We arrived 10 minutes late to the Fire Show and the performers were already extinguishing their torches. Activities that guests participate in rarely begin on time, but entertainment begins promptly.
Dreams’ family resort in Punta Cana has a huge selection of activities, events and entertainment for kids, teens and adults. There is always something to do, rain or shine. The resort publishes a daily schedule of events that begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 2:00 a.m. including rain-out alternatives.
We weren't able to do everything (especially evening entertainment, because our family is early-to-bed, early-to-rise), but we had fun everyday. For example, we enjoyed dance lessons, beach aerobics, paddleboard yoga, trampoline fitness and events like a foam party and Dominican cultural festival.
Our daughter loved the counselors at the Explorer's Club. She particularly enjoyed the piñata party, cookie baking and bonfire on the beach.
Here is our best attempt to categorize the free activities and entertainment. Activities rarely start on time (we were stuck waiting for as long as 20 minutes), but the resort's entertainment begins promptly (we arrived at the Fire Show 10 minutes late and missed it).
For Kids
Our daughter loved the “Foam Party” on the beach. It was like a giant bubble bath.
The "Explorer's Club" is Dreams Punta Cana's program for children aged 3-12.
Families with very young children may want to consider a stay at Beaches Turks and Caicos. (There are childcare options for newborns and toddlers.) Our daughter loves both resorts, but enjoyed the activities at Dreams more than at Beaches.
The camp counselors are friendly and fun, and they work hard to make sure the kids are having a great time. Here is a sample of weekly activities:
Face Painting
Costume Parade
Painting
Pool Time
Outdoor Movies
Playground Time
Water Balloons
Mini Disco
Clown Party
Cookie Baking
Piñata Party
Beach Olympics
Water Polo
Popcorn Party
Foam Party
Pajama Party
Hand Crafts
Pool Party
Soccer
Nature Walk
Bungee Trampoline (waiver required)
Necklace Making
Giant Jenga Game
Camping Night
Mini Limbo
Tennis Lessons
Fingerpainting
Darts
Costume Party
For Teens
There is a section of the resort called the "Core Zone," which is exclusively for teenagers between 13 and 17. Some daytime activities (mostly sports) are supervised and co-mingled with adults, but we don't have any firsthand experience.
Here is a sample of the activities for teens:
Ping Pong
Billiards
Foosball
Dance Lessons
Disco Party
Bungee Trampoline
Batting Cages
Rock Wall Climbing
Archery
Basketball
Outdoor Movie Theater
Tennis
PlayStation
For Adults
One of the social events at the resort is a “Champagne” toast outside of the welcome center.
Most daytime activities at the resort are open to anyone. For example, our daughter joined a trampoline fitness class that was full of adults. There are age-restricted activities, but they are obvious (e.g. cocktail making, water polo, etc.).
Here is a sample of weekly activities:
Fitness
Stretching
Aqua Gym
Aerobics
Aqua Bike Fitness
Yoga
Trampoline Fitness
Zumba
Cardio Drums
Hula Hoop Fitness
Sports
Beach Volleyball
Bocce Ball
Water Polo
Pool Volleyball
Arts and Crafts
Bottle Painting
Games
Ping Pong
Darts
Ring Toss
Horseshoes
Water Balloon Fight
Diving Objects
Flag Football
Texas Hold'em
Dart Balloons
Iron Man Competition
Bingo
Giant Jenga
Dance Lessons
Latin Dance
Salsa
Bachata
Merengue
Cultural
Spanish Lesson
Paella Cooking Lesson
Catch of the Day (fresh fish cooked on the beach)
Leisure
Foam Party
Tiki Cocktail Experience
Dominican Party
Watersports
Dreams Punta Cana includes a variety of non-motorized watersports like Hobie Cat lessons, windsurfing, kayaking and scuba lessons (at the pool).
We weren't enticed to try these activities because Uvero Alto beach has rough water. (There was a yellow flag on the beach each day of our trip, which means that some activities are suspended.)
Comparatively, there are extensive watersports at Beaches Turks and Caicos (on tranquil Grace Bay) and they look more fun, safer and generally more professional.
The Punta Cana government seems to prohibit watersports on religious holidays, so be mindful when booking a trip.
Night Life
Dreams has a lovely indoor theater with great acoustics. We heard small kids play-stomping on the stage and it sounded like a live version of Queen’s “We Will Rock You.”
We regret that we missed nearly all the evening entertainment at Dreams Punta Cana. There is a DJ and dancing each night at 8:15 p.m. in Santo Domingo Plaza (we were impressed that the resort provides dance partners), but that is one of the few "early bird" events.
The night life really begins at 9:30 p.m., after the kids' club closes.
The resort has a beautiful indoor theater that hosts a show five nights per week. There is a casino beside the theater (we didn't step inside) and an adults-only music lounge called Desires (we poked our heads in and it looked fun).
Outdoor events at Santo Domingo Plaza include a "glow" party, talent show, cocktail party and fire show. There is also a Wednesday night beach party that starts at 9:00 p.m. and has a great DJ. Dancing on the sand is a lot of fun.
