Mexico Family Vacation

This popular resort city on the Yucatan Peninsula is paradise on earth. Think palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters. Playa del Carmen is perfect for families because it’s safe, it’s small enough to walk to most points of interest, and its main street - 5th Avenue - is pedestrianized. In the evening, you can take your kids to Fundadores Park to see the daily family show. The 3D Museum is another fun highlight.

This Yucatan city is home to the world’s second largest coral reef area. It is great for a Mexico family vacation because of its bicycle-friendly streets, miles of white sandy beaches, great family facilities, Mayan ruins, and inviting culture. A visit to Cancun Underwater Museum and a boat tour to the underwater cave system are a must.

Located on the Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta has beautiful blue flag beaches, a fantastic boardwalk, and a great range of activities on offer. From Aquaventuras water park to swimming with dolphins, you can rest assured your kids will be kept entertained. The charming cobbled streets of the old town are perfect for an evening walk.

Right on the Caribbean Sea, Tulum is not only famous for its incredible beaches, but also for the beauty of Tulum National Park, with its well-preserved Mayan ruins, dense forest, and cenotes. It is a small, low-key, eco-conscious town with a family-friendly feel.

Riviera Maya’s largest theme park is located between Cancun and Tulum. It offers an incredible range of activities, from canoe tours to swimming along underground rivers and a coral reef aquarium.

One of the seven wonders of the world, Chichen Itza will surely impress children with its giant pyramid. The site is less than 130mi away from resort towns such as Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cancun.

25mi south of Playa del Carmen, Akumal Bay is the perfect spot for snorkeling with children as they can have a close encounter with sea turtles without wading far out from the beach.

Feel a rush of adrenaline in this aquatic theme park in Cancun. From exhilarating slides to the scenic lighthouse, and snorkeling among colorful fish to floating down a river, this park promises fun for the whole family.

This water park in Puerto Vallarta features slides of various sizes, making it great for kids of all ages. There are also spectacular dolphin shows.

For destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula - such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum - the closest airport is Cancun International Airport, which receives direct flights from many North American cities. For Puerto Vallarta, the local Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport is most convenient.

US citizens do not need a visa to enter Mexico. Travelers, including children, need a valid passport and a free tourist card, obtainable online in advance, or at the airport.

Private hospitals are excellent and there are plenty of English speaking paediatricians at the destinations recommended in this guide. Remember to have a valid travel health insurance policy for the duration of your stay.

The sun can be strong, especially for children, so bring sun hats and full-spectrum sunscreen for the whole family. If you plan on visiting forest areas, bring mosquito repellent.