Best Destinations in Mexico for Families

Travel to Mexico With Kids

Before you go, here are some things families traveling with kids to Mexico should keep in mind: 

Travel documents for kids: Everyone in the family should have their travel documents in order. Children need passports, and in some situations, they may also need to present a letter of permission from one or both parents. 

Feeding picky eaters: If you'll be staying at a resort, there are buffets where kids can pick and choose and will almost always find something to their liking. If you're venturing out and about, you can keep an eye out for these kid-friendly Mexican dishes.

Riviera Maya With Kids

The Riviera Maya is a natural choice for families. The beaches are idyllic but there are also nature parks, cenotes, and archaeological sites to explore. 

Where to Stay

You can't go wrong with any of the family-friendly resorts in the Riviera Maya. With kids clubs to keep the kids occupied, parents can while away their time beach or pool-side, or book a treatment at the spa.

What to Do

Beach-loving families will be happy to spend most of their time enjoying the sun, sand and sea; building sand castles, snorkeling and playing in the waves can keep kids happy for many hours, but the Riviera Maya also has tons to do off the beach. There are archaeological sites to explore, cenotes to cool off in, and many parks, such as Xcaret, where you can learn about the nature and culture of the area.

Mexico City With Kids

Often beach destinations are the first to come to mind when traveling to Mexico, but the country has a lot more to offer. The country's capital may seem like a strange choice for a family vacation, but Mexico City has parks, museums and interesting sites that will be of interest to everyone.

Where to Stay

The Four Seasons has every comfort for parents and kids alike. 

There are also many budget hotels in Mexico City for families who prefer to save on their accommodation so they can spend more on great food and fun tours.

What to Do

Don't miss Chapultepec Park, which has multiple museums, as well as a free zoo and a lake where you can rent peddle boats, as well as ample green spaces.

More ideas for family travel to Mexico City.

Mérida With Kids

The large central plaza and a vibrant cultural scene make Mérida a fun place to visit with kids. On day trips you can discover Mayan archaeological sites and natural areas like cenotes, as well as the flamingo reserves at Celestun and Ria Lagarto.

Where to Stay

Rosas y Xocolate is a boutique hotel with both older and more modern features. Kids will love the bright colors and the hotel pool. Read reviews and check rates for Rosas y Xocolate.

There are also a number of budget hotels that are happy to welcome families with children. Check out our list of favorite budget hotels in Mérida.

What to Do

Cultural events nearly every evening in the central plaza are a fun way to end the day: on Fridays, you can see a recreation of the ancient Mayan ball game, other evenings have music and dancing. On Sundays, many of the city streets are closed to automobile traffic and cyclists take to the roads. You can rent a bike and join in the fun.

For an organized group trip in Mérida and surroundings, consider the Yucatan Family Adventure with Tía Stephanie Tours.

Puerto Vallarta With Kids

Puerto Vallarta is a destination that combines traditional Mexican charm with all the delights of a beach town. Its location in the picturesque Banderas Bay ensures that it's protected from tropical storms, and there's a gorgeous sunset nearly every evening. 

Where to Stay

The CasaMagna Marriott is well-located, close to the action of the downtown area and the Malecon, but far enough away to have a quiet beach and a lovely infinity pool. The hotel also has a turtle release program that kids will love to get involved with. Read reviews and check rates for CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta.

What to Do

There are plenty of choices of things to do in Puerto Vallarta, but a day trip to Las Caletas beach offers lots of fun activities for family members of all ages, including yoga and cooking classes for adults, a play area for kids, and a tranquil beach for all to enjoy, where you can borrow snorkeling equipment or stand up paddle boards. There are also fun animals to see, feed, and have your photo taken.

Oaxaca With Kids

Oaxaca's strong cultural traditions are evident in the indigenous markets, colorful handicrafts and vibrant festivals of this southern colonial city. Visit during one of the region's special celebrations to get a real feel for the celebratory nature of this charming area. The Guelaguetza festival in July, Day of the Dead at the end of October and beginning of November, or the Radish Festival just before Christmas are all celebrations worth experiencing for yourself and will create special memories for your children.

Where to Stay

• Hotel Victoria is located on the hill looking out over the city and has a heated pool for kids to play in for times when you decide to take it easy. Read reviews and check rates for Hotel Victoria.
• The Holiday Inn Express Centro Oaxaca is more centrally located but still in a relatively quiet area, and also has a pool. Read reviews and check rates for Holiday Inn Express Oaxaca

What to Do

Visit handicraft villages where kids can try their hand at spinning wool into yarn at the Zapotec rug weaving village or painting carved wooden animals called alebrijes, and see the whole process of how these items are made.

Check out more things to see and do in Oaxaca city.

Huatulco With Kids

This resort town was built adjacent to a huge national park, so there are natural protected areas galore that you can explore on a nature walk. Huatulco is also known for its variety of bays, each offering beaches with different conditions. Find one with gentle waves if you've got little ones who aren't steady in the water, or venture to a beach with more wave action if you have older kids who want to try boogie boarding.

Where to Stay

Dreams Huatulco is an all-inclusive that's perfect for families. It has a kids' club as well as organized activities for teens, and a full-service spa  Read reviews and check rates for Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa.

What to Do

Take a day trip to Hagia Sofia for a nature walk and the chance to try some local fruits that you may not be familiar with, or spend a day on La Entrega beach where you can rent snorkel gear and do some snorkeling right off the beach.