Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Suzy McCullough
The Dominican Republic is made up of a rich and diverse landscape which makes it an exciting and intriguing family holiday destination. A visit here enables you to explore glorious golden sandy beaches, fascinating mangrove swamps, cascading waterfalls, and magical coral reefs.
This Caribbean tropical island paradise is also renowned for its warm and hospitable welcome, tantalising cuisine and lovely climate. The southeastern part of the Dominican Republic is the most popular spot with tourists as here you will find the best beaches, some of the best family resorts and plenty of family-friendly attractions. If you click on a link in this piece, we may earn affiliate revenue.
1. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana
Address: Carretera Uvero Alto Parcela, Punta Cana 23002, Dominican Republic
Hotel Information – The Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana is one of the best hotels for families travelling with kids. From the massive water park to their favourite characters emblazoned on the walls, and the fun-packed Kid’s Clubs little ones will be in their element!
Costumed characters including Spongebob Squarepants appear all over the resort to join in with meet and join in with playtime. As a special treat, you can even book to have breakfast with your kid’s favourite personality. The character-themed waterpark provides endless fun, with water slides, splash pads, a lazy river the whole family will love, tipping buckets and more.
This hotel operates on an all-inclusive board basis, and this includes an international buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner. Various snacks are served throughout the day and selected local-brand alcohol, soft drinks, tea and coffee are always available.
➥ Water Park
➥ Costumed Characters
2. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
Address: Km 28, #74, Blvd. Turístico del Este, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Hotel Information – At the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana, you have everything you need and much more in one resort! There are an astonishing eleven swimming pools, varying in size and theme. There is also a mini water park featuring a collection of colourful slides and flumes.
As the name suggests, this place is heavily music inspired and it also boasts a huge casino where the adults can try their luck! If you fancy some fun in the sand and salt water, then this place is located right on the beach and the hotel-run Kid’s Club is the perfect place where little ones can make new friends and join in with all sorts of fun activities.
Difficult decisions need to be made at mealtimes with 10 restaurants all serving an international variety of cuisine. Their spacious rooms can have either a balcony or terrace and some have great views of the sea.
➥ Eleven Swimming Pools
➥ Kid’s Club
3. Hilton La Romana Family Resort
Address: Playa Bayahibe, Bayahíbe 23000, Dominican Republic
Hotel Information – Situated on the popular Playa Bayahibe, the Hilton La Romana Family Resort boasts a glorious beachfront spot. This is the family section of a large complex, with the other part being exclusively for adults.
The main outdoor swimming pool here is a great size and is one of the best places to enjoy beautiful views of the ocean. There are plenty of activities for all the family to get involved with including giant chess, a tennis court and watching movies at the open-air theatre.
There is a Kid’s Club where younger guests can hang out with others their own age and get involved with a load of fun stuff. Plus one for older children with a game room, table tennis, football and a basketball court. There are all sorts of restaurants to choose from here, including a steak house and a French brasserie.
➥ Outdoor Pool With Ocean Views
➥ Plenty of Family-Friendly Activities
4. Dreams Onyx Punta Cana
Address: Playa, Punta Cana 23301, Dominican Republic
Hotel Information – Nestled right upon a beautiful golden sandy beach the Dreams Onyx Hotel is a great option for families travelling to the Dominican Republic. Packed with an array of water and dryland activities, everyone will be happy.
Various water sports are organised by the hotel as are daily activities such as beach games including volleyball. There are age-appropriate Kids club including an older kids’ Teen club on-site. Younger guests can make new friends and get involved with fun stuff such as music workshops and arts and crafts.
There are masses of choices when it comes to dining, with 22 bars and restaurants scattered across the resort. Outdoor activities here include five huge pools, one of which is a luxurious infinity outdoor pool and a children’s splash zone perfect for younger children.
➥ Daily Activities
➥ 5 Pools & 22 Bars and Restaurants
5. Royalton Splash Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Address: Highway Macao, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Hotel Information – The Royalton Splash sits beside a gorgeous white sand beach, and also next to its larger sister hotel which shares its family-friendly amenities. This particular hotel has an on-site water park so is the perfect choice for families who love all the thrill of the colourful shoots and flumes.
There is also a pool with a wave machine and a kid’s section with some teeny slides. There are a couple of quieter pools for anyone who fancies a more peaceful dip.
Seven restaurants serving a variety of global cuisine are available for mealtimes and there are also five bars ideal for enjoying your favourite cocktail or a sundowner or two! This is certainly one of the best all-inclusive family resorts with something for every family member.
➥ On-Site Water Park
➥ White Sand Beach
6. Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites Resort and Spa
Address: Playas de Bavaro, Avenida Francia s/n, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Hotel Information – The Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites Resort and Spa is set within a tropical paradise. Tall, swaying palm trees and lush gardens surround the property and within walking distance, you will find the nearby beach, which features soft white sand and a sparkling turquoise ocean.
The hotel is part of the large Palladium’s Punta Cana complex which means guests are entitled to visit and use the facilities at the two neighbouring hotels too. A charming little land train will even transport you around! Six restaurants offer plenty of dining choices and four large pools to enjoy too. The on-site Kid’s Club runs every day and offers plenty of super fun activities for the little ones.
➥ Tropical Paradise
➥ Choice of Pools
7. Royalton Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino
Address: Playa Arena Gorda, Carr. El Macao – Arena Gorda, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Hotel Information – This luxurious All-Inclusive resort lounges right upon a bright white sandy beach, scattered with swaying palm trees. After dark the beach turns from a sun lovers paradise to the entertainment hub where guests can enjoy fire shows, live music, and fabulous dance performances.
The Royalton Punta Cana Hotel boasts a stunning infinity pool which offers far-reaching views of the ocean, as well as a children’s pool. The sister hotel features a huge water park and guests of each hotel are invited to share their facilities. This means you have access to ten restaurants at mealtimes, each serving its speciality of global cuisine.
There is a variety of activities including tennis courts and volleyball facilities, whilst those seeking some rest can indulge themselves in some treatments at the luxury spa.
➥ Infinity Pool with Ocean Views
➥ Sandy Beach
8. Ocean El Faro
Address: Carr. Uvero Alto, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Hotel Information – This is a great place to enjoy a tranquil and partially secluded location on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic the Ocean El Faro is a lovely pick for families looking for a more laid-back hotel choice.
It’s not short of cool outdoor activities though! The pool scene is loaded with fun features including a lazy river and a cute kids splash zone perfect for young children. On dryland, you can enjoy the bowling alley and for those looking for ultimate relaxation a trip to the luxury spa is just the ticket.
The Ocean El Faro operates on an all-inclusive package which includes a buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Snacks are available 24 hours a day. If you fancy a meal somewhere other than the buffet restaurant then there are plenty of choices, from a hearty steak house to an authentic Italian.
➥ Kid’s Splash Zone
➥ Family-Friendly Activities
9. Bahia Principe Fantasia Punta Cana
Address: Carr. El Macao – Arena Gorda, Punta Cana 02300, Dominican Republic
Hotel Information – At the Bahia Principe Fantasia, they know exactly what families are looking for during their vacation to the Dominican Republic. Enjoying a beachfront location makes long lazy days on the sand or snorkelling in the clear blue waters easily accessible.
At the hotel itself, guests of all ages will love the fantasy-themed splash park featuring slides and a fountain. While younger guests are getting involved at the action-packed Mini Club, grown-ups can treat themselves to some indulgent treatments at the luxury spa.
Meanwhile, the adrenaline junkies can have a go at the various water sports organised by the hotel. There are plenty of choices when it comes to dining, including an international buffet, a BBQ-style steak house and an authentic Italian restaurant.
➥ Beachfront Location
➥ Fantasy-Themed Splash Park
10. Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort & Aquagames
Address: Playa de, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Hotel Information – The Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort & Aquagames is one of the best resorts for lovers of the water. With a water park packed with slides and other aquatic attractions inside and a glorious sandy beach with turquoise waters a few steps away, your choices are endless.
The main pool here features one of the best swim-up bars, the ideal spot to grab a cocktail or ice cream without having to leave the cool refreshing waters.
This is an all-inclusive hotel. This includes a buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner, and unlimited fine dining à la carte dinners at the various themed restaurants around the resorts. Snacks are available 24 hours a day as are local and selected international alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
➥ Water Park
➥ Glorious Sandy Beach
11. Ocean Blue & Sand
Address: Arena Gorda sn. Playa Bavaro, 23000, Dominican Republic
Hotel Information – As the name suggests this fabulous beachside resort effortlessly combines water activities and glorious stretches of golden sand. With a distinct village-like atmosphere the villas here are swish and comfortable.
Two large pools are at the centre of the property, and one features a cool swim-up bar, where you can grab a cocktail without having to leave the refreshing water. There are seven restaurants at the Ocean Blue and Sand, and these include a spirited American diner and a gourmet French eatery.
The hotel offers an all-inclusive board basis, and this entitles guests to eat at the international buffet any time of the day or night! The entertainment team come into their own during the evening when they put on renowned dance and music shows under the stars.
➥ 7 Restaurants
➥ Village-Like Atmosphere
12. Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham
Address: La Romana 23000, Dominican Republic
Hotel Information – There is so much for the entire family to do at Viva Dominicus Beach. Climbing walls, tennis courts, and a kid’s splash park packed with jets, mini slides and so much more! The resort stretches out onto the pure white sands of the Bayahibe beach which boasts crystal clear waters.
There is an action-packed Kid’s Club where little ones will love making new friends and getting involved with the various activities. While the children are busy grown ups can unwind by indulging in some pampering sessions at the luxury spa.
Dining is an adventure with seven restaurants to pick from and the evenings are packed with entertainment that includes live music and cabaret.
➥ Kid’s Splash Park
➥ Kid’s Club
13. Casa de Campo Resort & Villas
Address: Carretera La Romana – Higuey Hwy, La Romana 22000, Dominican Republic
Hotel Information – The Casa de Campo Resort is like a mini village, featuring an array of fantastic facilities including an award-winning golf course, a delightful little chapel which is the ideal spot for photos, and an impressive Grecian amphitheatre.
The gym here hosts daily exercise classes for everyone to get involved with as well as an extensive collection of machines and equipment. There is an equestrian barn that offers horse riding for beginners, and also a water sports centre.
There are a number of pools located around the place with the main one sporting a cool swim-up bar. The infinity pool looks out over the ocean and is the ideal spot for a quiet swim.
➥ Grecian Ampitheatre
➥ A Number of Pools
14. Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana
Address: Playa Juanillo, Blvd. Zona Hotelera, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Hotel Information – A short drive from Scrape Park located by a palm-studded beach in Cap Cana you will find the Margaritaville Island Reserve Hotel. The hotel’s large outdoor pool winds its way through the grounds like a stream. It features a wave section and a lagoon-like pool that is for the exclusive use of the Island Reserve Villa guests.
There are 10 bars and restaurants to choose from including an Italian restaurant, a Steakhouse and one that is set up like a marketplace. Children aged 4-12 can join the Parakeets Kids’ Club and there is an evening entertainment programme including live music. For sports lovers, there is beach volleyball, table tennis, tennis court, watersports and more.
On-site adults can relax in the plus spa or work out in the gym. You can stay in a swim-up room at this hotel and they also have suites with a terrace, beachfront suites, family area suites and more.
➥ Large Outdoor Pool
➥ Plenty of Facilities
Please conduct your own research through reviews and the company’s websites with regard to the facilities, the rooms and the upkeep of the above hotels. The above information is for reference only. Please also check their cancellation policies with regard to any current travel restrictions.
