From sea turtles and bat caves to ice cream and Cuban sandwiches, Cuba offers kid-friendly fun in a tropical, safe setting.Supplied
A few years ago, Lisa Dowling and her 17-year-old son, Kieran, took a much-deserved vacation at a Cuban all-inclusive resort in Varadero for a few days. While the sand was soft, the sun warm and the mojitos plentiful, the two wanted more from the trip.
“I heard it was hard to get around Cuba outside the resort, but it wasn’t at all,” the Pickering, Ont., parent says now. “We took a local bus into Havana, no problem.”
Moving away from the touristy city core, they found kids playing in the streets and families hanging out together having impromptu parties.
“There’s a lot of music and it’s an artistic city,” Ms. Dowling says. “We really started to feel the Cuban culture, which is very family-oriented.”
While Cuba might be better known for its sun-and-surf resorts and dramatic revolutionary history than as a travel hotspot for adventure-hungry families, leaving the beaten path brings ample rewards. Not only is there plenty to do beyond the beach, the country is considered one of the world’s safest destinations for tourists.
“Cuba is a very unique country, but what really stands out and makes Cuba special is its people and the safety of its streets,” says Lessner Gomez, Cuba Tourism board director in Toronto.
It’s also larger than you might think. With about 11 million inhabitants scattered across 110,922 square kilometres (Cuba is actually a large island surrounded by numerous “cayos,” or keys), it can be difficult to decide where to go and what to do with kids in tow.
For families who want to combine a resort vacation with some adventure, booking day excursions through the resort makes sense. Just be sure to book excursions in advance, says Robyn Good, the Montreal mom of three behind the Go To Family travel vlog.
“It can be extremely overwhelming to look at a book full of excursions at the resort when your kids are excited and full of energy,” she says. They can also sell out quickly.
Whether your kids are into animals, nature or art, here are a few ideas that will likely resonate with everyone in the family.
Kids can get up close and personal with sea turtles in Playa TortugaiStockPhoto / Getty Images
For animal lovers
From horseback riding through the stunning Viñales Valley, dotted with limestone hills called mogotes, to the half dozen Cuban crocodile farms scattered across the country, there are many options for pint-sized animal lovers.
If you’re travelling to Cayo Largo Sur, a small resort island off the country’s southern coast, head to Playa Tortuga to check out the Centro de Rescate de Tortugas Marinas. It’s a sea turtle farm and conservation centre. Local dive shops also organize excursions for those who want to see tropical fish and turtles swimming up close. Just be sure to pack kids’ snorkeling gear, as not all companies stock it.
Caving can be a fun adventure for older children in stunning locations like the Cuevo de Saturno (above) near VaraderoiStockPhoto / Getty Images
For cave enthusiasts
About 20 km from Viñales, Cuevas de Santo Tomas is one of the largest cave networks in the region and well worth paying the 15 Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) entrance and tour fee (about $20 CAD). Keep in mind though – the climb to the entrance is steep and tricky so not ideal for small children.
If you’re staying in Varadero, do a day trip to nearby Cueva de Saturno with its deep, spring-fed pool or Cueva de Ambrosio, otherwise known as the bat cave.
Ice cream is a must in Cuba, especially from Havana’s famous CoppeliaiStockPhoto / Getty Images
For food fans (and picky eaters)
Good news for the gastronomically hesitant: Cuban cuisine is generally not known for its spice, and that’s a boon for some families. Think rice, beans, fried plantains, seafood, chicken and pork at the paladares (privately-run restaurants).
Also, Cuban sandwiches with all the fixings can be found for 1.5 CUC ($2 CAD) at street vendors, making for a cheap and tasty lunch on the run.
In Havana? Don’t forget a stop at the famous Coppelia Ice Cream Parlor opposite the iconic Habana Libre Hotel. Tourists get through the lines faster than the locals – great for times when a temper tantrum is brewing.
Young car enthusiasts will thrill to take a ride in one of Havana’s beautiful retro vehiclesiStockPhoto / Getty Images
For speed demons
Hire one of the retro, colourful convertibles and tour around places like Havana, Trinidad and Camagüey to take in the colonial architecture, squares and monuments. Just be sure to pack your own booster seat, if needed, as children’s car seats aren’t mandatory in Cuba.
While there’s so much to do in Cuba, just remember: you’re supposed to be on a vacation. If the family needs a day at the beach, that’s fine too.
“Most people go and take all these tours and book activities,” Ms. Dowling says. “But you can park a kid on the beach and they’re totally content.”
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