Things to do in Mexico with kids

Mexico is a unique destination that is bright, exciting, colourful, and energetic. This amazing country has a fabulous culture and rich history, much of which can still be seen in its beautifully preserved Mayan temples. It’s a treat for families, as there are so many things to do in Mexico with kids, from horseback riding through the jungle or galloping along sandy beaches to theme parks and water parks for the little ones.

In this guide, we'll take you on a tour of some of the best destinations for families, tell you about our gorgeous luxury Mexico villas, and look at some family-friendly attractions in Mexico. We’ll visit Mayan remains in Tulum and explore the beaches of Riviera Maya and Punta Mita. We'll drop into Mexico City and chill out in Puerto Vallarta, keeping an eye out for the whales that glide past the coastline on their annual migration.

We’ll also introduce you to some of the fun things to do with kids in Mexico, from tots to teenagers. Along the way, we’ll also show you how you can plan the perfect family holiday in Mexico with the help of onefinestay and our team of dedicated concierges.

Why choose Mexico for your family vacation?

Mexico offers so much for families, from its distinctive cuisine to incredible beaches and family-friendly attractions. It’s diverse and always interesting, from the secret cenotes deep in the jungle and hidden temples emerging out of the forest to relaxing on a powder-soft sandy beach or snorkelling in crystal-clear water.

Thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, Mexico has come to the fore in recent years, making it one of the top destinations for families. The development of luxury villas in locations such as Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Maya and the explosion in interest in the Mayan culture and heritage have brought a new generation of travellers to this sunny country.

Mexico is all about colour, vibrancy and a passionate love of family. The Mexican family-focused ethos has translated over to the tourism industry, and desirable locations such as Los Cabos and Punta Mita have ensured that younger travellers are treated just as extravagantly as their parents. So you’ll find kid’s menus in nearly all the fine restaurants, amazing family theme parks where you can enjoy time together, and glorious beachfront villas that create a real home-from-home feeling.

Choosing Mexico for your family vacation gives you the chance to create memories that will last through the generations.

Top cities and regions in Mexico for families

Mexico is a big and diverse country, offering gorgeous hideaways surrounded by verdant jungle or beachfront escapes just a few steps from the surf. Let's take a quick tour of some of the best destination

Your onefinestay dedicated concierge can arrange boat hire with a guide to improve your chances of witnessing these giants of the sea serenely swim by. If you rent one of our beachfront Puerto Vallarta villas, there's a good chance you might even see them from the comfort of your sun terrace.

Learn more about this spectacular part of Mexico and the onefinestay villas in Puerto Vallarta.

Giant manta rays glide silently through the turquoise ocean, and shoals of brightly-coloured fish dart in and out of coral reefs, making Cancun one of the top diving spots for all ages.

If your little ones aren't quite ready for their PADI diving qualification, Cancun is home to several water parks, such as the enchanting Xcaret Park, with underground rivers and a coral reef aquarium.

Spooky celebrations abound at the end of October with the Day of the Dead celebrations and precessions, or take the family to a wrestling tournament, a flamboyant and genuinely entertaining experience. Other must-sees include visiting the ruins of Teotihuacan, the 'City of the Gods', one of Mexico's best-preserved Pre-Columbian cities and the largest ancient pyramids in the world.

A trip to Tulum is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the Mayan culture that still influences this part of Mexico. This town was once one of the most important ports in the Mayan empire, and a tour of its magnificent ramparts is one of the best things to do in Riviera Maya with kids, followed by a tasty ice cream treat, of course.

The cuisine of Riviera Maya and the Yucatan region is unique, with sweet oranges balancing the fiery flavour of habanero chilli. Food lovers can experience a wealth of new taste sensations in Riviera Maya. Just ask your onefinestay dedicated concierge to arrange dining reservations in the best restaurants or pre-book your Tulum tickets so you can beat the crowds.

Find out more about the gorgeous Riviera Maya villas.

Activities for kids in Punta Mita range from fantastic water sports to whale watching, horseback riding and ziplining across the forest canopy. If you and the family really want to escape, ask your onefinestay dedicated concierge to charter a boat for you and explore the hidden beach of Islas Marietas.

You can find out more about this luxurious resort andin our Punta Mita villas

Food plays a key role in the culture of Mexico, and Cabo doesn't disappoint, with gourmet restaurants serving the region's specialities, such as smoked marlin tacos, that will quickly become a firm favourite with the family.

There are plenty of things to do in Cabo San Lucas with the family, from exciting water sports and snorkelling from your villa's private beach to private guided tours of the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve.

If you would like to know more, take a look at our Cabo San Lucas villas

Fun Activities for Kids in Mexico

Mexico is a paradise for children – it's fun and full of child-friendly activities to suit active, inquisitive young minds. Here are a few of our top picks if you're looking for things to do in Mexico with kids:

Cultural Experiences for Families

If you’re wondering whether any local festivals in Mexico would be interesting for kids, the answer is a resounding yes. The whole country celebrates the Day of the Dead in November, and there are plenty of sweet treats and spooky parades to entertain you while at the same time helping you understand the importance of this cultural holiday to the Mexican people.

March is the time for the Festival of Mexico, when Mexico City is filled with colour, celebrating the art, music and dance of Mexico and its traditional theatre. This amazing event lasts for two weeks, so even if you're not staying in Mexico City, you can ask your dedicated concierge to arrange car hire so you can visit the city and join in with the festivities.

Throughout Mexico, you can also learn more about its history and people through its cuisine. Culinary workshops are plentiful in places such as Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Maya and Cancun.

The warmth of the sun on the Riviera Maya, the lure of exploring ancient pyramids deep in the jungle, the chance to see humpback whales – all of this comes together on a family vacation to Mexico. It has to be one of the most family-friendly destinations on the planet, with so many things to do in Mexico with kids. Wildlife parks let you get up close to the native creatures of the region, while marine parks introduce you to the ocean's wonders. Cultural events are fully inclusive, making everyone, no matter how young, feel welcome.

If all of this has sparked a desire to discover this marvellous country for yourself, take a look at our Mexico villas and let onefinestay take care of the rest.