Mexico with Kids: Our Experiences & Best Tips for Your Trip

Is Mexico Worth It with Kids?

For us, the answer is crystal clear: Mexico is a really great destination for families.

The Yucatán Peninsula in particular is perfect. The region is well set up for tourists, relatively safe, and offers exactly the mix you want on a family vacation: beautiful beaches, exciting day trips, and short distances.

We based ourselves in Tulum and explored everything from there. That was the best decision we made. Instead of constantly switching accommodations, we could settle in and simply take day trips.

What made Mexico so special for us is that blend of adventure and comfort. Discovering a cenote in the jungle in the morning, lounging on the beach in the afternoon — and all of that with a baby.

The beaches are ideal, too. Gently sloping, warm water, and often very few waves. Perfect for young kids.

Also read our general travel tips for Mexico

Planning a Mexico Vacation with Kids: What You Need to Know

Safety in Mexico: Our Honest Experience

The question of safety is probably the biggest concern on parents’ minds. It was for us, too.

But after our trip, we can tell you clearly: We felt safe at all times.

Even on our arrival at the Airbnb in the middle of the night, there was a situation that makes us smile in hindsight: We arrived, had a small communication issue with the doorman, and our taxi driver simply stayed until everything was sorted out.

We experienced this helpfulness again and again, and we could also fully trust our Airbnb host for insider tips.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you should be completely careless. But the tourist regions in particular — like Tulum, Cancún, or Playa del Carmen — are very well set up for visitors.

Read more about safety in Mexico here

Health & Hygiene in Mexico

One topic you really shouldn’t ignore when traveling to Mexico with children is hygiene and health. The biggest risk is actually gastrointestinal illness — usually from contaminated water or food.

Our key takeaways:

• don’t drink tap water
• pay attention to hygiene
• when in doubt, peel fruit yourself

Also important: Mosquito repellent and up-to-date vaccinations (especially against Hepatitis A) are a must! Diseases like Dengue or Zika do occur, even if the overall risk is manageable.

We personally were lucky enough not to need any medical care, but we saw many modern hospitals — at least in the larger towns.

Stroller or Baby Carrier for Mexico?

The best option is to bring both to Mexico.

For many activities like the ruins of Cobá, the cenotes, and of course the beach, a baby carrier works better. We used the stroller mainly when visiting towns or in the evenings on the way to a restaurant — and ideally for getting the little one to sleep.

A mosquito net for the stroller was, by the way, our best friend!

Read more about the best travel strollers here

What Does Mexico Cost with Kids?

Mexico isn’t a classic budget destination, but compared to many other long-haul spots you get a lot for your money here — especially if you travel independently. Here’s a rough idea of what to expect:

Accommodation (per night for 2 adults + 2 kids)

• Good & affordable: approx. $65–110 (basic Airbnbs inland, smaller hotels away from the coast)
• Better: $110–220 (top Airbnbs, boutique hotels, family-friendly places e.g. in Tulum)
• Luxury: from $220–330 (beachfront hotels, resorts, lodging in the hotel zone of Cancún or on Tulum Beach)

Food (per person)

• Street food & casual eats: approx. $5–11 (e.g. tacos, burritos, or small local restaurants)
• Regular restaurants: approx. $11–27 (good value, even in tourist areas)
• Upscale restaurants & beach clubs: from $27–44

Getting Around

• Flight to Cancún (round trip): approx. $550–1,000 per person
• Airport shuttle (Cancún/Tulum): approx. $16–44 per person
• Rental car: approx. $33–77 per day
• Taxi/short trips: inexpensive, varies by region

Day Trips & Activities (per person)

• Cenotes: approx. $5–27 (entry fee varies by location)
• Maya ruins (e.g. Tulum, Cobá): approx. $5–33
• Guided day tours: approx. $55–220 (e.g. combo tours with transport & guide)

The total cost of a mexico family vacation depends on how comfortably you travel and how much you do. For two weeks with two adults and two kids, you can roughly budget around $2,750 to $6,600 (excluding flights).

Family-Friendly Accommodations in Mexico

We stayed in an Airbnb in Tulum during our trip and were genuinely happy with it.

That said, looking back we’d say: for many families, hotels or resorts are often the more relaxed choice.

Especially around Tulum, there are some really lovely, family-friendly hotels that take a lot off your plate. Many have large pools — often even dedicated kids’ pools — direct beach access, and offerings like kids clubs or childcare.

These are recommended family hotels and resorts in Mexico:

What's the Best Way to Get Around Mexico with Kids?

On the Yucatán Peninsula, the roads are well developed and distances are manageable. Still, it’s worth planning how you’ll get around — especially with kids.

Possible modes of transportation:

• Rental car: flexible, ideal for day trips and more remote spots
• Taxis: convenient for short trips around town or to restaurants
• Shuttles/transfers: comfortable for airport rides
• Public buses/colectivos: inexpensive, but often cumbersome with kids

Our experience:

We took a shuttle from Cancún Airport to Tulum — straightforward and comfortable for the kids. Once there, we got around by bike and taxi. For longer day trips, e.g. to Cobá or Bacalar, we rented a car for a few days.

Compare rental car deals for Mexico on Discovercars
Our tip: Focus on two or three base locations and take day trips from there. That saves you time, stress, and long drives.

The Best Activities in Mexico with Kids

Beaches and Beach Clubs

• Perfect for: kids of all ages
• How much time to plan? as long as you like
• Cost: free

What do you need to know? The Yucatán Peninsula has wonderful beaches with turquoise water. In Tulum there’s a public beach and hotel beach clubs. We always asked at the front desk whether we could come in for food and drinks, and that way we got to use the beach club and the beach. One really lovely beach club is, for example, Nomade Tulum or Papaya Playa Project.

Why is it worth it? Because a beach day with kids is always a great idea, and you can spend hours digging in the soft white sand. The beach clubs also offer shade and even lounge chairs for a little midday nap — and the question “What should we eat?” answers itself, since you can just order something right to your spot.

Cenotes

• Perfect for: kids ages 5–6 and up (ideally swimmers)
• How much time to plan? 2–3 hours
• Cost: around $5–27

What do you need to know? Cenotes are natural sinkholes or caves filled with fresh water, formed by collapsed limestone ceilings, and often used for swimming. We visited the Gran Cenote near Tulum. It’s very popular and well developed, with wooden walkways and calm zones. Swimming is possible here even with flotation aids.

Why is it worth it? Cenotes are an absolute natural spectacle with an almost magical atmosphere. The Maya considered cenotes sacred sites and gateways to the underworld. A true bucket-list experience!

Our tip: If you have a good connection to a local — like we did with our Airbnb host — ask about secret or private cenotes. If you get a tip and of course permission to go, you can experience a cenote all to yourself.

Tulum Ruins

• Perfect for: kids of all ages
• How much time to plan? 1–2 hours, due to the heat
• Cost: around $28, children under 12 free

What do you need to know? The ruins are an ancient Maya city perched on a cliff above the Caribbean — the only Maya ruins located directly by the sea. The site is compact, easily accessible, and has a small beach section. However, the sun beats down hard here. Make sure to wear sunscreen and a hat, or plan your visit for the morning.

Why is it worth it? The setting makes the Tulum Ruins truly unique. The combination of ancient architecture, a Caribbean backdrop, and clifftop views sets them apart clearly from other archaeological sites. The site is also compact and easy to explore — ideal for giving kids a first taste of Maya history without it becoming too exhausting.

Our tip: For families with babies, a baby carrier is worth it, as the path through the site can be uneven in places.

Book the Tulum Ruins & 2 Cenotes Tour

Cobá Ruins

• Perfect for: kids of all ages (note: long walking distances)
• How much time to plan? 3 hours
• Cost: around $5–11

What do you need to know? The Maya ruins of the Yucatán Peninsula make it really easy to experience culture up close. We skipped Chichén Itzá because it can get extremely crowded, and opted for the Cobá Ruins instead. It’s best to start early — we were there at 8 AM. The ruins are set deep in the jungle and spread across a huge area, which makes them feel especially wild and adventurous.

Why is it worth it? Cobá was one of the most powerful Maya cities, and the scale of the site is impressive. Especially fun for kids: you can explore the ruins on foot, by bicycle, or even by bike taxi. You can also climb the famous Nohoch Mul Pyramid — the tallest pyramid on the Yucatán Peninsula.

Our tip: A baby carrier is again a must here, especially if you want to climb the impressive ruins.

Chichén Itzá

• Perfect for: kids of all ages
• How much time to plan? 2–3 hours
• Cost: around $33, children often discounted or free

What do you need to know? Chichén Itzá is the most famous Maya archaeological site on the Yucatán Peninsula and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landmark of the complex is the El Castillo pyramid. We didn’t visit with our kids, but Tina and Helen from the 22places team were there and can confirm: yes, it’s busy, but it’s genuinely impressive.

Why is it worth it? Despite the crowds, Chichén Itzá is absolutely worth it. The site is significantly larger and more monumental than other ruins. El Castillo in particular is a real standout that will leave even kids in awe. If you’re interested in history or want to see the one big Maya site, this is the place.

Our tip: Try to plan your visit with kids as early in the morning as possible. That way you avoid not only the biggest crowds but also the worst of the heat. Sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water are essential!

Book Chichén Itzá tickets online

Bacalar Lagoon

• Perfect for: kids of all ages
• How much time to plan? a full day
• Cost: free (small fees at some beach clubs)

What do you need to know? The Bacalar Lagoon, also known as the “Lagoon of Seven Colors,” is located in the south of the Yucatán Peninsula. Depending on the light, the water shimmers in different shades of blue and turquoise. The small town of Bacalar is significantly more relaxed and less touristy than Tulum or Cancún — and that’s exactly what gives it its special charm. There are many public access points to the lagoon and small beach clubs.

Why is it worth it? The lagoon is very shallow in many spots and the water is pleasantly warm — perfect for kids. There are no waves, but plenty of room to splash around, swim, and stand-up paddle. A boat tour across the lagoon is a real highlight. You’ll discover the different color zones and small cenotes. We still rave about Bacalar today!

Our tip: Make sure to use biodegradable sunscreen, as the lagoon is a sensitive ecosystem. It’s also worth arriving early or planning a visit on a weekday — that’s when it’s especially quiet and relaxed.

Book the Bacalar Lagoon Sightseeing Boat Tour

Valladolid

• Perfect for: kids of all ages
• How much time to plan? about half a day
• Cost: free to stroll around (cenote entry fees extra)

What do you need to know? Valladolid is a charming colonial town in the interior of the Yucatán Peninsula, and it makes a perfect relaxed stopover — for example on the way to Chichén Itzá or Cobá. The town is colorful, manageable in size, and quieter than the coastal spots. There are several well-known cenotes around Valladolid, some even right in town, so you can wonderfully combine culture with a refreshing swim.

Why is it worth it? Valladolid is great for a stroll with kids. Around the central square (Zócalo) you can just wander at your own pace, the kids have room to run around, and there’s delicious ice cream. The highlight: the cenotes in and around town, like Cenote Zací, which offers a refreshing dip and makes the outing extra varied.

Our tip: Head to the Zócalo in the evening. That’s when it really comes alive — there are often street vendors, music, or small events. The atmosphere is especially family-friendly.

Mérida

• Perfect for: kids of all ages
• How much time to plan? 1 day (or more if you have the time)
• Cost: free to stroll around (entry fees & food extra)

What do you need to know? Mérida is the capital of the state of Yucatán and the cultural center of the region. The city enchants with colorful buildings, wide streets, and many shady plazas. We unfortunately didn’t make it there ourselves, but it tops many Mexico travelers’ lists. Compared to places like Tulum or Cancún, Mérida is far less touristy and gives you a very authentic feel for everyday life in Mexico.

Why is it worth it? Mérida blends culture, history, and lively city life. Around the central square (Plaza Grande) there’s plenty to discover — from historic buildings to small cafés and street stalls. The many parks are also especially lovely for families.

Isla Holbox

• Perfect for: kids of all ages
• How much time to plan? 1–2 nights
• Cost: depends on accommodation and activities

Our hotel recommendation: Villas HM Palapas del Mar

What do you need to know? Isla Holbox is a small, car-free island north of the Yucatán Peninsula, known for its laid-back atmosphere and miles of sandy beaches. We didn’t make it there ourselves, but the island is often recommended as a true highlight of a Mexico trip. Instead of cars, golf carts and bicycles are the main way to get around. The water is shallow and calm, and you can spot many exotic birds.

Why is it worth it? Holbox is the ideal place to truly unwind at the end of a trip. No big hotel complexes, no hustle and bustle — just nature, peace and quiet, and plenty of room to play and explore. The shallow beaches are especially perfect for kids. A special highlight is the chance to snorkel with whale sharks or watch the bioluminescent plankton glow in the water at night.

Our tip: Plan Holbox intentionally as a relaxed island stop and stay at least one night. That way you can soak up the special atmosphere beyond the day-tripper crowds.

Book the Holbox snorkeling tour with whale sharks

Our 2-Week Itinerary for Mexico with Kids

Traveling through Mexico with kids is most relaxed when you focus on a few fixed base locations instead of constantly switching accommodations.

This is especially doable on the Yucatán Peninsula. Distances are manageable, the roads are in good condition, and many highlights are close to one another. A rental car gives you the most flexibility.
Find the best rental car for Mexico on Discovercars

For a truly relaxed family trip, you should plan for at least two weeks — three is ideal. That leaves enough time to settle in, shake off the jet lag, and enjoy the day trips without any stress.

We spent two weeks there ourselves and explored everything nice and leisurely from Tulum. Here’s our suggested itinerary for you:

6–7 Days Tulum/Riviera Maya

• Arrive & settle in comfortably after the flight
• Beach days
• Cenotes & Tulum Ruins

2–3 Days Valladolid

• Colonial town
• Cenotes right in town
• Perfect base for Chichén Itzá or Mérida

3–4 Days Bacalar

• Slow down at the Lagoon of Seven Colors
• Swimming, boat tours & snorkeling

Optional, if you have 3 weeks:

3–4 Days Playa del Carmen

• Perfect for families who like a bit more buzz
• Beaches, beach clubs & playgrounds
• Short distances and plenty of day trip options (e.g. Cozumel, more cenotes)

3–4 Days Holbox

• Car-free island
• Shallow beaches, hammocks in the water
• Total relaxation — ideal as a peaceful close to the trip

To help you get your bearings, we’ve marked the locations for two weeks (and also for three weeks) on a map. We’ve also marked Cancún Airport.

Family-Friendly Restaurants in Tulum

We tested quite a few restaurants in Tulum and found these to be especially family-friendly:

1. Charlie’s Vegan Tacos: Fantastic colorful vegan tacos (On Google Maps)
2. Posada Margerita: Great Italian food with an ocean view on Tulum Beach (On Google Maps)
3. Matcha Mama: Acai bowls at their best — not for nothing one of the hottest spots in Tulum (On Google Maps)
4. Nomade Tulum: Great for lunch on the beach and a perfect excuse to visit the beach club (On Google Maps)