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When you think of the Dominican Republic, you likely think of soft, sandy beaches, palm trees swaying in gentle breezes, and crystal clear ocean waters- as well you should. What might not come to mind directly is the perfect family holiday, but it ought to. Long thought of as a couples retreat from the world, or a delightful girlfreinds’ getaway, this island paradise is a great place to bring the whole troupe.
Beyond the beach and pool at your resort, what to do with the kids? There are plenty of options, and mom and dad will enjoy them, too. First up, head to Bavaro Adventure Park.
Close to both the Punta Cana and the Bavaro hotel areas (one of which is where tourists are likely to stay), this newly opened, open air park is not only fun for the whole family, but is also super safe (keeping in line with both North American and European safety standards) so you won’t need to worry about a thing. With options ranging from zip lining, balloon rides, paint ball, crazy ball zorbing (in which you are strapped into a ball, either solo or with another person, and rolled down a hill), Bungee Trampoline and more, you and your family can easily spend the whole day at Bavaro Adventure Park.
Did I mention there is a flight simulator? Patented and certified in Germany, in the “SkyDiver” you can fly like an eagle. Strapped into a safety harness and given safety and usage instructions, up to three people at a time are able to fly together to a height of up to 65 feet.
Smaller kids will enjoy Dinosaur World Jurassic Adventure, where they can take a walk through a land of the dinosaurs, watch them move, and hear them roar! These dinos are animatronic, and move when people are near them. Learn all about these creatures, what they ate, how they lived- and even see some of their young. There are more then forty dinosaurs on the walk, set to scale, and made to look, sound, and move how paleontologists believe they did.
If you are looking to spend a little more time in the water, check out the Dolphin Island Excursion, where you can see more then dolphins. At Dolphin Island Park, you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with all manner of sea life, and getting there can’t be any easier. When you sign up for one of these excursions, you and your family will be picked up (and dropped off) right in your hotel lobby by an easily recognizable Dolphin Island Park tour bus, so no worries. Once you arrive, you will be shown an informational video and given a life preserver, which everyone has to wear regardless of ability. Jewelry is not permitted, so you might be best off leaving it at the hotel. Should you forget, you will need to leave it (as well as your hair ties, hats, and etc) in a secure locker at the facility, so the animals are not harmed.
You will then be taken by boat out to the “floating island” where the dolphins, reef sharks, manta rays, and sea lions are located. (Note- the sea lions are only allowed to be visited by those 12 and older.) You will be given snorkels, masks, and flippers (fins) for your feet, and be free to float around the pool in which the rays and sharks are swimming- don’t worry, you are in no danger, they don’t hurt people. It’s an amazing experience to swim with these creatures, and be so close to them- sometimes just a few feet away, one you and your kids will treasure forever.
Next, on to the the dolphin area, where you meet one of the “residents” that you came to see. Be amazed by the bond between the dolphin and it’s trainer, as well as the acrobatic feats that the dolphin will preform just feet away from you. As the dolphin swims with you, inches away and even touching at many times during your stay there, you will find yourself going through a wide range of emotions (although, for me it was mostly wonder and amazement). Your new friend will “talk” to you and wave goodbye as you leave, full of cherished recollections of your day with these fascinating creatures.
Should you have forgotten your underwater camera, that’s no problem. The crew off Dolphin Island Park has taken many photos while you were there, as well as video. It’s a little pricey, but in my opinion worth it. While you wait for your DVD or bus back to the hotel, refresh yourself with an island beverage (or soda) available on shore.
With options like these, why leave the kids at home? The Dominican Republic is the perfect place for a family trip. If you are thinking about booking your next holiday, check out http://www.godominicanrepublic.com/ and see what the island has to offer.
What a cute, kid-sized adventure!
that looks like a lot of fun
kids would have a blast in DR. I know i do!
That look like an awesome place to take the kids! I didn’t know there were any family friendly places in the DR like this.
Seriously? – My husband & I would love the zip lining, balloon rides. My kids would never come inside if paint ball, crazy ball zorbing, and a Bungee Trampoline were on the agenda. We really could spend the day at Bavaro Adventure Park.