25 Fantástico Things to Do in Cancun with Kids

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25 Fantástico Things to Do in Cancun with Kids


Cancun is accessible, reasonably priced, and presents that much-desired tropical really feel. It’s no surprise households in search of enjoyable within the solar love Cancun with its huge number of actions and sights. This well-known Mexican trip vacation spot blends tradition, historical past, and journey, all alongside your dose of sand and surf. From exploring Mayan pyramids to swimming by an underwater museum, listed here are 25 enjoyable issues to do in Cancun with children.

Cancun with kids - a mom and daughter on a Mexican beach
Author Catalina Margulis together with her daughter in Cancun, Mexico (Photo credit score: Cat Margulis)

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1. Discover Chichen Itza, Wonder of the World

Visiting Chichén Itzá presents a uncommon likelihood to face earlier than one of many New Seven Wonders of the World. Marvel on the astonishing mathematical and astronomical precision of historic Maya engineering. Once a significant metropolis of the traditional Maya civilization, this UNESCO World Heritage Site contains a number of the most iconic Mayan ruins.

Temple of the Osario at Chichen Itza
Temple of the Osario at Chichen Itza (Photo credit score: Colleen Lanin)

Spanning roughly 4 sq. miles (10.36 sq km) on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Chichén Itzá includes dozens of buildings. These showcase the architectural brilliance and cosmological information of the traditional Maya. The most well-known is El Castillo, often known as Temple of Kukulcán. This pyramid aligned with the equinox solar that stands over 98 ft tall (30 meters).

Nearby is the Great Ball Court, the biggest in Mesoamerica, the place ritualistic video games had been performed. El Caracol (The Observatory) options spiral staircases and celestial alignments, believed to have guided the Maya in monitoring stars and planets. Also notable is the Temple of the Osario (High Priest’s Temple), constructed atop a cave and marked by serpent-head sculptures.

Chichen Itza with Kids Tips

Chichen Itza is the biggest of the archaeological websites within the Cancun space, however a day journey right here requires plenty of planning and preparation. To profit from your go to and simplify issues, contemplate hiring a personal information or reserving a bunch tour, as they will supply beneficial insights into the historical past and tradition of the traditional ruins.

You’ll need to arrive early to beat the crowds and discover this intensive web site. Bring water, sunscreen, and bug repellent. Dress appropriately, too, because the climate might be sizzling and humid. You can count on to do a number of strolling, so snug, sturdy footwear are a should. It’s a good suggestion to have some money available for snacks and souvenirs.

Ruins at the Tulum Archeological Zone near Cancun
Ruins on the Tulum Archeological Zone close to Cancun (Photo credit score: Catalina Margulis)

2. Visit the Mayan Ruins of Tulum

Travel again in time to find the wealthy historical past and tradition of the Mayan civilization in Tulum. An archaeological web site situated simply an hour south of Playa del Carmen, Tulum was the final nice metropolis constructed and inhabited by the Mayan individuals between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries. 

Here you’ll have the prospect to discover the massive, well-preserved Castillo and the Temple of the Frescoes, with its mural portray, in addition to a variety of different buildings and buildings. It additionally has beautiful coastal views, however the iguanas roaming the property could be the function the children love finest. Tulum’s ruins overlook a shocking seashore the place guests can swim, so you should definitely pack swimsuits and towels to chill off after exploring the ruins. A guided strolling tour of Tulum will deliver the tales of the previous to life.

Kayaker at Xcaret Park
Kayaker at Xcaret Park (Photo credit score: zhukovsky, Depositphotos.com)

3. Play and Learn at Xcaret Park

Xcaret Park is a well-liked water and theme park that options underground rivers, a butterfly backyard, an aviary, a coral reef aquarium, and a sea turtle heart to discover. Visiting households even have the prospect to get pleasure from cultural reveals, stay music, and conventional Mexican meals. It’s additionally residence to the all-inclusive Hotel Xcaret Mexico, the place your loved ones can keep for much more adventures.

Xel-ha Park bay view
Xel-ha Park bay view (Photo credit score: sainaniritu, Depositphotos.com)

4. Find Adventure at Xel-há Park

Part of the Xcaret household, Xel-ha is especially nice for households with children of all ages. Plan for snorkeling, water slides, zip traces, cliff leaping. It’s splendid for first-time snorkelers and younger adventurers. Enjoy shaded paths, household eating choices, and equipment included for a hassle-free day.

You may even go tubing alongside a mild pure river fed by underground freshwater sources. Unlike synthetic lazy rivers in typical theme parks, Xel-Há’s tubing route winds by actual mangroves and jungle.

My household was tempted to do a Xel-ha/Tulum ruins combo bundle, however I’m so glad we didn’t. Each vacation spot actually deserves a day to itself, and any extra might be too tiring, particularly for youthful kids.

Snorkeling at Xcaret in Riviera Maya near Cancun
Snorkeling at Xcaret in Riviera Maya close to Cancun (Photo credit score: mariakray, Depositphotos.com)

5. Go Snorkeling in Cancun’s Clear Waters

You don’t should have a scuba diving certificates to get pleasure from a close-up view of gorgeous coral reefs, colourful fish, and marine life in Cancun with children. From parks like Xel-ha, to guided excursions out there at most resorts, there’s nice snorkeling for households with children of all ages. Sign up for a guided tour to seek out the very best spots.

Cenote near Chichen Itza
Cenote Il Kil close to Chichen Itza (Photo credit score: Colleen Lanin)

6. Swim in Cenotes

Adventurous households will particularly benefit from the myriad cenotes out there all through the Yucatan Peninsula. Cenotes are pure sinkholes stuffed with recent water that guests can discover and swim in. Kids can indulge their inside Dora the Explorer and Indiana Jones as they navigate the underground rivers, that are related to an unlimited community of cave techniques.

Sign up for a cenote tour to discover the extra widespread websites, together with Cenote Azul, Cenote Cristalino, Dos Ojos (Two Eyes), Gran Cenote, and Ik Kil. Located close to Playa del Carmen, Cenote Azul is an open-air cenote the place the swimming space is open to the sky, making it a sensible choice with kids. It is in contrast to semi-open cenotes which have small openings within the ceiling of the cave permitting mild to enter, and closed cenotes, that are utterly underground.

Cenotes can run deep, so deliver or lease life jackets to be on the protected aspect. (Ask your cenote tour information if these are supplied.) Bring {dollars} or pesos for entry. Note that sunscreen and mosquito repellent are prohibited in these waters, though you may need to deliver them for once you’re finished with swimming.

MUSA, Museum of Underwater Art in Cancun
MUSA, Museum of Underwater Art (Photo credit score: ratherton, Depositphotos.com)

7. View Underwater Sculptures at MUSA

While licensed scuba divers can descend for an intimate have a look at the underwater sculptures on the Museum of Underwater Art (MUSA), guests may also recognize this extraordinary web site in different methods. Snorkeling excursions supply a beginner-friendly choice to view lots of the installations in shallower waters. Meanwhile, glass-bottom boat rides present a dry but mesmerizing vantage level over the submerged reveals and surrounding coral reefs. (Warning: waves right here could trigger movement illness to those that are inclined!)

Originally launched in 2010 to foster reef conservation within the Cancun and Isla Mujeres areas, MUSA now contains over 500 sculptures designed to assist marine life. Back on land, go to the Galeria Villa Roda–MUSA to be taught extra in regards to the museum’s historical past, speak with its founders, and stroll a backyard of sculptural replicas. A cease on the MUSA workshop even permits company to see how these dwelling artworks are created and meet the artists behind the mission.

Boats at Isla Mujeres
Boats at Isla Mujeres (Photo credit score: lunamarina, Depositphotos.com)

8. Take a Boat to Isla Mujeres

A small island situated off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres presents a laid-back expertise of the Caribbean Sea. Swim the crystal clear waters, take in the solar, and revel in a slice of island life.

Looking for a bit journey when you’re right here? Garrafon Natural Reef Park presents snorkelling, in addition to a zipper line, swimming pool, and restaurant. Meanwhile, picturesque Punta Sur, on the southernmost level of the island, is residence to a sculpture park that options modern out of doors artwork by artists from around the globe. There’s additionally a lighthouse and small Mayan temple.

Green Sea Turtle near Akumal Bay in Mexico
Green Sea Turtle close to Akumal Bay (Photo credit score: KseniaIce, Depositphotos.com)

9. See Sea Turtles in Cancun with Kids

Not solely is Isla Mujeres recognized for its snorkelling, nevertheless it’s additionally a hatching floor for big sea turtles, which lay their eggs right here from May by September. The Turtle Farm (Tortugranja) is a conservation heart that works to guard and rehabilitate turtles, gathering eggs and inserting them in pens to maintain them protected from predators. During nesting and hatching season, you may go to to witness child turtles within the out of doors holding tanks. You may even participate in releasing them into the ocean.

There are a number of different locations in Cancun the place you may see sea turtles, whether or not it’s snorkeling round Isla Mujeres or swimming with turtles at Tulum Beach. Akumal Beach is one other widespread spot for turtle sightings. Meanwhile, Xcacel Beach is a protected turtle nesting floor, the place, when you get the timing proper, you may see hatchlings making their approach to the ocean.

Swimmer with a whale shark
Swimmer with a whale shark (Photo credit score: Keola, Depositphotos.com)

10. Swim with Whale Sharks

Isla Mujeres can be a well-liked departure level for whale shark excursions. The waters surrounding the island are recognized for his or her giant inhabitants of whale sharks throughout migration season. For a very once-in-a-lifetime expertise, robust swimmers can join a tour to swim with these mild giants, which may develop as much as 40 ft in size. (Minimum age 10, sometimes.)

Whale sharks might be seen within the waters round Cancun throughout their annual migration between June and September. During summer season months, a whole lot of whale sharks collect to make the most of the plankton-rich waters and plentiful fish spawning grounds created by the becoming a member of of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. This presents guests a chance to catch the often solitary creatures in teams.

Traditional Yucatan dish, cochinita pibil
Traditional Yucatan dish, cochinita pibil (Photo credit score: Colleen Lanin)

11. Eat Yucatan Peninsula Cuisine

The Yucatan Peninsula is a various and culturally wealthy area situated in southeastern Mexico, bounded by the Gulf of Mexico to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Fun reality: the Yucatan additionally contains Guatemala’s Petén Department and virtually the entire of Belize. The space boasts a novel delicacies that blends Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean influences, with dishes like cochinita pibil (pork marinated in achiote paste and bitter orange juice) and ceviche (uncooked fish marinated in lime juice). Encourage children to take a chunk of those and different new dishes, and reward them with flan or tres leches cake for dessert!

Pose by the Cancún sign at Playa Delfines
Pose by the signal at Playa Delfines in Cancun with children (Photo credit score: MaxPhotoArt, Depositphotos.com)

12. Ride or Watch Waves at Playa Delfines

Known for its robust currents and enormous waves, Playa Delfines is a well-liked browsing spot. On the southernmost finish of the Zona Hotelera, this seashore is a favorite for skilled surfers and boogie boarders, in addition to for kiteboarding and parasailing.

Playa Delfines is an exhilarating spot for skilled, older children, teenagers, and adults to experience the waves, however robust currents make it unsafe for younger kids. However, households with little ones can watch the motion from the shore.

Although Playa Delfines is called Dolphin Beach, sightings of dolphins are comparatively uncommon, although you may nonetheless spot one when you go early within the morning to go looking from the seashore’s lookout platform. With its vibrant Cancún signal and expansive views, Playa Delfines additionally makes for an amazing household picture backdrop to recollect your journey by.

Jolly Roger pirate ship in Cancun
Jolly Roger pirate ship for households in Cancun with children (Photo credit score: eskystudio, Depositphotos.com)

13. Set Sail on a Pirate Ship Dinner Cruise

Embark on a high-seas household expertise aboard a pirate ship dinner cruise. Options like Captain Hook (with lobster dinner) and Jolly Roger (with fireworks) supply energetic leisure with sword fights, treasure hunts, fireworks, and music, all set towards a Caribbean sundown backdrop. Kids can be swept into swashbuckling tales whereas dad and mom get pleasure from sea breezes and a festive dinner.

Star cluster in nighttime sky
Star cluster in nighttime sky (Photo credit score: milangucci, Depositphotos.com)

14. Stargaze at Ka’Yok’ Planetarium

Dive into the cosmos at Ka’Yok’ Planetarium, a kid-friendly gem in downtown Cancun the place Maya astronomy meets trendy science. Children can discover interactive reveals, study constellations and planets, and even peer by telescopes throughout particular viewing nights. It’s instructional, air-conditioned, and a cool approach to finish a sun-soaked day.

La Quinta Avenida in Playa Del Carmen
La Quinta Avenida in Playa Del Carmen (Photo credit score: ArkadijSchell, Depositphotos.com)

15. Explore Playa del Carmen

Located in Quintana Roo, the charming coastal city of Playa del Carmen is thought for its lovely seashores, thrilling nightlife, and engaging cultural heritage. While right here, your loved ones can go to the Museo de Frida Kahlo, which followers of the artist will get pleasure from.

Fifth Avenue, or La Quinta Avenida, specifically, is a well-liked attraction. This pedestrian road runs by the center of Playa del Carmen. It presents loads of eating places and cafes in addition to retailers promoting all the things from souvenirs and artisanal crafts to high-end designer garments and equipment.

Tropical fish in the Great Mesoamerican Reef in Mexico
Tropical fish within the Great Mesoamerican Reef (Photo credit score: Griffins_nature_photography, Depositphotos.com)

16. Dive into the Wonders of the Mesoamerican Reef

Puerto Morelos is one other lovely coastal city, situated about midway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Known for its beautiful seashores, it’s additionally residence to the National Reef Park. This is a part of the Great Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest coral reef system on this planet. Take a Puerto Morelos snorkeling tour with children to discover colourful coral formations and witness the various marine life that inhabits the reef.

Crocodile at Croco Cun near Cancun
Crocodile at Croco Cun (Photo credit score: kengoru, Depositphotos.com)

17. See Crocodiles and Other Animals at Croco Cun

Kids fascinated by crocodiles and different creepy crawlers will need to try Croco Cun Zoo. This wildlife conservation heart is situated in Puerto Morelos. Most of the animal residents have been donated to, rescued by, or seized by environmental authorities and positioned beneath the zoo’s care. In addition to crocs, view snakes, iguanas, birds, and monkeys. The zoo is devoted to the preservation of endangered and native species.

Ceiba tree near Cancun, Mexico
Ceiba tree (Photo credit score: ArkadijSchell, Depositphotos.com)

18. Connect with Nature in Botanical Gardens

Located simply exterior Puerto Morelos, Jardin Botanico Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin is considered one of Mexico’s largest coastal botanical gardens. Also often known as Yaax Che, the park honors Maya heritage and environmental conservation, with native orchids and medicinal crops. Look for a towering Ceiba tree, believed to attach earth and heaven in Maya custom. (This fable which will have impressed Avatar’s Tree of Souls!)

Explore 160 acres (65 hectares) of jungle trails, Maya ruins, and mangroves. Keep your eyes open for spider monkeys, iguanas, and vibrant birds. Don’t miss the 130-foot suspension bridge and a lookout tower with sweeping views.

Mangrove trees and Frigate birds at Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
Mangrove bushes and Frigate birds at Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (Photo credit score: jkraft5, Depositphotos.com)

19. Get Wild at Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Situated close to Tulum, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of Mexico’s most ecologically numerous treasures. It encompasses a variety of wildlife and ecosystems, together with tropical forests, mangroves, marshes, and coral reefs. Additionally, it’s residence to 300 species of birds and quite a lot of different animals. Explore Sian Ka’an by guided boat excursions, wildlife safaris, and historic canal floats that hint Maya commerce routes. Other eco-adventures embody snorkeling, kayaking, and jungle hikes.

Golf course in Cancun
Golf course in Cancun (Photo credit score: lunamarina, Depositphotos.com)

20. Play Golf on World-Class Courses

Cancun is residence to a number of world-class golf programs that cater to gamers of all ranges. Golf legend Jack Nicklaus designed each the 18-hole Riviera Cancun Golf Club, set amongst wetlands and ocean views. He was additionally behind the expansive Moon Palace Spa & Golf Club, that includes 27 holes throughout lush jungle and native landscapes. Families recognize that Moon Palace additionally presents children’ golf equipment and supervised actions, permitting kids to play whereas dad and mom tee off.

For a very memorable {golfing} expertise, El Camaleón Mayakoba winds by tropical jungle, mangroves, canals, and pristine Riviera Maya beachfront. Designed by Greg Norman, it’s often known as the primary PGA TOUR golf course in Latin America. The onsite Jim McLean Golf School supplies customized classes for gamers of all ages — juniors included.

Xplor Park ATV tour in Cancun
Xplor Park ATV tour (Photo credit score: mariakray, Depositphotos.com)

21. Go Off-Road for Jungle Thrills

Go off-road with an ATV experience that takes you thru Cancun’s myriad and intensive jungles. A wide range of firms supply ATV excursions, offering your loved ones the chance to discover off the crushed path. Some mix snorkelling and swimming of their packages, whereas . (Typically age 8+.)

Cancun's Hotel Zone at night
Cancun’s Hotel Zone at night time (Photo credit score: pxhidalgo, Depositphotos.com)

22. Experience Cancun’s Zona Hotelera

Whether or not you’re staying at Cancun’s Hotel Zone, often known as Zona Hotelera, you’ll need to try this strip of land alongside the jap coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. It separates the Caribbean Sea from the Nichupte Lagoon. The waters on the coast listed here are the beautiful shade of turquoise for which Cancun is famend. Also, you may stroll for miles and miles alongside white-sand seashores, passing one widespread lodge and sizzling spot after one other.

Cancun’s Hotel Zone options a number of family-friendly nightlife spots like Hard Rock Café, Señor Frog’s, and Carlos’n Charlie’s. Check these out for upbeat music and informal eating create a enjoyable ambiance for all ages. Go early within the night earlier than the intense partiers take over.

Beach restaurant at Xcare
Beach restaurant at Xcaret (Photo credit score: kmiragaya, Depositphotos.com)

23. Practice Spanish in Cancun with Kids

Why not flip your Mexico trip right into a language-learning journey? Warm up earlier than your journey with Rosetta Stone, which makes Spanish enjoyable and approachable for each adults and children. Once you arrive, encourage the entire household to greet lodge workers, order meals, or ask for instructions in Spanish. Locals actually recognize the hassle, and it’s a good way to construct confidence.

Beaches in Cancun's Hotel Zone
Beaches in Cancun’s Hotel Zone (Photo credit score: mariakray, Depositphotos.com)

24. Splash within the Caribbean Sea

With all of the pure, historic, and cultural treasures Cancun presents, it’s simple to miss considered one of its easiest and most joyful experiences: splashing within the heat, turquoise waves. Cancun’s shoreline is lined with beautiful tender sand seashores, from energetic resort stretches to quieter public shores.

Be positive to examine native flags and rip present warnings earlier than leaping in. But when circumstances are protected, the ocean is nature’s playground. Playa Langosta and Playa Tortugas are two glorious seashores for teenagers in Cancun with shallow, calm waters and simple seashore entry.

Infinity pool at Hard Rock Hotel Cancun
Infinity pool at Hard Rock Hotel Cancun (Photo credit score: Hard Rock)

25. Swim in Hotel Pools

A improbable lodge pool is a should, particularly when visiting Cancun with children. With practically 300 motels and resorts within the Cancun space, most of which supply a swimming pool, the choices are many. There are just a few swim-time standouts for households.

The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun Water Park
The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun Water Park (Photo credit score: Moon Palace)

The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun boasts a full-scale water park that includes water slides, splash zones, a lazy river, a small wave pool, and a StreamRider surf simulator. Additionally, Wyndham Alltra Cancun impresses households with its swashbuckling space full with a medieval citadel, waterslides, and pirate ship.

Wyndham Alltra Cancun's pirate-themed pool area for kids
Wyndham Alltra Cancun’s pirate-themed pool space for teenagers (Photo credit score: Wyndham Alltra)

Hard Rock Hotel Cancun includes a huge lagoon-style pool with swim-up bars, a kid-friendly wading pool with slides, and splash zones on the Kids Club. Foam events and even DJ classes for teenagers up the enjoyable issue at this all-inclusive resort. My household beloved it—and I wager yours will, too! Book by Hotels.com and earn a free night time after 10 stays.

Boy playing basketball at Hard Rock Hotel Cancun
Author Catalina Margulis’s son enjoying basketball at Hard Rock Hotel Cancun (Photo credit score: Catalina Margulis)

Why Cancun with Kids

Ready to show your Mexico daydream into actuality? Whether you’re mapping out jungle thrills or planning beachside downtime, a mixture of tradition, journey, and household enjoyable makes Cancun a fantástico selection for households!

Families touring with very younger kids positively ought to learn these suggestions for Cancun with infants and toddlers.

Iguana at the Tulum Archeological Zone
Iguana amongst Tulum Ruins (Photo credit score: Catalina Margulis)

Experience More of Mexico

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For a special form of Mexican trip, examine what to do in San Miguel de Allende with children.

Bring the flavors and enjoyable of Mexico residence with these suggestions for internet hosting a family-friendly Mexican fiesta, excellent for Cinco de Mayo or any time of yr.

Parents in search of a kid-free getaway will fall in love with this dreamy adults-only resort in Puerto Vallarta.

Fantastic Things To Do in Cancun with Kids

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Be positive to maintain these items to do in Cancun with children. Simply pin the picture above to your Pinterest account. I hope you’ll observe Colleen Travels Between on Pinterest when you’re at it!

Which of those adventures would your loved ones dive into first? Got any extra Cancun actions we must always add to this listing? Let us know within the feedback under!

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