Family-Friendly Activities in Cancún
Graced with sublime jungle-set swimming holes, inviting Caribbean beaches, and wildlife experiences that induce wide-eyed wonder, Cancún is a veritable wonderland for children. Add the ubiquitous amusement parks and kid-centric resorts to the mix, and you have one action-packed tropical playground. There’s just one caveat: your kids may never want to leave! Here, we provide all the insider tips and information to ensure your next Cancún vacation delights the entire family.
Why is Cancún Good for Kids?
Not only is the Yucatán Peninsula regarded as one of the safest regions in Mexico, but it also boasts a fun and fascinating atmosphere with an accommodating, family-friendly vibe in most hotels and restaurants. Even fussy eaters will feel the love, as many dining establishments feature menus that include familiar international fare like mac and cheese.
Moreover, thanks to the abundant outdoor activities and live entertainment offerings, children rarely get bored in Cancún. This is especially true in resort hotels, where the little ones enjoy ginormous pools, lazy rivers, and kids clubs. Furthermore, some all-inclusives run seasonal promotions allowing youngsters under 12 to eat and stay for free when accompanied by paying adults. There are also children’s discounts at the adventure parks and archaeological sites.
Where is Best in Cancún for Kids?
The Zona Hotelera’s north shore hugs a remarkably calm Caribbean coast, making for ideal swimming conditions along a 7km (4-mile) stretch of beaches from Playa Las Perlas to Playa Caracol. It is really the best departure point for pirate-themed cruises replete with sword fights and cannon battles.
Meanwhile, on the hotel zone’s east coast, although the waters can get rougher, the facilities at public beaches Playa Marlin and Playa Delfines win over families with their convenient bathrooms, umbrella rentals, and on-duty lifeguards. Plus, kids can run around in the nearby jungle ruins. Additionally, downtown’s Parque de las Palapas comes alive each night with free concerts, playful street performances, and the tantalizing smell of tacos and sweet crepes wafting in the air.
Best Things to Do in Cancún with Young Kids
Hop on a Boat to Isla Mujeres
If you only have time for one day trip, make it the easy-to-reach Isla Mujeres. Half the fun is getting there as a ferry swiftly transports you across sparkling turquoise waters on a scenic 20-minute ride. Upon arrival, visit Playa Norte, a sugary, white-sand beach known for its shallow swimming waters, and check out the adjacent Playa Hermosa Caleta, a translucent inlet teeming with small fish. For more family fun, consider renting a golf cart to explore the island’s south side, stopping at beach club Garrafón de Castilla for snorkeling.
Cheer on the Good Guys at Luchatitlán
Kids will have the time of their lives at Luchatitlán, where colorfully costumed, masked marvels wow audiences with high-flying maneuvers and dramatic body slams. If you’ve never seen a live lucha libre (pro wrestling) match, prepare for an exciting experience. This new arena in La Isla Shopping Village offers a range of ticket options, from show-only to ringside seats that include dinner and drinks.
Connect with Spider Monkeys and Crocs
Crococun allows visitors to interact with rescue animals such as spider monkeys, crocodiles, boa constrictors, white-tailed deer, and colorful macaws during guided tours. This interactive zoo primarily focuses on educating guests about endangered species from a conservationist perspective and is located about 40km (25 miles) south of Cancún in Puerto Morelos.
Splash Around at Water Park Xcaret
Xcaret (pronounced esh-car-et) costs a pretty peso, but it is one of the region’s most popular family attractions. Here you can swim in underground rivers, observe sea turtles, explore Maya ruins, and experience vivid Day of the Dead festivities in early November. The park offers discounted admissions for children under 12, while babies and toddlers enter for free. It operates several water-themed hotels nearby.
Best Things to Do in Cancún with Tweens and Teens
Plunge into Astonishing Cenotes
For a quintessential Yucatecan experience, head about 90km (56 miles) south of Cancún to swim in a series of open-air cenotes (limestone sinkholes): Cristalino, Cenote Azul, and Jardín del Edén. These jungle-ringed freshwater swimming holes provide a refreshing change of scenery from the beach, and life jackets are available to rent, making it a safe activity for older kids. The ancient Maya saw some cenotes as gateways to the underworld.
Visit an Underwater Gallery
For a legit Cancún highlight, consider a tour to the underwater sculpture museum MUSA, where you can gaze at submerged life-sized sculptures off the Punta Nizuc coast. Aquaworld’s Subsee Explorer (a yellow semi-submarine) visits this fascinating site, allowing you to observe brilliant tropical fish in their natural habitat. Snorkeling outings to MUSA are available for kids aged five and above.
Feel the Joy of Joya
The Riviera Maya’s resident Cirque du Soleil show, Joya, stages a captivating extravaganza of acrobatics and contemporary dance at a lovely lakeside theater about 45km (28 miles) south of Cancún. This circus show delivers an over-the-top production that will keep even the most fidgety spectator thoroughly entertained during the 80-minute performance.
Planning Tips for Family Travel in Cancún
When packing your bags, it is essential to keep in mind that loose-fitting clothes that dry quickly will serve you well, especially during the wet and sultry months from May to October. Additionally, bring along some pants and a long-sleeve shirt to provide protection from the sun and mosquitoes. Sunscreen and insect repellent are highly recommended, but be careful as even biodegradable products should not be used while swimming in fragile ecosystems, like cenotes or coral reefs.
An exciting intercity railway called the Maya Train is currently under construction, with the first section having opened in December 2023. This high-speed train will rattle along a 1525km (948-mile) loop route around the Yucatán Peninsula, making stops at around 40 stations, including Cancún, Chichén Itzá, and Tulum, thus simplifying your family’s explorations in the region.
