Family Travel Guide: Cancun & Riviera Maya with Kids

Travel With Kids to Mexico

Traveling with Children to Cancun or the Riviera Maya: A Family Guide

Taking your kids to Cancun or the Riviera Maya? Get ready for an amazing family adventure! Sure, planning a trip with children takes extra work, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

You’ll need to think about things like:

Picking the right hotel for your family
Planning fun activities for everyone
Setting up meal times that work for your kids
Keeping everyone safe in the warm weather

The good news? A little planning goes a long way. With these tips, you’ll handle the tropical sun, busy days, and family schedules like a pro. Let’s help you plan a beach vacation your family will talk about for years to come!

Passport & Visa

Make sure Required Documents for You and Your Kids Before Mexico Trip. Visit These Sites for Details: | Mexico Foreign Affairs – Minors Traveling | U.S. Department of State — Bureau of Consular Affairs | Visa Requirements |

Choosing the Right Hotel

Looking for the perfect family stay in Cancun? Well, you’ll be happy to know that you’ll find plenty of kid-friendly hotels along the coast. Also, many of these resorts offer special perks just for families. For instance, imagine splash pools and fun clubs for kids. Furthermore, there are also themed rooms your children will love. Best of all, these features are designed specifically with young travelers in mind to create unforgettable memories. Before you book, ask yourself:

Is the hotel close to the beach?
What activities do they offer for kids?
Does your room give you enough space for the whole family?
If it’s not on the beach, can you easily get to one?

Most inland hotels team up with beach clubs and offer free rides to the sand. Remember to check these details before you decide – it’ll make your stay much more enjoyable.

Packing Essentials for Children

Once you’ve booked your stay, it’s time to pack. Involve your children in packing their own bags if they’re old enough. Essentials to include:

Pajamas, underwear, swimwear, casual outfits like shorts and t-shirts, and footwear including sandals and tennis shoes.
A favorite toy or stuffed animal that your child uses for comfort, ensuring a smoother transition into their vacation environment.
Pack enough sunscreen, insect repellent, and medications for your entire trip. For children with specific medical needs, note that over-the-counter medications are readily available in Mexico. Still, antibiotics and controlled medications strictly need a prescription from a local doctor. If you forget essential medication, take the original prescription. Show these medication details to a local physician. They can evaluate and prescribe an equivalent.
After you’ve handled the earlier points, the next stage is to plan activities for the children during the trip. This includes toys, storybooks, and coloring books. You can also select an age-appropriate movie or animated series for them to watch on an electronic device.

Weather and Clothing Tips

Mexico’s Caribbean region is generally warm and sunny year-round. Nonetheless, between December and March, the evenings can be cooler. Temperatures drop to around 16°C (61°F). A light sweater will help keep your child comfortable during these cooler nights.

Fun Activities for Children in Cancun

The pristine beaches are undoubtedly the main attraction. It’s important to note that there are plenty of other exciting activities to keep kids entertained. In fact, beyond the sandy shores, families can discover a world of adventures. So, let’s explore these engaging options:

Parks and Educational Spots: Visit the Cancun Planetarium, Kabah Park, or take a shopping trip to local malls. For theme park fun, Xcaret and Xel-Ha offer eco-adventures perfect for the whole family.
Hotel Activities and Kids Clubs: Many resorts offer kids’ clubs. These clubs have a variety of engaging activities. They will keep children entertained throughout the day.
Water Parks: Consider day trips to places like Ventura Park. You have the choice to visit the Nickelodeon Hotel. At these venues, kids can enjoy water slides and themed attractions. The interactive Aquarium at Plaza La Isla is another choice for learning and fun.

Packing Tips for the Tropics

First, pack sunscreen and bug repellent in checked luggage only. Alternatively, if you prefer to travel light, you can buy them locally at convenience stores and supermarkets. In fact, these stores not only offer better prices than hotel shops, but also feature a wider variety. Moreover, local stores stock biodegradable options that are eco-friendly. They also have affordable beach accessories and toys that you can easily find.

Transportation and Safety Tips

If your travel package includes airport transportation, double-check whether both arrival and departure services are covered. For reliable transport, consider booking with a local service. A good choice is Van Travel. This service ensures safe transportation from Cancun International Airport. If your children need car seats, be sure to ask for them in advance. The Van Travel team can help you with the car seat service.

Avoid These Common Tourist Pitfalls

Visiting historical sites like Tulum or Chichen Itza can be fascinating for adults. But, children under eight will not fully appreciate these sites. Long outdoor excursions in the sun and potential mosquito exposure lead to complaints or tantrums. It’s best to focus on activities that are engaging for younger children to guarantee a smoother trip.

Parents’ Night Out

Many resorts offer babysitting services, giving parents a chance to unwind. Enjoy a date night while professional staff care for your children.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Cancun or the Riviera Maya with kids can be a fun-filled family experience with the right preparation. By choosing family-friendly accommodations, planning engaging activities, and packing carefully, your vacation will be enjoyable for everyone. Let the kids have their adventure, and don’t forget to take some time to relax as parents too! Welcome to Mexico!

This guide was written by travel expert Laura Schmidt, drawing from years of experience traveling the world with her children.