Exploring Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula continues to be certainly one of my all-time favorite journeys, with the mix of Maya historical past and beautiful seaside – and incredible for households, with so many issues to do round Cancun with youngsters.
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Even for those who’re not staying in Cancun itself, you’ll go by as the principle hub for worldwide flights. A keep within the Cancun lodge zone isn’t my private favorite, though it’s residence to a whole lot of the realm’s large resorts, however you may as well discover some nice household lodging alongside the coast between Cancun and Tulum, reminiscent of quieter Puerto Morelos.
However wherever you base your self on the Riviera Maya, you’ll discover loads of concepts for household days out, together with my decide of one of the best issues to do round Cancun with youngsters.
Discover Tulum
Over the previous decade or so, Tulum has turn into one thing of an instagrammer’s paradise – extra trendy than Cancun, it’s grown ever busier than its sleepy previous, however continues to be as tempting as ever.
A hotspot for teenagers, it’s effectively value a go to even for those who don’t select to remain close by, to see the traditional Mayan ruins on the Tulum Archaeological web site set on a clifftop overlooking the Caribbean. Whereas there are numerous historic Maya websites throughout the Yucatan peninsula, all with their very own charms, few have such a memorable setting.
You too can mix it with a go to to the Coba ruins within the jungle – for those who’re visiting Tulum with teenagers or older youngsters, you may lease a motorbike to cycle to Nochol Mul (in addition to alongside the seaside highway) or get a trip with a bicycle taxi.
Save a while for the seaside too with some wonderful stretches of white sand. Playa Paraiso is Tulum’s best-known seaside, however inevitably will get very busy, so Santa Fe seaside is one other quieter different, whereas you may as well go to the small seaside by the ruins for those who climb down (outdoors turtle nesting season in the summertime).
A few of Tulum’s (usually pricy) seaside golf equipment are additionally child-friendly: La Zebra and Ziggy’s Seashore Membership are nice for those who’re visiting with youthful youngsters.
Or head to one of many close by cenotes to swim within the clear water there. Scroll down for extra recommendations on one of the best ones to go to with youngsters
For those who don’t have your individual rent automotive, it’s straightforward to rearrange transport from Cancun to Tulum with numerous totally different choices together with prebooked transfers for the half-hour drive
See Chichen Itza
If there’s one web site you completely can’t miss whereas staying in Cancun with youngsters, it’s Chichen Itza. Designated one of many new Seven Wonders of the World, the Unesco World Heritage web site is a incredible place to find the Yucatan’s Maya heritage.
El Castillo, the pyramid on the centre that’s additionally known as the Temple of Kukulcan, is the best-known a part of the positioning however it’s a good way to find extra about Maya tradition and civilisation – one of many world’s greatest historic websites to go to with youngsters.
As you discover, you may as well discover the Ball Court docket – twice the dimensions of a soccer subject, it was thought to have been used for ceremonies in addition to video games, though opposite to the tales you’ll hear, the dropping facet didn’t get sacrificed on the finish…
There’s additionally the Temple of Warriors, and plenty extra to find on the sprawling web site. Understandably common, it’s effectively value arriving early or attempting to go to outdoors peak season for those who can.
You’ll be able to select from an entire string of excursions of Chichen Itza, in addition to shopping for skip-the-line entrance tickets or an early entry tour to beat the crowds. In case you are travelling independently or can discover a tour which incorporates Ek Balam, this was certainly one of my favorite Maya temples, hidden in jungle
Go to Xcaret Park
Round an hour south of Cancun, Xcaret Park has a lot for households that it’s tempting to spend longer than a day right here!
The eco-archaeological park has every thing from snorkelling and zip-lining to swimming in underground rivers plus an aquarium, an opportunity to see animals together with turtles and manatees, the butterfly pavilion, a Mayan village and a string of cultural performances for the Xcaret at Evening present.
It does make it an extended day for those who’re visiting Cancun with youthful youngsters, however it’s effectively value staying for the night occasion for those who can.
Purchase tickets with free cancellation or there are alternatives together with entry tickets with transport from Cancun
Play at Xel-Ha Park
Xel-Ha Park is one other eco-park with an entire array of actions for households, all supporting numerous programmes to guard and preserve the setting.
There’s extra probability to snorkel right here, in addition to floating down the lazy river (or leaping off a cliff into the cenote). Youthful youngsters will love the kids’s playground, whereas older ones can check their stability on the Trapachanga rope stroll over the water.
Or discover the pure reserve, the Ixchel Grotto carved out by underground rivers, or just chill on Hammock Island.
Purchase all-inclusive tickets with free cancellation, together with foods and drinks, or there are additionally choices with all-inclusive tickets plus transport from Cancun
Get energetic at Xplor Park
Greatest for teenagers and older youngsters, the emphasis is on getting your coronary heart racing and discovering loads of adrenaline thrills at Xplor Park.
You’ll be able to zoom alongside on a zipper wire previous rock formations, swim in caves or go rafting, in addition to taking a trip aboard an amphibious automobile.
It’s just for youngsters aged 5+ and there are another weight restrictions for those who’re planning to go to Xplor Park with youthful youngsters: realistically, until you’ve a mini daredevil, it’s extra enjoyable for households with older kids.
Take a ship to Isla Mujeres
A ship journey to this pretty island is without doubt one of the hottest days out from Cancun with youngsters – and for good cause.
It’s solely a brief ferry trip from Cancun, and the turquoise waters are fantastically clear; best for swimming and snorkelling in, plus there are many vibrant fish to identify and seashores to lounge on. Playa Norte has loungers to lease and the water is calm, best for little ones.
If you wish to discover additional, you may lease a golf cart as effectively, or take a glass boat tour to find the marine life with out getting moist.
It’s straightforward to journey independently if you wish to go at your individual tempo: corporations together with Grupo Xcaret and Ultramar run a ferry service from Cancun to Isla Mujeres, though you will discover loads of excursions to Isla Mujeres as effectively, with some visiting Isla Contoy, plus different journeys together with snorkelling.
Discover Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
This lovely pure reserve is the right place to absorb the fantastic thing about this nook of Mexico – realistically it’s greatest for those who’re staying nearer to Tulum and even Playa del Carmen, in any other case it’s an extended day from Cancun.
Nevertheless it’s effectively value exploring. House to tropical forests, mangroves and marshes, there’s additionally a barrier reef the place you may snorkel, plus wildlife galore.
The seashores listed here are a lot quieter than elsewhere on the Quintana Roo coast, whereas inland you may spot manatees, turtles and even crocodiles within the mangroves and saltwater lagoons.
You’ll be able to discover elements of the biosphere reserve independently however some areas are restricted to guided excursions, plus there are restrictions on the variety of boats allowed per day, so it’s effectively value reserving these upfront.
Try the totally different excursions to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve, together with choices with transport from Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cancun, in addition to some which additionally go to the Muyil ruins
Swim in a cenote
One in every of my favorite reminiscences of our journey, you’ll discover cenotes throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. Fashioned when limestone collapses to go away a pool of water – some underground, some mendacity underneath a zipwire, however all great pure swimming holes.
Excellent for cooling off on a sizzling day, or for venturing outdoors your consolation zone as you swim in the dead of night, some are higher with older youngsters and youths, however many are perfect for households.
You could find totally different cenotes all alongside the coast, whether or not you’re on the lookout for one thing close to Cancun or Tulum, or to mix with a go to to the Maya ruins, and there are alternatives to swimsuit the entire household. You too can discover a lot of excursions visiting cenotes.
A few of the greatest embody Gran Cenote, Cenote Dos Ojos and Cenote Aktun Ha (aka the Automobile Wash Cenote) close to Tulum, in addition to Cenote Azul close to Playa del Carmen.
One of many closest cenotes to Cancun is Cenote Verde Lucero – greatest for assured swimmers than little ones, there are ziplines and jumps in addition to the prospect to swim (plus it’s not removed from Selvatica Journey Park for extra zipwire enjoyable).
Gran Cenote has shallower sections for youthful youngsters, in addition to some turtles within the clear water however does get busy, whereas Cenote Azul has its personal shallow areas (in addition to diving platforms to leap from for older youngsters).
Swim with turtles in Akumal
Swimming with turtles is an unforgettable expertise, and for those who head to Akumal, you may swim with sea turtles of their pure habitat.
The bay right here is protected by a reef, and the turtles are used to having individuals swimming round them (although do hold a respectful distance) so you may get some superb views. Might to November is one of the best time to see them, and attempt to arrive as quickly after 9am as doable to keep away from large teams.
You’ll be able to merely head to the seaside and swim, though for those who go and not using a licensed information, there’s a restrict to how far out you’re allowed to go. There gained’t be an issue discovering a information although, as you’ll be approached by numerous individuals providing their providers (and inevitably some seeking to make money from vacationers), in addition to with the ability to rent snorkelling gear and life jackets there.
If you wish to keep away from any trouble, you may as well discover excursions to swim with turtles at Akumal or try the helpful recommendations on visiting Akumal’s turtles right here.
You too can mix a go to with a visit to Aktun-Chen Pure Park close by, with its cave stroll, in addition to zip lining, snorkelling and mountain climbing within the journey park
What about swimming with dolphins?
It’s value understanding that proposed new legal guidelines would cease animal sights providing dolphin exhibits and swimming with dolphins, affecting a number of the Riviera Maya’s household sights reminiscent of Dolphin Discovery – it’s not one thing I like to recommend anyway
Interactive Aquarium of Cancun
It might sound odd to go to Cancun with youngsters and head to an aquarium, particularly with the superb marine life close by underneath the waves.
However the Interactive Aquarium of Cancun is nice for households, with round 1,200 aquatic species, together with sharks, rays and sea turtles, with the prospect for teenagers to get arms on at occasions, in addition to studying tons concerning the totally different marine life.
Supreme for youthful youngsters who can’t snorkel or for those who’re unfortunate sufficient to get a wet day in Cancun with youngsters.
Entry is without doubt one of the choices included within the Cancun Go Metropolis Explorer Go
Xenses Park
This enjoyable time out in Playa del Carmen has 15 totally different actions designed to attraction to your totally different senses.
There are some quirky illusions, together with the Manner of Dwarfs and Giants, which performs together with your capacity to evaluate measurement, but additionally an opportunity to stroll underneath a waterfall, fly like an eagle on a zipper wire, attempt to swim in a salt river and find out about totally different ecosystems on the Xensatorium, with out utilizing your sight,
Purchase tickets with free cancellation or tickets together with transportation
Take pleasure in a pirate boat journey
Yo ho ho, there’s not only one pirate boat journey on supply for those who’re visiting Cancun with youngsters however two – and so they each include dinner.
Select between the Jolly Roger Pirate Present and the Captain Hook Pirate Present, each lasting round 3.5-4 hours aboard a reproduction galleon, together with leisure, meals and drinks.
Relying which you select, you can additionally see fireworks or get pleasure from some particular video games for teenagers, plus there’s music and different enjoyable on board, in addition to with the ability to watch the sundown from the deck of those conventional crusing ships throughout your pirate dinner cruise.
Ventura Park amusement park
This household amusement park in Cancun is a superb time out with youngsters for those who’re on the lookout for a water park with some added extras.
Moist’n’Wild has the same old household pleasant water park enjoyable, however you may as well discover zip traces and aerial actions at Aaah! Ventura, plus go-karting, actions for little ones, and extra high-tech enjoyable together with the Star Wars Battle Pods.
Purchase tickets with free cancellation right here
Croco Cun Zoo
Croco Cun Zoo began life as a crocodile breeding farm, however the focus as of late is firmly on conservation, with an opportunity to find out about a lot of the animals discovered within the area.
It’s designed to be interactive the place doable in case your youngsters love the prospect to get arms on, whereas instructing youngsters about endangered species.
Hit the seaside
A visit to the seaside goes with out saying for those who’re visiting Cancun with youngsters or any of the Riviera Maya. In actual fact I’m undecided if it’s doable to go to with out discovering your self on at the very least one seaside (and also you’d positively be lacking out for those who did!)
You gained’t be wanting selection: for those who’re visiting Tulum or Isla Mujeres, try the sections above, in addition to suggestions for those who’re visiting Akumal.
For those who’re staying in Cancun, a number of the all-inclusive resorts and inns have direct seaside entry, however all seashores in Mexico are public, so you may go to as many as you fancy. Playa Chac Mool is without doubt one of the quieter ones: you gained’t discover a lot of amenities, however it’s a stunning spot to sunbathe and swim.
Playa Delfines is thought for its dolphin sightings, in addition to extra pretty sand – there are bathrooms right here and no inns hooked up to it, though it may possibly nonetheless be busy and the water is usually a bit uneven for youthful youngsters.
Disclosure: Compiled in collaboration with 12go.com. This put up comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee. All opinions on one of the best issues to do close to Cancun with youngsters are my very own
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