Best things to do in Mexico with kids: top sights and attractions for families

Mexico is a wonderful destination for a family holiday with something for all ages. Dive deep into Mexico's colourful history with a visit to the country’s capital, a vast and fascinating city choc-full of historical sites and engaging museums, as well as fun family-friendly activities including the lively canals of Xochimilco and the children’s museum, Papalote. The colonial city of Oaxaca is another brilliant option for families looking to add a splash of culture to their beach holiday. 

The Yucatan Peninsula is one of the best destinations in Mexico for families and the Caribbean coast delivers when it comes to sublime white sand beaches, turquoise waters and family-friendly hotels. The fascinating sites of Chichen Itza and Tulum offer a window into an ancient world, as do the cenotes, underground caverns that were once thought to be gateways to the underworld. Other water-based fun can be found swimming with turtles in Akumal, diving off the coast of Cozumel or spotting Whale Sharks near the island of Isla Mujeres. For whales of a different variety, head to Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast where Humpback whales frolic during winter months. 

-Mumsnet user, backinthebox

Best things to do with kids in Mexico at a glance

• Chichen Itza ruins

• MUSA, Cancun’s Underwater Museum of Art

• El Templo Mayor, Mexico City

• Xcaret Park, Riviera Maya

• Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

• Swimming in cenotes (freshwater cave pools)

• Ziplining in the Sierra Madre

• Snorkelling on the island of Cozumel

• A boat tour in the Punta Sur Ecological Park

• Beach hopping in Isla Mujeres

Cancun

The Yucatan is wonderful, Chichen Itza is the obvious cultural site and although very touristy not to be missed - the first sight of the huge pyramid is amazing. Beth216

The seaside city of Cancun has been a top tourist destination since the 1970s when the Mexican government started developing this strip of jungle island off the coast of Quintana Roo. Today, Cancun is one of the most popular beach resorts not only in Mexico but the world, and its 15-mile-long Hotel Zone is lined with big holiday resorts overlooking the white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Caribbean sea. 

Cancun makes family holidays a breeze with dozens of all-inclusive hotels with dedicated kids’ clubs, water slides and fun family activities. There are also some worthwhile historical sites within easy reach including the spectacular pre-Colombian city of Chichen Itza, once one of the most important cities in the Mayan world and today one of the best things to do in Mexico with kids. Far less ancient but no less fun - and a great thing to do in Cancun with kids - is MUSA, Cancun’s Underwater Museum of Art, with 500 life-size sculptures used to promote coral life. The museum can be visited on diving and snorkelling tours or by glass-bottom boat. 

Mexico City

A super city. A huge amount to do, there are a wide range of people there, great food and culture. dreichuplands

Mexico City is one of the biggest cities in the world and also one of the most exciting. This lively megacity sits in the Valley of Mexico at an altitude of 2,240 metres, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. With a population of 22.5 million people, it can appear overwhelming, but plan your trip well and you will experience a taste of the “real” Mexico, away from the sun loungers and parasols. 

At its heart is El Zócalo, one of the largest city squares in the world that sits in the middle of the historic centre. The former Aztec capital is today flanked by government buildings on one side, including the National Palace, and the Metropolitan Cathedral in the middle. Most exciting is El Templo Mayor, The Great Temple, dating back to Aztec times. 

Elsewhere the city delivers world-class museums, fascinating archaeological sites, good-looking Art Deco architecture, and some of the best restaurants in the world. Base yourself in the laidback central neighbourhood of Condesa or upmarket Polanco and spend a few days exploring this dynamic city before hitting the beach.

Riviera Maya 

A trip to Sian Ka'an Biosphere where you see turtles dolphins and crocodiles in their own environment is an amazing experience. RandomExpletive

Running south from Cancun is the Riviera Maya, a sublime stretch of Caribbean coastline peppered with towns promising sun-filled holidays. Of these, Playa del Carmen is one of the best places in Mexico for families, a beach hub filled with hotels and all-inclusive resorts. While still busy, it’s less developed than nearby Cancun. 

In addition to sand, sun and sea, this pocket of the Riviera Maya hides some of the best family-friendly activities in Mexico, including Xcaret Park, a theme park highlighting the natural wonders, cultural diversity and rich history of the Mexican Caribbean with rides and attractions. 

The beach town of Akumal is another crowd-pleaser; between April and October sea turtles arrive, laying their eggs on the sandy beaches and swimming in the warm bay waters, feeding on sea grass. Don’t miss the Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka'an while here. Located an hour south of Playa del Carmen, this is the largest protected area along the Caribbean coast, filled with mangroves, lagoons and an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, including howler monkeys, American crocodiles and jaguars. 

Tulum

Mexico is amazing. We stayed at the Grand Bahia Tulum with kids ranging from 2-8 and every one of them loved it. BakewellGin1

Although Tulum is no longer the sleepy, bohemian town that it once was, it's still one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico with kids, particularly if travelling with teens. Located south of Playa del Carmen, the beach town - with its palm tree-lined coastline and eco-chic hotels - has become synonymous with good vibes, whether you’re into late night parties or early morning yoga. 

But even if neither of these appeal, there’s lots of love about Tulum. The ruins, set on a clifftop overlooking the Caribbean sea, are perfectly preserved and undeniably some of Mexico’s most picturesque. The many cenotes (sinkholes), once believed to be gateways to the underworld, are magical places to swim and a visit to the ruins at Coba, hidden deep within the jungle, feels like stepping onto a movie set. Plus, the food in Tulum is phenomenal - you won’t find better fish tacos anywhere else. 

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta on the west coast of Mexico. Fantastic weather, loads to explore and it's Humpback breeding season - so whales, orca, stingray, dolphins. EmmaMaria

Located on Mexico's Pacific Coast is the beach town of Puerto Vallarta, one of the best places to go in Mexico with children. Sure, the Bay of Banderas might not boast the same turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean but what this stretch of coastline does have are whales. Every winter, mighty humpback whales move south from cooler climes, arriving in the waters framing Puerto Vallarta in early December and typically staying until late March. 

Even if your visit doesn't coincide with these mighty creatures, however, there are still plenty of reasons to holiday here, not least the many family-friendly hotels lining the coast. Like most Mexican coastal towns, Puerto Vallarta has undergone significant development but there's still a small-town feel, particularly in the old town, also known as the Zona Romántica. 

Away from the beach there are the mountains of the Sierra Madre for hiking, horse riding and even zip lining opportunities. Head a little further north and you'll come across the laidback surfing centre of Sayulita, which is perfect for a day trip or longer stay. 

Cozumel

Cozumel is stunning and there's a fantastic submarine excursion there. weaselwomble

The island of Cozumel lies 12 miles east off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It's particularly famous for its warm, crystal-clear waters and the Cozumel reef, the second most expansive reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef. Not surprisingly, it's incredible for scuba diving and snorkelling.

Cozumel is also home to some of the prettiest beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula, many of them undeveloped, particularly on the eastern coast. Families visiting Mexico with toddlers may want to consider a beach club such as Playa Mia, that comes with water slides, splash parks, kayaks, snorkel gear and more. 

If you prefer your family adventures on dry land, then the Punta Sur Ecological Park is a good option. Located at the southwestern end of Cozumel, the 100-hectare park is home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna including flamingos and crocodiles that you can see on a boat tour of the lagoon. Be aware that Cozumel is a hugely popular port with cruise ships and up to seven boats dock every day during the summer season. 

Oaxaca 

My favourite place was Oaxaca, which is inland not beachy, although Huatulco nearby(ish) had good snorkelling and was less crowded than Cancun! HowDidThisHappenDinesh

Mexico is home to many pretty colonial cities, but Oaxaca is particularly special. This colourful town sits in the country’s southwest, at the edge of the Sierra Madre mountain range. There are plenty of museums, galleries, plazas, churches and handicrafts stores, but there are also other, more active, family-friendly activities to enjoy. 

One must-see sight is Monte Alban. Positioned on a flattened hilltop 400 metres above the valley floor, the first known buildings of this ancient city date back to 1000 - 800 BC. Most interesting to kids is the old Mayan ball court, where games were played to the death and the losing team often sacrificed. The Botanical Gardens are another highlight (access by guided tour only), showcasing the huge range of flora native to the state, one of the most bio-diverse in the country. 

The closest beaches to Oaxaca City lie 160 miles south, along a twisting, turning mountain road. Once you've enjoyed a city break, hire a car (or a car and driver) and head to Puerto Escondido, a popular surf spot, or Huatulco for some sun and sand. 

Isla Mujeres 

A trip over to Isla Mujeres it is absolutely worth it. We spent a day zipping round the island on a golf buggy which DS absolutely loved and the beach is lovely. WhyDoesItAlways

Isla Mujeres might only be a 15-minute ferry ride from Cancun, but it feels a world apart from the city's busy Hotel Zone. Named for the clay female idols discovered here by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, the tiny island (it's just five miles long and half a mile wide) is a genuine tropical paradise. Most people visit as a day trip from Cancun and the Riviera Maya but there are family hotels on the island if you choose to base yourself here. 

One of the best reasons to visit Isla Mujeres is to swim with whale sharks. Between June and September these gentle giants cruise the warm waters near Isla Mujeres in search of plankton and fish. You can see them on regular boat tours from the island. The Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) is also easily accessed from Isla Mujeres and is one of the best kid-friendly attractions in Mexico. 

Is Mexico safe for family travel?

Mexico has a reputation for crime and while some states do experience high levels of criminality, risks are lower in tourist areas. Check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) before travelling. 

What are the best places in Mexico for toddlers?

The beach is always a good idea when holidaying with toddlers and Mexico more than delivers when it comes to family-friendly sun and sand. Head to Cancun for an easy, breezy all-inclusive hotel with kids’ clubs, swimming pools and easy beach access. Playa del Carmen is another good option for families with younger children while Tulum, with its boho beach hotels, is better left to families with older kids and teens. 

What vaccinations do kids need before traveling to Mexico?

Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccinations and boosters including the MMR vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine. Additional recommended (but not mandated) vaccines include Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid. Check the FCDO for the most up-to-date guidance.

What are the best family activities in Mexico on a budget?

The easiest way to enjoy Mexico on a budget is to base yourself along the Caribbean or Pacific coastline where kids can frolic for free in the ocean waves. Akumal, along the Riviera Maya, has the bonus draw of sea turtles swimming in the warm bay waters - you can snorkel for free if you have your own gear or hire kit when there. All-inclusive resorts are a good way to save money as most activities are included.  

About the author

Katja Gaskell writes family travel content for Mumsnet. She is a freelance journalist and blogger with over 20 years of experience producing travel content including guidebooks for Lonely Planet, hotel reviews for Mr & Mrs Smith and feature articles for a range of publications including The Telegraph, Wanderlust Magazine and the Mail on Sunday. She's passionate about family travel and loves to explore new places with her husband and three kids, documenting the good, the bad and the tantrums on her blog, globetotting.com.