13 fantastic activities for families in Havana

Havana is an ideal destination for families with children of all ages.

Cubans prioritize family above all else. Children are adored and indulged, ensuring your little ones receive plenty of attention in casas particulares (B&Bs), on the streets, and in restaurants.

The peak season—from November to April—is a great time to explore Havana, as temperatures are more comfortable and summer humidity is absent. This period also features a variety of cultural festivals throughout the city.

What can families expect while traveling in Havana?

Life in Havana unfolds on its vibrant streets, where kids will enjoy the lively atmosphere filled with entertainment and distractions at every corner. The city features parks, playgrounds, beaches, and music, plus no child should miss a ride in a bright, vintage American convertible. Many museums and attractions offer free or discounted entry for children under 12.

Among Havana's neighborhoods, the tree-lined and upscale Vedado provides more green spaces and tranquility compared to Old Havana and Centro.

If you're booking a stay in a casa particular (Cuban B&B), keep in mind that prices are set per room, so rooms with multiple beds can be a better value. Hotel policies on infants and children sharing rooms with adults vary, so contact your accommodation in advance if you need a crib.

Typically, restaurants in Havana don’t provide children’s menus, but they are quite flexible. Most hotel dining establishments lack highchairs. If you prefer to stay in, you can use Mandao for delivery from various eateries around the city.

The hop-on hop-off open-top HabanaBusTour is a convenient way to explore different neighborhoods and is also a great option for reaching the nearby white-sand beach, Playas del Este, just a 20-minute drive away.

Havana’s sidewalks can be quite uneven, so it's best to leave strollers behind and opt for baby carriers instead. When using cars or taxis, don't expect to find seat belts available. For convenient door-to-door service, download the taxi app La Nave.

While Havana's challenges may deter some parents, the warmth of the locals makes navigating them easier. Overall, Havana is considered a safe city.

Top activities for families with babies and toddlers in Havana

Discover Havana’s favorite playground

At Hábitat Calzada, you’ll find swings, climbing structures, and a sandbox. Enjoy various workshops and performances, including clay activities, musical shows, children's theater, and percussion lessons. Refreshments like juice, coffee, and ice cream are available from colorful repurposed shipping containers.

Delight in children’s performances on stage and screen

Havana’s cherished Teatro el Arca features a puppet museum and theater, offering free enchanting shows every weekend morning. You can also catch children's films at the Cinecito movie theater.

Top activities for school-age kids in Havana

Ride through Havana in a vintage car

There’s nothing quite like exploring Havana in a shiny, pastel-colored classic convertible. Kids will enjoy feeling the breeze in their hair as they take in the city's sounds and sights from the back seat.

Wander through the charming streets of Old Havana

The historic heart of Havana is always filled with life. Keep an eye out for the city's Gigantes – vibrant stilt walkers in eye-catching costumes who parade through charming squares to lively music, attracting onlookers.

Grab some churros from a stand across from the Museo de Chocolate. Then, visit the shipwreck museum in La Fuerza Castle, featuring glowing model galleons and treasure chests. Don’t forget to take a taxi to Morro Castle and its lighthouse for some pirate fun.

Explore new artistic and athletic talents

Join an arts or crafts workshop at Alma. Learn to make paper, create textiles, craft notebooks, or embroider images.

Look out for workshops at Gallería Continua in Chinatown, which focus on art and music, or visit the Havana Music School, offering specialized percussion workshops and dance classes for kids, teens, and families.

If you're after something more adventurous, skilled instructors at El Cayo Surf Club on La Concha beach teach kids aged 8 and up how to ride the waves.

Explore Fusterlandia

Artist José Fuster has transformed his remarkable home and much of the Jaimanitas neighborhood into a stunning mosaic of vibrant ceramics.

Top activities for tweens and teens in Havana

Experience street rumba on Sundays

At noon every Sunday, Callejón de Hamel, a vibrant alley in Centro Havana adorned with murals and recycled furniture, comes alive with a rumba group performing for enthusiastic crowds.

Capture street art

Teens will enjoy exploring the artsy neighborhood of San Isidro in Old Havana, where spray-painted walls feature work by local and international street artists, alongside art galleries, trendy bars, and restaurants. Take your time to snap some great photos.

Try your hand at boxing

Cuba is unique in producing two three-time Olympic gold medalists in boxing. At the Rafael Trejo boxing gym in Old Havana, training sessions can be arranged in advance through your hotel concierge, like at Paseo 206.

Explore the city by bike

Ride through Havana’s lesser-known streets to admire its vibrant architecture. Reserve your bikes with Cubyke and remember to request an extra seat or trailer for children ahead of time.

Experience a local baseball game

Cuba is renowned for its baseball talent. Inquire at your hotel about game schedules and head to the stands at Havana’s Estadio Latinoamericano to watch the home team, Industriales, in action.

Enjoy a matinee performance

Several music venues in Havana host matinees from around 4pm to 6pm, making them ideal for family outings.

Experience salsa music and dance at Casa de la Música, featuring popular artists. For a more central option, visit Salón Jelengue, El Patio de Areíto for rumba every Sunday from 4pm to 8pm. On other nights, enjoy son Cubano, bolero, and more.

Embark on a street food tour

The popular restaurant Jíbaro in southern Old Havana offers an engaging street food tour filled with entertaining stories, taking you through markets and shops. Tours can be customized for younger participants upon booking.

Essential tips for family travel in Havana

Many products can be hard to find in Cuba, so it's advisable to pack baby food, diapers, medications, and your favorite snacks. Bottled water can also be scarce; consider bringing bottles with built-in filters.

Choosing a central neighborhood like Old Havana, Centro, or Vedado keeps you close to parks, museums, dining options, and the oceanfront. This area offers the highest variety of transportation options. B&Bs and boutique hotels are ideal for assistance with reservations and local experiences.

Having access to hotels with pools is beneficial, especially for those days when you prefer to relax without venturing too far. The large pool at Melia Cohiba, equipped with lifeguard service and conveniently located near the Malecón, is a fantastic choice. Public restrooms are generally available only in hotels, restaurants, and select museums.