A family vacation in Mexico will treat everyone to an amazing experience. There are tons of family-friendly adventures and things to do in Mexico. Whether you pick an all-inclusive resort or explore the area on your own, this sunny destination is one of the best places for a trip your entire family will love.
Related: Planning Your Eco-Friendly Family Vacation to Mexico
Things to Do in Mexico for an Epic Family Vacation
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Parks and Paradise
Xel-Ha – This is a paradise that is home to the largest natural aquarium in the world. You can find the gem in Riviera May. The location is breathtaking and packed with family-pleasing activities. Think of it as a tropical park where you and your kids can snorkel with fish in a lagoon, or walk, bike, and hike the area to see foliage and animals in their natural homes. Kids will love the zip-lines while parents can enjoy a private grotto. Don’t forget to explore the Mayan Wall in the vestiges of the city.
Isla Mujeres -Just a 15-minute boat ride from Cancun, you’ll find the stunning island that is best for relaxing. If you and your kids are looking to unwind or enjoy a picnic on a beach free of clutter, Isla Mujeres is the place for you. There are guided tours available, but you can always rent a golf cart and discover the area for yourselves. Don’t forget to stop by the downtown market to visit the unique shops and restaurants.
Animal Adventures
Xcaret – The ecological park is abundant with creatures that will delight any animal-lover. Xcaret is packed with exhibits and activities. Explore beaches, relax on the lazy river, spot jaguars, swim with dolphins, or witness the beauty of the butterfly pavilion. The attraction is a hot spot in Mexico, so plan to share the experiences with crowds.
Interactive Aquarium – It’s a small but amazing kid-friendly option inside the La Isla Shopping Village. If you are hunting for a more time-friendly family adventure – this is the place. You can explore the attraction in about an hour, but you and your family will get the opportunity to pet manta rays or sea turtles, swim with dolphins, and feed a shark!
Fun on the Seas
Capitan Hook Pirate Dinner Cruise – Want to enjoy dinner and a show on a replica of an 18th century Spanish Galleon? This tour will be a memory-making experience your entire family will enjoy. Guests board the ship and are immediately treated to games, drinks, and fun. After the dinner, don’t be surprised to run into another pirate ship and witness a pirate battle. Allow yourself at least 3-4 hours for this pirate adventure.
Sail La Princesa – Hop on the catamaran to witness the amazing view of a Sea Lion Colony making a home on the rocks of El Arco.
Explore Nature
Aktun-Chen – Make this park a must-visit on your family’s vacation bucket list. National Geographic rated the experience as one of the Top 10 Underground Walks. The crystal-clear water is complimented by the peaceful and beautiful caves. Explore rock formations, see fossils and stare in wonder at the stunning stalagmites located under a rainforest.
Rancho El Charro – Saddle up and enjoy exploring Puerto Vallarta on a peaceful trail ride. Guests will get a good look at the jungle and enjoy the tranquility of the village while riding a horse, which means two experiences in one adventure.
Free Fun
Bikes – Most resorts offer complimentary bikes for guests to use. Check out your accommodation’s offerings and take advantage of the freebie. Use the bikes to explore your surroundings or save money on transportation.
Playa de Los Muertos – Hit this beach to do people-watching or see musicians treating visitors to a show. You might also come across street dancers and bodybuilders are strutting their stuff.
Los Cabos – One experience your family must make time for is the sunsets and sunrises along the beach. It will be worth getting up early to start the day with the sight of the sun creeping over the horizon for a view like no other.
Your family vacation to Mexico can easily be filled with so many family-friendly adventures. The gorgeous scenery and rich culture will be a treat that children of all ages will appreciate.
These sound like a lot of fun things to do in Mexico! I love to visit Mexico, especially Ensenada, the Mexican Riviera and Cancun!
The photos are lovely.
I have often thought of what it would be like to vacation there in Mexico!
All I ever do when I go to Mexico is lay on the beach ;) Maybe I’ll try some of these adventures next time though!
I so love nature. I think visiting this place would be fun.
Ahhhh! I want to go there now. This bitter cold makes me think of paradise. Thank you for sharing tips. I hope to visit Mexico one day with the family.
I have a freind who travels to Mexico every year to dive. I’d love to visit.
Now I have a to do list in case I go to Mexico! :)
Went there once. Xcaret has amazing tours and adventures. Great place to go with your family and have some vacation time
Those beaches look great, especially now when the temperature is so cold. I could use some of that sunshine right now.
These sound like wonderful places. I’ve personally been to Alcupulco and Cabos. It was beautiful and I loved the food!
I love all inclusive things. That’s one of the main reason I love cruising. I don’t have to worry about extras unless I chose to. Sounds like me and the kids need to go to Mexico one day!
I would love to go to Los Cabos. My friend and I were just talking about it last night!
I wish that I could get myself on a plane, because this looks beautiful !
Beautiful…I am just not sure I will be going to Mexico anytime soon
That’s a great and genius idea! Looks like a fun and great way to bonding with family.
The Xcaret park seems a really wonderful place to visit! I love animals and nature, and it would be really great to swim with dolphins!
Looks like a fun place to visit. I am excited at the beach
Mexico is such a lovely place, I didn’t know they had these many beaches! All are so beautiful, I’d love to go there some time soon.
i have had a lot of fun visiting Mexico on cruises but this list of things makes me want to skip the cruise and just go to Mexico in general
I have always wanted to go to Mexico!!! These are some great tips!!
I will be honest with you, I would spend all my time on the beaches! Wow! they look so serene
I just heard about Xcaret recently and it sounds like there is soooo much to do there. I can see how it would be family friendly.
I haven’t thought about taking my family to Mexico. I would love to travel more.
The beach is where I would go. The water looks so refreshing.
I would love to visit Mexico I have a friend out there and I would love to visit one day!
I first went to Mexico when I was around 12 and I have been hooked on exploring it ever since.
Sounds like a fun place, but I am not interested in getting my kids passports at this time so we are sticking to the US :)