Best Things to Do in Cancun with Kids
From its stunning natural beauty to the thrill-filled theme parks, Cancun has no shortage of captivating activities for kids. As one of Mexico’s top resort destinations, it fortunately retains much of its original charm.
Whether you’re looking to spend time on the beach, eat delicious food , swim in a cenote, or discover something new and cultural – there is surely something here that appeals! So take a look at our list of the best 15 family-friendly things to do in Cancun now – experience all that this enchanting destination has to offer!
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All Ritmo Water Park is a great family-friendly resort, with an added secret! The amenities are accessible to the public for just a small entrance fee – which includes your meals and drinks. Even better, Mom and Dad can enjoy alcohol too as part of this overall package. It’s the perfect way to let loose, relax together as a family…and save money on weekdays!
If you find yourself with a spare hour during your vacation in Cancun, why not take the kids to explore The Interactive Aquarium? Located within La Isla Shopping Village, it’s ideal for those last-minute changes of plans. Your little ones can get up close and personal with some majestic sea creatures – touch manta rays, play with turtles and even feed sharks! Interactive Aquarium is an exciting educational experience that is sure to be remembered long after returning from your beach holiday.
Unforgettable moments await your family at Dolphin Discovery in Cancun! Climb aboard a boat and cruise across the sparkling waters towards Isla Mujeres where you’ll have the opportunity to get close with dolphins. Not only will you swim side-by-side, but don’t be surprised if one of them gives you an affectionate kiss on the cheek for luck! That’s not all either – visitors also can feed manatees, interact with sea lions, and even dive into shark-filled waters. The care facility at Isla Mujeres ensures that animals are treated kindly while providing guests an extraordinary experience bonding them closer than ever before.
Before you purchase your ticket, be sure to double-check the photo package options as cameras are not permitted in the premises.
Embark on an extraordinary voyage and come aboard El Bucanero or El Galleon to savor the ultimate pirate adventure in Cancun with Captain Hook Dinner Cruise. Perfect for thrill-seeking families, these 93-foot ships boast the latest sound and lighting systems that illuminate stunning views of Mexico’s coast as you indulge in a delectable dinner, witness fantastic swordfights, and avail yourself of complimentary alcoholic beverages (for adults only). So what are you waiting for? Step onboard one of the 18th century vessels today to experience Cancun like never before!
We are passionate about The Crococun Zoo for its commitment to conservation! Located less than 20 miles from the center of downtown, this one-of-a kind zoo started as a breeding ground for crocodiles and has since developed into an animal refuge.
It is a must see if you have children – they will learn so much concerning environmental protection while also having the chance to hold a baby croc in their arms! The tour guides do an excellent job of providing educational information regarding these majestic animals; making it the perfect location for your family’s next outing.
If you are looking for a fun and unique family activity in Cancun, look no further than the Jolly Roger Pirate Show! Guests will board an actual pirate ship for three hours of adventure. Dinner and drinks are included on this tour, with two different menus to choose from—premium or regular. Get ready to experience all the thrills that come along with life as a swashbuckling pirate!
Treat your small ones to a special menu of hot dogs and chicken nuggets when you take them on the cruise that runs throughout the year! The voyage commences at 6:30 PM from Playa Linda Pier, which is conveniently located near Cancun Theater in Hotel Zone area. All roads lead to Kukulcan Boulevard – so come join us for an unforgettable experience this vacation. You can select any day during your stay since we set sail every single day; I guarantee it will be something you won’t regret!
Come explore the laid-back atmosphere of Isla Mujeres, one of Cancun’s most beloved day trips! With its dreamy island beaches and plethora of shops and restaurants, you can rent a golf cart to take your family on an unforgettable tour.
Experience a one-of-a kind amusement park adventure at the formerly named Wet’n Wild, now Ventura Park! This can’t miss destination is located in the Hotel Zone of Cancun and contains numerous worlds with their own unique theme. For your older kids, they’ll enjoy riding huge water slides such as Kamikaze while younger children float around on the lazy river. Moreover, there’s an adrenaline filled zipline ride along with interactive dolphin experiences and a small amusement park.
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Embark on a culturally enriching adventure in Cancun with your little ones! Xcaret is an eco-archaeological park home to incredible sounds, sights and experiences from the ancient Mayan culture. From gorgeous butterfly pavilion and stunning aquariums of aquatic wildlife – such as sea turtles and over 10,000 tropical fish – you will also have the amazing opportunity explore a historic cemetery honoring important figures of their past. At Xcaret you can experience its ruins up close by scaling them or simply relax at one of its charming beaches for some much needed downtime; the night show here is truly magical too!
Xplor parks are the ultimate playground for adventurers, offering thrilling ATV rides, ziplining experiences, swimming in cenotes and a lot more. I would highly recommend visiting both of these magnificent locations if you can spare the time – to find out more about our experience at Xplor read our full review here!
Embark on an unforgettable catamaran tour from Cancun to Isla Mujeres! Enjoy a delectable lunch, soothing music and stunning photographs of the blue ocean. Be sure to book a trip that includes snorkeling in Mesoamerican Reef—the second-largest barrier reef around the globe! With its rich sea life, you won’t regret this once-in-a lifetime experience.
Make your way over to Parque Las Palapas for an ultimate local experience! Enjoy live music, traditional Mexican eats on a budget and vendor stands with unique items perfect as souvenirs. Plus, you won’t need to pay anything since admission is free of charge. This park has the makings of a great hangout spot during your Cancun trip – there’s something here everyone will love!
When vacationing in Cancun during the rainy season, it can be difficult to find family-friendly activities that don’t involve sand and sea. Plaza Las Americas is the perfect place for a Plan B! Not only does this mall offer an array of shops, but there’s also plenty of fun activities which are sure to keep everyone entertained for hours on end. If you’re searching for a great spot where your kids can release their energy – look no further than Plaza Las Americas!
If you’re considering a visit between July and September, be sure to schedule in the opportunity to swim with whale sharks! In fact, they can even be spotted as early as mid-March. Booking tours is relatively straightforward; you may do so before or after arriving at Cancun. Most hotels there will assist by providing information on tour companies that offer this experience – take advantage of it!
From Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy, and Holbox to Cancun Bay – hop on a ferry or boat for an unforgettable tour! July through September is the perfect time to take a dip in Cancun‘s waters as temperatures are at their peak during this season. I highly recommend taking advantage of such an amazing experience if you visit Cancun; it will surely make your trip even more memorable!
Visit the El Rey Ruins in Cancun and dive into an unforgettable exploration of Mexico’s ancient history. Here, you can uncover some captivating Mayan secrets without having to journey far from the city! Admire these magnificent ruins nestled within Cancun’s hotel zone – much closer than Tulum or Chichen Itza. Travel back centuries and unravel mysteries that otherwise would remain hidden away with your visit to this remarkable place!
Dolphin Beach, otherwise known as Playa Delfines, is an idyllic destination for your family’s summer getaway. With crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling alongside the dolphins, lifeguards on duty to ensure everyone stays safe and gentle waves that are ideal for small children – what more could you ask for? Next time you’re in Cancun with the little ones , be sure to take them out to Dolphin Beach!
Another great beach for kids is Playa Langosta.
Selvatica offers a unique and thrilling outdoor experience for kids aged 8 and up! Get ready to ride Polaris ATVs, go ziplining, and explore the cenote with your family. Nothing else compares when it comes to having an adventure in Cancun – not only is it fun but highly educational too! So if you’re looking for active ways to spend time together as a family while discovering new places, Selvatica has all that covered.
While Cancun is renowned for its nightlife, there are many activities that cater to children of all ages. Xenses Park offers an unforgettable experience with a range of nature-related activities, water sports and cultural events. The highlight being the physically impossible area which contains strange phenomenon such as backward water flow, upside-down streets and tiny doors! So if you’re looking for family friendly fun in Mexico then look no further than Xenses Park! Have an incredible time on your holiday.
I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
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