Often thought of as a resort destination that appeals to adventure-seekers and romance travelers, Cancun is actually a surprisingly family-friendly destination. The top family activities in Cancun allow you to soak up the natural beauty of this region of Mexico while enjoying once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will surely lead to lasting memories.
It can often be a big task to track down and find the right places on a trip for your family's needs and interests. Below are some great location suggestions for the best things to do in Cancun with kids.
1. Experience Ancient History at the El Rey Ruins
- Address: Hotel Zone, 77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico
- Cost: About $5
While any family trip should be filled with memorable moments and relaxing hours spent on the beach, there also should be a dose of history and culture incorporated into the experience. As such, visiting the Mayan ruins is considered one of the best things to do in Cancun with kids.
The El Rey Ruins are a smaller set of ruins that are considered to be more accessible for families who don't want to travel far from the Hotel Zone. These ruins feature remains of a royal retreat that may date back as far as the 13th century. Not only will your kids enjoy exploring the ruins and learning more about the ancient history of the Mayans, but they will surely get a kick out of the hundreds of iguanas who have invaded the ruins and made them their own home.
2. Embark on the Captain Hook Dinner Cruise
- Address: Kukulcan Boulevard, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
- Cost: About $80-$100 per adult, About $55 for kids
Allowing families to experience the Original Pirate Battle, the Captain Hook Dinner Cruise has become a beloved family tradition in Cancun. This larger-than-life, realistic pirate ship invites prospective pirates on board to enjoy a full meal as well as an interactive pirate battle, making it an immersive floating dinner show ideal for families of all shapes and sizes.
While this pirate-themed dinner cruise is marketed as one of the best kid-friendly things to do in Cancun, it's enjoyable for adults as well. Once on board, adults will enjoy a fine dining experience, choosing from meal selections such as New York Strip steak, lobster tail or grilled chicken. For the littlest pirates on board, there are typical kid-friendly selections such as chicken nuggets, pizza and hot dogs.
3. Enjoy the Thrills at Ventura Park
- Address: Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 25, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
- Cost: About $45 per person
For that classic family vacation experience in Cancun, head straight to Ventura Park, a well-known and well-loved water and amusement park.
Most families who head to Ventura Park are ready for a day of water slides, tubing and other wet and wild adventures, but this amusement park has several themed areas that will appeal to visitors of all ages and interests. While at Ventura Park, you may enjoy some of the following attractions:
- Wet 'n Wild World — Home to some of the tallest watersides in Cancun, this part of Ventura Park is favored among those looking for soggy thrills.
- Aaah. Ventura — Featuring a thrilling zipline circuit, this attraction is perfect for those seeking adventure.
- Fun World — Designed with the littlest Cancun travelers in mind, this area of the park includes a mini rollercoaster as well as a classic carousel.
4. Discover the Beauty of the Past at the Mayan Museum of Cancun
- Address: Blvd. Kukulcan km 16.5, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
- Cost: About $5 per person
Having opened its doors in 2012, the Mayan Museum of Cancun is one of the newest cultural attractions in the region and it quickly became considered one of the best Cancun kid-friendly things to do.
The museum itself was designed to blend in with the local landscape, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment. Inside the museum, visitors will find engaging and interactive exhibits that focus on Mayan history and culture. It boasts one of the largest collections of ancient archeological finds in the country, making it the perfect complement to any visit to the nearby Mayan ruins.
Most families spend about an hour or so exploring the exhibits, giving you plenty of time to add this stop to your itinerary. It's well worth the effort and will allow your Cancun vacation to be fun, relaxing and also educational.
5. Soak Up the Local Culture at El Parque de Las Palapas
- Address: 77500, Tulipanes LB, Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
- Cost: Free
El Parque de Las Palapas is a city park located in the heart of Cancun, showcasing the breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture of local life in this Mexican community. While so much of your Cancun vacation will likely be based on or near your resort, this park affords you the opportunity to live like a local. For live music, local shops and market stalls and some of the most delicious Mexican food in the city, be sure to bring your kids and spend a few hours enjoying this public square.
6. Go Snorkeling at Garrafon Natural Reef Park
- Address: Kilómetro 6 Carretera Garrafón Lt 9, 77400 Q.R., Mexico
- Cost: About $90 per person
Situated in Isla Mujeres just off the coast of Cancun, Garrafon Natural Reef Park is one of the best places to bring your kids during your Cancun vacation. This stunning natural park showcases the true paradise that is Isla Mujeres and visitors are able to spend hours snorkeling, kayaking and ziplining. For those who are looking for a bit of adventure, Garrafon Natural Reef Park is one of the best things to do with kids in Cancun.
7. Zipline at Selvatica — The Adventure Tribe
- Address: Ruta de los cenotes, Km 18, 77580 Puerto Morelos, Q.R., Mexico
- Cost: $70 to $140 per person
If you are looking for Cancun kid-friendly things to do within the jungles of Mexico, then be sure to visit Selvatica — The Adventure Tribe. This adventure theme park features thrilling activities that allow you and your kids to experience the wilds of nature. Some of the top activities at this theme park include ziplining, bungee swinging and off-roading. There are even several experiences and excursions that are exclusive to Selvatica, such as the aquazip, which combines the thrill of a traditional zipline circuit with the refreshing splashes of a water ride. Designed to get your heart racing as you explore the region's natural ecosystem, this theme park is unlike anything else found in Mexico.
8. Dive Down to the Cancun Underwater Museum
- Address: Quintana Roo, Mexico
- Cost: About $60 for adults, about $40 for children ages 4-11
Perhaps the most unique museum in Cancun — and possibly even the world — is the Cancun Underwater Museum, which is a collection of underwater sculptures that is maintained by an organization committed to conservation. Diving is one of the most popular ways to experience the underwater museum, but there are other options for those who may not be up for a dive, such as a glass bottom boat tour or snorkeling excursion.
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