Fun fact: San Juan is the second oldest city in the Western Hemisphere, so when you walk these streets, you’re stepping into history. Wander the cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings before heading to forts like El Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal. Kids will love the towering stone walls and stunning ocean views from the parapets. Then head to El Morro’s lawn to fly a kite and feed pigeons at Parque de las Palomas. Take a Princess walking tour to see all these sites without the hassle or take a deep dive into these historic forts with an expert guide.

No family trip to Puerto Rico is complete without a visit to El Yunque National Forest — the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. It's a lush paradise packed with easy hiking trails, cascading waterfalls and natural pools that are perfect for a mid-hike cool-down. For families with younger explorers, trails like Angelito and Juan Diego Falls are short with big payoffs (think: stunning waterfalls at the end). Along the way, you’ll find shallow streams and natural pools where kids will love to take a break and splash around. 

Want to skip the stress of planning and parking? Princess will take you to El Yunque and on guided hikes, so your family can focus on making memories, not maps.

Other natural highlights for the whole family include Gozalandia Falls — one of the best waterfalls in Puerto Rico — where your kids can cool off swimming in a beautifully green natural pool under the waterfall’s spray.

Kick back, relax and know the whole crew is having fun. When you head to the beach in Puerto Rico, you’re in for calm waters, pillow soft sand perfect for sandcastles and palm trees swaying in the breeze. So whether your family likes playing in the sand, water sports or splashing in the surf, you’ll find that on a Puerto Rican beach. 

One of the best family-friendly beaches includes Carolina Beach (also known as Balneario de Carolina) because of its peaceful water, onsite restrooms and lifeguards on duty. For a more local vibe, head to Luquillo Beach. This crescent-shaped beach features gentle waves and is just steps from a popular strip of food kiosks, where you can sample delicious Puerto Rican bites like empanadillas and pinchos.

For an easy, breezy beach day, Princess Cruises offers shore excursions to popular San Juan beaches, including a private VIVO Beach Club experience where you can enjoy peace and quiet and soak up the natural beauty of Puerto Rico.

If you’re bringing older kids (or kids with an adventurous palate), they’ll love becoming a chef and making a delicious Puerto Rican meal on a Princess excursion. The professional chef will teach you how to make mofongo, Puerto Rico's famous dish, as well as deep-fried cassava or green plantains mashed together and paired with mouthwatering creole chicken. Once you learn about cooking traditional cuisine, your whole family will sit down for an unforgettable lunch. 

The excursion will also take you to some of the best sites in San Juan: the San Juan Gate, Princess Pathway and Prison, Museum of Doña Fela, Plaza de Armas and San Juan Cathedral — one of the oldest churches in the Western Hemisphere.

Rainy day? Looking for a chance to let your kids run free while you relax? The Carolina Children’s Museum is a perfect day-trip if you have young kids. This hands-on museum has a go-kart track, a plane donated by American Airlines your kids can explore, a mini zoo, an outdoor playground where your kids can get some energy out and a small ferry making “Jungle Trips” through the nearby Blasina Lake. 

It’s a great option for rainy days or when your family needs a low-key adventure away from the sun.

Whether you're craving quick bites by the beach or a sit-down meal with a view, there are plenty of kid-friendly dining options to satisfy every appetite. For example, Piñones, located just east of San Juan, has food stand after food stand where you can snack on alcapurrias, bacalaítos and empanadillas while enjoying ocean breezes and seafront seating. It's a great spot to introduce kids to local flavors in a fun, no-fuss setting — right next to two secluded beaches, La Pocita or Vacía Talega. Another favorite is the Luquillo Kiosks, a lively stretch of over 60 family-owned food stands offering everything from fresh seafood and mofongo to ice cream and fruit smoothies. With options for even the pickiest eaters, it’s the perfect place for a flavorful family meal after a beach day.

And of course, Princess Cruises' onboard dining makes mealtime easy for the rest of your vacation, with a range of delicious options — including kids' favorites and flexible dining times — to keep everyone happy before and after your onshore adventures.