More than just a romantic getaway, Mexico boasts a number of family-friendly vacation destinations that can compete with the best of those found anywhere in the world. Further, the country’s commitment to tourism means excellent infrastructure, so planning your trip is a breeze.
Accommodations, for instance, are plentiful and varied, with excellent service throughout the country. You’ll find everything from beachfront Mexico villa rentals to mega resorts and even hand-built stone castles. All you have to do is choose a destination.
Mayan Riviera
Just south of Cancun lies a stretch of pretty Caribbean beach towns called the Mayan Riviera. Each of these is well suited for a fun-filled family getaway; at Puerto Morelos, for instance, kids can feed spider monkeys and hold baby crocodiles.
Eco-parks such as Xcaret offer the chance to hike through bat caves and get to know exotic creatures such as jaguars and toucans. Of course, each of these beach towns offer the full selection of water sports as well.
Cancun
Despite its deserved claim to fame as one of the world’s great party destinations, there’s plenty here to make for a great family vacation as well. Its privileged Caribbean location means plenty of gorgeous beaches to choose from, and a variety of associated water sports.
There’s snorkeling and diving as well as sailing and kayaking, and the more adventurous might even opt to try parasailing. Nearby Parque Nizuc is home to the Wet ‘N Wild water park, and offers the chance to swim with dolphins. You’ll also find less physically taxing options in Cancun, from excellent shopping to museums and an interactive aquarium.
Puerto Vallarta
This famed Pacific Coast beach town sits on Mexico’s largest bay – the Bahia de Banderas. Its protected beaches offer calm, shallow waters as well as the full selection of watersport activities, and there’s even a water park nearby if the beach isn’t enough. Farther inland, the downtown area features a lively main square in addition to fascinating markets and charming cobblestone streets.
Merida
Merida is a modern cultural treasure, and will have special appeal to kids who have studied Mayan culture in school and would enjoy seeing it brought to life. There are traditional cultural events each night, from folkloric music and dance to local feasts and even puppet shows. There’s an excellent anthropology museum with fascinating artifacts, and numerous Mayan ruins including the famous Chichen Itza sit just outside the city.
Oaxaca
Full of bright colors, this is another great spot for families seeking a unique cultural experience. Oaxaca is home to many colonial buildings, and the excellent Rufino Tamayo Prehistoric Art Museum (kids will love the traditional masks).
Local food is excellent as well, and you can take an easy day trip to the ruins of Monte Alban. This archaeological site features pyramids to explore and glass covered floor panels revealing bones and tombs.
