Traveling to Cuba with Kids: What to Expect & Tips for Families

Cuba is a vibrant, culturally rich destination that offers families a unique blend of history, adventure, and stunning natural beauty. You’re in for an unforgettable experience. From exploring historic streets to snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, if you choose to spend time in Cuba outside of our AmicusEsse Educational Program Days, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your family adventure.

What to Expect in Cuba with Kids

A Warm Welcome

Cubans love children! Families travelling with kids will often receive warm smiles and friendly interactions from locals. Expect people to go out of their way to accommodate you, whether it’s in restaurants, hotels, or on the streets.

Limited Wi-Fi, More Connection

Cuba is one of the few places where Wi-Fi isn’t readily available everywhere. This can be an adjustment, but it also offers a rare opportunity to unplug and be fully present with your family. Bring travel games, books, and a sense of adventure to make the most of offline moments. When I was travelling with the kids, we were able to use my Canadian mobile phone on a (roam like at home, travel package). Using the mobile phone in combination with a VPN (we used Proton VPN), we were able to access any websites we chose, download some Spanish translation plugins for Google Translate, and send emails. That said, don't design your trip around the assumption that internet access will be reliable.

Classic Cars & Cobblestone Streets

Havana’s old-fashioned American cars and colorful streets are like a real-life museum. Kids will love the novelty of riding in a classic convertible! However, cobblestone streets can be tricky for strollers, so consider bringing a lightweight, foldable option if needed. The kids and I thought these giant cruiser cars were pretty neat. I was amused that the speedometer in the car, in which we were chauffeured, was replaced by a mobile phone using GPS to estimate speed.

Delicious, Kid-Friendly Food

Cuban cuisine is simple but flavourful, and many dishes appeal to children. Expect rice, beans, shredded meats, fried plantains, and fresh tropical fruit. Many restaurants are accommodating to dietary needs, but snacks from home can be helpful for picky eaters. When the kids and I were not eating chicken and rice, we ate mango. Lots of mango. Good thing we love mango. We also had an opportunity to eat at a few restaurants where we found pizza. It is useful to bring snacks from home before travelling that can be easily transported such as granola bars. We planned to eat a couple of these each day.

Tips for Travelling with Kids in Cuba

1. Pack Smart

Since certain items may be harder to find in Cuba, bring essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, and any medications your family may need. A refillable water bottle with a filter is also a great idea. We also brought emergency medications we could imagine ourselves needing if someone became sick, packs that could be frozen in the freezer and then used to cool ourselves in the evening if the airconditioner fails to keep us cool. We brought enough clothing that we would not have to wash anything while we were travelling (although, we did of course wash t-shirts, shorts, and bathing-suits easily in the sink).

We also brought gifts of supplies for those that we encountered, knowing that many items that we take for granted are not available in Cuba and they are greatly appreciated by the locals. It is worth doing a quick search on the internet before you go to discover what is currently most appreciated based on current needs and shortages.

2. Plan Your Activities Wisely

There’s plenty to do in Cuba with kids! Here are some top activities:

• Explore Old Havana – Walk through the vibrant streets, visit plazas, and learn about Cuba’s history.

• Ride a Classic Car – A must-do experience that kids will love.

• Visit the Viñales Valley – A great spot for horseback riding or easy hikes.

• Relax on Varadero Beach – Calm, clear waters make it perfect for families.

• Discover Cuba’s Wildlife – Snorkelling, visiting turtle farms, or even exploring caves can be fascinating experiences.

3. Embrace the Local Culture

Music and dance are a huge part of Cuban culture. Encourage your kids to try some salsa moves, listen to live musicians, or even take a drumming class. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases can also help them engage with locals.

4. Bring Cash

Cuba is mostly a cash-based society, and foreign credit/debit cards often don’t work. Bring enough US-dollar cash, and budget accordingly. If you do run out of cash, you can get Cuban Pesos (CUP) from a local bank if your bank exists in a short list of supported countries. For example, I was able to get CUP from my own Canadian bank account however I did have to wait for a special time during the day to access the bank and I did have to wait a considerable amount of time. Cash CUP can also be obtained at the Varadero airport ATM but be aware that that machine is not always working. All that said, do not rely on being able to access foreign cash while you are travelling.

5. Stay in Casas Particulares

Instead of traditional hotels, consider staying in a casa particular (a private homestay or guesthouse). These provide an authentic experience and often include home-cooked meals—great for families who want a personal touch. When I travelled with my kids, we were housed in what felt like a small apartment. We had arranged that each morning we would be served breakfast and we received pleasant support while figuring out how to use the utilities in the space. I used Google-translate to communicate with the woman who brought our breakfast each morning. The kids and I slept in a room large enough for 2 beds and each evening we enjoyed the space and the cool air from the air-conditioner.

Final Thoughts

Travelling to Cuba with kids is a rewarding experience filled with discovery, adventure, and cultural immersion. With a little preparation and an open mind, your family can create lasting memories in this incredible country. Whether you’re exploring Havana’s historic streets, swimming in the Caribbean, or learning about Cuban wildlife, the experience will be one your children will never forget.

There are many ways to shape your adventure while you're travelling outside of our planned itinerary. For those days you're travelling with our group, please speak with our team to learn about the specific supplies and considerations so that you're prepared and have all you need. We will host a group video chat to go over packing and preparation details with you so that you are fully prepared for what we will encounter.