Travel for Kids Cuba





		Cuba



		Cuba might not be your first stop in the Caribbean, but it's a fascinating place to visit with older kids. These tips come from a friend who visited Cuba with her twelve year old nephew. She said, " No matter where you look, you’ll see something you haven’t seen before. It’s a world away."


			Havana (La Habana)

			Varadero Beach – Relax and spend a beach day in the crystal blue waters and white sand beaches at Varadero. Kids will also enjoy a boat ride to explore the reefs. Get a horse and buggy ride around town too.

			Bellamar caves (Cuevas de Bellamar, Matanzas) – Close to Veradero, visit the Bellamar caves. Classic stalagtite and stalagmite formations in these nifty limestone caves.

			Cueva del Indio, Vinales Valley – This large cave was once inhabited by local Indians and you can still see petroglyphs on the rocks. The best part is a boat ride across an underground lake in the cave. Much more fun than Pirates of the Carribean at Disneyland. The Vinales Valley is also beautiful countryside.

			Ride horses – Riding horses is a great way to see the Cuban countryside, lush green fields and red ochre earth. Arrange through your hotel, or look for places to rent horses in the countryside.

			Tip: Everywhere you go, you’ll hear Cuban music. Many of the cafes in Old Havana have live bands.


			Fun food –

			Try the fresh sugar cane drink. In the hotels, banana shakes are a good choice. Ice cream is also delicious in mango and coconut flavors.

Celia Cruz: Queen of Salsa
Veronica Chambers, Julie Maren

In Havana there lived a girl, Celia Cruz, and she sang like a bird. A vibrant story of Celia Cruz, growing up in Cuba, her family, her singing, her dreams. Lush, colorful illustrations. (Picture book)

Oye Celia!: A Song for Celia Cruz
Katie Sciurba, Edel Rodriguez

"When I hear you, I hear Cuba –" Incredible illustrations capture the heart and music of Celia Cruz, evocative rhythms of la salsa, a blend of African, Caribbean and European, songs of sadness and happiness. Azúcar! (Picture book)

folktale children cuba The Bossy Gallito

The Bossy Gallito
Lucia M. Gonzalez, Lulu Delacre

Lively retelling of a traditional Cuban folktale – a bossy little rooster, gallito, asks the grass, the goat, the stick, the fire, the water to help him out, but they will not, until the gallito calls upon his friend, the sun. Picturesque illustrations. (Picture book)

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