The Riviera Maya and the Yucatán Península are considered the vacation Hot-Spot of the Mexican Caribbean, perfectly suited for adults looking for a break from the stressful daily life and for all the little ones who eagerly await their Winter Holidays and Spring or Summer break.
I made you a list of the most exceptional activities to do as a family on your next visit to the eternal summer of the Riviera Maya.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION
At every Beach Town across Riviera Maya, all the way to the tip of the country in Mérida, Yucatán you can find endless accommodation options from All-Inclusive Hotels to Airbnb or vacation rentals, at the later you can have your home away from home, while at the first you’ll be greeted by a staff willing to spoil each family member and plenty of amenities, restaurants with varied food styles and specialized menus, swimming pools, spas, and lots of entertainment.
Either way, there are so many to choose from that you will surely find one that suits both your budget and your vacation plan.
KIDS & TEENS CLUBS AT RESORTS
Photo by Yulianito Poitier
Most hotels have areas for the youngest family members with daily activities programmed by the entertainment staff. Starting with handcrafts, soccer, or water volleyball, and even Spanish or cooking lessons.
These majestic hotels usually have multiple-depth swimming pools suitable for all ages, you can even take swimming classes or introductory snorkel lessons. Little ones, young ones, and adults can spend all day at multi-level water attractions with awesome water slides and playgrounds.
For the not-so-little ones, there are more exciting activities, like testing their skills on the latest PlayStation games and gadgets or giving pool or ping pong a shot.
For all these activities parents can usually stay and play with their kids but if they are older than 4 years old they can leave them for a while with the trained staff.
WAIT! On top of all these exciting activities, some of these Resorts have their exclusive water parks included with your booking!
KIDS FAVORITES
Nickelodeon Resort & AquaNick
Fairmont Mayakoba
Hard Rock Riviera Maya and Water Park
Sandos Caracol Resorts and Aquapark
Xcaret Hotel Mexico and Waterparks
BEACH TOWN FUN
Let’s say your family desires to experience the local lifestyle and rather go for something more private, like an Airbnb or a Vacation Rental, in that case, you might find some of the amenities found at hotels, plus more rooms, cribs, playgrounds, and private pools but other activities must be booked in advance, separately, and with some extra fees.
PUBLIC PARKS
Source: Parque La Ceiba
Every city and town in Riviera Maya holds many public plazas, parks, and markets where tourists and locals can shop for handcrafts, and great traditional food, and enjoy daily activities or seasonal festivities. Most places have safe playgrounds for children to enjoy, and make new friends!
KIDS FAVORITES
Las Palapas Park, Cancun
La Ceiba Park, Playa del Carmen
Plaza 28 Julio, Playa del Carmen
Centenario Park and Zoo, Merida
LET’S GO SWIMMING: BEACH TIME!!
The wide Mexican Caribbean coastal side is the perfect playground for the whole family. You can enjoy the relaxing sound of the waves, build a sand castle, and gaze leisurely at the horizon and from one moment to the next you can be sailing at full speed on a jet ski or a parasail.
As a fishing town, Playa del Carmen is the perfect spot to book a yacht trip with the whole family! Guided by local fishermen who will take you fishing for dinner, you can go home with a Mahi-Mahi, a snapper, or a barracuda. Do you want to add a little more adrenaline? You can opt for spearfishing, one of the most local and fun activities.
Photo by Skyler Sion
Also, we can find a few pet-friendly beaches and specialized beaches for people with special needs so that any family member is left without the opportunity to swim and enjoy their vacation!
KIDS FAVORITES
Playa Pelicano, Playa del Carmen (Inclusive)
Las Perlas Beach, Cancun (Inclusive)
Playa 72 Pet Friendly, Playa del Carmen
Fishing & Spearfishing
Paddle Board
ADVENTURE-WATER PARKS
If your family is willing to take your vacations to a whole new level, water parks are always a great idea. The jungle, ocean, cenotes, and wildlife of the Riviera Maya are all put together in these Eco-Adventure Parks.
Most of these parks offer amazing cultural and adventure activities for the adventurous little ones and the not-so-little, like underground rivers, animal exhibits, swimming with dolphins or sharks, jungle, and aquatic zip-lines.
To spice things up, visit Xplor or Xavage and venture into the only rafting circuit of the Peninsula, take the wheel of a monster truck on an obstacle course, feel the speed aboard a jet boat with amazing 360° turns, and swim inside ancient Stalactite caves.
source: karismahotels.com
The newest addition to the family is Aqua Nick, the Nickelodeon water park!
Experience a day of family-friendly fun at a sprawling six-acre Nickelodeon-themed water park, home to over 500 meters of adventure and lazy rivers, surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Whether you’re looking to get Slimed with the whole family or conquer dizzying slides at Soak Summit Tower, you’ll find limitless ways to enjoy unforgettable experiences.
KIDS FAVORITES
Xcaret
Xel-Ha
Yal-Kú in Akumal
Xenses
Xplor and Xavage
Jungala Aqua Experience by Vidanta
MORE FAMILY FUN
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
source: Captian Hook
AYE! The Mexican Caribbean was home to a few pirates back in the day, and your family can enjoy a fun pirate-theme experience aboard the Capitan Hook or the Jolly Roger, authentic replicas of Spanish Galleons! Enjoy a dinner and pirate show while sailing in Caribbean waters attended by a group of pirates who will surprise you with epic pirate battles making you feel part of this exciting adventure.
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AT VIDANTA
source: proximodestino.net
Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey of epic proportions as you immerse in a fusion of exquisite high-end cuisine and majestic performances. Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ at Vidanta Riviera Maya will transport you through lush jungles, breathtaking seascapes, and magical tales of the past.
ESCAPOLOGY
source: tripadvisor.com
Riviera Maya’s original premium real-life escape game experience! Escapology is located in a prime spot in Riviera Maya at the Hardrock Hotel, up to 8 players will be challenged in this new attraction by working together to find clues, solve puzzles, and pick locks that will free them from the game room. Choose the Kids Mode to enjoy kid-friendly experiences!
ATLANTIS SUBMARINES COZUMEL
source: Atlantis Submarines Cozumel
One of the best-kept secrets of the beautiful Island of Cozumel is The Atlantis submarine XII, powered by batteries and the only one of its kind in Mexico. An experienced crew will take you on a unique adventure through the spectacular natural scenery of the Chankanaab Reef, which is part of the Mesoamerican Reef System, one of the largest living structures on the planet, and is home to fish, lobsters, rays, sharks and turtles. You will also be able to explore the largest sunken ship in the area, the Felipe Xicoténcatl, a 56-meter ship that served the Mexican Navy and in 2000, was sunk to enrich the life of this Protected Natural Area and preserve it for future generations, today, it is home to fish, sponges and soft corals.
Hopefully, your family can find this Family & Kid-friendly Guide useful for your next visit to Riviera Maya!
See you soon, folks!
-Aunt Abbey
