For those wondering if Cuba with kids is a good idea, YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE! Being Cuban American, there was no question that my kids would take a family trip to Cuba. We’ve since been back a few times and learned so much in the process. Though the island is a fascinating place to take a family vacation and has much to offer, there are a few considerations when planning. This is my Cuba for kids guide. I hope it helps!
Cuba with Kids: The Ultimate Guide
Before we get into our guide to Cuba with kids, let me introduce ourselves…
- Mom: Hola, my name is Vanessa and I’m first-generation American. Both of my parents were born in Cuba and left during the Castro revolution. You’ll find many articles about Cuban culture, Cuban people and our dedication to raising bilingual kids on this blog.
- Dad: My husband is African American and loves Latino culture but speaks very little Spanish. He definitely appreciates luxury family travel and is less adventurous than me, so our favorite places to vacation with kids always include a bit of both.
- Sister: My daughter is a very good traveler. She loves to connect with local kids and speak Spanish any chance she gets. She’s easy-going, loves to read and goes with her mama’s crazy flow with incredible grace.
- Brother: A very active little boy! My son keeps our travels “fun”, which is mom-code for exhausting. He’s as sweet as pie but enjoys being on the move. His longest hike was 7 miles at the age of 5. He was admitted to a Cuban hospital after stepping on a poisonous sea animal and going into shock. That experience was as scary as it sounds, but I can confidently say Cuba has some great medical services!
Cuba Family Vacation
Cuban Culture + History
My knowledge of Cuban culture and history includes family history, academic studies and personal experiences in Cuba and with Cuban Americans in the United States. Following Castro’s revolution of 1959, many families chose to leave the island – including my family. Castro deposed dictator Fulgencio Batista and the Eisenhower administration of the United States cut all diplomatic ties with the new communist government. The US imposed a trade embargo on Cuba that has since lasted more than half a century, isolating the country and stunting growth.
Overall, I’m proud to be Cuban and the decision my grandparents made to seek a new life in the United States. I’m also proud of the Cubans who stayed behind to create a society that serves more, rather than just a few… I just wish they had more political authority, efficacy and rights while doing so. The Cuban people want progress and access. I wish that their government would hear them. Here are a few personal posts on Cuban culture and Cuban history.
• Cuban Christmas: History, Traditions and Noche Buena in Cuba
• Cuban Breakfast Food: Cafe Cubano and Focus on Family
• 25 Pictures of Cuba Depicting its Past and Future
• Cuba Fruit To Try On Your Visit
•Watching the Presidential Elections While in Cuba
Best Time to Travel to Cuba
Though Cuba is warm for most of the year with moderate average temperatures, the best time to travel to Cuba will depend on how you want to spend your Cuba family vacation. I’ve read that December – May is a good time to visit Cuba because it’s dry season but that has not been our experience. The times we’ve visited in November, January/February we experienced rain many days, but also gorgeous clear blue skies and tolerable temperature for long days of exploring Old Havana and other cities. Our beach days were moderate, but not very hot.
The times we’ve visited between March – (late) June have been very hot! Varadero and its white sandy beaches were glorious, but touring colonial cities with kids was not as enjoyable. We do not travel to Cuba during the months of July-October because of hurricane season.
So if you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Cuba, look at your itinerary and consider what is most important for your family. Overall, however, I would say that the best time of year to go to Cuba would be whenever you can get there!!!!
What You Need to Go to Cuba: Visa and Passports
Can Americans go to Cuba for vacation? As United States citizens, what you need to go to Cuba is complicated at best. You do need a passport to go to Cuba, that is for certain, but the type of visa required will differ greatly depending on current restrictions. Do appropriate research before securing any travel plans.
While the US Government has long restricted travel to Cuba for US citizens, the current administration announced on June 4th, 2019 that organized tours and cruise ships will be banned from stopping in the Caribbean nation as of June 5th, 2019. In their announcement, the State Department said “the United States will no longer permit visits to Cuba via passenger and recreational vessels, including cruise ships and yachts, and private and corporate aircraft.” You can still book flights to Cuba from the United States through various visa entries.
Cuban Family Vacations
Cuba for Kids
I want to travel to Cuba anytime we have the chance… and so do my kids! Not only is it our heritage country, but I also find its dichotomy fascinating. Cuban people are so full of life and innovation, while much of the city lies in ruins and the government keeps a tight hold on the reigns of advancement. And what of the local kids? The same is true for them!
Is Cuba for kids? Absolutely! Every neighborhood has a plaza or square in which kids play when not in school. Connecting with local kids is a fun way to create memorable experiences during your family trip. So when it comes to getting kids ready for Cuban family vacations, here are a few tips for getting children ready for their adventure in Cuba.
- Teach kids as much Spanish as possible before your trip. Simple phrases like “quieres jugar?” (want to play?) or “me llamo xyz” (my name is xyz) is always a good start.
- Have kids pack balls, children’s books, coloring books and crafts they can share with local kids. Remind your child that those items will be left with the Cuban kids as donations. We always bring a few soccer balls to leave with new friends during our trip.
- Read up on information on Cuba for kids online, talk about expectations versus the realities of what the country can offer.
- Cuban food is often a plate of rice, beans and sometimes meat. If you happen to have picky eaters, prepare them accordingly.
Is Cuba Safe?
Parents who wonder is Cuba a good vacation spot are likely to worry about safety. As we must be anywhere, parents should take the necessary precaution to keep their kids safe. Pack any medications or first aid you might need as getting those things might prove difficult. However, I will say that Cuba safety for tourists feels extremely safe. Tourists and their money are safeguarded, especially if you’re on the “Gringo Trail”.
Vaccinations for Cuba
Standard vaccinations are required for travel to Cuba and you should ensure you are vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Protection from some mosquito-transmitted diseases is essential, so be sure to pack plenty of bug repellent especially if traveling to the Cuban countryside or rural areas.
Malaria is generally unknown in Cuba, but Cuba has had outbreaks of mosquito-borne dengue fever, and confirmed cases of mosquito-transmitted zika.
Cuba for Children
Places To Go In Cuba
With 15 provinces within five geographic regions in Cuba, there are so many places to go in Cuba. Each area has its own vibe, but the vast differences will be between the west and eastern provinces. There’s a well-maintained highway that connects the east and west regions running through the center of the country making it easy to explore the many places to go to in Cuba.
The four western provinces make up the Occidental region – the most visited areas – and are:
- Pinar del Rio (Vinales)
- Ciudad de la Habana (City of Havana)
- Habana and Matanzas (where Varadero beaches are)
The central region includes:
- Villa Clara
- Cienfuegos
- Sancti Spiritus (Trinidad)
The Camaguey-Maiabon region is where my paternal family is from. I look forward to visiting this area soon! It includes the provinces of:
- Ceigo de Avila
- Camaguey
- Las Tunas
- Parts of Holguin
The oriental region is the one area I have yet to explore. I will update after we’ve finally discovered the wonders of Santiago, especially. The easternmost provinces of Cuba include:
- Holguin
- Granma
- Santiago de Cuba
- Guantanamo
The Isla de la Juventud and the adjoining areas of the mainland form the fifth region
Family Trip to Cuba
Havana
Havana is the epicenter of Cuban life and it is my favorite place to be. When it comes to the best place to go in Cuba, it’s hard not to add Havana to that list. I’m still working through my thousands of pictures of Cuba, but check out the few posts on things to do in Havana.
• Ultimate List of Things to Do in Havana with Kids – coming soon
• Best Restaurants in Havana for Kids – coming soon
• Callejon de Hamel: Afro-Cuban Culture in Havana
Fun Things to do in Cuba
Trinidad, Cuba – Sancti Spiritus
Trinidad is definitely a tourist destination, but that’s what makes it easy for a family trip to Cuba… especially with young kids! Its a great place to visit in Cuba. Check out our Cuba blog posts on Trinidad and the surrounding areas in Sancti Spiritus.
• Trinidad, Cuba: Our Favorite Colonial City
• Parque el Cubano: Best Cuban Waterfall for Kids
• Playa Ancon: Cuba All Inclusive Review – coming soon
Best Part of Cuba to Visit
Vinales – Pinar del Rio
• Vinales, Cuba: A Favorite Cuban Destination for Kids
Cuban Food
My family has owned the same Hispanic market in the same neighborhood for almost fifty years. That means I know a thing or two about authentic Cuban food! When traveling to Cuba, you might be tempted to visit the popular restaurants in Havana… but do not miss the traditional Cuban foods and recipes that make our culinary cultures unique.
• Authentic Cuban Breakfast Food
• Cuban Fruits You Must Try
