As we approach summer, the desire for a vacation grows. For families traveling with kids, what would be better than standing on turquoise seas and soft sandy beaches? Sounds like a nice fantasy. Well, that could be your reality in Cancun! But as a parent, you surely know that traveling with kids is never easy. And it’s more like a well-planned expedition. That’s where this guide comes in. Besides letting you know things to do in Cancun with kids, there are key family travel tips, etc. We’ll dive into how to create a memorable family trip to Cancun.
Cancun is a famous Mexican getaway city located on the Caribbean coast. It is a popular summer travel destination but is equally suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers. As a treasure trove of diverse landscapes, it’s just waiting to be explored by you and the kids. From soft white sand beaches and ancient Mayan heritage to thrilling adventures and incredible wildlife encounters, it has it all. So, let’s start exploring Cancun exclusively!
Top Things To Do In Cancun For Families
After you’ve decided on Cancun as a destination, the kids are probably screaming with excitement, and you’re wondering: now what? Don’t worry, there are countless activities for kids in Cancun, and this detailed list can make that worry disappear.
- Enjoy the Beach and the Ocean
- Explore Nature and Have Adventures
- Discover the Mysterious Mayan Culture
- Other Unique and Fun Experiences
Enjoy the Beach and the Ocean
Cancun, being an island city, has gorgeous beaches that are everywhere. However, not all beaches are suitable for children, so take into account that the waves are gentle, the water is shallow, and there are plenty of activities and amenities. Avoid beaches with too many rocks, which can be a safety hazard for children who like to run and jump. These stringent requirements will not only create a safe and fun environment for your children to play in, but will also help you relax your nerves.
Among the numerous beaches in Cancun, Playa Delfines can be your first choice. Here, apart from the iconic Cancun font sign to take photos of, kids can enjoy the fine sandy beaches and create a sand castle for themselves. Watch for pelicans and seabirds, and sometimes see iguanas in the sanctuary. There is also a small playground for children to enjoy, but it is worth noting that the beach has strong undercurrents, so you need to be careful with children in the water.
If the kids have a brave explorer’s spirit, they can also try snorkeling. Snorkeling in Cancun is like entering a dream world. Getting to see the diverse ecosystems of the Caribbean, tropical fish, and colorful coral reefs is both an educational and magical experience. You can find tours that specialize in families, where there are calm waters and kid-friendly gear.
Places To Visit
There are also a number of family-friendly beaches you can choose to visit, besides the most popular Playa Delfines.
Maroma Beach
This is a private beach with an entrance fee, and children under 5 are free. The beach is clean and the water is crystal clear, and activities are plentiful, including snorkeling, beach ATVs, fishing, and speedboating.
Playa Akumal
This is the preferred egg-laying site for many species of turtles. It features a natural ecosystem and a fun recreational program where kids can snorkel with the turtles.
Playa Xpu-Ha
It’s quieter and less crowded than the other beaches. And it’s a shallow beach, more family-friendly.
Explore Nature and Have Adventures
Cancun is more than just beaches; head to the prestigious Isla Mujeres, which is a 30-minute boat ride from Cancun. You can end up buying a boat ticket to get there at the marina or on the official website. Golf carts can be rented on the island to take the kids around the island to see the sights. It is also possible to get up close and personal with the dolphins by swimming and taking pictures.
If the kids are more adventurous, head to Nichupte Lagoon for kayaking, a nature reserve with mangroves and a variety of wildlife. Kayak through the meandering river, lush mangrove forests, and see the flora and fauna of the area in a tranquil setting.
Places To Visit
There are some cool places to explore in Cancun. The best part? Many of them are customized for families.
Interactive Aquarium
The aquarium is located in the Plaza La Isla shopping center, and one of the most famous activities is the dolphin encounter. It is possible to interact with the dolphins in a safer environment, such as cuddling with them and swimming with them by touching their fins.
Cenote Santa Cruz
It is a cenote, 15 minutes’ drive from Tulum. It is exceptionally well equipped with swings, a diving platform, parasols, and deck chairs. One can explore the natural caves or snorkel.
Discover the Mysterious Mayan Culture
The Mayan civilization is fascinating, and in Cancun, you’ll be able to explore the traces they left behind, and the monuments can still be amazing. Take, for example, Chichen Itza, which is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. For kids, not only can they observe the ancient ruins, but they can also learn a bit of history.
For a more in-depth understanding of Mayan culture and history, the Cancun Mayan Museum is a must-see. With a large collection of Mayan artifacts, it gives you an insight into the daily life, art, and beliefs of the Mayan people, focusing on the Mayan civilization. It’s a great way to add a little education to your vacation without losing any of the fun.
Places To Visit
Apart from Chichen Itza, there is a Mayan site closer and with a view of the coast, which is located in Tulum.
130 kilometers from Cancun, the ruins have a lookout overlooking the Caribbean Sea. It is one of the best preserved Mayan ruins, with many frescoed temples.
Other Unique and Fun Experiences
When the kids have already experienced the beach, the adventure, and the history and culture, Cancun’s X Park is certainly not to be missed. First on the list is Xcaret Park, which is suitable for all ages and offers a wide range of activities and programs. This includes an underwater walk, a dip in the underground river, and a visit to the Butterfly and Bird of Prey houses. There is also a recreation of an ancient Mayan village, ceremonial scenes, and a variety of nighttime shows. It’s a great way for kids to spend a whole day.
For animal lovers, Crococun Zoo will be exciting because of the ability to touch and feed a variety of local animals. There are also knowledgeable guides to can explain to children about various animals.
Places To Visit
If your kids are teenagers, these locations are also worth taking the time to visit.
There are a variety of adventures to be had here, such as zip lining, exploring caverns, and ATV driving.
MUSA
The Cancun Underwater Museum is a truly unique attraction. The museum, which you have to be able to dive to visit, has hundreds of sculptures of people, houses, and cars underwater. The significance of the museum and the creation of these sculptures is to raise awareness about the protection of the marine environment.
Tips For Planning a Family Trip
Planning a family trip can be quite an exhausting task, and it requires planned, advanced preparation. But that’s okay, with these tips from us to help you save yourselves from these complicated chores and travel with peace of mind.
Travel Days and Routes
Cancun is suitable for use for 5-7 travel days in order to be able to enjoy the scenic nature and explore the mysterious monuments. Then, the following family travel itinerary for Cancun trip is something you can refer to
Day 1 and Day 2: You can explore the facilities of the resort you are staying at and the nearby beaches for a Caribbean feel.
Day 3: Explore the Mayan ruins at Chichén Itzá and learn about the history and culture. Afterward, you can also visit the famous natural well, Ik Kil, which is also open for public swimming.
Days 4 to 5: Visit Las Coloradas, the famous pink lagoon, and Playa Delfines, the most popular place to enjoy the beach and the sea.
Days 6 and 7: If you have enough time, you can spend these days at different beaches or theme parks. Finish the tour with a visit to the local market and stores.
The Best Time to Visit
Cancun is an all-year-round travel destination, divided into wet and dry seasons based on climate. November through April is Cancun’s dry season, and is also popular for traveling. This is the best time to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities, as the weather is pleasant and the water is crystal clear.
May through October is the rainy season, with heavier but shorter rains, but the fresh air after the rains makes it a great time to avoid the crowds and get great prices. Be aware that Cancun is located in the hurricane belt and can be affected by hurricane weather from June through October each year.
Choosing Family-Friendly Accommodation
The right family-friendly accommodations can take the travel experience to another level. This is because these resorts will offer a different kind of space, amenities, and activities such as children’s playgrounds, family pools, and show activities.
So when choosing a resort, check to see if they have kids’ clubs, multiple pools, and on-site restaurants. All of these amenities will be able to keep the kids entertained for hours and save parents time and energy. So, all-inclusive resorts will be the best option, no need to spend time heading to restaurants, and no more complaints from the kids about being bored because they have nothing to do. Vacation mode for parents: activated.
Packing Essentials
Avoid the last-minute packing of your bags; preparing these things ahead of time will make traveling as a family much easier.
Essentials: passport, driver’s license, bank card, U.S. dollars, pesos, hotel reservation form, cell phone, charging cable.
Daily necessities: backpack, sunscreen, waterproof bag for cell phone, umbrella, shampoo, bath soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, earplugs, disinfectant, bath towel, wet toilet paper, comb.
Clothing: light clothes, sunglasses, hat, underwear, socks, bathing suit (bring two sets for backup), flip-flops, sneakers.
Medications: Tylenol, Imodium, anti-mosquito spray, after bite, band-aids, sea sickness medicine.
Transportation Options
There are many different ways to get around Cancun, so we recommend choosing the right mode of transportation based on your personal needs and budget.
Cab: Uber is not available at Cancun Airport, and cabs are expensive, so it is recommended to book through your hotel reception.
Bus: ADO is a Mexican long-distance bus company. The boarding point is outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, it is very convenient to go to the nearby cities or attractions, you can swipe your card or pay cash!
Bus: Cancun has the R1 bus line, which costs 12 pesos or $1. Other bus lines are available, but you will need to check with the driver to see if you are arriving at your destination.
By car: Cancun is easy to drive, but you need to pay attention to the Mexican traffic rules.
Safety and Health Advice
Okay, so let’s talk about something less fun but super important: safety and health, especially if you’re traveling with kids. First of all, protect yourself from the sun; the Caribbean has strong UV rays, so make sure you wear sunscreen and reapply it regularly. Wear a hat and avoid standing in the sun for long periods. Regular hydration is also especially important in hot areas.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in crowded areas. Keep an eye on your belongings and don’t carry expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash with you. Choose water sports carefully and wear life-saving equipment during the wet season. Stay safe and enjoy your trip.
Conclusion
This is it. When you know the things you can do with kids and the places to visit in Cancun, a family trip to Cancun will be a great experience. With stunning beaches, thrilling adventures, fascinating history, and a family-friendly atmosphere, Cancun has all the ingredients for a memorable vacation. Here, you can build sandcastles with the kids at the beach, explore Mayan monuments, and swim with dolphins. The best part? You get to do it all with your most loved ones. What are you waiting for? Start planning your Cancun family adventure today!
FAQ
Which Cancun Beach Suitable for Kids?
Both Playa Delfines and Playa Langosta are perfect for taking the kids to; Playa Delfines is one of Cancun’s most popular beaches with great amenities and activities, and Playa Langosta has calmer, shallower waters for toddlers.
What Are The Best Ruins to See in Cancun?
Chichen Itza is undoubtedly the most famous Mayan ruin with a magnificent complex. Apart from this, Tulum on the coast is also worth visiting.
Do Kids Need Passports to Go to Cancun?
Yes, even children need a passport to travel to Cancun. And please make sure your passport is valid.
Is Cancun Worth It With Kids?
It’s worth it. Cancun has unique natural landscapes and historical sites that are well-suited for kids to visit and explore.
When is Hurricane Season in Cancun?
Hurricane season in Cancun is usually from June through November each year, and it is also Cancun’s rainy season.
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