Mexico is a fun, family-friendly destination that offers activities to keep the kids happy and entertained. To get the most out of your Mexican vacation and have a seamless getaway, choose the right location and hotel and pick activities that are age-appropriate.
Taking your kids to Mexico can be an excellent way to introduce them to a new culture and different ways of life. For the best vacation choose the right location for your families needs.
Cabo San Lucas: One of the easiest ways to entertain the kids is give them the opportunity to play on the beach. The water can give your family endless activity choices, which can be suited for your kid's particular age group. Cabo San Lucas is no stranger to beaches. According to the Los Cabos Tourism Board, the Tourist Corridor, which stretches between the two towns of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas has about 20 miles of white sand beaches. This resort-friendly town has options for most family budgets, including all-inclusive hotels---many of which are right on the beach.
Punta Mita: After arriving via plane in Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita is only 25 miles away. This gated development is perfect for families as security is extremely high. The 1,500-acre peninsula features a plethora of kids activities, beach clubs and pristine white sand beaches. High-end hotels like the Four Seasons and St. Regis call Punta Mita home but there are also numerous villa rentals, which can accommodate families nicely. Personal villa concierges can set up babysitters and have the fridge stocked with kid-friendly foods.
Sayulita: Fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport and then rent a car or take a taxi to Sayulita. The laid-back town is known for its surfing and simple local life. Kids can get their feet wet taking surfing lessons from local professional surfers, who will point out the best breaks for beginners. If you're looking to spend more time in Sayulita, the area has a well-known elementary school for international students called Costa Verde.
Before you choose any hotel in Mexico, make sure it is kid-friendly. Many Mexican hotels are adults-only or, if they do welcome children, they don't have separate pools or kid-appropriate features.
Club Med Ixtapa: This all-inclusive family resort has children's clubs for kids four months to 17 years old. Children as young as four can try the resort's very own circus school and show off their skills in a special circus show complete with flying trapeze.
Playa Quieta 40 880
Estado de Guerrero, Zihautanejo
+52-755-555-1000
clubmed.us
Fairmont Acapulco Princess: This family-friendly hotel has connecting rooms, cribs and rollaway beds available. The Beach Club restaurant serves simple burgers and sandwiches that the kids will love. One of the biggest draws may be the 12 miles of beach the resort sits on.
Playa Revolvadero s/n
Col. Granjas del Marques
Acapulco, Guerrero
Mexico
+52-744-469-1000
fairmont.com
Ritz Carlton Cancun: The resort's kids' rooms come with cribs, miniature hangers to fit baby clothes, phones that light up instead of ring (as not to disturb sleeping babies) and changing tables. On site there's a kids camp with children's activities such as a bubble party and special themed nights.
Retorno del Rey, number 36
Zona Hotelera, Cancun
Mexico
+52-998-881-0808
ritzcarlton.com
The Westin Resort and Spa, Los Cabos: A free kid's program, a shallow water pool perfect for little ones and a water activities desk to reserve kayaks and try other water sports.
Carretera Transpeninsular KM 22.5
Los Cabos, Mexico
+52-624-142-9000
starwoodhotels.com
Some of the best activities for kids can also include the whole family.
Kid's Clubs: Most family-friendly hotels in Mexico offer kid's clubs. These clubs are set up by age groups and offer activities like arts and crafts, water sports and special kid's meal. The clubs can also have evening activities like movie nights for kids to take advantage of while the parents go out to dinner.
Snorkeling: According to About.com family travel guide Teresa Plowright, you can start snorkeling lessons in the bathtub before your trip. Mexico has some of the best waters for beginning snorkeling because kids don't have to swim out to deep reefs to enjoy the sights of different fish. In a clear-water area, kids can swim in the shallow waters and still see sea life. Remember to always have them wear life jackets when in the water.
Horseback riding: Older kids will love seeing Mexico via horseback. Generally you can rent a horse on the beach for only a few dollars an hour. Stay safe and bring your own helmets, or make sure the company you are renting the horse from provides helmets.
Language lessons: While in Mexico, your children will be immersed in the culture. While in the country, sign the kids up for Spanish language lessons. Lessons can be booked through your hotel concierge or at a local language institute.
Whale watching: According to Vallarta Adventures, December through March, watch the Humpback whale migration through the Bay of Banderas.
Zip line tours: Older kids will love the adventure of a zip line tour. Generally, the tours are located in the jungle areas of Mexico. Book with a reputable tour company through your hotel.
