FAMILIES AT SMM2026

Families are welcome to the 26th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals.

Whether you are attending the conference with dependent children or travelling with family and extending your stay in Puerto Rico beyond the conference program, we are committed to helping you plan a safe and have a successful trip.

PUERTO RICO WITH KIDS

San Juan is a vibrant, child-friendly city where families are warmly welcomed at cafés, restaurants, and public spaces. Many eateries offer children’s menus and fun beverages like “babyccinos” (frothed milk with a hint of chocolate and sometimes a marshmallow!). The historic Old San Juan area features colorful plazas with fountains and open spaces perfect for kids to explore, while nearby beaches such as Condado and Isla Verde offer calm waters, playgrounds, and plenty of sand for building castles. The city also has excellent family attractions including the interactive Museo del Niño which is easily accessible from the conference venues. Outdoor activities abound, from strolling along the scenic Paseo de la Princesa to taking short ferry or boat trips to nearby islands, making it easy to blend conference attendance with family adventures.

ACCOMMODATIONS

For SMM2026 in San Juan, we have carefully selected conference accommodations that are convenient for attendees with families. The Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino and the Hyatt Place San Juan are both near the convention centre and offer family-friendly amenities. These hotels provide easy access to the conference venue, comfortable rooms for adults and children, and facilities such as pools and on-site dining suitable for all ages. If you are travelling by car, there is also convenient paid parking available at the convention centre.

For more information on accommodation options in the official SMM2026 hotel block, click HERE.

CONFERENCE VENUE

The conference venue in San Juan is an accessible space for attendees with children. Most areas and meeting rooms can be easily navigated with a stroller, and many restrooms are equipped with baby changing facilities. A dedicated carers’ room will be available, featuring seating, toys, and a TV with live-feed access to at least one session, allowing parents to remain engaged while caring for their children; please note that parents or caregivers remain fully responsible for childcare, as supervised care cannot be provided due to liability considerations. In addition, a separate private space for breastfeeding/pumping will be available with a small refrigerator, seating and electrical outlets. Carers accompanying a conference participant’s minor will have access throughout the venue.

For more information on the Centro de Convenciones Pedro Roselló González, click HERE.

CHILDCARE AND FAMILY SERVICES

For attendees traveling with children, there are a number of childcare providers and family-friendly resources in San Juan. While we provide this information to assist you in planning, please read the following disclaimer carefully:

DISCLAIMER:
The childcare providers listed below are offered solely as an informational resource for conference attendees. The Society for Marine Mammalogy is not affiliated with, does not endorse, and does not evaluate or monitor any of these providers. All arrangements made with any childcare service are strictly between the attendee and the provider. The Society for Marine Mammalogy assumes no responsibility or liability for the quality, safety, availability, or outcomes of any childcare services selected. By choosing to engage with any provider, parents and guardians accept full responsibility and liability for their childcare decisions.

Childcare Providers:

Nanny On Call
1601 Avenue Fernandez Juncos, San Juan, PR 00917
Phone: (787) 728-9999
Contact: Lynn Rivera
Email: info@nannyoncallpr.com
Website: Nanny On Call Service Menu

Additional Providers:

Family Activity Calendar:

These resources can help you plan childcare or family activities while attending SMM2026 in San Juan.

During abstract submission and registration for the conference, you will be asked if you are travelling/attending with children. This allows us to connect with you prior to the conference. If you have any questions, please contact us at families@marinemammalscience.org