Family-Friendly Activities Near Cancun, Mexico

photo: vacationidea.com

The larger hotels and resorts have a variety of day camp activities for children 4-12. The programs have received many positive reports from parents who have utilized them. The cost is between $35-$45 per child per day.

Below is a list of activities for families with older kids.  For families with younger children and toddlers, simply enjoy days at the beach.  Young kids love sand!  Bring a kite, a plastic cup, and sand toys (and lots of sunscreen and shade)  and your child will be in sandbox heaven!!

To buy tickets to any of the recommended attractions, click here.

Xcaret
About 45 miles south. Travel to the park takes about an hour.
Buses depart daily from the XCaret terminal at 9 and 10am. Once a peaceful cove, it has been transformed into a waterside park with an ecological theme. It also has a scenic outlook point. Paths lead from there to the beaches, the cove, and the dolphin swimming area. Other paths lead to the lagoon and the underground river that is one of the park’s greatest attractions. At night there is a festive air that begins with a light and sound tour in the caves. This is followed by the recreation of a Mayan ceremony and a folk ballet presented in the amphitheater.

Other features include:
A butterfly habitat
An aquarium with tanks from different depths on the reef
Dolphin shows and swimming with dolphins
Jaguars and cougars
Several live shows throughout the day and evening
Underground river that you can float down
Botanical gardens
Riding stables
Recreation of Mayan village

ATV Jungle Tours
Playa del Carmen
987 31626
This is an adventure for a family with older children. Ride an ATV through Mexican jungle, past Mayan ruins, and snorkel in the clear water of a cenote (spring), ride on the beach. 4 guided tours daily, Playa del Carmen.

Alltournative Eco Tours
Playa del Carmen
987 32036
Unique guided eco tours of Mayan ruins, modern Maya villages, snorkeling, and adventures in Mexico’s natural wonders from Playa del Carmen, Cancún airport transfers also. This is another possible family adventure.

Scuba-Du Dive Shop
Cozumel
987 20322 x6845
Cozumel dive shop with special children’s programs.

Tank Ha Dive Center
Playa del Carmen
987 30302
Safe dive shop in Playa del Carmen. Snorkeling for all ages and diving and dive instruction for anyone over 12.

Tropical Water Sports
Playa del Carmen
987 31749
Playa del Carmen Mexico water sports center with diving, snorkeling, jet skis, banana boats, fishing, and family fun on beach in Playacar.

Sian Ka’an
5 miles south of the Tulum ruins on Boca Paila Road
(98) 87-3080
Admission free.
Call for information on eco tours
This is the third largest protected natural area in the country. It is a Biosphere Reserve consisting of 1,302,217 acres and encompassing a portion of the largest barrier reef in the word. A large variety of species of marine life inhabit the reef including the spiny lobster.

Ciao Bambino recommended kid-friendly places to stay in the Yucatan Peninsula:
Ceiba Del Mar
Esencia
Fairmont Mayakoba
Rosewood Mayakoba

Click here for more hotels in Cancun