Get excited for a family vacation in La Romana in the Dominican Republic! You can find thrilling activities, golden beaches and explore local wonders, both above and below sea level. In the mood for a more low-key adventure? Spend your days at your all-inclusive resort where you can enjoy a mix of outdoor experiences, on-property fun and relaxing pool time — not to mention a variety of delicious food to enjoy. Read on to discover everything you need to know about enjoying an exhilarating family vacation in the Caribbean.

Make a splash

Famous for its coral reefs, Catalina Island is one of the top choices for day trips in the Dominican Republic. That’s no surprise considering it’s a picture-perfect tropical island with white sand beaches and crystal blue water.

Make the most of your time in the water by snorkeling or getting certified to dive at Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Family Resort’s on-site PADI Dive Center. Then experience the ultimate aquarium view by snorkeling on Catalina Island. Clear water, abundant sea life and a living coral reef make this a perfect spot for beginners and kids. Hoping to relax? Those who prefer to stay on land can lounge, swim and soak up the sun at the resort’s eco-friendly private beach or on-site water park — complete with splash pad, winding tubes slides and even a palm tree-lined lazy river so you can sit back and float the day away.

Explore the underground

A 30-minute drive off-property will lead you to the Cave of Wonders (Cueva de la Maravillas) National Park, featuring a warren of tunnels with walls covered in art dating back thousands of years. Descend into another world and see Taino petroglyphs and pictographs, as well as fossils embedded in reef limestone formations. Once your eyes adjust to the light back above ground, wander through the ornamental British-style labyrinth.

Explorers of any age can venture deep into this cave system and see a myriad wonders. Best of all? Modern ramps, paths and even an elevator make this experience easy on the knees for older explorers.

Walk on the wild side

Get a closer look at the jungle and engage all your senses on an epic nature walk. The Padre Nuestro Ecological Trail within Cotubanama National Park is just over a mile (2 kilometers) long. Hikes in the Dominican Republic come with extra magic: Caverns with freshwater springs are found along the way, as well as reminders of the Taino, who used to inhabit this land. Take your time on the trail and keep an eye out for colorful tropical wildlife. Bird enthusiasts will be in their element when spotting the brilliant green feathers of the Hispaniolan parrot and the broad-billed tody.

If boat rides are more to your liking, make for the winding Chavon River, once a hiding place for pirates but now a passage for nature lovers. Magnificent flora and fauna line the gorge that the river has carved through the island. Paddle along in single or tandem kayaks or canoes for a killer workout while admiring the surrounding cliffs and jungle scenery. Speedboat and catamaran tours are also available — an easier way to explore the Dominican Republic’s natural abundance during your family vacation.

Batter up

Fall in love with baseball all over again — known as pelota in the Dominican Republic. It's the national sport, tremendously popular across the Caribbean and is a great family-friendly way to spend an afternoon. If you’re visiting between October and January, attend a home game at Francisco A. Micheli Stadium and cheer on the Dominican professional team Toros del Este. Nothing will get your blood pumping like a ballgame here. This is, after all, the country of some of the greatest players of all time. So, sit back and soak in the vibrant Dominican culture – even if you have no idea what’s happening on the field, you’ll be swept up in the energy and excitement.

It’s endless fun and exploration in La Romana as your tropical adventure unfolds. Tour the natural wonders and relax in the comfort of an all-inclusive resort for a family vacation that is guaranteed to have everyone in the family recalling their time under the Dominican sun for years to come.

Laura Burkehart is an editor and writer who loves travel as much as she loves writing about it. She splits her time between North Carolina and Northern California.