Theme and experience parks in the Dominican Republic have expanded in recent months with concepts that go beyond traditional rides. Many of these new attractions are built around nature, family-friendly entertainment, and a renewed appreciation for local identity—offering visitors a different way to explore the country.
Here are several options that stand out, and what makes each one worth adding to a family itinerary.
Sacred River: a nature-filled adventure in Punta Cana
Located inside Bávaro Adventure Park in Punta Cana, Sacred River has positioned itself as a distinctive choice for adventure tourism—less like a typical attraction and more like a guided immersion into the landscape.
Rather than focusing on speed or spectacle, the experience invites visitors to explore at a comfortable pace, following routes through lush trails, passing waterfalls, moving alongside underground rivers, and reaching areas designed specifically for pausing, observing, and taking in the surroundings.
The atmosphere plays a major role: the continuous sound of running water, natural light filtering through vegetation, and structures that blend into the environment create a journey that mixes exploration with moments of calm. Each section is designed to encourage visitors not only to move forward, but also to look closely, feel the setting, and connect with nature in a more deliberate way.
Because it operates 365 days a year, no visit is exactly the same. Weather, seasonal changes, and variations in light reshape the experience, making the route feel new each time.
Fun Republic: entertainment for all ages
For families looking for an evening-style outing centered on entertainment, Fun Republic—a theme park created by Meliá Hotels International—was launched with a clear purpose: to offer a nighttime recreation space where the ticket covers more than one single activity.
Designed to appeal to different age groups, the park combines six main attractions with music, live shows, themed nights, and a food offering included with admission. It operates from Wednesday to Sunday.
Among its attractions are Air Jam, focused on fast-paced aerial fun; Partee, a mini-golf option with two routes; Funky Munky, an elevated course featuring ropes and suspension bridges; Jump!, a high-energy jumping zone with lights and music; Playtopia, geared toward smaller children; and a classic Carousel that keeps the family theme intact.
One of the park’s differentiators is its attention to the local audience, offering special rates for residents and an admission model that bundles attractions, entertainment, and food and drinks from food trucks and bar areas.
Panaca: a hands-on journey into Dominican rural life
Panaca offers a completely different type of family experience: a close-up introduction to the Dominican countryside through animals, traditions, and live shows that celebrate rural culture.
With more than 1,200 animals—including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, horses, ponies, and birds—the park is designed so that learning happens naturally, through observation and interaction rather than formal instruction. The concept is rooted in reconnecting visitors with the country’s agricultural heritage and the value of rural life.
The entertainment schedule includes large-scale productions such as Travesía, a show that blends acrobatics, music, dance, and cultural elements from multiple regions, along with an equestrian performance featuring more than 60 horses on stage.
Another highlight is Fiesta Dominicana, a night show focused on national identity, combining horse parades, dance, live music, and a food experience meant to be enjoyed without rushing.
Panaca also includes “living classrooms,” interactive spaces where visitors learn about traditional farming processes and hands-on activities—such as how milk is transformed—presented in an engaging, family-friendly format.
Bonus: Renewable Energy Theme Park (Santo Domingo East)
Although it is not a newly opened attraction, the Renewable Energy Theme Park in Ciudad Juan Bosch (Santo Domingo East) deserves a mention for families interested in educational outings.
Created by the Ministry of Energy and Mines, the park is designed to promote awareness around responsible use of natural resources. In a tour of approximately 35 minutes, visitors can explore how solar, wind, hydroelectric energy, biomass, and innovative technologies—such as the sunflower platform—work through accessible, educational explanations.
Admission is free for educational centers, making it a strong option for school visits and learning experiences outside the classroom.
More places to explore
Beyond these parks, the Dominican Republic offers a wide variety of water parks and eco-parks for different budgets and travel styles. Some of the names frequently mentioned by visitors include:
- Escape Park
- Ocean World / Ocean World Adventure Park
- Caribbean Splash Water
- El Dorado Water Park
- Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve
- Waterworks
- Laguna SOV
- Caribbean Lake Park
- Tropical Land
- Aqua Nick
