Each year, millions of visitors flock to Cuba to enjoy the beaches and sultry music. They sip on piña coladas from romantic hotel rooms as the sun goes down.
But, what about visitors with kids?
A large portion of those millions of tourists come with their families. Not for the piña coladas, but because Cuba has a wealth of kid-friendly attractions. From cave tours to horseback riding, your kids stay entertained all day.
If you’re ready to plan your family trip to Cuba, keep reading. Here are ten of the best things to do when visiting Cuba with kids.
1. Ziplining
Taking your kiddos on vacation means letting them experience some adventure. There’s nothing like soaring through the Cuban countryside; it feels like flying.
Plus, most Cuban ziplining parks for kids aren’t super intense. They even give young kids and toddlers the option to ride in tandem with a guide.
The best places in Cuba for ziplining are Las Terrazas, Viñales, and Valle de Los Ingenios. Consider letting the kids watch the zipline in action for a bit before going themselves. And, of course, take lots of pictures.
2. Horseback Riding
Yes, you can horseback ride back home. But you can’t horseback ride on Cuban horses with Cuban guides back home. This is an experience your kids won’t forget.
You and your family will learn how to trot through the countryside. Learn about the coffee and tobacco production process. If riding horseback isn’t for you, you can enjoy the tour from a traditional bullock cart.
Make sure you layer on the sunscreen and bug spray. Knowing a few Spanish phrases will come in handy here.
3. Have a Beach Day
You can’t come to a Caribbean island without spending some time at the beach. It’s not as adventurous as ziplining, but your kids will enjoy a relaxing day in the sandbar.
Cuba has some beautiful beaches, but most are outside of Havana. Consider taking a day trip to Caya Coco, Cayo Guillermo, or Playa Ancon.
Spend your day relaxing on the long stretches of white sand. Or, take the kids on a snorkeling lesson with local guides. Enjoy your vacation from the crystal-clear aquamarine water.
4. Vintage Car Tour
If you didn’t get a family picture with a vintage Cuban car, did you really go to Cuba?
Take it one step further by going on a tour of Havana in one of these iconic vehicles. In the 1950’s, these cars were the norm for Cubans. Today, they’re seen as antique heirlooms from their history.
You can use this attraction to teach your kiddos about Cuban history. And to let them honk the horns, of course.
5. Salsa Dancing Lesson
Cuban culture centers around art, music, and dancing. Go to any city square and you’ll find locals playing music and dancing along. It’s a beautiful part of their culture, one that your kids must see.
Consider taking your family to a salsa dancing class. There are plenty on the island focused on teaching tourists the basics. It’s a chance to get your kids moving their bodies in ways they don’t at home.
6. Go Hiking
There are ample hiking trails in Cuba. The mountains outside of Trinidad are especially picture-worthy. Here, you and your family can explore the rugged nature and exotic wildlife.
Make your way along the trail until you come to one of many waterfalls and natural pools. You’re likely all sweating by now, so why not take a dip?
Sign up for a guided tour to ensure you don’t get lost. And, pack snacks and a lunch to stay energized.
7. Visit a Crocodile Farm
Are your kids fascinated by reptiles? 45 minutes outside of Cayo Coco sits a crocodile conservation and breeding farm. They have over 800 crocodiles of different ages for you to observe and enjoy.
Here, your family can learn about these interesting creatures. You can even hold a baby crocodile! For a more detailed experience, consider hiring a private tour guide.
8. Explore Havana
You can’t go to Cuba without spending a day or two in Havana. It’s part of the quintessential Cuban experience.
In Cuban culture, kids get to take part as much as adults. There’s less segregation than in North America. You’ll notice families with kids everywhere you look.
As you explore the colonial streets and stop for ice cream, give your kids a chance to take it all in. There are plenty of public squares and parks where you can see live music. Plaza de Armas is always a winner with kids.
9. Cave Tours
If you haven’t had enough adventure yet, check out one of the many cave tours in Cuba. The mountain ranges in Cuba provide ample caves for trekking and exploring.
When visiting Cuba with kids, choose a cave that’s a bit more accessible. Cuevas del Indio has handrails installed as well as lighting. The pathways are also broader than other caves.
It’s always recommended to hire a professional tour guide when visiting caves. There are plenty of tour guide companies near every cave. Your hotel or hostel can give you recommendations as well.
10. Explore the Banana Plantations
If you don’t live in a tropical country, you may have never tasted fresh mangoes or bananas. Cuba grows both, and many more exotic fruits and vegetables.
Consider heading to Viñales for a farm tour. You and your kids will learn how agriculture in Cuba works. And, how they take care of different fruit plants.
Make sure you take a sample of the mango, banana, or other fruit. And, of course, take some pictures with the banana trees!
Wondering What Else You Can Do in Cuba with Kids?
Cuba is an amazing destination for lounging on the beach sipping on cocktails. But, it’s also a number one destination for families with kids.
Besides playing on the beach, you can take your kiddos ziplining. Then, check out the crocodile farm and go cave exploring. There’s no shortage of family-fun adventure.
When you come to Cuba with kids, you know they don’t want to walk for too long. We recommend you hire a car tour service to take you from spot to spot. Make it a vintage Cuban car and that’s an experience in itself!