10 Dominican Republic All-inclusive Family Resorts

For years, travelers have been flocking to the Dominican Republic for its white-sand beaches and warm, tropical weather. In addition to being a great honeymoon destination, the Dominican Republic also has a great reputation among families as a safe, affordable holiday destination that’s easily accessible from the U.S.; a flight from Orlando is barely 2.5 hours.

There are dozens of all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic to choose from, with some that have been around since the 1980s. However, if you’re traveling with little ones, you’ll want to stay at a resort with family-friendly amenities and lots of activities to keep the kids entertained. 

To help you find the perfect spot, here are our picks for the top 10 Dominican Republic all-inclusive family resorts. 

Barcelo Bavaro Palace

Twenty minutes outside of Punta Cana is Barcelo Bavaro Palace, one of the largest luxury all-inclusive family resorts in the Dominican Republic. Barcelo Bavaro has more than 1400 rooms and 4 swimming pools, and is so huge that a shuttle bus drives the grounds all day just to help guests get around. 

This Dominican Republic all-inclusive family resort has 11 restaurants, lots of bars where the parents can grab a quick drink, and a 24-hour tapas place to satisfy late-night cravings. During the day parents can golf at the nearby course or lounge at one of the adult-only pools in the spa while the kids play at the Kids’ Club. On family days, head to Barcy Waterpark, an on-site play palace with climbing structures, waterslides, and swimming pools., 

The Palace has 2 sections, including a disco and a casino. The main building is called the Palace Deluxe, and it’s where the family-friendly rooms are located as well as all the activities. As such, it is always busy, especially at the front desk. The vibe here is lively and upbeat, mostly due to the sheer volume of guests. 

Dreams Onyx Punta Cana

Dreams Onyx Punta Cana in Uvero Alto is an ultra-family-friendly resort with a dedicated family-unit building that has two-bedroom suites and adjoining rooms for large family trips. In fact, until December 20, 2024, group reservations at Dreams Onyx can get you up to 4 free rooms or room upgrades and other perks like discounts at the spa and a complimentary cocktail hour. 

The resort also has more than 20 restaurants and bars plus 24-hour room service where guests can indulge in unlimited food and drinks. Families also enjoy complimentary water and land activities, entertainment, kids’ club, teen club, 6 pools, and a waterpark.

Dreams Onyx is in a good central location with easy access to some of the Dominican Republic’s most beautiful landmarks. Half or full-day trips to nearby islands can easily be arranged through the 24-hour concierge. The area is also well-known for its gorgeous dive sites and excellent deep-sea fishing. 

Hilton La Romana

Hilton La Romana is a great place to take the family for a week of fun in the sun. The resort is on the southeast coast in a quiet area of Bayahibe Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the Dominican Republic. Guests can take advantage of free non-motorized watersports or enjoy the huge water park. Float leisurely down the lazy river, or embrace the chaos of a foam party. 

The Kids and Teens Clubs have a rotating schedule of fun, age-appropriate entertainment that includes field trips to nearby tourist attractions like a trip to Monkeyland and social events at the Teens Club. One night a week, junior guests can roast marshmallows and fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing on a beach campout. 

Adult amenities include a casino, a luxury spa, a scuba diving facility, and a nearby golf course. Spanish lessons are held daily and there’s a special performance each night with rotating themes. Guests can also reserve a private corner pool with an ocean view for up to 4 guests  

Modern suites come with a beautiful view in every direction. Each room has a large private balcony and a fully stocked minibar included in your rate. Select suites come with the option of adjoining rooms. Some ground-floor suites have swim-out terraces, but all guests staying in these rooms must be older than the age of 13. 

Iberostar Punta Cana

Iberostar Punta Cana is a family-friendly section of a mega-resort in Punta Cana that has several unique amenities like a coral lab and a golf course that make for a memorable holiday. Along with two huge pools, several bars and restaurants, and a long stretch of beautiful but busy beach, Iberostar has a dedicated children’s pool, a huge gym that overlooks the ocean, and a full-service spa with outdoor massage tables.

This Dominican Republic all-inclusive family resort has plenty of activities and events just for kids, including the Star Club, a nightly mini-disco, and friendly pink flamingos that wander around the perfectly manicured yard. There are also plenty of familiar child-friendly food options available like ice cream and pizza. 

While the kiddos are at the Club, moms and dads can head next door to the casino at Iberostar Dominicana, try something new like pottery painting or target practice at an adults-only social, or explore the grounds. Once the sun goes down, take in a live show, eat a delicious dinner, or dance on the beach until the wee hours to the rhythm of Star Friends, Ibersotar’s band. 

Radisson Blu Punta Cana

Radisson Blu Punta Cana is one of the most family-focused all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana.  The Kids’ Club offers a huge selection of activities to suit any temperament, and with options like musical instruments and organized sports, kids will get the chance to explore their interests and find new passions to take home. Families can even book pet-friendly suites, which also come with a private whirlpool. 

While the kids are off at the Club, parents can rest and reconnect at the full-service spa or take a fun cooking, bartending, or dance class. For a grounded start to the day, meet for a guided daily yoga and meditation session, which is included in the rate along with full use of sports equipment and facilities. 

All-inclusive rates cover meals and drinks at 8 restaurants and bars which all get rave reviews online. Two stand-out options include Anthea, Radisson Blu’s classic Mediterranean grill, and igen, an Asian fusion eatery. Note that not all room service menu items are included in the rate. Additionally, while food and beverage service is offered on the beach, it is an additional cost as well. 

Dreams Royal Beach

Dreams Royal Beach is on a busy stretch of Bavaro Beach and is surrounded by other big-name resorts in the area. Although this is a family resort, some guests like to stay at Dreams but the party at Secrets Royal Beach, a sister property next door. As a result, some reviews mention that loud neighbors return from Secrets in the early hours of the morning. Nevertheless, Dreams Royal Beach is a popular destination for families who prefer a lively social scene.  

This Dominican Republic all-inclusive family resort has an Explorer’s Club for kids aged 3-12 and a teen hangout spot called the Core Zone, which is for ages 12-17. In the meantime, parents can brush up on their Spanish, take a dance class, book a spa treatment, or play a round at Cocotal Golf & Country Club where they get discounted green fees.  

Dreams Royal Beach has 373 bright, airy rooms and suites with large, furnished balconies or terraces complete with a hot tub. Many have gorgeous ocean views. A fully stocked minibar that’s refreshed daily, fast Wifi and 24-hour concierge service are included.

The Junior Suite comes with either one king bed or two double beds and overlooks either the pool, hot tub, or garden. Larger rooms for families can accommodate up to 6 guests. Upgrade your reservation to Preferred Club status for a larger suite with high-quality amenities in an even nicer area of the resort, plus butler service. Some Preferred Club suites also have swim-up entrances and oceanfront access.  

Be Live Collection Marien

Be Live Marien sits right on the edge of the tourist block in Puerto Plata, and enjoys a relatively quiet, secluded part of Playa Dorada compared to its neighbors. This mid-range all-inclusive resort features a massive swimming pool, which is surrounded by loungers, bars, and snack shacks, and branches off in several directions toward the beach. The beach is known to attract a few vendors, but it’s nothing compared to some of the more centrally located resorts. 

The rooms are dated but comfortable, clean, and well-maintained. The Family Junior Suite comes with a second bedroom with two twin beds for the kids, a separate living room, and a small kitchenette. A few suites come with the option to upgrade to an ocean view. Deluxe rooms that overlook the pool also have soundproof windows so everyone can get a good night’s sleep. 

The rate includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the main buffet restaurant. Instead of international buffets, mealtimes at Be Live Marien tend to follow a theme. Live cooking stations are visible from the dining area, and there are dedicated children’s sections for comfortable daily seating. Previous guests have commented that the variety of the buffet offerings was a pleasant surprise and that few dishes were served more than twice a week. However, for a change of scenery, there are also 3 a la carte options included in the rate. There are also a row of restaurants across the street, but they are extra. 

Dreams Macao Beach

Tucked away from Punta Cana’s party district, Dreams Macao Beach is an upscale family all-inclusive with a generous package that covers several free watersports and other activities, unlimited gourmet dining, and unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks in 5 restaurants and 6 bars.  

Family-friendly amenities include a small waterpark in the resort; a kids’ club with games, sports, and immersive activities planned every day (like a weekly beach campout); and age-appropriate nightly entertainment. For older kids, The Core Zone Teens Club has arcade games, a disco, and a movie theater. 

Dreams Macao Beach is a newer edition to the Dreams portfolio.  Equally popular with couples as it is with families, the spa gets great reviews and has a full menu of treatments designed for couples. Premium suites have up to 2 bedrooms and the option to upgrade to a private plunge pool. 

Majestic Elegance Punta Cana

Majestic Elegance Punta Cana is divided into an adults-only section and a family-friendly section. It’s built on a busy beach and has a lively social scene, especially on the adult side. Some reviews mention that it can get rowdy, loud, and crowded. Still, it has a good reputation as a safe, reliable resort for an affordable family vacation with plenty of amenities, activities, and delicious food. 

The resort is one part of a three-resort village, all owned and operated by Majestic. The compound is lively and sociable, but there isn’t much to do nearby. All attractions and outings require private transportation, which can be arranged by resort staff. 

All of the family rooms overlook the gardens. The nicest rooms in the family section are the Majestic Junior Suites, which come with private hot tubs on the terrace and have swim-up access in select rooms. 

Club Med Punta Cana

The first all-inclusive resort in the country, Club Med Punta Cana is located just 10 minutes away from the Punta Cana airport. It’s been well taken care of over the years, having undergone a recent renovation. Its lobby has a modern beach-hut vibe, with wicker furniture, a thatched roof, and vases of brightly colored tropical flowers. 

The resort is not exactly centrally located, and a taxi is required to get anywhere off-grounds, but most attractions are less than a 30-minute drive away. These include Punta Cana Village, a dolphin discovery center, an adventure park, and a spider monkey reserve called Monkeyland Punta Cana. Golf enthusiasts can take in the view of the Caribbean from a professional 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. 

Kayaks, SUPs, windsurfing boards, surfboards, and more can be borrowed from the resort at no extra charge. If you’ve never tried kite surfing, lessons and equipment are free as well. Surf lessons and scuba diving excursions can be arranged for an added cost. 

The Kids’ Club, called the Mini Club, is massive and welcomes kids from 3 months to 17 years old. The program operates out of one large center where kids of all ages can mix and mingle, but the activities and areas are divided by age groups. A host of options to suit all interests is available including skills like cooking, archery, and sports.  

Now that you’ve read our list of 10 Dominican Republic all-inclusive family resorts, which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!