San Juan with kids

Best things to do with kids

Castle · Old San Juan

1.Castillo San Felipe del Morro

Built by the Spanish from the 16th century to guard the entrance to San Juan Bay, El Morro rises six levels from sea to ramparts, with tunnels, barracks, cannon batteries and a lighthouse. It is part of the San Juan National Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its huge green lawn is where families fly kites.

Go early before the heat and cruise crowds; one entrance fee covers both El Morro and San Cristóbal.

Time needed

2 hours

Cost

Low cost

• Iconic
• History
• Views
• Kids
• Photo spot

Castle · Old San Juan

2.Castillo San Cristóbal

Completed in the 18th century to protect the city from land attack, San Cristóbal is described by the National Park Service as the largest fortification Spain built in the Americas. Explore its tunnels, dungeon, sentry boxes (garitas) and ramparts, with views east over Condado.

Look for the sentry box known as the Devil's Garita on the outer walls, and visit San Cristóbal first if arriving from Condado.

Time needed

1.5 hours

Cost

Low cost

• History
• Views
• Kids
• Architecture

Nature · Condado

3.Condado Lagoon

A sheltered, calm lagoon between Condado and Miramar where visitors rent kayaks and paddleboards, and manatees and rays are sometimes spotted. A path around the edge has views of the Old San Juan skyline.

Paddle in the morning before the wind picks up, and keep your distance if you see a manatee.

Time needed

1–2 hours

Cost

Mid-priced

• Active
• Nature
• Kids
• Outdoors

Neighbourhood · Old San Juan

4.Old San Juan streets and plazas

The old town's streets are paved with blue-grey adoquines, cast from furnace slag and said to have arrived as ships' ballast, and lined with balconied colonial houses in pastel colours. Plaza de Armas, Plaza de Colón and the shaded Capilla del Cristo at the end of Calle del Cristo are good stops on a walk.

Walk early in the morning or around sunset, when the light is softer and the streets cooler.

Time needed

Half a day

Cost

Free

• Free
• Iconic
• Architecture
• Photo spot
• History

Waterfront · Old San Juan

5.Paseo de la Princesa and Paseo del Morro

A 19th-century promenade along the base of the city walls with the Raíces Fountain, food stalls and bay views, continuing as the Paseo del Morro path that hugs the walls towards El Morro. It passes the San Juan Gate, the old ceremonial entrance to the walled city.

Walk it in the late afternoon, then enter the city through the San Juan Gate and climb up to the cathedral.

Time needed

1 hour

Cost

Free

• Free
• Couples
• Views
• Outdoors
• After dark

Where families should stay

Family travel tips

• Buy a kite from a street vendor and fly it on El Morro's lawn, a local family tradition.
• El Escambrón and Isla Verde have calmer water for children than parts of Condado.
• Visit the forts early and spend hot afternoons at the beach or pool.
• Choose a bioluminescent bay tour with double kayaks and child-friendly guides.
• Bring insect repellent for El Yunque and evening outings.

Day trips for families

• El Yunque National Forest (About 45 minutes to 1 hour by car) — The only tropical rainforest in the US national forest system, with waterfalls, observation towers, trails to swimming holes and the chorus of coquí frogs.
• Fajardo bioluminescent lagoon (About 1 hour by car) — Night kayak tours paddle through a mangrove channel into Laguna Grande, where microscopic organisms glow blue-green when the water moves.
• Luquillo Beach and kiosks (About 45 minutes by car) — A palm-fringed public beach with calm water protected by reefs, and a long row of food kiosks along the highway serving fritters, seafood and drinks.

When to go with children

The best months overall are December–April. December–February are the busiest, so book the big sights early. Weather by month.

Questions travellers ask