Child-Friendly Activities in the Riviera Maya

For kids who thrive on beach days and thrilling adventures, the Riviera Maya offers a remarkable range of family-friendly day trips. With a bit of local knowledge, you can give your children the chance to explore enchanting jungles, immerse themselves in local traditions, and create timeless memories on some of the world’s most stunning beaches.

Children’s World at Xcaret Park

The Riviera Maya is home to the renowned theme park Xcaret. This park has gained popularity due to its abundant attractions, perfect for filling an entire day with enjoyment. Xcaret serves as a sanctuary for native animals, including macaws, flamingos, butterflies, and sea turtles, all beautifully integrated within the picturesque landscape and aquariums. Families will appreciate that the majority of the park is stroller-friendly, making it accessible for parents with infants and toddlers.

Within Xcaret, there’s a special section known as Children’s World, designed particularly for kids aged 12 and under. Here, older kids can navigate through a jungle ropes course featuring water slides and rope bridges, while younger ones can enjoy the kiddie pool, sandbox, and playful water jets.

Punta Esmeralda: Where the Cenote Meets the Beach

One of the finest family-friendly beaches in the Riviera Maya is located at Punta Esmeralda, where a natural cenote merges into the Caribbean Sea. Situated at the northern edge of Playa del Carmen, Punta Esmeralda has become a cherished weekend getaway for locals. The open cenote resembles a natural splash pool, making it ideal for younger children to cool off. However, it’s advised to supervise kids near the cenote’s underground river connection for safety.

This white sandy beach also features a playground equipped with slides and monkey bars. It’s important to note that public restrooms, loungers, or umbrellas for rent are not available; therefore, consider bringing your own. Punta Esmeralda tends to get crowded on Sundays with local families, so visiting on a weekday is recommended for a more tranquil experience.

A Stroll Down Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue

Locally known as La Quinta Avenida, this pedestrian-only street runs parallel to the beach through the vibrant downtown of Playa del Carmen. Beginning at the upscale outdoor mall Paseo del Carmen and extending north through Calle 44, this thoroughfare is perfect for families, as it allows for carefree exploration without the concern of traffic.

This avenue is stroller-friendly, and younger children will be captivated by the vivid colors and the excitement of the local shops, shopping centers, and eateries. You can easily spend hours entertaining your little ones while browsing. For an extra treat, stop at one of the several ice cream shops or indulge in a Maya chocolate dessert at a local café, Ah Cacao.

A Taste of Local Life at Parque Fundadores

At the southern end of La Quinta lies the iconic Parque Fundadores (Founders’ Park). Playa del Carmen locals gather here each evening to witness stunning sunsets over the ocean and engage in friendly beach soccer near the famous Portal Maya statue.

Throughout the day, you can also catch the captivating Papantla Flyer performances, showcasing an ancient Mexican ritual where participants twirl from a high tower while tethered by ropes. The park features a large, free-access playground right by the beach, and a variety of colorful fruit stands selling local snacks can be found along the northern side.

Leaping into Cenote Azul

About a 20-minute drive south of Playa del Carmen, you’ll discover one of the most beautiful cenotes in the Riviera Maya: Cenote Azul. This cenote is ideal for older children who can swim, as it offers deeper areas with a small cliff perfect for jumping into the crystal-clear waters below. Alternatively, the shallower part offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. However, it’s essential to be cautious with infants and toddlers, as the rocks can be slippery.

Cenote Azul is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. The entrance fee is a mere 100 pesos ($5) for adults and 60 pesos for children ages 4-8. Rental options for snorkel masks and life jackets are available. It’s important to note that since this is a natural environment with pristine water, the use of sunscreen and lotions is prohibited, and any bug repellents must be biodegradable.