While Old San Juan is renowned for its colonial architecture and monuments, it also offers many family-friendly events. It ensures memorable experiences for visitors of all ages. Let’s dive into the delights awaiting families in this charming city.
Family Friendly Accommodations
When it comes to finding a place to stay, family-friendly apartments and houses in San Juan, Puerto Rico, offer the comfort and convenience that traveling families seek. Old San Juan Rentals provides cozy accommodations designed to cater to the requirements of families, ensuring a home-away-from-home experience. Positioned within walking distance of the city’s top attractions, these accommodations allow families to explore at their own pace and retreat to their private space whenever needed.
Family-Friendly Beaches
When you’re ready for beach time, head just outside the city to beautiful Isla Verde Beach, with its soft sand, calm waters, and an array of restaurants and beach bars. Closer to the city, Escambrón Beach has shallow, gentle waves, making it great for younger kids. Both beaches have picnic areas, restrooms, changing rooms, and lifeguards on duty.
Exciting Museums
Some of Old San Juan’s museums, like Castillo San Cristóbal and Fort San Felipe del Morro, bring history to life in an engaging way for kids and parents. The Pablo Casals Museum commemorates the famous musician, featuring listening stations and interactive displays. At the Puerto Rico Children’s Museum, kids can pretend to be veterinarians, shopkeepers, and more in a series of hands-on exhibit areas.
Water Activities at Condado Lagoon
Just a short distance away from Old San Juan, the Condado Lagoon awaits a variety of water activities suitable for the whole family. From paddle boarding and kayaking to simply swimming in the calm waters, it’s a fantastic spot for those looking to add a splash of adventure to their trip. With safety as a priority, several operators provide gear and guidance, making it accessible for kids and adults to enjoy the water responsibly.
Family Events Year-Round
Nearly every month brings fun family happenings to Old San Juan. The Puerto Rico Jazzfest in early March offers jazz, blues, salsa, and more for music lovers of all ages. On Sundays from April to October, families flock to Plaza de Armas for Habichuelas con Dulce, an outdoor market selling crafts, artwork, and traditional sweets. Summer brings the Fiesta de San Juan Bautista, a celebration honoring the city’s patron saint with parades, live music, food carts, and street fairs. Plaza de Armas is transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland during the holiday season.
Kid-Friendly Dining
San Juan offers various cuisines, with plenty of restaurants catering to families. Look for kids’ menus, high chairs, and casual settings at spots like Raices, serving traditional Puerto Rican specialties in Old San Juan, or Metropol, a bayside restaurant with a play area. Restaurants in this tourist destination prepare gourmet comfort food and have outdoor seating. And plazas around the city frequently host food truck events, offering delightful culinary options to sample and savor.
Scenic Harbor Explorations
Embark on a picturesque boat tour around the San Juan Bay. Witnessing the city’s vibrant skyline from the water provides a distinctive viewpoint and offers the chance to observe lively dolphins or majestic sea turtles. Many tours cater specifically to families, offering engaging commentary and keeping children entertained throughout the journey.
Wander Through Storybook Streets
The cobbled streets of Old San Juan transform into a real-life treasure hunt waiting to be explored. Embrace the colonial buildings’ vibrant colors, admire the balconies’ intricate details, and watch for hidden cats napping in doorways or playful pigeons fluttering overhead. Pack a scavenger hunt list with historical landmarks or architectural features to add an extra layer of fun for the young adventurers.
Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
This charming park is a haven for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Nestled within the city walls, it provides a peaceful oasis to unwind and observe the colorful pigeons that readily flock to visitors offering seeds. The park also offers stunning ocean views, making it ideal for a picnic lunch or a tranquil stroll.
After a day of adventure exploring the charming streets and attractions of San Juan, Old San Juan Rentals ensures you return to the perfect, comfortable stay, offering accommodations that not only meet your family’s needs but also keep you conveniently close to all the kid-friendly activities and sights in Puerto Rico.