Graced with chic jungle-set swimming holes, inviting Caribbean seashores and wildlife experiences that induce extensive-eyed marvel, Cancún is a veritable wonderland for kids.
Add the ever-present amusement parks and child-centric resorts to the combo, and you’ve got one motion-packed tropical playground. There’s only one caveat: your kids could by no means need to depart. We have got all of the insider suggestions and data to make sure your subsequent Cancún trip delights your complete household.
Why is Cancún good for kids?
Not solely is the Yucatán Peninsula considered one of many most secure areas in Mexico, nevertheless it’s additionally a enjoyable and engaging place with an accommodating, household-pleasant vibe in most lodges and eating places. Even fussy eaters will really feel the love, as many eating institutions have menus that embody acquainted worldwide fare. Hey, mac and cheese.
And here is the kicker: because of the considerable outside actions and stay leisure choices, youngsters hardly ever get bored in Cancún. That is very true within the resort lodges, the place the little ones go gaga over the ginormous swimming pools, lazy rivers and kids golf equipment. Furthermore, some all-inclusives run seasonal promos permitting children underneath 12 to eat and keep free of charge when accompanied by paying adults. There are additionally youngsters’s reductions on the journey parks and archaeological websites.
Getting round in Cancún with the kiddos is a breeze. Cheap metropolis buses run regularly between the Zona Hotelera and downtown, whereas first-class buses serving the outlying areas present air-conditioning and onboard films, making them a snug trip for kids of all ages. Alternatively, it is usually secure to take taxis, however watch out for worth gouging.
The place is finest in Cancún for kids?
The Zona Hotelera’s north shore hugs a remarkably calm Caribbean coast that makes for supreme swimming situations alongside a 7km (4-mile) stretch of seashores from Playa Las Perlas to Playa Caracol. Additionally, it is aargh-uably (sorry, we needed to) one of the best departure level for pirate-themed cruises replete with sword fights and cannon battles.
In the meantime, on the lodge zone’s east coast, the waters can get rougher, however the amenities at public seashores Playa Marlin and Playa Delfines win over households with their handy loos, umbrella leases and on-obligation lifeguards – plus the kids can run round within the close by jungle ruins. On the opposite facet of city, downtown’s Parque de las Palapas comes alive every night time with free concert events, playful avenue performances and the tantalizing odor of tacos and candy crepes wafting within the air.
Greatest issues to do in Cancún with younger kids
Hop on a ship to Isla Mujeres
In case you solely have time for sooner or later journey, make it the straightforward-to-attain Isla Mujeres. Half the enjoyable is getting there as a ferry zips you throughout glowing turquoise waters on a scenic 20-minute trip. Upon arrival, mosey over to Playa Norte, a sugary, white-sand seashore identified for its shallow, swimmable waters, then try the adjoining Playa Hermosa Caleta, a translucent inlet teeming with small fish. For extra household enjoyable, hire a golf cart and head to the island’s south facet, the place you possibly can cease at seashore membership Garrafón de Castilla for snorkeling.
Cheer on the great guys at Luchatitlán
Kids can have the time of their lives on the wrestling venue Luchatitlán, the place colorfully costumed, masked marvels wow audiences with excessive-flying maneuvers and dramatic physique slams. In case you’ve by no means seen a stay lucha libre (professional wrestling) match, let’s simply say the playful spandex-clad wrestlers know tips on how to rile up a crowd. This new enviornment in La Isla Purchasing Village provides a variety of ticket choices, from present-solely to ringside seats that embody dinner and drinks.
Join with spider monkeys and crocs
Crococun permits guests to work together with rescue animals reminiscent of spider monkeys, crocodiles, boa constrictors, white-tailed deer and colourful macaws throughout guided excursions. The interactive zoo focuses totally on educating visitors about endangered species from a conservationist standpoint. It is about 40km (25 miles) south of Cancún, in Puerto Morelos.
Splash round at water park Xcaret
Xcaret (pronounced esh-automotive-et) prices a fairly peso, however we’d be remiss to not point out one of many area’s hottest household sights. Right here at this Riviera Maya water park, you possibly can swim in underground rivers, observe sea turtles, discover Maya ruins and expertise vivid Day of the Useless festivities in early November. The park provides discounted admissions for kids underneath 12, whereas infants and toddlers go free of charge. It additionally operates a number of water-themed lodges close by.
Greatest issues to do in Cancún with tweens and youths
Plunge into astonishing cenotes
For a quintessential Yucatecan expertise, head about 90km (56 miles) south of Cancún to swim in a collection of open-air cenotes (limestone sinkholes): Cristalino, Cenote Azul and Jardín del Edén. These jungle-ringed freshwater swimming holes present a refreshing change of surroundings from the seashore, and life jackets can be found to hire, making it a secure exercise for kids. The traditional Maya noticed some cenotes as gateways to the underworld.
Go to an underwater gallery
For a legit Cancún spotlight, guide a tour to the underwater sculpture museum MUSA, the place you possibly can stare upon submerged life-sized sculptures off the Punta Nizuc coast. Aquaworld’s Subsee Explorer (a yellow semi-submarine) visits the fascinating website, and alongside the way in which, you possibly can observe sensible tropical fish of their pure habitat. Snorkeling outings to MUSA are doable for kids aged 5 and above.
Really feel the enjoyment of Joyà
The Riviera Maya’s resident Cirque du Soleil present, Joyà, levels a charming extravaganza of acrobatics and up to date dance at a beautiful lakeside theater about 45km (28 miles) south of Cancún. The circus present delivers an over-the-prime manufacturing that can preserve even essentially the most fidgety spectator effectively entertained all through the 80-minute efficiency, and the meals is surprisingly good must you resolve to splurge on the dinner and present choice.
Planning suggestions for household journey in Cancún
When packing your baggage, remember the fact that free-becoming garments that dry shortly will serve you and the kids effectively, particularly in the course of the moist and sultry months from Could to October. Additionally, deliver alongside some pants and an extended-sleeve shirt to guard yourselves from the solar and mosquitoes. Sunscreen and bug repellent are extremely beneficial, however remember the fact that even biodegradable merchandise shouldn’t be used whereas swimming in fragile ecosystems, reminiscent of cenotes or coral reefs.
A brand new intercity railway known as the Maya Practice is underneath development, and the primary part opened for enterprise in December 2023. The excessive-pace choo choo will rattle alongside a 1525km (948-mile) loop route across the Yucatán Peninsula whereas making stops at some 40 stations, together with Cancún, Chichén Itzá and Tulum, making it even simpler to discover the area as a household.