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Flanking the Caribbean Sea, the aquarium features a large plastic tunnel in which spectators are surrounded by water, sharks, rays, and conger eels. Colorful shoals of fish swarm around the tunnel, while exhibits explain different sorts of marine environments. The most popular family attraction, though, is an orphaned manatee.

This theme park has everything for swimmers and water-lovers, including 12 slides and pools of varying depth. There is ample shade, and refreshments are available. Weekends are extremely popular with local families.

An expansive 400-acre park of tropical gardens and water features, the zoo is home to tigers as well as more local fauna such as flamingos and the elusive Dominican mammals, hutías and solenodons . Children will enjoy spotting creatures in sympathetically landscaped compounds as well as riding in the shuttle train.

Small horse-drawn carts clip-clop up and down Santo Domingo’s scenic Malecón as well as around the atmospheric Zona Colonial. Similarly relaxed and child-friendly sightseeing takes place in Santiago, where the focal point is the central Parque Duarte. Prices for a fixed time should be negotiated before you set off on that exciting ride.

A series of breathtaking rides down steep slides and through a cave are the highlights of this exceptionally popular water-based funfair. The large complex includes over 20 different rides, some more terrifying than others, and there is a gentle rafting excursion for those unwilling to try out the precipitous waterfalls.

This large new marine theme park offers interactive experiences such as swimming with bottlenose dolphins, exploring an imitation reef, feeding sea lions, and even getting close to sharks. There are many exhibits, a gift shop, and a restaurant too. Environmentalists are critical of the concept of keeping dolphins in captivity.

Apart from the performing dolphins and horses, this park is a big hit with kids as it encourages them, under supervision, to hold non-poisonous snakes, as well as getting into a pool with dolphins. The emphasis is more on fun than education, and there are also several fast-food outlets.

Probably the safest and child-friendliest beach in the country, it lies inside a reef-protected cove with gently sloping sand and shallow water. You can wade out at low tide to a tiny offshore island, or build sandcastles or snorkel.

Almost every all-inclusive beach resort will either offer or be able to recommend horseback riding facilities. The small, normally patient Dominican horses are a good way to introduce kids to riding, especially on soft sand. More ambitious excursions in mountain terrain are available for experienced riders through specialist companies.

Older children may enjoy the buzz of an evening baseball game, especially if familiar with the rules. The floodlit spectacle is usually accompanied by lots of music and razzmatazz as well as snacks galore. Children are welcome, though the game may end rather too late for younger ones.