7 of the best things to do in Cancún with kids

12.11.2023 - 12:33 / lonelyplanet.com / Isla Mujeres

Graced with sublime jungle-set swimming holes, inviting Caribbean beaches and wildlife experiences that induce wide-eyed wonder, Cancún is a veritable wonderland for children.

Add the ubiquitous amusement parks and kid-centric resorts to the mix, and you have one action-packed tropical playground. There's just one caveat: your kids may never want to leave.

Absolutely. Not only is the Yucatán Peninsula regarded as one of the safest regions in Mexico, but it's also a fun and fascinating place with an accommodating family-friendly vibe in most hotels and restaurants. Even fussy eaters will feel the love, as many dining establishments have menus that include familiar international fare. Hello, mac and cheese.

And here's the kicker: thanks to the abundant outdoor activities and live entertainment offerings, children rarely get bored in Cancún. That's especially true in the resort hotels, where the little ones go gaga over the ginormous pools, lazy rivers and kids clubs. Moreover, some all-inclusives run seasonal promos allowing youngsters under 12 to eat and stay for free when accompanied by paying adults. There are also children's discounts at the adventure parks and archaeological sites.

Getting around in Cancún with the kiddos is a breeze. Inexpensive city buses run frequently between the Zona Hotelera and downtown, while first-class buses serving the outlying areas provide air-conditioning and onboard movies, making them a comfortable ride for children of all ages. Alternatively, it's generally safe to take taxis, but beware of price gouging.

The Zona Hotelera's north shore hugs a remarkably calm Caribbean coast that makes for ideal swimming conditions along a 7km (4-mile) stretch of beaches from Playa Las Perlas to Playa Caracol. Also, it's aargh-uably (sorry, we had to) the best departure point for pirate-themed cruises replete with sword fights and cannon battles.

Meanwhile, on the hotel zone's east coast, the waters can get rougher, but the facilities at public beaches Playa Marlin and Playa Delfines win over families for their convenient bathrooms, umbrella rentals and on-duty lifeguards – plus the kids can run around in the nearby jungle ruins. On the other side of town, downtown's Parque de las Palapas comes alive each night with free concerts, playful street performances and the tantalizing smell of tacos and sweet crepes wafting in the air.

If you only have time for one day trip, make it the easy-to-reach Isla Mujeres. Half the fun is getting there as a ferry zips you across sparkling turquoise waters on a scenic 20-minute ride. Upon arrival, mosey over to Playa Norte, a sugary, white-sand beach known for its shallow, swimmable waters, then check out the adjacent Playa Hermosa Caleta, a translucent