You can have the time of your life in Mexico, even if you have children traveling with you. Check out these kid-friendly vacation destinations in Mexico.
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Mexico intrigues people from all over the world with its beautiful beaches, topaz blue waters, rich history, and lively culture. But, this country has also come under fire by many mainstream media outlets for being violent. This fearmongering has left a lot of families questioning if they should travel to Mexico with kids.
First, most cities and towns in Mexico are kid and family-friendly. Like traveling anywhere in the world, you must be aware and stay mindful. But, you should not let the media’s portrayal of this great country hinder your travel plans.
To help you pick a perfect Mexico vacation destination for you and your family, I have put together a list of the best kid-friendly vacation spots in Mexico.
Kid-Friendly Vacation Destinations in Mexico
Tulum
Prior to recent years, Tulum was a hidden treasure in Mexico. With it’s breathtaking beaches like Playa Paraíso, Playa Ruinas, and Secret Beach, Tulum is a truly a tropical paradise.
Besides the beaches, there are a number of family-friendly activities to try in Tulum. Go ziplining and explore the jungle with Tulum Xtreme. Or explore Mayan culture and go snorkeling with Absolute Adventure. And definitely take a day to go swimming in one of the many cenotes within the Yucatan.
There are 50+ family-friendly hotels and resorts in Tulum. On a budget? Stay in town rather than right on the beach. It could save you $200+ per night and you can easily walk or bike to the beach from your in-town hotel.
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres, or “Island of Women”, is a magical little island just off the coast of Cancun. Unlike the loud party-scene in Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a bit quieter and retains much of the Mexican culture.
Because the island is rather small, the best way to get around is with a golf-cart. You can rent one on the island for just a day or longer. You can take your kids exploring the different beaches and cliffs, snap some selfies and landscape photos in your rented golf-cart.
Something you must do while you are in Isla Mujeres with your children is visit the Tortugranja, the Turtle Sanctuary. Here, you can feed the turtles, learn more about their lifecycle, and have the opportunity to interact and touch sea animals.
While you are visiting this little slice of paradise, be sure to explore the waters and go snorkeling. You can purchase snorkeling gear ahead of time or rent it while on the island. From here, you can book a snorkeling tour or find a local with a boat to take you out exploring.
Depending on the time of year, you can find family-friendly hotels in Isla Mujeres from $55-$350 per night. Some of these rooms have built-in kitchens so you can save money by cooking your own food.
Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is a great kid-friendly vacation destination in Mexico. It’s a bit of a hidden gem in Oaxaca, with white sandy beaches, pipeline waves, and a lack of over-the-top resorts.
Keep in mind, the reason that Puerto Escondido is quiet and less traveled is because of the lack of direct flights. In order to get to Puerto Escondido, you will need to connect in either Mexico City or Oaxaca. Other options include taking a bus, renting a car, or getting a private driver.
But, with a little effort, this quaint town rewards you with stunning views, mouth-watering food, and endless daily adventures.
Amaze your kids by taking a trip to see the bioluminescent lagoon at night. At any age, this activity will make you believe in magic. During the day, you and your family can take a boat trip to view sea life such as dolphins, whales, and turtles.
After busy adventures, you can head to Zicatela beach to watch the surfers take on big pipeline waves. Or, if you are visiting between October and May, check to see if you can join a local baby turtle release. This experience will wow children and adults alike.
You can stay in Puerto Escondido on a budget, with hotel rooms starting around $30 per night.
Sayulita
Sayulita is located about 30 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta and sits right on the Pacific Coast. While Puerto Vallarta has become an expat haven and tourist destination, Sayulita is a quiet escape.
Sayulita boasts delicious cuisine, multiple beaches, jungle hiking, and island trips. And all for relatively inexpensive.
Whether you want to learn how to surf or paddleboard, go on a fishing boat, or visit Las Marietas Island, there is an outdoor adventure every day.
I highly recommend booking a Las Marietas Island tour. We booked our tour with Chica Locca Tours. The owner was extremely friendly and helpful, and prices include transportation to and from Puerto Vallarta, breakfast, the boat ride, complimentary lunch and drinks, and equipment like paddleboards, kayaks, fishing gear, kids water toys, and snorkeling gear.
Like Puerto Escondido, you can also check to see if you can participate in the local baby turtle release in Sayulita. The release happens on the far north beach between August and December at about 6:30pm each night. For around $500 pesos you can join in releasing the baby turtles that hatched that day.
Staying in Sayulita is relatively inexpensive and there are a number of family-friendly accommodations. Some hotels start as low as $35 per night and many offer in-room AC and outdoor pools.
Read about our stay in Sayulita here.
Where Will You Be Going on Your Next Mexico Vacation?
There are so many wonderful places to visit in Mexico due to its rich history, postcard-worthy beaches, and mouth-watering cuisine. Before planning your trip to Mexico, check out this post on the Best Travel Hacks for Taking Children to Mexico.
Let me know where you are off to or where you have been that you loved in the comments below.
