Known as one of the ultimate spring break destinations, Cancun is much more than just parties and all-inclusive resorts. Its pristine white-sand beaches, calm turquoise sea and friendly locals offer a great mix for families to enjoy an unforgettable vacation. To help you plan your trip, here you will find some fun things to do in Cancun with children.
Enjoy the Beaches
With white sand and turquoise waters, Cancun has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Your kids will love to build sand castles and play in the waves. If you have smaller children check out the beaches on the north, they have less waves and are calmer.
Snorkeling
Cancun offers great opportunities for snorkeling with your kids. Here you can enjoy the exotic marine life on the world’s second biggest reef. Also, you can swim with marine turtles in their natural habitat. If you are looking for a calm spot to teach your children their first lesson in snorkeling, head out to the Yal-Ku Lagoon in Akumal.
Visit the Archeological Sites
The Riviera Maya is home to some of the most impressive archeological sites in the region. Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located 117 miles away from Cancun and is well worth the trip. However, if your children are too young to enjoy that, you can go see the ruins at Tulum instead. By visiting these sites, children can learn about the local culture and history in an interactive way.
Have Fun at the Eco Parks
There are several eco parks not too far from Cancun. The most popular options are the Xcaret EcoPark and the Xel-Ha Eco Park. Both parks are located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. In both places, kids can have fun floating on inner tubes, snorkel along colorful fishes and make new friends at the playground. If you visit Xcaret, don’t miss the night show. It features lights, music and lots of dancing.
Visit Isla Mujeres
Located just a half-hour boat ride from Cancun, this charming little island offers a great relaxing scape from the city. In Isla Mujeres, you can rent a golf cart to explore the island, visit the Turtle Farm to see some cute baby turtles, and, if you are traveling with older kids, snorkel off the reef.
Explore Rio Secreto
For those traveling with children older than 5 years old, this underground complex of caves and tunnels is a great place for a family adventure. Visitors to the Rio Secreto — Secret River — are guided on a one and a half hour tour walking and swimming along the 600 meters route.
Play With Monkeys at The Jungle Place
In this sanctuary for spider monkeys visitors get the chance to interact with these intelligent primates. However, if your kids are younger than 8 years old, they may not interact directly with the monkeys. To visit The Jungle Place, reservations are always recommended.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Cancun, check out Hipmunk’s guide to Cancun hotels.
Photo Credits
Cover image courtesy of Ian Muir via Unsplash.
All images embedded from Instagram belong to their respective owners.
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