Iberostar Bavaro Family Activities

Kids ages 4 to 14 can head to Lucy's Club, the Kids Club for Iberostar. Counselors keep kids active with sand castle competitions, arts and crafts, learning Spanish, and the latest dance moves to sweep across the Dominican Republic. There are also Ping Pong tables and a ceramic area to further entertain the youngins. Then it's on to the family pool, where you can swim to your heart's content and take a break with another virgin pina colada at the swim-up bar. The staff works hard to keep families engaged with water aerobics and other activities in the pool. The family pool is zero-depth entry for toddlers. However, around one side of the deeper parts of the pool, toddlers can play on a six-inch deep "shelf" of sorts while parents can stand along side in water that is as much as four feet deep.

In addition to the family pool, a nearby sports pool has basketball hoops, a volleyball net and water polo nets permanently affixed. Families can enjoy this at any time or older children can participate in events organized by the entertainment staff.

The water in the ocean is even warmer than the temperature of the resort's three pools. If you want shade, you'll have to reserve lounge chairs before breakfast by placing your towels down. Water sports like sailing on a Hobie Cat, windsurfing, and sea kayaking are all part of the all-inclusive package, although time in each is limited to one hour per day per guest. You'll have to pay extra to go out on a snorkeling trip or to try scuba diving.

Off premises, there's horseback riding next door to the Iberostar, and, at the far end of the beach, shacks sell Haitian art and Botero look-alike paintings. Every night, there's a different performance on the main stage, just off the lobby. Expect a song and dance spectacle that kids will either enjoy or be bored to tears, depending on their age. Some of the children will be asked to join the festivities on stage.