Maximizing Your Family Experience in Cuba

With its vibrant music, vintage cars, stunning coastlines, and rich culture, a family vacation to Cuba promises unforgettable memories.

This lively and colorful country, known for its resilience, is truly captivating. Cubans are family-friendly, ensuring your kids feel like royalty. Opting for a casa particular (Cuban B&B) will guarantee exceptional service. However, be aware that Cuba's ongoing economic challenges can make travel, particularly transportation, somewhat tricky.

Families who embrace adventure and adaptability will truly enjoy all that this intriguing island has to offer. Here’s how to plan a trip to Cuba with children.

Is Cuba suitable for children?

Cuba provides a unique blend of ease and difficulty for family travel. You’ll find a tranquil, secure, and family-friendly environment brimming with excitement. However, challenges like fuel shortages, unreliable transportation, and limited supplies can complicate your stay.

Families should pack essential items, especially medications. Don’t forget to bring diapers, baby gear, and any special snacks, as these may be hard to find on the island.

Bottled water can be scarce; it's wise to carry a bottle with a built-in filter. Additionally, mosquito repellent is crucial for keeping pesky insects at bay during the evening hours.

If you need help sourcing items you couldn’t bring, rest assured that Cubans are skilled problem solvers. While resources might be limited in some areas, the care you receive will contribute to a fantastic experience across the island.

Staying in casas particulares with multiple beds is often more affordable than hotels (note that hotel discounts for children sharing rooms can vary). If you require a crib, make sure to contact your accommodation in advance.

Every Cuban town features parks and cultural activities for kids; be sure to ask your casa particular hosts for recommendations. Many museums and attractions offer free or discounted entry for children under 12.

Public restrooms are available primarily in hotels, restaurants, and some museums, so it's advisable to carry extra toilet paper. Cuba’s sidewalks aren’t stroller-friendly, so a baby carrier is a better option.

The national coach service Víazul links cities to numerous beach resorts. Children aged 11 and under receive a discount and their own seat, while those four and under can ride for free if they do not occupy a seat.

Taxis, shared taxis, and vintage cars are readily available for hire. (Travel at your own discretion, as most taxis lack backseat seatbelts, and classic cars have none.)

Considering a car rental? Prices have increased recently, and finding fuel can be challenging on long trips. If you need a child car seat, be sure to bring your own.

Children’s menus are still not widely available in Cuba, but paladares (private restaurants), cafes, and various dining spots are usually accommodating to younger diners with selective tastes.

Shopping for supplies at markets can be unpredictable. The best places to stock up on snacks and deli items are new private grocery stores like Havana’s Bodegón 21 and Home Deli. For delivery, try Mandao, which connects you to many restaurants in major cities.

The weather is ideal during Cuba’s high season from November to April, characterized by warm, dry days—and prices reflect this; the shoulder seasons offer better deals. Hurricane season spans from June to November and is best avoided.

What are the best places in Cuba for kids?

Cuba’s vibrant mix of stunning beaches, calm waters, music, art, dance, sports, and natural beauty is perfect for families.

Discover adventures in the UNESCO-listed Valle de Viñales; enjoy cultural experiences and classic cars in Havana; relax on the sparkling white sands and shallow waters at Varadero’s beach resorts; snorkel in the tranquil Bay of Pigs; and experience music, dance, and picturesque waterfalls in charming, colonial Trinidad.

Several beach resorts on the island's northern coast feature playgrounds for kids, and thrilling adventures await in the eastern region, particularly around Baracoa. No matter where you go, you'll discover excitement, unique experiences, and the warmth of the Cuban people.

Top activities to enjoy in Cuba with babies and toddlers

Splash around in the Caribbean Sea

Cuba’s north coast boasts shallow, turquoise waters ideal for young children. Consider visiting Playas del Este near Havana or the top-notch beach resorts in Varadero.

Explore outdoor adventures

Take a horse-drawn cart or an ox cart ride through the stunning limestone valley of Viñales. Also, visit El Nicho waterfall near Cienfuegos, where the teal-green terraced pools, including some very shallow ones, are ideal for relaxing.

Top activities for families in Cuba

Dive into the world of watersports

Numerous all-inclusive resorts feature kids’ pools and programs designed for children: keep an eye out for water parks and facilities that include bowling alleys. These resorts are conveniently located near marinas that offer non-motorized watersports.

Explore the unique wildlife

To experience Cuba’s remarkable wildlife, visit the Bay of Pigs. Here, you can spot the bee hummingbird (the smallest bird in the world), vibrant pink flamingos, and the tiny Cuban pygmy owl. Enjoy snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters and visit the crocodile conservation farm to learn about efforts to protect Cuban crocodiles.

Discover the wonders underground

Uncover hidden treasures while snorkeling at Cueva de Saturno. On foot, you can admire the stalactites and stalagmites at Cuevas de Bellamar and explore the terraced caves at Gran Caverna de Santo Tomás.

Whip up delicious meals

Food-loving kids can participate in a cooking class with a renowned chef at the picturesque Finca Tungasuk, set under swaying palms. Craving a spit-roast pork? Plan a day trip to feast around Trinidad. For dessert, visit a cacao farm near Baracoa for chocolate-making insights and tastings.

Travel through the scenic countryside

Trains in Cuba can be hit or miss, but if you're lucky, you can ride the steam train through Valle de los Ingenios near Trinidad or catch the Central Patria o Muerte line near Morón. The iconic electric “chocolate” train, Hershey, now operates only on a branch line to Jaruco.

Experience Carnival, theater, and dance

Visit Matanzas for the Matanzas International Puppet Festival (Festitim). While you’re there, check out the kids’ entertainment center and restaurant Jardín de Pelusin del Monte, and don’t miss the hand-crafted books at Ediciones Vigía.

Children will enjoy the Carnival in Santiago de Cuba in July, which includes a parade and aquatic festivities, as well as the April Fiesta de la Danza FIDANZ. In Havana, watch street performances during the Festival de Danza en Paisajes Urbanos in April and the Rhythm and Dance Festival in March.

Top activities for teens and tweens in Cuba: climb, cycle, snorkel, and kitesurf

Cuba is an adventure hub for older kids, offering endless opportunities for thrills. Experience zip-lining in the mountains of Las Terrazas and the Valle de los Ingenios near Trinidad.

The island is dotted with scuba diving spots and cycling trails. Explore the stunning Viñales Valley and Trinidad on horseback. For climbing enthusiasts, tackle the limestone peaks around Viñales or the cliffs near Jibacoa. Beach resorts provide more than just sunbathing, with options for Hobie Cats, table tennis, aqua bikes, and dance classes, plus slacklining and kayaking near Jibacoa.

On Cayo Guillermo, you can learn to kitesurf in perfect conditions. For a unique experience, book a safari tour through Cayo Saetía’s only hotel to see African wildlife roaming the island’s distinctive grasslands, and enjoy its beautiful beach as well.

Planning advice

Make sure to pack nearly everything you need, including toys, art supplies, and books for your little ones. For the beach and pool, don’t forget a quality flotation device, hats, any inflatables, water shoes, kids’ wetsuits, and snorkeling equipment.

Although you can find sunscreen at all-inclusive resorts, along with beach towels, some inflatables, hats, and swimwear, it tends to be pricey and has low SPF options. It’s best to bring your own.

Older children should preload any movies, games, and books onto their devices before arriving in Cuba, as internet access can be unreliable. Generally, Cuban hosts at casas particulares will help by storing food (if your room lacks a fridge), warming milk, and sterilizing equipment.