club Riviera
The Princess Family Club Riviera features spaces and activities designed especially for children and family holidays.
The resort is currently undergoing refurbishment in an effort to offer an improved guest experience.
It features a Kids’ Club for children aged 4 to 12, a paddling pool, a play area with slides and climbing frames, as well as daily activities such as crafts, bingo, football, eco-activities and sandcastle building. All of these combine to create a lively, entertaining environment designed to ensure that children have fun whilst the adults enjoy some downtime.
This is the kind of place that invites you to relax and take your time, safe in the knowledge that there’s always something to do. In addition to these experiences there are also activities designed to encourage creativity, physical activity, and socialising amongst the little ones.
- Kids yoga: a gentle, fun activity that helps little ones to relax, improve their concentration, and connect with their bodies through games and exercises adapted to their age.
- Piñata Party: a celebration packed with colour, music and excitement, where children have fun smashing piñatas and sharing sweets in a festive atmosphere.
- Kids dance classes: where the little ones learn simple dance routines, express themselves through music, and develop their coordination, all while having a ball.
- Kids Pool Party: a pool party with water games, music and entertainment – the perfect way to cool off and socialise in a fun and safe atmosphere.
Activities in the Grand Riviera Princess
At the Grand Riviera Princess family holidays are complemented by a wide range of available leisure and sporting activities.
The hotel offers activities for all ages, ranging from water sports and tennis courts to multi-purpose sports areas and evening entertainment. For our younger guests there are facilities such as the mini club and mini disco, designed to keep the fun level up throughout their stay.
This is also an excellent choice for families who value being able to combine relaxation and activities under the same roof. While some enjoy the pool or the beach, others can take part in games, sports, or other activities organised by the entertainment team.
There is also a wide range of other energetic, fun-filled activities that are ideal for sharing, socialising and making the most of all the resort has to offer.
- Ping-pong tournaments: an ideal activity for those who enjoy friendly competition, where guests of all ages can take part and put their skills and reflexes to the test.
- Volleyball: perfect for team-building, enjoying outdoor sports, and sharing active moments in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.
- Foam parties: one of our liveliest entertainment options, with music, dancing and foam in a festive atmosphere that invites everyone to join in and let themselves be swept up in the fun.
- ‘Loco’ game: an activity packed with challenges, laughter and fun, designed to break the routine and ensure unforgettable moments for all involved.
The best family holidays are those where everyone feels at home, where the children are excited, the teenagers are entertained, and the adults can relax, spend time together and enjoy themselves in a stress-free environment.
At Princess Hotels Caribbean we want every family to experience this happiness in their own way, whether its by exploring the natural world on the Riviera Maya, enjoying the rhythm and the beaches of Punta Cana, or by letting themselves be surprised by the range of family-friendly options available in Jamaica.
Because when the destination has your name on it, and the available experiences are designed with everyone in mind, travelling as a family can becomes something truly special.
Leave us a comment… we love to hear from you.
FAQs on International Day of Families in the Caribbean
- Why is the Caribbean a good destination for celebrating International Day of Families?
The Caribbean is the perfect destination for International Day of Families because it combines idyllic beaches, a tropical climate, and a wide range of activities designed for all ages, so families can share experiences designed for enjoying together.
- Which Caribbean destinations are best for family holidays?
The destinations highlighted in this post are Jamaica, Punta Cana and the Riviera Maya, as they all offer family-friendly resorts and a wide range of activities both on and off the resort premises.
- What sort of family activities are available in Jamaica?
In Jamaica, and particularly at the Princess Grand Jamaica, families can enjoy kids’ clubs, gaming areas, swimming pools, water slides, family shows, and excursions such as those to Dunn’s River Falls or the Martha Brae River.
- What makes the Princess Grand Jamaica a special hotel for families?
Princess Grand Jamaica is specifically designed for family holidays, with separate areas for children, teenagers and adults, as well as water activities, daily entertainment, and experiences designed to be enjoyed as a family.
- What family-friendly excursions are available in Punta Cana?
In Punta Cana, highlights include excursions to Saona Island, adventure parks with zip lines and buggy rides, and cultural visits to Santo Domingo – ideal for experiencing nature, fun, and culture as a family.
- What activities are there for children at hotels in Punta Cana?
Hotels such as the Princess Family Club Bávaro offer water parks, kids’ clubs with workshops, family shows, a mini disco, and creative activities such as arts, crafts, and educational games.
- What family-friendly activities are there in the Riviera Maya, aside from the hotel?
On the Riviera Maya you can visit cenotes and nature reserves, explore the Cenote Trail, or enjoy activities such as snorkelling, zip-lining or cycling in the heart of nature.
- What are the advantages of family resorts in the Riviera Maya?
The family-friendly resorts of the Riviera Maya allow you to combine relaxation with adventure, with days spent by the hotel pool, and others spent on cultural or nature excursions designed to be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
- What sort of experiences can children and teenagers enjoy at Princess hotels in the Caribbean?
Generally speaking, Princess Caribbean hotels offer age-appropriate facilities, such as kids’ clubs, video game areas, water parks, creative activities, group sports, and dedicated areas for teenagers.
However, specific activities may vary depending on the hotel and destination and are tailored to the particular facilities and features of each resort.
- What does a complete family holiday in the Caribbean entail?
A family holiday in the Caribbean combines moments of relaxation at the resort with shared activities, excursions and entertainment for all ages, so every member of the family can enjoy themselves in their own way while you still spending quality time together.
Categories: Caribbean, Travel Tips, Explora en familia, Families, Jamaica, Lifestyle, Punta Cana, Riviera Maya
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Princess Hotels says:
Hola, si registras en MYPRINCESS en la web oficial Princess puedes recibir descuentos adicionales! Saludos
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[…] las 9 de la mañana la diversión se pone en marcha para los más pequeños en los Hoteles Princess para niños de República […]
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RAMIRO says:
A really bad experience,
I traveled to Play del Carmen from 24 June to 2 July this year, and I was really dissapointed with a series of things. First of all, they did not respect my reservation. I had reservation for Grand Riviera Princes Platinum and I was sent to Sunset Platinum. Besides, they made me wait for more than one hour to check in since they said that there was a mistake and my reservation was duplicated, and then they offered me to host me at Yucatán. I said it was “OK”, but nevertheless gave me a room there (at Sunset). Now, there was a problem with the room because we could not use the external jacuzzi, since there was a terrible stench to sewage water all the time. Additionally, they offered us a menu of pillows, but did not have all of them, and on the phone they gave us a price, but once I went downstairs, they wanted to charge a higher price. I talked to someone in representation of the manager, and made them respect the price, but once I got the pillows they were really stinky and dirty, so I coul not use them.Also, at the restaurant nearby there is a section for Platinum, but even though there were people there, it took more than 10 minutes for someone to approach us and ask what we wanted to drink, and it took forever to get our drinks or the menus. Needless to say, we never used that section again. The same thing happened in a couple of restaurants (bad service), and at the bar they are kind of despective to anyone who looks Mexican and speak Spanish. In one of the bars they weer not paying attention to me, until after I started speaking English, which is my second language (hence, I am writing in English)
Other problem was transportation. There was a clock indicating when the train would go and pick us up to move to the area where the green restaurant and the shows are, but did not respect it. Many times it was earlier, and one day it did not pass at all, so we had to walk (that day and some couple of other too). The real problem was that they said in the Sunset that the train was out of order, and when we moved to Grand Riviera, they said it had just gone, but it was a lie since we did not see it all the way we walked.
Finally, cleanliness. One night they left a mini piece of chocolate on the bed, which I though was nice, and moved it away from the bed, and after we returned from having dinner, the bed was infested with ants. I decided to go there to celebrate a special anniversary and because my brother and his children were staying there, too (in the family area.. that is the reason we wanted to be at Grand Riviera, since it was on the same side.
I have been offered to go there again this coming summer, and my brother is staying there again, but, honestly, I would really need to get some gurantees and a good perk for me to stay with you again.
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Good morning Ramiro, First of all I would like to apologise for the delay in replying and also apologise for the fact that your experience in our hotel was not up to your expectations. Would you mind sending me an email to [email protected] with this information so that I can take these observations further and to be able to give you a formal reply. Once again I am very sorry and I hope that we can improve your opinion of our premises.
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Gracias por los consejos. Hasta ahora iba a un hotel para familias en Tenerife pero nos apetecía probar Rivera Maya.