The recently released Summer Travel Forecast report from Expedia revealed that Cancun is the top international destination on travelers’ lists this year.
It’s not entirely surprising that Cancun is leading the pack, given that it has something to offer travelers of all ages and interests—making it one of the best family friendly choices in Mexico, as well.
If your brood has already explored Cancun however, not to worry. Mexico is chock full of family-friendly choices. From lesser known regions that allow family travelers slow down and immerse in local culture to fascinating cities and tried-and-true beach hotspots, there’s a long list of memorable choices.
To help narrow the list of family-friendly choices, we asked travel industry experts to pick their favorite Mexican destinations and explain why those destinations are a good choice for travelers with children in tow. Here’s the top five recommendations for families interested in exploring Mexico.
1. Riviera Maya, Mexico
There are many reasons why the Riviera Maya region is a hotspot for families, says Michelle Osborn, owner and travel consultant with the Texas-based agency Outta Here Travels.
To begin with, there’s plenty of beaches to enjoy, which is an easy child pleaser. But that’s not all Riviera Maya has to offer.
“Families can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, or visit nearby attractions such as Tulum or Chichen Itza,” adds Osborn.
Another popular family attraction in Riviera Maya is Xcaret Park, which offers more than 50 natural and cultural attractions including underground rivers, wading pools for younger children, a Coral Reef Aquarium, cultural shows, and even zip lining through the jungle.
If that’s not enough, the Riviera Maya area also features a range of resorts, meaning there’s an option for almost every budget. And as an added bonus, many of the resorts in the region offer a plethora of kid-friendly amenities. Think: water parks, kids’ clubs, and special activities like building sandcastles or taking a cooking class.
A colonial house in Merida Mexico. (photo via doromonic / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
2. Merida, Mexico
Merida is the vibrant capital of the state of Yucatan and it’s a top recommendation from Matt Berna, Intrepid Travel’s president and managing director for the Americas.
“Merida bridges very different cultures, perhaps best absorbed from the city’s focal point—the Plaza de la Independencia, which is surrounded by colonial-era buildings, many of which are built from stones from the Maya temples that were once located here,” says Berna.
If you visit, take your family on a walk and stop to buy some sweet marquesitas from a street vendor. Native to Merida, these crepe-like pastries are filled with caramel, jam, chocolate or cheese and rolled up like a taco. (In other words, a definite kid-pleaser).
It’s also an easy trip west from Merida to the Gulf of Mexico coast, where families can take a boat ride to visit the Celestun Bird Sanctuary and Biosphere reserve, home to vast flocks of flamingos, herons, and more than 200 different bird species.
And as you’re enjoying Merida and the surrounding region, don’t miss the opportunity to stop at a freshwater cenote along the way for a refreshing dip in a next-level swimming hole.
“There are hidden cenotes dotted all over the Yucatan peninsula, which are natural sinkholes created when underground limestone collapses and exposes the groundwater beneath,” explains Berna. “It’s believed that the peninsula’s vast network of sinkholes responsible for these cenotes is a result of an asteroid that crashed here over 66 million years ago. That asteroid is also believed to have wiped dinosaurs off Earth.”
3. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
For family travelers that enjoy nothing more than exploring food, culture, and architecture of a new city, San Miguel Allende is an unforgettable choice. And one that comes highly recommended by Henley Vazquez, co-founder of the travel agency Fora.
Located in central Mexico’s highlands, San Miguel de Allende is known for its baroque Spanish architecture, vibrant art offerings and frequent cultural festivals.
“Instead of Mexico City, I recommend San Miguel de Allende for families. It’s a walkable city with so much culture, and it’s much more manageable for families with younger kids,” says Vazquez. “This is a great spot for exploring art galleries, cooking classes, and tequila tasting rooms for adults.”
And because San Miguel de Allende’s location is farther north, in the highlands, it is a destination that also offers a much cooler climate, making an excellent choice for otherwise steamy summer months.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. (Photo Credit: Photo via: Sectur)
4. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Located on Mexico’s Pacific coast in the state of in Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta offers a range of family-friendly activities including zip lining and whale watching. The city’s charming old town with its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and delicious street food, is also worth exploring, says Osborn.
“Families can also take a day trip to nearby attractions such as Yelapa, an idyllic beach accessible only by boat,” Osborn suggests.
Other family-friendly attractions in Puerto Vallarta include the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, and Las Animas Aventura Park, which features boat trips, an obstacle course, and zip lining in a protected natural park setting. And don’t miss taking a cruise with Pirates of the Bay, which takes passengers around Banderas Bay on replica of a Spanish galleon.
5. Cancun, Mexico
Last, but hardly least, Cancun is a classic family-friendly destination thanks to its beautiful beaches, endless activities, and all-inclusive resorts. Perched on the Yucatán Peninsula along the Caribbean Sea, Cancun offers a traditional downtown area and a sprawling beachfront resort zone. Meaning, there’s plenty to keep families entertained.
“Families can enjoy water sports, such as snorkeling and parasailing, explore Mayan ruins, or simply relax by the pool,” says Osborn.
Cancun’s many all-inclusive resorts are known for offering kid-friendly amenities, such as water parks and kids’ clubs. And did we mention, many even offer babysitting services? Making Cancun a win-win for parents and children alike.
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