Visiting Mexico as a family: practical guide

• Country: United Mexican States
• Capital: Mexico
• Government: President
• Languages: Spanish, traditional indigenous languages
• Currency: Mexican pesos (1 = €0.047)

From the north to the south, the east to the west, Mexico is a country rich with infinite possibilities.

• The north of Mexico is a vast province that also includes the famous state of Chihuahua as well as the Baja California peninsula. Less touristy than its neighbours, this region is no less marvellous, allowing pure nature to unfurl and create an atmosphere worthy of the best westerns.

• Located right on the Gulf of Mexico, in the central-eastern part of the country, even just mentioning the name Mexico will awaken your inner adventurer. Colourful buildings, mixed cuisine and pre-Columbian heritage punctuate the days in the fascinating capital.

• The Pacific coast of Mexico, dominated by Oaxaca, a city perched at 1500 m high, is far from being at rest. The city and its surrounding areas, all of which remain well preserved, offer a mixed identity of colonial and Aztec heritage. The coastline is a paradise for surfers!

• The Yucatan Peninsula, located in the south of the country along the border with Belize, is without a doubt a favourite among visitors. We can see why though, the fine sand beaches that run along the crystalline waters, Mayan ruins and incomparable natural heritage are well worth the detour. This region, which is the safest part of the country, is perfect for a family vacation. For more information, consult the UK government site, or the one of your country for reliable information.

• For the varied scenery and rich culture. Deserts and canyons sprinkled with cacti to the north, paradisiacal beaches touching the Caribbean Sea to the south, while throughout the country impressive volcanos and colourful cities that seem like they’re out of a Frida Kahlo painting will dazzle you.

• For the Mexican festivals and hospitality. True to the Latin tradition, even simple markets are festivals of colour, sound, and flavour. Whether it’s the famous Day of the Dead celebration, or to the rhythm of Mariachis or Marimbas, Mexico is a country of indulgence! From Ferias to Piñatas, there’s something for all ages!

• Without a shadow of a doubt, children are kings in Mexico, always ready with an enthusiastic welcome. It’s impossible to count all the cultural parks and activities designed for families, as well as the restaurants that bend over backwards to cater to young guests’ taste buds. The hotels are no exception and offer high-end services for children.

Looking for a family vacation destination with your kids? Central America offers a multitude of options to suit all tastes and budgets. This region offers a wealth of culture, breathtaking natural landscapes, sandy beaches, outdoor adventures and educational activities to please the whole family.

If you’re looking to excite your taste buds, Mexico is a wonderful gourmet destination! Drawing on an exceptional richness, Mexican cuisine has been recognized as part of the UNESCO world heritage since 2010.

Everyone will tell you that you can’t miss the typical snacks like quesadillas, burritos and tacos, or even ears of smoked corn that you can find almost anywhere and eaten on the go! Children love this simple, delicious finger food. The sopa de lima (which is like chicken soup) and the salbutes (lightly fried tortillas filled with poultry and vegetables) are great options for young children.

• In the north, Los Tamarinos, offers innovative fusion cuisine that brings together Mediterranean cooking with Mexican flavours. Every now and then, the chef will allow guests to visit his garden and teach them about how to make oils infused with chilies from the garden. A creative and educational experience for your little ones. The stuffed clams, called chocolatos due to the caramel colour of their shells, will certainly please salt lovers. Itinerary

• In Cancun, the Jolly Roger Pirate Show has everything children want. The entire family boards a barque to enjoy a historical 4-hour dinner show, filled with numerous skits starring costumed pirates! Go there more for the experience than for the food, but we can bet that your children will remember the experience for a long time. Itinerary

• Playa del Carmen is overflowing with wonderful spots ready to welcome children for lunch or dinner. La Panaderia is a hidden gem as it has its own kids-club dedicated to children. Games, cake decorating, and other crafts make this spot an absolute must for families! A few streets down, the Chiltepin Marisquillos allows children to take a dip between dishes in the private pool on their terrace! Meanwhile, mom and dad can enjoy fresh seafood or a delicious hamburger.

Mexico is a fascinating destination, enchanting families with its rich culture, breathtaking biodiversity and varied landscapes. From the paradisiacal beaches of the Riviera Maya to the ancient ruins of pre-Columbian civilisations, every corner of the country offers unique and memorable experiences. Whether you want to explore bustling theme parks, dive into crystal-clear cenotes or discover living traditions at colourful festivals, Mexico is full of activities to suit all ages. In this article, we present the best family activities not to be missed on your trip to Mexico, so that you can create unforgettable memories with your family in this enchanting country. Get ready for adventures rich in discovery and emotion!

With nearly 10,143 km of coastline, Mexico is a sea centric country. Between the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, the country of the Mayans has everything you’re looking for, from La Paz to Cancun without forgetting Acapulco, you’ll find numerous beaches that are just as beautiful as they are legendary. The flora and fauna of the seabed is amazing: Commander Cousteau even described them as the aquarium of the world!

• Sea turtles are inseparable from Mexico and its exceptional waters. The Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm protects the turtles. The employees at this unique farm passionately teach visitors about how and why they protect these animals, who are especially susceptible to the dangers of aquatic life. Location 

• Lovers of the great outdoors should lace up their tennis shoes and check out the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a natural park registered as a UNESCO national heritage site full of birds, crocodiles, and manatees. This 525,000-hectare ecological park, which is home to forests, lagoons, wetlands, and coral reefs, is the largest nature reserve in all of Mexico. Led by a guide, the boat trip through the mangroves cannot be missed. Location 

• Ecologically responsible tourists of all ages will love the Celestún Biosphere Reserve. There, nature reveals various shades of red: died by the roots of the red mangroves, the waters in the lagoons take on an astonishing vermillion colour. But the cherry on top are the pink flamingos that have a colony there. The morning is the best time to see these elegant birds as they eat their breakfast. Don’t forget your binoculars! Location

• Mexico is loved by travellers for its wonderful climate, which is hot and sunny for the majority of the year. From one end of the Tropic of Cancer to the other, you’ll find a temperate climate to the north and a tropical climate to the south, with nearly constant temperatures. As in any tropical country, there is a dry season and a rainy season (between June and mid-October). During the rainy seasons, storms, which are short but intense, usually happen late afternoon.

• Exotic travel means updated vaccinations! A good source of information, the Institut Pasteur‘s site explains everything you need to know before you go.

• The tropical sun can be treacherous for the whole family. UV rays are fierce and sunscreen with a high SPF (50 SPF+) is an absolute must for travellers young and old. Be sure to not forget hats, sunglasses, and anti-UV clothing for your children. Our article about organic sun protection for babies, as well as our list of best sunglasses for children,  will surely help you make an informed choice.

• To make sure you don’t forget anything, mom and dad can consult our travel checklists for babies between 1 day to 3 years, toddlers from 3 to 6 years and children from 6 to 12 years: pyjamas, toys, first aid, bug repellent, bathing suit, floaties, and even after-sun treatment… Everything is there!