A Cuban mother recently detailed on TikTok the expenses she incurred to fulfill a promise to her daughter: taking her to a park during her school's break week. This outing is a rare luxury for many families on the island due to the financial constraints they face.
On April 20, 2026, user @sisi_aguilera shared a video on TikTok, encapsulating the harsh reality for many Cubans: "In Cuba, you can't afford outings every week or even every month, but there are promises you just can't break."
The chosen destination was El Loco Lugar, a privately-run park featuring inflatable attractions, which the mother described as "well-organized, thoughtfully designed, and with good service." Her poignant remark revealed that her daughter "hasn't even been to a real park, and this is the closest she's come."
The afternoon's expenses were as follows: a snack cost 2,600 Cuban pesos (CUP); a temporary Little Mermaid tattoo the child wanted, 1,500 CUP; a toy purchased by the grandmother, another 1,500 CUP. Plush toys at the park's store were priced between 500 and 10,000 CUP, while the most affordable toys started at around 800 CUP.
"With these prices in Cuba, outings like this aren't something you can do often," admitted the mother. She tried to rationalize by saying, "We're talking about a luxury, not a necessity, and sometimes I get it, other times not so much."
The scene becomes more compelling when contrasted with the island's economic reality. The official average salary in Cuba is a mere 6,930 CUP per month, less than 13 US dollars at the informal exchange rate, while the basic goods basket exceeds 96,000 CUP, approximately 14 times that salary. The amount spent in just one afternoon represents over half of a typical worker's monthly income.
Children's recreation has become a stark indicator of the crisis. State-run parks like Mambisito in Holguín or the Japanese Park in Camagüey are either in disrepair or completely closed. In their place, private spaces have emerged that, despite better upkeep, charge fees that many families cannot afford: Jalisco Park in Havana charges 1,000 CUP per person just for entry, equating to 4,000 CUP for a family of four. A water park in Ciego de Ávila charges 500 CUP for just 30 minutes of children's swimming.
@sisi_aguilera's video contributes to a growing trend on social media where Cuban parents document the actual cost of activities that are routine in other countries. Her account isn't a complaint but rather a portrait: that of a mother who saved to fulfill a dream for her daughter in a country where even a trip to a park requires planning, sacrifice, and a bit of luck.
"Little details that mean the world to her," the mother concluded in the video. "I managed to keep my promise, it took me a while, but I did it. And seeing her happy, that's priceless."
Understanding Cuba's Economic Struggles for Families
What is the average salary in Cuba?
The official average salary in Cuba is 6,930 Cuban pesos (CUP) per month, which is less than 13 US dollars at the informal exchange rate.
How do private parks in Cuba compare to state-run parks?
Private parks in Cuba are generally better maintained than state-run parks, which are often in disrepair or closed. However, private parks charge higher fees that many families find unaffordable.
Why is children's recreation a significant issue in Cuba?
Children's recreation highlights the economic challenges in Cuba, as many families cannot afford the high fees at private recreational facilities, limiting access to leisure activities for children.