I have friends who visit Cancun every year with the whole family, and I wonder why they choose this destination? So, I decided to bring my nephews & nieces of 4, 12, 16 and 21 years old and experience this beautiful place, and I realized that there is so much to do that a single visit is not enough, now Cancun has become their favorite vacation spot.
So, Is Cancun good vacation spot for families with Children? is definitely an excellent vacation spot for families with kids all ages, there are endless activities to do, exploring all of the great things Cancun has to offer, nature, jungle, beach, underground rivers, cenotes, theme parks, fishing, sailing. This is not about staying in a comfortable hotel all day, there are much more to do outside of the all-inclusive walls.
Family-Friendly Resorts and all-inclusive
In Cancun, you can find many resorts that are family-friendly, with beautiful beaches, huge swimming pools with water slides, kids clubs, music, a lot of drinks and food. Well, I could say it is good enough! But could be enough for one or two days, but after that kids, and parents get bored, and they do not get to know what nature and culture that this beautiful destination has to offer. You could keep the hotel’s activities after you visit sites of interest so you can relax while your kids play in the pool and you have a frozen margarita at the end of the day.
Many websites, articles, and blogs about Cancun recommend activities that are not in the actual city, in general, those places are 2 to 3 hours away. But how would you know this? Cancun is located in the state of Quintana Roo along the beautiful coast on the Caribbean side. Many theme parks and sites of interest are located in the Riviera Maya which is south of Cancun more than 130kilometers of long stretch coast, but there are a lot to do within the city and the hotel zone and the best of all is that you don`t need to rent a car.
Activities and things to do for families in Cancun and not too far from the city
- Ruinas del Rey
It is a relaxing visit for everyone and a great way to start your vacations. You will see the Mayan structures that are still preserved in the place, learn more about the history of this region with informative plaques found in some ruins, take photos of the iguanas running around. The visit to this place will take you about 1 hour, and it is a good way to introduce the Mayan history and culture to your family.
Ruinas El Rey (The King ruins) is one of the most important archaeological zones of Cancun and is located at kilometer 18 of Boulevard KukulcánThe visitor can arrive at the site through public transport. On-site its offer restrooms and rest area
The access fee is $55 pesos.
- Museo Maya Cancun:
There are not many museums in Cancun and this one a must visit. It shelters a good collection of the Mayan culture of the country, not only include the most important pieces of the State of Quintana Roo, but a selection of emblematic pieces from the sites of Palenque, Chichén Itzá, and Comalcalco, among other sites represented. The museum offers guided tours for groups up to 10 people.
Entrance fee: $70 pesos per person
- Capitan Hook:
It is a Dinner Show on board a huge Pirate Galeon, Combining the history of piracy with the luxury of 21st. Century technology. For those who like to recreate the adventures with pirates, cruise with Captain Garfio is an excellent opportunity for the whole family to interact, it is very well decorated and with the Caribbean Sea makes it a great experience.
Includes, food, open bar, music, games, and contests entertain for 3 and a half hours. Includes transportation from your hotel and children under 5 years old is free of charge.
How to get there
- Sailing Trip:
This is my favorite way to spend the day in the Caribbean, Sailing, Sailing…! You can have a tour or rent a charter and sail from Cancun to Isla Mujeres and have the most relaxing and beautiful time, the sun, the ocean, the breeze and you and also have the opportunity to snorkel and swim. If you haven`t done it, I really recommend it.
You can go to one of the organized tours, or you can have your own private charter. With your family, this is worth to do.
How to get there
- Snorkeling Tour:
One of the most beautiful activities to do in the area is snorkeling, there are tours to the island Contoy and Isla Mujeres on boats or catamarans, the most amazing places you will see. Leave Cancun crowds behind for an all-day adventure tour to the Islands and spend the day snorkeling along the coral reef. This all-day snorkeling tours usually include food, drinks, lunch, equipment, and transportation.
How to get there
- Scuba Diving:
Scuba diving in Cancun is a must if you have your certification already you can`t miss the opportunity to visit this beautiful underwater turquoise ocean. This is one of the activities the families enjoy doing together. If your kids are above 12, Scuba Diving is a great life experience. Ask for DSD (Discover Scuba Diving) one-day training and diving! You do not need certification.
Dive center in Cancun:
SoloBuceo
- Parque Maya Cancun:
This attraction is the newest natural theme park in Cancun hotel zone. the place has various outdoor activities that highlight the zip lines and the boat trip, the site was opened to the public in March 2018.
Under the theme of being the first theme park in the hotel zone, this new amusement center presents a total of nine activities. The first one is Visión Maya, which is a cinema where they show a ‘tribute’ to the Mayan culture, It is the beginning of the tour. Great experience culture through the adventure, a fun way to learn about the fascinating Maya culture.
The park offers 4 tours:
Zipline & Jungle Tour
Zipline & Mangrove Tour
Zipline & Mayan Universe Show
Zipline & Shipwreck Snorkeling tour
3 hours of adrenaline and a lot of fun for everyone.
How to get there
- Taller Artesanal de Chocolate Maya:
Chocolate… I love it and if you want to learn how to make chocolate from bean to bar. Learn the prehispanic origin of the authentic chocolate on your next visit to Cancun and discover the most delicious secrets of the Mayan world! You can make your own chocolate. I made mine!… It was easy following step by step In the Artisanal Chocolate Workshop of Plaza La Fiesta at the hotel zone, you will be able to grind the cocoa beans, add the complementary ingredients of your choice, shape with your hands the tablet and pack it. Finally, you can share with your family and friends the chocolate you have prepared with your own hands. This is a great souvenir.
Open every day from 8 am. To 10 pm.
Location: Plaza La Fiesta outlet
How to get there
- Interactive Aquarium Cancun:
Excellent family activity in Cancun with more than 1100 specimens on display in the interactive aquarium, you can enjoy, touch, learn and interact with many species of the marine world. The aquarium is located at La Isla Mall, you will be able to complement the experience with the other attractions and activities for children in the shopping center.
Open: Monday to Sunday from 9 am. To 8 pm.
How to get there
- Whale Shark Tours:
This is a lifetime experience, swimming with the largest fish in the ocean, this is a beautiful encounter that your family would love. Every summer you can have the opportunity to see them in the natural environment. This is a seasonal activity, so if you are in the area anytime between May and September, you can`t miss it.
There are tours from Cancun or Isla Mujeres, in an open boat for a maximum of 10 people, 2 hours ride, you will wear a life jacket, and the tours company provide all equipment, guides, lunch, drinks. Not recommended for small children.
- Torre Escenica Xcaret:
If you want to see a great view of Cancun from above, this is it! Cancun Rotating Scenic Tower is a beautiful attraction where you will enjoy Mexican Caribbean´s Best View. This activity is 15 minutes long and is for everyone, don`t forget your camera so you can capture beautiful images looking through a glass. There are continuous rides, and there is a running commentary explaining the sights. A must-do.
Open Everyday Sunday – Saturday from 9 am. To 9 pm.
How to get there
- Wet & Wild Park
The wet and Wild theme park is fun for children and well… for adults too, framed in a beautiful beach of the Mexican Caribbean a unique experience where you can feel the adrenaline of the attractions, real slides, and refreshing pools, lifeguards available at all times, restaurants, I recommend to bring water shoes, it is a lot of walking and climbing and is much better with water shoes. This park is pure fun.
Hours: Everyday from 10 am to 5 pm
How to get there
- Jardin del Arte Cancun
Jardín del Arte Cancun is located in the heart of the Hotel Zone, is a space that is located on the shore of the Nichupté lagoon, was created to bring culture and art to visitors, it is perfect to take a walk and enjoy the different events they present out as exhibitions, especially on weekends. Bring a picnic and spend a relaxing time here in this tranquil garden at any time.
Related Questions?
Where are the Non-touristic places in Cancun? The non-touristic in places in Cancun are in downtown and a little off the Hotel