Castillo San Felipe del Morro

El Morro is one of those rare places that genuinely earns its hype, especially when you visit with kids. This 16th-century Spanish fortress sits on the northwestern tip of Old San Juan, jutting into the Atlantic, and the sheer scale of it — six levels of fortifications, tunnels, lookout points — makes it endlessly interesting for children who've grown up seeing castles only in movies.

The National Park Service manages El Morro, so the facilities are well-maintained and the admission is reasonable: adults pay around $10, and kids 15 and under get in free. If you have an America the Beautiful annual pass, admission is included, making it an even easier call.

Here's what nobody tells you before you visit: the real magic isn't inside the fort — it's on La Esplanada, the sweeping green lawn that stretches from the fort entrance toward Old San Juan. On any given afternoon, you'll see dozens of families flying kites in the ocean breeze. Vendors sell colorful kites right outside the gate for just a few dollars.

Buy one, find a spot on the grass, and let your kids run. This alone makes the trip worthwhile for younger children.

Inside the fort, older kids (5 and up) will love the tunnel systems, the cannon-lined ramparts, and the views from the lighthouse. The NPS offers a Junior Ranger activity booklet where kids can complete challenges and earn an official badge — a great way to keep them engaged throughout the visit.

A few practical notes: the fort is built on cobblestone and stone ramps, which makes stroller navigation genuinely difficult. A baby carrier is a much better choice for little ones. Wear closed-toe shoes — flip flops on wet stone ramps are a real hazard. And arrive early; cruise ship passengers flood the site by mid-morning and the difference between 9am and 11am is significant.

Plan at least 2 hours, more if your kids want to do the full Junior Ranger program and spend time on the lawn. Old San Juan's restaurants are nearby for lunch after.