1 Week in Puerto Rico with Kids (Relaxed Family Itinerary Near San Juan)
Planning a trip to Puerto Rico with kids? Here’s exactly how we spent one week exploring beaches, waterfalls, and local favorites—without burning out with a balance of adventure and rest.
My parents came to visit for a week and it was a blast. We tried to keep our tempo more relaxed while still showing off some of the reasons we absolutely love living here. We integrated working, science presentations for my oldest, and soccer practice and games.
This is a real, tested 7-day Puerto Rico itinerary for families with young kids and grandparents—designed to be flexible, low-stress, and full of adventure. We stayed within 45 of San Juan. You'll have to double check with my parents, but we had a blast!
Day 1:
Day 1 is a recovery day. We played all morning and tried to let Nana and Papa Joe sleep in. We also got some groceries and packed for the playa. Then we were off to...
La Posita de Pinones
This is one of our favorite spots for a relaxing beach day—especially with kids. The reef blocks the waves, so it’s calm enough for little ones to snorkel and play safely.
There is free parking, just make sure to keep an eye on the signs so you don't get a parking tickets. We like to go in the morning on week days. It feels like a private beach. Traffic will get heavy on evenings and weekends, but if you have the time, it is worth it.
There is an extra bonus that you drive down Calle Loiza to get there, so on the way out, we grabbed some classic Puerto Rican food: empanadillas and pinchos! YUM!
Parkville, Guynabo
Then we headed to soccer practice in Guaynabo. We brought snacks and ate our yummy Puerto Rican food on the way. It was fun to watch the boys play. Of course, it is extra magical because the sun sets and mccaw fly overhead. I loved watching my mom's eyes light up as she began to recognize the calls.
Day 2:
We tried to live intentionally by having somewhat slow mornings. Day two was all about sleeping in and eating a big breakfast before heading to...
El Museo del Nino Carolina
It is an incredible children's museum and I finally splurged and purchased our membership (can't wait to go back!).
There are lots of different things to occupy both you and your kids. I think that is what is so great about children's museums. They're built for kids but anyone can have fun. It's the perfect place for some grandchild/grandparent bonding.
Our five year old and Nana took over the bank of the future and the boys loved racing cars. Even though the spaceship takeoff was a little scary for our 2 year old, our 5 year old loved it. We raced around throwing balls carefully into the suction and watching them roll and soar.
We made it through the music station, fishing, small machines, nature, etc. Each station had something for everyone.
We didn't do the mini zoo this time because we wanted to make sure we could make it to our next stop. But we loved playing on the playground and even the walk to the parking lot by the big plane!
San Juan BMX Park
After grabbing some snacks on the way, we headed to the BMX park. Soccer practice was canceled and it gave both boys a chance to show off something they loved.
I felt particularly proud of our little two year old, who went on the bump track for the first time.
Day 3:
Science Fair
Our 5 year old had a science presentation on Friday morning. He wanted his Nana and Papa Joe to be there. So, we woke up early and attended his presentation. He used the water surface tension experiment to demonstrate the power of soap. It seemed like magic.
After, he attended a half day of school so we could spend plenty of time in...
Parque Marquesa Forest Park
We spent an entire evening here and cannot recommend it enough.
After purchasing tickets for a very reasonable price, we rode the teliferico to the top of the park. The views are just beautiful! Riding the teliferico causes you to stop, breathe, and take it all in. I love it!
Then we visited the mariposario and bird enclosure. It wasn't a great day for butterflies because it was a little rainy, but my sweet, wet boys had the time of their lives in the bird enclosure. They ran, splashed in puddles, chattered with the beautiful birds.
It was magic.
After, we took the tractor train a little ways down the mountain so that we could hike up the torre for an even better view. Before the ascent we stopped at a playground for some snacks and rest.
The first time we hiked up to the top of the tower this with our boys, our oldest asked if it was the "Torre de Babel" (Tower of Babel). Needless to day, there are a LOT of stairs. It's worth it though. I mean, check out the pictures!
We all gasped at the beauty of a giant raincloud and then at the powerful clouds behind it before deciding to head back to the teliferico. We took the tractor train back up and headed to the teliferico. Little did we know, we were the last people at the park. By the time we left the park, it was 4:55PM. The park closed at 5:00PM.
I was grateful to soak, up almost literally because of the rain, every minute of magic with my boys and their grandparents.
Sam's Club dinner
We were starving so we tried to think of somewhere fast and easy for dinner. Sam's club it was. ...but their computer system broke after taking our order. After an hour-long wait, lots of diet coke consumed, and parmesan cheese packets devoured, my parents took the boys to the parking lot to chase pigeons and play safely. Twenty or so minutes later, I met them with warm pizza.
We went home and watched a movie and hungrily devoured pizza before sleeping soundly.
Day 4:
Day four was a rest day. We had to wake up a little early to pack snacks before heading out to cheer our five year old in his soccer games.
Rec League Soccer Games, dog walking, relaxing
I actually really enjoy watching my boys activities. I look forward to the days of Saturday tournaments. I am going to get a cooler of snacks and a good book and just live my best life. When we go to his weekend scrimmages, I get a little glimpse of that future.
Papa Joe played with a rambunctious two year old while we watched our oldest practice his skills. He even scored his first penalty after being fouled.
After we played, fed ducks, biked around the park for a while before heading out to walk a dog. Dog care is one of our side hustles -- admittedly, it is my least favorite, but you gotta do what you gotta do.
We went home, put the two year old down for a nap and played, fed chickens, cleaned up a little. I think we all needed a little rest.
Day 5:
Church
I love taking my parents to our local congregation -- probably because I love our local congregation. We listened to the talks in Spanish, greeted fellow parishioners and friends, and took our boys to Sunday school.
Next, we went home, packed a lunch, and headed to Caguas for a...
Women's Pro Soccer Game
Al is a licensed arbitro (referee) and was assigned to work at the women's pro soccer game. We grabbed a cooler full of dinner, toys, and made our way to watch the game -- and the cute referee.
Day 6:
Cookies and Crafting during Class
The boys made delicious chocolate chip cookies and then crafted tow trucks with Papa Joe while I taught a couple online classes. They were amazing. They boys love their grandparents.
Of course when they visit, we want to show them our home, this island, we love it. But when grandchildren say they want to make cookies with their grandma and build with grandpa, I can make that happen and it was worth it!
Pilones Waterfall
After eating way too much cookie dough, we piled in the car for Canovanas. One of our favorite waterfall hikes is to Pilones Waterfall. Even our two and a half year old made it almost the whole way to the double waterfall.
Our five year old likes to climb up the waterfall with dad while we throw rocks and swim. It's beautiful and not usually crowded. We'd recommend going and inviting us, too!
Club Soccer Practice
After, we dropped our sweet dog on the way over to Guaynabo for soccer practice. We've been with Catalunya for a few years now and love the club. We played, watched, cheered, and then headed home to bed. We had to make sure to go to bed early because we had a big day the next day.
Day 7:
La Laguna de Condado
In the morning, we took our kayaks (and forgot our snorkel stuff oops) to Condado Lagoon. The water was beautiful and clear. We paddled around the lagoon looking for sea life. We saw some fish, a sea star, and even a turtle's head coming up for air. Eventually, we paused at the beach to swim, snack, and hunt for snacks. Our 5 year old even got to try out his own kayak! The way back to our cars was a little tricky, with the tide and wind against us, but we all made it.
It also helped build our appetites for our favorite spot on the island to eat.
Spicy People food truck
When Al and I first moved here, we were playing late at Punta Salinas and couldn't leave until we were starving. They looked around their phones for a place to eat. They said that a food truck called "Spicy People" was open. We went!
They were attentive and kind -- customer service is top notch. Then they gave us the food... it's just so good. They sell everything there. We are suckers for the burger and love the ceviche and of course the ribs. I mean, seriously, it is all, all, good.
We really cannot recommend a lot of places to eat on the island -- we don't go out to eat very often. This place, we take any visitors and use any excuses to go.
Soccer Practice
Right now we are doing a parks and recreation league in addition to our club practice. It's so fun and we get to meet more soccer lovers.
So, after filling up on a giant delicious lunch, we went to soccer practice. We played until it was dark and then made our way to Fajardo to explore.
Bio Bay Fajardo
As a finale of the trip (and also the day of the trip when the moon was the smallest) was a trip to the Bio Bay in Fajardo.
This is one of our favorite trips. You have to kayak through the ocean in the dark to find the opening to the bay. You carry your kayak over the little bit of land to the bay. Then, off to the sparkles.
Kayaking in the bio bay is one of the most beautiful and magical experiences. It's made somehow more magical by the clear kayak. It was our 2 year old's first time actually recognizing the bioluminescence. It was very fun!
Goodbye
These are the worst. We really miss them. We're grateful that we get to be with family. It's so special when they take the time and effort to come to our little part of the world. I love when they get to see my boys in their element. It changes how they understand them and know them and it builds the relationship so deeply. It makes me so deeply grateful.
