Affordable Family Vacation in Punta Cana from Kansas City: Flights and Airbnb near Hard Rock Hotel

Day 1: Arrival and Settling In

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on July 28, 2025

6:00am

Flight from Kansas City to Punta Cana

Book the cheapest flight option available in advance, usually with one stopover, taking around 7-10 hours total. Consider airlines like American Airlines, Delta, or Copa Airlines for competitive rates from Kansas City International Airport (MCI) to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
USD approx 350-450 per person round trip, 7-10h

3:00pm

Check-in Airbnb near Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana

Choose a family-friendly Airbnb within a 10-minute walk to Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana, offering amenities like pools and kitchens to accommodate 2 adults and 2 children comfortably.
USD approx 150-250 per night, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Blue Marlin Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and local Dominican cuisine at this casual restaurant near the Hard Rock area, perfect for a relaxed first-night dinner.
USD 15-30 per person, 1h
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Day 2: Beach Day and Local Exploration

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on July 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Airbnb

Prepare a simple breakfast with groceries bought locally or enjoy pastries from a nearby bakery to start the day fresh and save on dining costs.
USD 5-10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Playa Bavaro Beach

Spend the morning at Playa Bavaro, a stunning white sand beach near the Hard Rock Hotel with calm waters perfect for children to swim and play.
Free, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Jellyfish Beach Restaurant

Dine at this popular beachfront restaurant offering Dominican and international dishes with spectacular ocean views.
USD 15-25 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Palma Real Shopping Village

Enjoy some light shopping and entertainment at this open-air shopping center close to Hard Rock, great for souvenirs and local crafts.
Free entry, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Passion By Martin Berasategui at Paradisus Palma Real

Experience fine dining with family-friendly options just a short taxi ride from the Airbnb, reservation recommended.
USD 40-60 per person, 1.5h
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Day 3: Adventure and Ecotourism

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on July 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Airbnb

Enjoy a homemade breakfast to fuel up for a day of adventure activities.
USD 5-10, 1h

9:00am

Scape Park at Cap Cana

Visit this eco-park for zip-lining, cave exploration, and cenote swimming; suitable for children older than five years, open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
USD 100 per adult, USD 90 per child approx., 6h

4:00pm

Return to Airbnb and relax

Rest after an active day at your Airbnb accommodation near the Hard Rock Hotel.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Burrito Bar

Casual dining spot offering Mexican food, a kid-friendly menu, and affordable prices near the hotel area.
USD 10-20 per person, 1h
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Day 4: Cultural Experience

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on July 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Airbnb

Prepare breakfast or try street food nearby, such as empanadas or tropical fruits.
USD 5-10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Higuey and Basilica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia

Explore the city of Higuey with a visit to the important basilica, a cultural and religious site, about 45 minutes from Punta Cana.
Free entry; transport approx USD 20 round trip by taxi, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at local Dominican restaurant El Conuco

Enjoy traditional Dominican dishes in an authentic setting back near Punta Cana.
USD 10-20 per person, 1h

4:00pm

Afternoon at Airbnb or hotel pool

Relax by the pool or at your accommodation.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at the Hard Rock Hotel buffet

Take advantage of the Hard Rock Hotel’s buffet dinner option for variety and convenience.
USD 30-40 per adult, kids usually discounted, 1.5h
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Day 5: Water Park and Local Markets

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on August 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Airbnb

Light breakfast before a fun day at the water park.
USD 5-10, 1h

10:00am

Visit Sirenis Aquagames Water Park

Spend the day at this water park with pools, slides, and attractions suitable for children and adults, from 10am to 5pm.
USD 40-50 per person, 6h

5:30pm

Explore local artisan markets

Visit nearby souvenir and artisan markets for unique crafts and gifts.
Free to browse, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Captain Cook Restaurant

Family-friendly seafood and Caribbean cuisine restaurant near the hotel zone.
USD 15-30 per person, 1h
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Day 6: Island Excursion

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on August 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Airbnb

Early breakfast for a day trip.
USD 5-10, 1h

8:30am

Day trip to Saona Island

Book an affordable guided boat tour to Saona Island to explore pristine beaches and natural pools. Many tours include lunch and run from 8:30am to late afternoon.
USD 80-100 per person, 8h

5:00pm

Return and relax at Airbnb

Rest after the island excursion.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mango's Beach Club

Informal dining with views on the beach, ideal after a full activity day.
USD 15-25 per person, 1h
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Day 7: Relax and Departure Prep

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on August 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Airbnb

Take a relaxed breakfast preparing for departure next day.
USD 5-10, 1h

10:00am

Relax at Playa Juanillo Beach

Spend the morning in a quieter beach area for swimming and sunbathing, a 30-minute drive from Hard Rock area.
Free, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at La Yola Restaurant

Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with waterfront views at this elegant Punta Cana restaurant.
USD 20-40 per person, 1.5h

4:00pm

Pack and rest at Airbnb

Prepare luggage and rest for travel day.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner Nearby Airbnb

Choose an easy restaurant near your Airbnb to enjoy a final meal without stress.
USD 10-20 per person, 1h
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Day 8: Return to Kansas City

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic to Kansas City, USA on August 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Airbnb

Light breakfast before heading to the airport.
USD 5-10, 1h

10:00am

Depart Airbnb and transfer to Punta Cana International Airport

Arrange transportation 2-3 hours prior to flight departure for international check-in convenience.
USD 20 taxi, 45m

12:00pm

Flight from Punta Cana to Kansas City

Take the pre-booked return flight back to Kansas City, arriving later the same day.
Included in round trip cost, 7-10h
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