MEXICO VACATIONS

for FAMILIES!

Explore Mexico!

Mexico has a lot to offer for adventurous Families – Explore history, – or introduce your child to “eco-tourism” & visit some of the most amazing, unspoiled nature in the world. Families traveling with teens will have a tough time pulling them away from the beach or pool…but worth the effort! The hot spots offer an assortment of water-sports including kayaking, windsurfing, surfing, sailing (to name a few). For Extreme Sports fans – ATV & Mountain Bike rentals.

Check out our list of favorite “Kid-Approved Tours & Treks” for Mexico Travel Net’s Top Family Destinations!

HISTORY – NATURE – ENTERTAINMENT & SIGHTSEEING – ART & CULTURE.

Acapulco Vacations (ah-kah-POOL-co)

Acapulco offers an assortment of attractions for families! The Beaches have calm water conditions, perfect for swimming, wading, and sand castle building. The Ci Ci Aquatic Park with Animal Shows, an Aquarium, Water-slide, and Wave Pool has something for everyone. Papagayo Park has free admittance, and offers carnival rides, a replica of a Spanish galleon, and an aviary. For families with older children, Mágico Mundo Marino is another fun water park, which includes pools, water slides, scuba, and snorkeling. More>

San Diego Fort - A classic five-point fortress surrounded by a moat, and houses a fascinating museum in the forts original hallways.

Isla Roqueta – A boat ride to the Island with the world’s only Island Zoo!

Laguna de Coyuca-The lagoon is an exotic estuary with lush tropical vegetation, wild fauna and small islands. 13 km outside Acapulco

La Quebrada – Site of the famous Cliff Divers

Mágico Mundo Aquarium – Indoor/Outdoor marine exhibit, pool, waterslides

Casa Dolores Olmedo – A street wide mural of tiles, seashells, & stones created by artist Diego Rivera

Centro Internacional – Mexican Fiesta Dinner Show with Ballet Folklórico Performance

Cancun Vacations (kahn-KUHN)

Cancun is ideal for families with children because of the variety of activities it offers. Children can ride up and down the rivers in a jet ski, dive, board a submarine, spend one day in Xcaret and the next in Xel-Ha, visit Tulum and Cobá or go for a swim in one of the limestone sinkholes. Xcaret is a nature park with archeological sites, museums, beaches, and underground rivers. Activities include swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, scuba diving, and horseback riding. Cancun also boasts a water park, cinema, dozens of shops where you can pick up original souvenirs, restaurants where you can go out for dinner and leave the children safely at the hotel, in fact, it has whatever it takes to help you relax. More>

Cobá – One of the highest pyramids on the peninsula, the Nohoch Mul

Tulum – On the edge of a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea makes it one of the most spectacular Mayan ruins

Xel-Há – Underwater rivers, lagoons, sinkholes, & unspoiled forest; ideal for swimming & snorkeling

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve – Eco-Park of forests, lagoons, wetlands, ruins, & Mayan archaeological sites

Dolphin Discovery – Swim & frolic with the dolphins on Isla Mujeres

Eco-Caribe Turtle Hatchery – Home to hundreds of sea turtles, from infants to adults; also an indoor aquarium

Sub Sea Explorer – A mini submarine that explores area reefs

Aqua World – Aquatic Center with Equipment Rentals, diving & snorkeling excursions, guided Wave runner Jungle tours, Riverboat Dinner Cruise, “Paradise Island”, and para-sailing rides

Bullfights – Corridas are held every Wednesday afternoon

Cozumel Vacations (co-zoo-MEL)

If you decide to visit Isla de Cozumel with your family, you will be astonished at the range of activities available. The reefs invite divers of all ages to delve into the magical underwater landscape, and you will also be able to have the unique experience of swimming with dolphins. All family members will enjoy sampling the traditional Mexican southeast cooking combined with delicious seafood. Finally, before you leave, don’t forget to check out the malls that carry beautiful craftwork from all over Mexico. More>

El Cedral – The oldest structure on the Island; traces of original Mayan wall paintings are still visible

San Gervasio – A group of shrines and temples honoring the Mayan goddess of medicine, corn, weaving, love, and fertility

Chankanaab Park – A variety of attractions including beaches with palapas, an archaeological park with winding jungle trails, replicas from sites throughout Mexico, & a typical Mayan Village, Botanical Gardens, fantastic Lagoon, and Dolphin encounter.

Jungle Safari Jeep Tours – back roads tour of the island’s lesser known beaches, jungles, & ruins

Horseback Riding – 2-hour guided Jungle treks

Museum of the Isla Cozumel – A complete overview of the island’s anthropological and cultural history, Mayan language instruction, artisan demonstrations & live drama

Ixtapa Vacations (eeks-TAH-pa) & Zihuatanejo (see-wah-tah-NEH-ho)

Resorts such as Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo are perfect for the whole family, since they offer something for everyone. Children will enjoy its calm waters, young people will have an opportunity to play their favorite beach sports while adults will be able to relax with the drink of their choice or take a boat trip to Isla Ixtapa to enjoy its marvelous beaches. In the evening, the fun goes on with discotheques and nightclubs with live entertainment. DID YOU KNOW? ZIHUATANEJO means, “place of beautiful women.” More>

Playa Linda (I) – A wooded island with diverse wildlife (raccoons, armadillos, deer, iguanas)

Playa Las Gatas (Z) – White coral sand with a shallow shoreline & gentle surf; great family snorkeling!

Magic World Aquatic Park  A MUST for kids AND their parents variety of rides, as well as a grand Pirate Ship with water slides

Horseback Riding – Enjoy beach or Tropical Plantation Rides

Museo Arqueológico (Z) – Close to a thousand pre-Hispanic pieces, murals, and maps on display

Mercado de Artesania (I, Z) – The Artisan’s market selling handicrafts, jewelry, & souvenirs

Loreto Vacations (low-reh-toe)

Why not take the whole family on an adventure? Loreto offers everything you need for a family visit, since the city has a complete tourist infrastructure with alternatives for young people, safety for children and entertainment for adults as well as little-known environmental attractions that will prevent you from getting into a rut in your vacations. More>

Misión de Nuestra Senora de Loreto – Mission founded in 1697, with museum of the history of Baja.

San Javier Mission – A 2-hour trek through the Sierra La Giganta Mountains to the Mission; original altar, furniture, colonial-era paintings are still in tact. Nearby: aboriginal cave paintings, & an oasis settleme

Isla Coronado – A 20 minute boat ride to the Volcanic Island; hiking, beach combing, & exceptional swimming

Primer Aqua – A Palm Oasis with natural springs; great for a picnic & swimming!

Sierra la Giganta Mountains - 30 km outside Loreto; Some of its walls are vertical and you can walk along the edge of the ravines.

Bahía Concepción - This long, protected bay with blue-green waters and several little coves can be visited from the highway linking this town with Mulegé. Mangrove swamps bordered by rugged hills surround Santispac beach, and at El Requesón there is an attractive white sand dune adjoining some rocks. At high tide, these rocks are surrounded by water, forming a little island.

Los Cabos Vacations (lows-KAH-bows) - San José del Cabo (S) & Cabo San Lucas (C)

Los Cabos is particularly attractive to families. Many of the resorts offer one or more bedrooms & organized programs for children. Outdoor recreation is Los Cabos’ main attraction. The area is renowned for its deep-sea fishing, excellent scuba diving, & snorkeling, and championship golf courses – a great combination for families with teens! Of course, Los Cabos has something for everyone – the “Spa Craze” has taken off in Cabo, with many first-rate European Spas offering an array of services. More>

Fossil Canyon Hike (C)  – An Indiana-Jones-type of adventure which allows kids to “discover” fossils and admire the desert flora & fauna

San José Estuary (S) – A freshwater lagoon where Pirates used to roam, now a game reserve with nearly 200 species of birds - Kayak rentals are available.

Really Big Fish (C)  – Head down to the docks at the marina around 2pm & see the catch of the day being unloaded

Glass Bottom Enchantment (C)  – Glass Bottom Boat tours depart throughout the day to unveil the underwater beauty of Bahía San Lucas

Glass Factory (C) – Watch your kids eyes bulge as they see Mexican Craftsmen turn melting goo into beautiful glassware & other items

Mazatlan Vacations (mah-saht-LAHN)

Mazatlan is one of Mexico’s most traditional and popular resorts, offering amusement and activities for the whole family. Its main attraction is its beaches, which can by enjoyed by children while adults sunbathe, play water sports or simply admire the gorgeous beach scenery. People of all ages will find something to entertain them on the jetty. In addition to its collection of corals and seashells, the Shell Museum shows videos of the reefs for children. A visit to the largest Aquarium in Latin America, with its fish tanks housing over 250 fish species, and various types of sharks will awe the whole family. We recommend a tour of Mazatlan Bay on the famous Yate Fiesta and a drive along the Circuito Panorámico, with its views that will delight children and adults alike. More>

Angela Peralta Theater - Built during the time of Porfirio Díaz and the site of cultural festivals in Sinaloa. In 1992, the theater was totally remodeled, although its 19th century neoclassic decoration, added during its peak of splendor, was preserved.

Aquarium – See over 50 fresh & saltwater tanks with sharks, eels, seahorses, lobsters, and over 250 species from around the world. Also, an interesting Sea Museum & trained seal show.

Pulmonías – For sightseeing, hop into a four-person open air taxi – actually a combination carriage/golf cart. Wherever you go – the ride will be half the fun!

Bullfights – An excellent Bullring open on Sundays (Christmas through Easter)

Puerto Vallarta Vacations (Pwer-toe Vah-YAR-tah)

Puerto Vallarta is a beach resort that combines art, architecture, music and traditions, which is why it offers something for the whole family. Children will enjoy its calm waters and sunny beaches, young people can play the water sport of their choice while adults can sip their favorite drink while they sunbathe or wander through the cobbled streets in the center or stroll along the jetty. Ecotourism trips are available to nearby areas where you can see the sea fauna and go horseback riding or cycling. Be sure to visit Rio Cuale Island and the replica of a 15^th century ship used by Christopher Columbus. There is an indoor entertainment center; mini-golf, horseback riding, guided bike rides, and clay are workshops. Great day trips with kids include Yelapa Island or the mountain retreats of El Eden or Chico’s Paradise. More>

Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe- The cathedral dome, a replica of the crown worn by Empress Charlotte in 1860, has become one of the symbols of the city.

Yelapa Boat Trip (2 hrs each way) – Have your picture taken with an iguana before hiking to a 150-foot waterfall surrounded by jungle!

Mayan Palace Aqua Park - waterslides, various pools, and a winding simulated river for inner tubing.

Splash Water Park – featuring the tallest water slide in Mexico, along with 8 other slides for kids of all ages. Also, a children’s area with water games plus a dolphin & sea lion show.

Sergio Bustamante Fine Art Gallery – NOT TO BE MISSED! Magical & mesmerizing life-size animals done in bronze, ceramic, and paper maché.

MORE MEXICO VACATIONS FOR FAMILIES!

Copper Canyon Vacations “Barrancas Del Cobre”

Copper Canyon, in the state of Chihuahua, is one of the best places for teaching children to admire and respect what nature offers and to value Mexico’s unique natural beauty. Added to this is the charm of the railroad, and in winter, the snow-covered scenery and log fires. More>

Guadalajara Vacations

Kids are everywhere! Don’t miss visiting the Plaza Principal, lined by the Cathedral with its pointed towers, the Palacio de Gobierno, with its murals painted by José Clemente Orozco and the Palacio Legislativo, a 19th century neoclassical construction. These buildings are just some of the many that grace the “Pearl of the West.”  Affordable lodging and dining in the historical downtown area puts you right in the middle of the action, with lots of shady city parks (Aqua Azul is extra special), a very good zoo, rodeos, (known as charreadas), and a fantastic folkloric ballet at Degollado Theater.  The “Tobolandia Waterslide Park” in Ajijic on the shore of Lake Chapala blends nature with family fun for a great excursion. The Salto de Juanacatlán (40 km south-east of the city) is where the river Grande de Santiago suddenly descends in the form of a spectacular waterfall. Further south is the village of Villa Corona, where magnificent bathing places with thermal waters have been built, such as Agua Caliente, Las Brisas and Los Chamulcos. Boats can be hired for crossing Atotonilco Lake, which lies next to the village. More>

Huatulco Vacations

If you are planning a family vacation to a golden beach and transparent waters but you want to avoid big waves so that you can introduce your kids to the great ocean, possibly for the first time, then Huatulco should be the first on your list of vacation spots. You can stick to the three of the nine bays that have hotel and services infrastructure, so you can feel totally secure about the well being of your whole family. You will be able to find the exact lodging, cuisine and facilities you require in the port of Santa Cruz, in Chavhué or in Tangolunda. There you will be able to take a bicycle ride or just walk through the shops that sell a wide range of Oaxaca handicrafts. The main attraction, of course, is the swimming, volleyball, taking a ride on the “banana”, or any of the other beach games; but the kids will undoubtedly want to don a mask and flippers to see the marvels of the multi-colored tropical fish, including globe-fish, sponges, algae and the fascinating corals found in these waters. More> 

Manzanillo Vacations

For families that want to mix relaxation with fun and learning, visit Manzanillo! Enjoy simple activities such as beach sports – football, volleyball, swimming, sailing – and then in the afternoon, taking a visit to the port so that the kids can observe the activities of the cargo ships and learn about the complex port infrastructure. The highlight of this visit could be a walk through the Álvaro Obregón Gardens under the shade of its tropical trees and a look at the surrounding shops, where the handicrafts made with shells and snails will catch more than one person’s eye. More> 

Playa del Carmen & Cancun Vacations

It will be impossible for you and your family to sit still at Playa del Carmen, as there are an infinite number of activities, ranging from sunbathing and swimming at the beach to water sports like windsurfing, sailing, boat rides, diving and snorkeling at the nearby reef. You can also take an excursion to Xcaret and swim with the dolphins. The Italian, French, Argentinean, Japanese and, of course, Yucatan cuisine is extraordinary and in the evenings, enjoy a pleasant walk along the Quinta Avenida with the fun and hospitality of local festivities. More>