Cuba is not a country renowned for its theme parks, fairgrounds or water parks, but it does offer a multitude of opportunities to get close to nature. Children will be amazed by some of the natural sights on offer at one of the many national parks. You will be able to sit back and watch the local wildlife play, explore Cuba’s answer to Jurassic Park or get wet at one of the country’s aquariums. If this isn’t enough, your children will be able to expel any excess energy that might be left over in the open spaces where they can kick a ball about, climb trees and simply go wild.

Baconao Park
This park is brimming with attractions such as wildlife refuges and coffee plantations. If you can tear yourselves away from the animals and coffee for long enough, you may discover the Prehistoric Valley, where you will find dozens of life-size model dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures which are skulking in the vegetation. When you have finished playing Jurassic Park, you will be able to discover Siboney Farm, the stunning botanic gardens, the Museum of History of Terrestrial Transport and an aquarium.

Guanahacabibes Peninsula
This is the western most point of Cuba and has been a UNESCO site since 1987.
The peninsula was one of the last asylums of aboriginals who were fleeing from the Spanish and is home to over 140 archaeological sites. The enormous area is inhabited by 172 species of birds; up to seven species of marine turtles and stunningly preserved coral. It is like one big zoo where all of the animals are literally living in their natural habitats. Your children will not help but be amazed at the natural phenomenon of this peninsula and if they are bird, animal or nature lovers, will not want to leave.

National Aquarium of Cuba
This scientific research centre in Havana specialises in educating people on marine environmental issues. Its core objective is to increase awareness on environmental matters such as care, conservation and recycling existing energy sources. While this might not be of too much interest to some children, the Dolphinarium will not fail to impress. It has capacity to seat 1200 people and hosts shows with up to eight trained dolphins performing simultaneously. If this isn’t enough excitement, the ever-popular seal stage has been specially adapted to show performances of the park’s seals. After you have watched their show, you will have the opportunity to wander round the pinnipedia exhibition which allows you see seals and dolphins in their natural habitat. The facilities include a specialised restaurant and a work room for specialists involved in the research of marine mammals.

Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt
This national park can be found in the Cuban provinces of Holguín and Guantánamo and took its name from a German scientist who repeatedly visited the island in 1800 and 1801. The park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 and sees an enormous diversity of flora and fauna which are sure to impress and entertain the children for hours. Due to the sheer size of this park, the kids will be able to run around, play football, explore the woods, enjoy a picnic, watch the wildlife, take a boat our; the list is literally endless. It is a natural experience rare in many parts of the world and will help to educate the kids in the importance of the conservation of nature as well as letting them enjoy the freedom.

Baseball is Cuba's national sport and was brought to the island in the 19th century by North Americans. The Spanish banned the game in 1895, but this ban was quickly lifted after Cuba gained its independence. Some of the best baseball players in the world are Cuban, but most of them have moved to the US as that’s where the money and the glory are. If you have the chance, an opportunity to catch a baseball game is an experience you won’t forget and an excellent way to see a bit of local culture. Games are held every weekend in baseball season although tickets sell out fast, so be warned.

If you prefer to see some nature, Cuba offers fantastic hiking and trekking options. You could follow in the footsteps of Fidel Castro and his army of rebels by joining a three-day hike over the Sierra Maestra mountain range. For the more adventurous, it is even possible to cross Pico Turquino, Cuba's highest mountain. Keen hikers will find marked hiking trails, maps and professional guides available throughout the country.

Horse riding is popular among visitors and because of this, designated tourist ranches have been set up in Baconao, Trinidad and Pinar del Rio. It is possible to hire a horse for a couple of hours and follow a guide across some of Cuba’s finest terrain, including tobacco fields

The north-easterly trade winds bring excellent surfing conditions between December and April. Unfortunately, if you are looking to surf, you will have to bring your own board and other equipment as no one rents them locally. If you would rather windsurf, boards can be hired at most beach resorts.

Cuba boasts some spectacular dive sites and over 30 dive centres located across the country. Regardless of whether you are a novice or an expert, you will be able to enjoy the deep blue sea in all its glory. Equipment can be hired and full training is given.

Until just a few years ago, all restaurants in Cuba were owned by the state. Since 1995, however, the dining out scene has been on the up and has seen the introduction of paladares and private houses gaining licences to serve food. Everywhere else is still state-owned.

These businesses are always small as one of the strict rules enforced is that each establishment seats no more than 12. Other rules stipulate that only family members can work there and no seafood or beef is served. These are very popular with the locals and can be found throughout the country, although are particularly common in suburban areas. They offer a unique chance to visit a Cuban house and see inside. They also allow the visitor to sample some true home cooking.

The best way to find a paladare is word of mouth. They have created a complete mix of opinions as some people say that these are some of the best places in the country to eat, while other say that they are no better than the state-run places.

Restaurants are generally inexpensive and offer table or self-service options. Cuisine is either continental or Cuban and there is a strong emphasis on seafood. Traditional Cuban food uses more garlic and less chilli than most other places in the Caribbean and national specialities include: omelettes which are usually stuffed with meat and cheese; maize fritters chicken or black bean soup; roast suckling pig; chicken and rice with traditional Cuban ice cream for dessert. Cuban coffee is famed across the world and is often drunk after meal, while local beer is often consumed with meals.

Cuba is home to some excellent shopping opportunities and while the country is not particularly renowned for its local products, there are a few that you won’t be able to leave without. These include the world famous Cuban cigars and Cuban rum. Considered as the best of the world, Cuban cigars can be found across the country. It is, however, advisable to always purchase them in official establishments such as hotels, stores and at the airport. It is possible to buy cigars at a cheap price from street sellers, but these are not recommended as there is no guarantee that they are the real thing. Cuban rum can be sampled and bought virtually anywhere in the country although local hooch will vary in each district.

If you are interested in buying some local art, wood carvings are very good value for money and offer a unique work of art. Many carvings can be found in the craft shops in Havana and many of the bigger towns and cities.

Craft markets are held up and down the country and offer a myriad of local handicrafts, paintings and clothing. If you buy a painting from one of these markets, you will need to ensure that it comes with an official certificate of export otherwise you may not be able to take it out of the country.

You may not find the multitude of malls, markets and boutiques that you would elsewhere in the world, but if you are looking for something classy, unique and made with excellent workmanship, Cuba is the place to come.

Shopping hours: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday and 09:00 to 12:00, Sunday.