Riviera Maya, Mexico: Family-Friendly Resorts and Mayan Adventures

Best for: Families with kids of all ages who want culture, adventure, and plenty of beach time.

The Riviera Maya on Mexico’s Caribbean coast is one of the most beautiful and family-friendly destinations in the region. If you’re looking for a place to visit with your family, Bahía Príncipe in Tulum is a standout choice–an all-inclusive resort designed with multigenerational families in mind.

Kids can spend their days in supervised clubs and splash zones, teens can try paddleboarding or explore the beach, and parents or grandparents can sneak away for a cooking class or spa session. Beyond the resort, Bahía Príncipe is perfectly situated for family adventures. Just minutes away, you’ll find Tulum’s iconic cliffside Mayan ruins—where kids can climb ancient paths while grownups soak in the ocean views. Families can also snorkel along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, or spend a day at eco-parks like Xel-Há and Xcaret, where cenotes, dolphins, and colorful wildlife bring the Caribbean to life.

Jamaica: Adventure Activities and Authentic Cuisine

Best for: Families with school-aged kids and teens who love outdoor adventures. Jamaica is a top pick for families who want a mix of excitement and culture. In Montego Bay–one of the country’s most visited destinations–you can float down the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft or climb Dunn’s River Falls on a guided tour (don’t miss the splash pad and craft market at the waterfalls’ base). In the evenings, families can enjoy authentic jerk chicken dinners and live reggae performances—perfect for introducing kids to the island’s rich culture.

Dominican Republic: Kid-Friendly Beaches and Colonial History

Best for: Families with young kids and history-loving parents. The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular Caribbean family vacation spots. In Punta Cana, toddlers and little kids will love the calm waters and wide beaches–perfect for sandcastle-building. Meanwhile, families looking for a little adventure can head to Samaná for a whale watching boat tour and maybe even a chance to catch humpbacks during migration season. History buffs can explore the picturesque cobblestone streets of Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Bahamas: Island Hopping and Family Attractions

Best for: Families who want both lively attractions and peaceful island escapes. The Bahamas is one of the best Caribbean islands for family vacations if you love variety. In Nassau, families can splash around at Atlantis Aquaventure–a massive water park–or explore pirate history at the Pirates of Nassau Museum. For something quieter, the Out Islands offer snorkeling in shallow turquoise water, kayaking through the mangrove creeks, and long stretches of kid-friendly beaches. With truly hundreds of different islands and cays, island-hopping gives families the chance to explore just about everything the Bahamas has to offer.

Why Choose an All-Inclusive Resort for Your Family Vacation

When you’re traveling with kids, choosing an all-inclusive family resort in the Caribbean makes life so much easier. Meals, activities, and entertainment are all built in, so you can stick to your budget and avoid the stress of finding restaurants or planning every detail. Resorts like Bahía Príncipe–with locations in Riviera Maya, Tulum, Punta Cana, and across the Caribean–are especially popular with families, thanks to kids’ clubs, babysitting services, water sports, and evening shows.

Pro tip: Look for resorts with dedicated kids’ programs and calm beachfronts for maximum family fun.

Planning the Best Caribbean Vacation for Families

From Mexico to Jamaica, the Dominican Republic to the Bahamas, the Caribbean is absolutely packed with family-friendly resorts, kid-approved activities, and safe, swimmable beaches. Whether your kids want to snorkel with tropical fish, explore history, or just play in the sand, these destinations make for an unforgettable trip that parents will love, too.

Video and photo courtesy of Bahia Principe