The Best Places in Mexico for Families

Why should I go on a family vacation to Mexico?

Mexico is a country that’s impressed our parents as much as our pre-schoolers, which is no mean feat (we all know the complex task of keeping every family member happy on vacation). In practical terms, we love the short flight time from the US (with direct flights from most major US cities), which means there’s very little jet lag to navigate, too.

Once in Mexico, you’ll experience culturally immersive travel that’s meaningful and insightful, without it being overwhelming for children. Younger kids will love taking on the steps of Mayan ruins, identifying the textures of never-seen-before fruit and vegetables (crunchy, squishy, sticky), and feel proud of themselves when their Spanish phrases receive such an enthusiastic high-five from the people they meet. Older kids will love to witness the spectacle of lucha libre, the chance to swim with some of nature’s most beautiful marine life, and the charmingly chaotic restaurants that feel very different to home. 

Your family trip to Mexico is exactly that. Yours. So while the below is just a hint of why we love it, there’s so much for you to discover, too. Searching for the best vacation spots in Mexico for families? Here’s a little inspiration to fuel your wanderlust.

What are the best vacation spots in Mexico for families?

With canyons and coastline, ruins and reefs, our “big list” of the best places in Mexico for families is exhaustive. Here, we’ve narrowed it down to just a handful of regions, whether you’re looking to experience the soul-stirring energy of the capital, the wild waters and peaceful desert landscapes of the Baja peninsula, or one of the many, many long stretches of beach. As always, we listen to what you want, what your family wants, and stitch together a trip that feels distinctly “you”.

Mexico City

Cities and kids don’t typically sit comfortably together. Lots of friction. Not much fun. But things move differently in Mexico City, a sprawling capital where ancient history meets modern culture and space-age skyscrapers sit alongside decades-old markets. A stay here is crammed with moments to connect, to learn, and laugh as you navigate colorful neighborhoods, including San Rafael, Anzures, La Roman, and La Condesa, home to some of the city’s most storied taquerias and world-famous churros – delicious crunchy sugar-dusted outside, and warm, doughy insides.

You could witness the spectacle of lucha libre, or masked Mexican wrestling, take cooking classes with local chefs, and learn about everything from anthropology to art, with a guided tour around the world-renowned Frida Kahlo Museum. You can expect all that – and anything else you want to explore – on our Fiesta through Mexico vacation.

Yucatan Peninsula

You may have seen pictures of the beaches on the Yucatan Peninsula, with the sea so bright you’d swear it’s been photoshopped. But this is the real deal: water that is the zingiest shade of turquoise lapping onto dazzling white sand. It’s one of the best places in Mexico for families – not just for that beach, but for the culture, charming cities, and logistics (what family doesn’t love manageable driving distances?). 

Merida is the capital of the Yucatan. It’s a city that will fascinate everyone in the group. Even the kids. Especially the kids. With live music, folkloric dance shows, exciting toys in the mercado, pretty parks, and delicious helado, it’s a city that feels hugely exciting for children, and refreshingly easy for parents. Nearby, the steep pyramid that is the sacred Maya site of Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is the place to unearth mystical rituals and swim in its sacred cenote – a jade-blue pool of water, surrounded by limestone cliffs and jungle. 

If there’s one place that’s always a hit on family vacations it’s the beach, but the beautiful palm-fringed sands of the Riviera Maya do things a little differently. It’s here that you can spend culture-packed mornings exploring ancient sites. On the edge of a wave-lashed cliff, Tulum is one of the most famous, but the flora and fauna around the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve also demands a visit. Long, lazy afternoons call for sandcastle building and wave jumping, but there’s more to discover in the water, snorkeling in coral teeming with marine life and observing huge sea turtles along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Our Yucatan Peninsula vacation takes you through the region in suitably Black Tomato style: slumbering in the region’s best hotels, swimming in sacred pools of water, and sailing alongside the pristine reefs of the Riviera Maya on your own private catamaran.

Baja California

Long, sun-soaked days by the ocean, abundant see-it-to-believe-it marine life, vast desert landscapes without a soul in sight: the untamed beauty of Baja California makes it one of our best vacation spots in Mexico for families. Active and adventurous? Even better. 

It’s here in the Sea of Cortez – also known as the “world’s aquarium” – that you’ll discover one of the most fascinating and fulfiling destinations in the world, both for budding marine biologists and anyone with even a casual appreciation for the incredible marine life that calls this coastline home. Memorable marine encounters are served up daily: you can snorkel through rainbow-colored coral gardens, swimming staggeringly close to gentle whale sharks in their natural habitat. On another day you can hop into a kayak, paddling alongside playful sea lions and exploring hidden coves only accessible by water. Forget school text books – this is the world, brought to life, and a chance to appreciate the role of the ocean ecosystem and our impact on it. 

Our carefully crafted Mexico: Ultimate Family Marine Adventure is an eye-opening journey through the ocean and land here. It combines blissful beachside relaxation with underwater adventures – like snorkeling with a whale shark researcher and sailing for several days on your own private boat. It’s a trip that will stay with your family long after you return home – with a head full of facts and a passion for preservation that will help your kids make their mark on the world.

Oaxaca

Generations of chefs and artists have made their home in Oaxaca, a vibrant city located in a valley in the south west of Mexico. Today, Oaxaca exists as a hotbed of exciting culinary options – from some of the most creative and contemporary restaurants in the city to old-school institutions serving up great great great grandma’s 30-ingredient-strong mole. 

A visit here isn’t just for devout foodies, but for those that know that food – and eating – is one of the most exciting and engaging ways (especially for kids) to learn about a country’s culture. This is a place where centuries-old culinary traditions are lovingly preserved and celebrated: and the indigenous heritage creates an unusual and unique flavor profile that you won’t find anywhere else in the country. 

Intrigued? Dig out your stretchiest pants and let one of our expert guides show you the food lovers route. You’ll take part in immersive cooking lessons with a top local chef – a morning that will have you exploring a bustling local market to learn about local ingredients like chocolate, mole, and chapulines, before you return to the kitchen to bring it all together, creating family-style dishes that you’ll be ready to recreate back home. On another day, you could explore the ancient Zapotec ruins at Monte Albán, which is still considered a sacred site by shamans. You’ll see ex-monasteries and artisanal markets, where you can shop for authentic souvenirs hand-made by local artisans, before lunch in a family-run restaurant that’s famous for its mole, made with almonds and olives.

Our Mexico City & Oaxaca Eater Journey is a meal-by-meal tour of the country which – as with all our vacations – can be tailored to tie in with your family trip to Mexico.

What are the best family-friendly activities in Mexico?

From the coastline to the city, beaches to backstreets, on a family trip to Mexico, your kids will be happily busy – without a hint of boredom. Then there are our signature Black Tomato experiences: the activities that elevate your vacation, uncover even more, and show you another, rarely seen side of the best vacation spots in Mexico for families. They’re the “wow, did we really do that” moments that make our Mexico family vacations truly extraordinary. Here are just a handful.

Cook up a feast at a family culinary workshop

Keeping all generations of the family happy on vacation is a challenge we are happy to be tasked with. Our first suggestion? A family cooking workshop – a hands-on, pleasingly messy morning that delights kids for several happy hours. 

This workshop in Oaxaca doesn’t just introduce you to the ingredients and flavors of the 16 ethnic groups that live in Oaxaca, but it also teaches you the fundamentals of Mexican cooking and techniques, many of which date back to the pre-Hispanic period. Your guide? A top local chef,  Oscar Carrizosa. He’ll take you into the local market where you and your family will absorb the sights, smells and exchanges of chilis, vegetables and spices, before you return to the kitchen, ready to make your salsas, tortillas, soap, Mexican mole and a dessert. Younger kids will love having a chance to chop, squash and grind in the pestle and mortar before identifying textures of each dish, while older tweens or teens will expand their palette with punchy flavors and authentic versions of dishes they may never have thought to try back home. 

They say that creating something together is one of the best ways to bond, and this workshop proves that to be true. It’s just one element on our Eater Journey through Mexico – a delicious deep-dive into all things food and drink. 

See the Anthropology museum after hours

There are museum visits and then there are Black Tomato museum visits – exclusive after hours tours of the most famous collections in the world, seen after the crowds have dispersed. The National Anthropology Museum in Mexico City is the country’s most visited museum, and you and your family can have it all to yourself. With an expert guide by your side, you’ll stroll through the collections of Mesoamerican artifacts, hearing the secrets of these cultures in the quiet halls, with the opportunity to ask as many questions as you like. As you go, you’ll absorb the tales of the five suns, a cornerstone of Aztec mythology, uncover the rules and rituals of a Mesoamerican ball game and peer into the tomb of King Pakal. And if there’s anything your kids are particularly fascinated by, the guide will tweak the tour to make sure that’s covered.

It’s an intimate encounter that will deepen your understanding of the diverse cultures that have shaped this nation, and just one part of our 12-night Fiesta Through Mexico journey, that, as always, can be tailored to your family’s every whim.

Explore the southern suburbs

The adults in the group will love the art and history of this southern suburbs tour, whereas the younger family members will love hopping on a colorful trajinera boat, gliding along ancient canals, spotting the vibrant colors on neighboring boats. On this insider experience, your family will have the chance to learn about the floating gardens of Xochimilco – the ancient field systems that have been used to grow crops sustainably for centuries, and ignite the senses at Mercado Coyoacán – a loud and lively market where you’ll feast on authentic Mexican market dishes, like pumpkin flowers and huitlacoche. Along the way, there’s also a chance to explore the rooms and gardens of  Frida Kahlo’s former home, Casa Azul. The legendary artist’s house is full of mementos, paintings, and personal possessions, and is a true representation of her home in her time.

This day out is just one example of how we can make Mexico family vacations work for everyone; it’s a tried and tested day out that we loved on our own family trip to Mexico – and we still think back to the quiet moments of connection it created. It’s just one part of our Fiesta Through Mexico adventure – an unforgettable trip that weaves together some of the most diverse regions and experiences in the country.

Float over the Teotihuacán pyramids

One of the best ways to help our kids learn? Experience the unexpected. A private hot air balloon trip over the Teotihuacán pyramids is an unforgettable family vacation moment that gives a breathtaking perspective on a rarely seen ancient city. As dawn breaks, you’ll witness the Sun and Moon pyramids emerge from the mist, and get a unique view of the intricate layout of this vast archaeological site. After a thrilling landing, you’ll sip sparkling wine or fresh juice while feasting on a traditional Mexican breakfast. Then, with an expert guide by your side, you’ll explore the ruins on foot, pausing at intricate murals and detailed carvings that give glimpses of the daily life of Teotihuacán’s ancient inhabitants. This isn’t a history lesson, it’s an unforgettable way to experience one of Mexico’s most significant archaeological sites – and you’ll soak it all in with your closet family by your side. It’s just one element of our Fiesta Through Mexico vacation that we’ve stitched together to combine opportunities to learn with staggering amounts of fun.

Witness the spectacle of lucha libre

More than just a sport, lucha libre is a thrilling fusion of athleticism and theatrics that perfectly captures the essence of Mexican passion. In the vast space that’s Mexico City’s Arena Mexico you’ll watch, mouth agape, at the physical storytelling that makes a lucha libre match so magnetic. To help you understand the complex narratives playing out in the ring, you’ll have an expert Black Tomato guide with you, who, as well as explaining exactly what’s going on, will be making sure you try plenty of local snacks, with a side of mezcal, of course. It’s a classic “do you remember when we did that” vacation moment that will prove to be a hit with teenagers as much as adults. And, if you’re keen on similarly action-packed experiences, we can include it on your bespoke family trip to Mexico, which will help you see the country in the most unusual and immersive of ways.

Snorkel with sea lions at Espiritu Santo Island

More than just a thrilling snorkeling session, this adventure highlights the importance of preserving delicate ecosystems – an exciting and important lesson for everyone in the family, especially curious kids. In your own private skiff, with an expert naturalist on board, you’ll make your way to Espíritu Santo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off La Paz in Baja California. This marine sanctuary is home to multi-colored fish, sea birds, and a lively sea lion colony, that you’ll be diving into to snorkel with, with your guide making sure it’s a safe, respectful interaction. Wide-eyed by that encounter, you’ll then kick back on a secluded stretch of sand for a gourmet picnic. Cue: slow strolls along the shoreline, swims in topaz-green water, and a chance to connect to this unique ecosystem that few get to encounter.

Explore the heavenly Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve on the Yucatan peninsula was named by the Mayans as “The Place Where Heaven Begins”. Partly, it’s said, because of the way the dazzling blue channels reflect the sky, and partly because of the reserve’s otherworldly beauty. With an expert guide by your side, you’ll set out to explore a corner of this intricately linked marine, coastal and terrestrial ecosystem – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s quite rightly one of Mexico’s largest protected areas – by kayak. Your guide will lead you through canals carved by the Mayans, temples one used on trade routes, while pointing out crocodiles, manatees, and dozens of species of bird. A short jungle hike (perfectly manageable for little legs in the group) will get you an up-close look at the remains of a Mayan temple, before you sink into the water for a refreshing float along a kilometre-long float along a highlighter-blue, fresh-water channel that curves through the wetlands. All that exploring calls for a freshly caught seafood feast in a buzzy local restaurant, followed by a blissful few hours on a palm-fringed beach. Looking to experience one of the best places in Mexico for families? This is it.

Play scientist at an ice age laboratory

Your kids may have touched on the ice age in school  – that point in time when our planet went through a 2.5-million-year period of dramatic cooling. This half-day excursion, part of our Field Trip adventures, brings that chilly chapter to life, with a fascinating, personalized tour through an Ice Age laboratory, the Instituto de La Prehistoria de America, on the Yucatan Peninsula. Your expert guide is adept at tweaking their tour to the ages and interests of the group – simplifying complicated processes and making facts fun, helping you and your family understand the archeology of the area, while learning about the ancient Maya, their religious practices and spiritual beliefs. There’ll be a chance to analyze plant and animal fossils and learn about the huge animals that lived on earth thousands of years ago, and if any keen archeologists are keen to get out of the lab and into the “field”, we can swap the laboratory visit for a trip to a cenote, where you’ll recreate how artifacts and remains were found. 

Swim with shimmering schools of fish at Cabo Pulmo

This family-friendly adventure begins with a scenic drive to Cabo Pulmo, a remote, rarely visited village on the pristine East Cape of Baja California. It’s a gateway to a global treasure: the most fiercely protected coral reel in the Eastern Pacific. And you’re here to see it. You’ll head out on your own private boat for a full day of exploring – slipping on your snorkel and fins and leaping into the sparkling waters of the National Park, where your naturalist guide will take you on a once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling tour, where reefs teeming with shimmering schools of fish. You’ll be craving something delicious after all that swimming, so we’ll take you to a secluded beach where you can feast on a freshly prepared lunch. More than a sun-soaked beach day, this fun and educational adventure will live on as a core family vacation memory, and can be part of your own tailormade trip which stitches together our very best vacation spots in Mexico for families.

At Black Tomato we know that every family is different, and that every family vacation in Mexico needs to be different, too. Our kids have helped us design family trips to Mexico that are real crowd pleasers – for all of you. But as always, everything can be tailored to your family’s specific brief. The result? Something extraordinary. And extraordinarily “you”.