Date of publication 09/06/2026
Star Camp: Having Fun Through Exploration
Children and teens staying at family-friendly hotelshave a vacation universe all their own: Star Camp, Iberostar’s kids’ program designed around having fun through exploration. With a wide variety of activities, it adapts to the unique characteristics of each age group and destination. Meaningful entertainment combines play with values such as cooperation, environmental awareness, and cultural diversity. Along the way, children not only have a great time, but they also discover their talents.
And what about you? While they learn and have fun alongside other young travelers, you can enjoy moments of complete physical and emotional relaxation, with the peace of mind of knowing they’re in the best hands.
Below, we’ll show you why Star Camp is so much more than a kids’ club. We’ll explain how it’s tailored through three age-based groups with customized activities and give you a glimpse of what a typical day in this children’s paradise looks like. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions so you’ll know exactly what to expect before booking a family hotel in destinations such as the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Montenegro, or Spain.
Much More Than a Kids’ Club: The Philosophy Behind Star Camp
The Values of Multiple Intelligences
Every child’s strengths are nurtured through play and collaboration with fellow young travelers. Based on the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, Star Camp promotes the values that define Iberostar and shares them with its youngest guests: fun as a way of life, inclusion, healthy habits, environmental responsibility, and technological awareness.
These values are introduced in an engaging and joyful way through activities that stimulate creativity and attention. Children might star in music videos, conduct science experiments, or work together to recreate large-scale works of art.
Little Ocean Ambassadors
At family hotels with discounts for children, coastal ecosystems play an important role. Through the global Iberostar Wave of Change movement, your children can become little ocean ambassadors. Everything they learn about protecting the sea and beaches will travel home with them.
During Ocean’s Day, a day dedicated entirely to discovering marine life through awareness-building activities, children have fun, make friends, and take action. We are committed to increasingly responsible tourism with a focus on the oceans, a commitment reflected even in places like the outdoor Star Camp playground at the Paraíso Complex, built with more than 6,500 kg (14,330 lbs) of recycled plastic. That’s the equivalent of 32,500 five-liter containers.
A Universe Tailored to Every Age
Monkey (Ages 4–7): Exploring the Jungle of Imagination
Hotels with kids’ clubs feature dedicated spaces designed for different age groups and their specific needs. The goal? To adapt both the environment and activities to each child.
In the endless jungle of imagination enjoyed by the Monkeys, younger children tackle obstacle courses, unleash their inner artist through crafts, play with toys made from wood and recycled materials, build castles with giant LEGO®-style blocks, and sing and dance in the performance corner.
Dolphin (Ages 8–12): Adventures for Young Ocean Explorers
Dolphins feel right at home diving into adventures as young ocean explorers. At family resorts in Fuerteventura and other beach destinations, they’ll enjoy exciting activities such as trampolines and jumping zones, climbing walls, dance sessions, and singing performances.
They can also discover different forms of art through reading spaces filled with books and through hands-on craft projects.
Eagle (Ages 13–17): A Space for Teen Freedom
Every teenager is different, which is why Eagles enjoy the freedom of a dedicated area designed just for them, complete with loungers, reading nests, and a refreshment bar serving smoothies and natural juices.
They can challenge friends to ping-pong, air hockey, foosball, and a variety of sports, dance to their favorite music, or even take their first steps as DJs.
A Typical Day in the Paradise of Fun
Cooking Workshops
Hotels with activities for children help young guests understand how sustainability can become part of everyday life, including through food.
In addition to tending a garden, children at Star Camp can prepare healthy recipes and learn how to eat in a delicious and mindful way. This area also offers healthy snacks such as yogurt, sandwiches, juices, and seasonal fruit cocktails.
Science Missions and Crazy Experiments
Joining a science mission that sparks curiosity or taking part in a controlled “crazy experiment” is all part of a typical Star Camp day.
As an added learning opportunity, some resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic allow families to visit coral laboratories, where environmental science helps them better understand how to protect coastal habitats and the species that depend on them.
Star Camp Olympics and Team Competitions
Keeping children active during vacation helps reinforce healthy habits beyond everyday routines.
Through the Star Camp Olympics and team competitions, children not only stay physically active but also develop valuable social skills. Teamwork, resilience, and good sportsmanship foster emotional intelligence and help children grow in a healthy and positive environment.
Movies Under the Stars and Themed Parties
There are many ways to bring movies into a vacation experience. At hotels with kids’ clubs, age-appropriate films are shown under the stars.
The aroma of popcorn blends with themed parties where decorations made from recycled materials, songs created by the children themselves, and imaginative costumes bring colorful worlds to life. Starky and Stella, the two stars and mascots of Star Camp, are always at the center of the fun.
What Parents Need to Know
Specialized Activity Leaders
The teams of specialized activity leaders at our family hotels consist of dedicated professionals trained to care for children of every age.
With their guidance and supervision, children learn new things, develop healthy habits, and connect with travelers from around the world.
If you’re traveling with a baby, ask about the specific services offered by each property, such as babysitting, bottle warmers, cribs, or strollers.
Safe Facilities Designed for Free Play
In addition to their dedicated age-group areas, Star Camp also offers shared outdoor spaces designed for safe, free play.
Monkeys can explore intuitive musical instruments and create melodies with their own hands. Older children can enjoy zip lines, boot camp obstacle courses, and aerial adventure parks.
At Spanish hotels with water slides and Aquafun areas, water-based fun takes center stage. These child-friendly oases also feature gardens where children can learn about planting and caring for vegetables.
Family Time and Time for Yourself
One of the secrets to a successful family vacation is balancing time together with moments apart, according to each family member’s interests.
Star Camp makes that possible. While children enjoy their own happy space, you can indulge in spa treatments, cocktail-making workshops, exceptional dining experiences, beachfront yoga sessions, dance classes, or simply relax in the comfort of your room.
Each hotel and destination offers its own activity program for both children and adults, so be sure to explore it during your stay and make every moment count.
Where Can You Enjoy the Star Camp Experience?
Star Camp in the Dominican Republic
Children have plenty to say about the destination, too. Every hotel becomes your home away from home.
In Punta Cana, family-friendly properties such as Iberostar Waves Dominicana, Iberostar Waves Punta Cana, Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites, and Iberostar Selection Coral Bávaro feature Star Camp programs inspired by the energy of the Caribbean.
Children can enjoy their own pool, playground, and kid-friendly menus, as well as activities such as Big Art, Lip Sync Star, The Photo Gallery, and Sensory Workshop.
The Magic of Star Camp in Mexico
Among the many family-friendly experiences available in Riviera Maya and throughout Mexico, one of the most exciting is learning about local history and traditions through play while discovering the importance of caring for ecosystems.
Children can cook traditional dishes in mini-chef areas, tend Starky’s garden, participate in puppet and recycling workshops, jump on trampolines, or ride a carousel.
Hotels with Star Camp in Mexico include Iberostar Waves Paraíso Lindo, Iberostar Waves Cozumel, Iberostar Waves Tucán, and Iberostar Waves Quetzal.
Star Camp in Spain and Montenegro
Families traveling to Mallorca can enjoy Star Camp at properties such as Iberostar Selection Albufera Park, Iberostar Waves Cala Domingos, Iberostar Waves Playa de Muro, and Iberostar Waves Bahía de Palma.
The Mediterranean lifestyle inspires many of the children’s activities. Kids learn why protecting Posidonia seagrass matters, attend daily entertainment shows, enjoy outdoor sports, and dance at mini discos.
Family vacations in the Canary Islands are equally rewarding. Hotels such as Iberostar Waves Bouganville Playa, Iberostar Waves Las Dalias, and Iberostar Selection Anthelia feature Aquafun areas, marine-focused experiences, playgrounds, and much more.
On the shores of the Adriatic, children can enjoy endless fun at Iberostar Waves Herceg Novi, Iberostar Waves Bellevue, and the new Iberostar Selection Montenegro. Activities are inspired by the relaxed coastal atmosphere and include board games, crafts, mini-basketball, and foosball.
Frequently Asked Questions About Star Camp
Is the Star Camp Program Free for Guests?
Yes. Star Camp is a complimentary service for guests staying at Iberostar family hotels.
Some optional family services, such as babysitting, offered at certain properties, may incur an additional charge.
What Languages Do the Activity Leaders Speak?
Each Star Camp program is designed with the local culture in mind while maintaining an international perspective.
Depending on the destination, activity leaders may speak English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, or Italian.
How Do Children Join Star Camp Upon Arrival?
Star Camp is included in your stay and does not require any additional payment or advance reservation.
Children can simply participate in the activities available during their stay.
Can Children Enter and Leave the Facilities Freely?
Activities are designed for specific age groups and take place under the supervision of trained activity leaders.
Children are dropped off and picked up by an adult at designated meeting points, ensuring a safe and organized experience.
Does Star Camp Operate Every Day of the Week?
Yes. Star Camp runs every day of the week at participating hotels.
Each day brings a new schedule of games, activities, and adventures. Programs are organized according to each hotel’s calendar and, depending on availability, are adapted for the Monkey, Dolphin, and Eagle age groups.
After a stay filled with excitement, learning, and unforgettable memories made with new friends, the least enjoyable moment may finally arrive: the end of the trip.
But the connections formed at Star Camp continue long after vacation ends. To celebrate this important experience, children receive a special award on their final day of activities, helping them feel part of the Star Camp community and keeping those wonderful family vacation memories alive when they return home.
