A Cuban mother named Lisi recently shared a heartfelt video on Facebook, reflecting on what summer means for families on the island. For many, it’s not a time of adventures and travel, but rather a period of anxiety about how to entertain children without money or options.
In her nearly two-minute clip, Lisi poses a poignant question: “Vacations? For children, that word conjures images of adventure. For many adults, it means budgeting... and for numerous Cuban families, it often translates to asking: what will we do with the children during these months?”
The Struggle for Joyful Summers
Lisi highlights a painful disparity: while families in other nations plan visits to camps, museums, and parks, Cubans face limited choices. State-run recreational facilities are rundown, having suffered years of neglect and lack of maintenance.
“Cuban families strive to give their children a delightful summer, yet opportunities are scarce,” Lisi explains. “Many recreational spaces are in dire need of repair. Other alternatives are priced beyond the reach of most families.”
Economic Reality and Its Impact
The reality Lisi describes is backed by stark figures. For example, Jalisco Park in Vedado charges 1,000 pesos per person, amounting to 4,000 pesos for a family of four—over half of the average monthly salary, which is approximately 6,900 pesos, or merely 12 dollars. A water park in Ciego de Ávila demands 500 pesos for just 30 minutes of children’s playtime.
The contrast becomes even more glaring when considering that a basic family basket costs over 96,000 pesos monthly, which is fourteen times the average salary, according to economist Javier Pérez Capdevila.
Challenging Conditions of 2026
The summer of 2026 began under particularly harsh conditions. The 2025-2026 school year concluded early between June 15 and 30, before the official end date set by the Ministry of Education, due to fuel shortages and power outages that disrupted school transportation.
Consequently, thousands of children started their vacation without a stable electricity supply, enduring cuts of 18 to 22 hours daily in many areas.
Faced with Limited Recreational Spaces
Facilities meant to provide leisure alternatives are also in ruin. The Lake of Dreams in Camagüey, inaugurated in 2014, now lies abandoned, with its dam overtaken by invasive vegetation.
The camping site Puerto Escondido in Artemisa reduced its capacity from 310 to 242 cabins between 2023 and 2025, with cracked floors and deteriorated recreational areas.
Parental Ingenuity and Government Response
In light of these challenges, Lisi acknowledges the creativity of Cuban parents: “They organize home games, visit grandparents, plan a picnic, spend a day at the beach when possible, or turn any simple moment into a cherished memory.”
The government's response has been to launch the “Always Young” campaign, featuring over 21,000 modest yet aesthetic artistic and cultural activities in neighborhoods.
Additionally, in Santiago de Cuba, the Pioneering Action Forces have been reactivated, encouraging children to work in factories and organoponics during their vacations under the guise of “value formation,” a practice critics denounce as disguised child labor.
Lisi concludes her video with a hope shared by countless Cuban families: “May the day come when all children, regardless of where they live or their family’s financial status, can look forward to vacations with the same excitement, knowing a summer full of opportunities to play, learn, and be happy awaits them.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Summer Challenges
What challenges do Cuban families face during summer vacations?
Cuban families often struggle with limited recreational options and financial constraints, making it difficult to provide engaging activities for children during the summer.
How does the government address the lack of recreational facilities?
The government has launched the “Always Young” campaign, offering various modest artistic and cultural activities in neighborhoods, though critics argue this is insufficient.