20 Things To Do In Cancun With Kids

Cancun is a beach and resort area on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula with year-round warm weather and warm waters. Millions of people flock to its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters each year. Families enjoy spending their vacation in Cancun because there are plenty of fun activities on land and water that are perfect for children of all ages.

There are thrilling activities like snorkelling with whale sharks and ziplining through the jungle for adventurous families with older children. Younger children will enjoy seeing wildlife or swimming in gentle waves. Keen to go? These are some fun things to do in Cancun with kids.

Cancun With Kids

20 Things To Do In Cancun With Kids

1- Have Fun At Xcaret

Xcaret Park is a popular Mexico-themed park with natural and cultural attractions that educate visitors about Mexico while offering entertainment, adventure and fun.

More than 50 family-friendly attractions at Xcaret include an aviary, coral reef aquarium, snorkelling, and a butterfly pavilion.

A big attraction for children aged 11 and under is the Children’s World, where kids have access to a safe world of adventure and exploration.

Water slides, tunnels, climbing nets, hanging bridges and cenote swimming are the perfect way to spend a day here.

Smaller children aged five and under can play in a wading pool or sandbox for perfectly pint-sized entertainment.

Xcaret Park is at Carretera Chetúmal Puerto Juárez Kilómetro 282, Solidaridad, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico. Skip the line and reserve your full-day ticket and night show to Xcaret Park. You can cancel up to 24 hours before you go.

2- Explore At Xplor

Xplor is an adventure theme park part of the Xcaret family, with fun activities for children aged five and above.

This park takes its adventure seriously and has many safety measures to create a safe and fun environment for its visitors.

An underground river with swimming and rafting, a giant water slide and two zip line circuits provide thrilling adventures for families.

Visitors can explore the jungle on ATVs while driving on narrow dirt roads through flooded caverns and across hanging bridges.

A fun hammock splash allows you to enjoy a zipline ride that ends with a splash into a cenote.

Xplor is at Carretera Chetumal, Puerto Juarez Km 282, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico. The entry ticket to Xplor includes these adventures.

3- Splash Around At Xel-Ha

Xel-Ha is a unique natural water park in the Xcaret family, a 90-minute drive from Cancun.

This park has family-friendly aquatic and terrestrial activities like snorkelling in a calm lagoon that has more than 90 species of fish.

There’s a system of trails through the jungle and a tall lighthouse with a view of the park.

A water slide provides an easy way to descend from the top of the lighthouse.

Xel-Ha even has a Children’s World, which is a fantastic place for younger children to enjoy playing in the water, climbing ropes or walking on a hanging bridge.

Xel-Ha is at Carretera Chetumal Puerto Juárez Km 240, locales 1 & 2, módulo B, 77780 Q.R., Mexico. Xel-Ha Park is slightly cheaper to enter than the other parks. A day pass includes a lot of value.

4- Get An Adrenalin Rush At Xavage Park

Xavage Park is an adrenalin park and the newest of the Xcaret family of parks.

This park is suitable for children aged five and above and offers a variety of activities that you won’t find in the other Xcaret parks.

Activities include horizontal ziplining, a ropes course, whitewater rafting, kayaking, speeding jet boats and a monster truck obstacle course.

Children ages five to eleven will enjoy the splash zone with water slides, waters buckets and a wading pool.

It’s a fun place for them to play while older children take advantage of the park’s activities.

Xavage Park is at Carretera Cancún-Puerto Morelos, km 307. Mza. 01 Lote 01-02, 77580 Puerto Morelos, Q.R., Mexico. When you visit Xavage Park, you’ll probably want to try everything. The all-inclusive admission ticket allows you to try seven exciting activities.

5- See The Marine Life At The Interactive Aquarium

The Interactive Aquarium in Cancun provides a wonderful way for families to learn more about the aquatic life found in Mexico’s waters.

There are about 1,200 species in saltwater and freshwater fish tanks containing many native Cancun species.

You can observe invertebrates at this aquarium and touch some of these in touch tanks.

You can view a few reptiles and marine mammals up close and interact with the bottlenose dolphins by swimming with them or even hitching a ride with one.

Kids aged eight and above can go on an underwater aquarium trek using a scuba breathing apparatus in the big fish tank.

The Interactive Aquarium is at Blvd. Kukulcan 12.5, La Isla, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Save money with the Go City Explorer Pass, as it’s a cost-effective way to enjoy three to 10 attractions that you can pick from a list of 40 attractions.

6- Spend The Day At Ventura Park

Ventura Park is an oceanfront amusement park in Cancun’s hotel zone, making it highly convenient for families staying in this area.

There are three different areas within this park.

The first area is the Wet n’ Wild waterslide park, with plenty of great water activities like a wave pool, lazy river and water slides.

The second area is the Ventura section which has zip lines, bungee jumping and go-kart racing.

The Dolphinaris area offers families an interactive experience with dolphin swims to give the kids an unforgettable experience.

Ventura Park is at Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 25, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. If you’re on a budget, Ventura Park is an affordable option. Here’s what you get with the price of your ticket.

7- Explore Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a short ferry ride across the Bahia Mujeres from Cancun.

Despite this island’s small size, there is quite a lot for families to do.

Families with young children enjoy renting a golf cart and driving around the island.

Playa Norte has one of the best beaches in Cancun for both swimming and playing in the sand.

Young children also enjoy visiting the Tortugranja Turtle Farm for interactive fun with turtles.

Families with older children may enjoy activities like snorkelling and swimming with whale sharks from mid-June to mid-September. Here’s a cruise to Isla Mujeres you may like. Skip the line and book this affordable catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres, with a bonus lunch included.

8- Visit The Dolphin Discovery Center

Dolphin Discovery is on the south side of Isla Mujeres and is a popular place for families with children of all ages to experience something unique.

Visitors will have a memorable experience interacting with dolphins, sea lions, stingrays, manatees and sharks.

Swimming with the manatees is an unforgettable experience. Find out what’s involved here.

9- Ride ATVs

In the Cancun area, several places offer ATV rides and other adventures that last around three hours and are suitable for kids aged eight and above.

Most tour companies will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to their jungle base.

Tours take you on an ATV ride through the forest, ziplining through the jungle canopy, rappelling into a cenote and then swimming in the beautiful blue cenote waters.

This epic adventure is a must-do for families for an unforgettable taste of the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungles before heading back to the beach. This half-day jungle activities tour is popular for families, so book early to not miss out.

10- Snap A Photo At Playa Delfines

Playa Delfines, which translates to Dolphin Beach, is one of the best beaches in Cancun.

There are no resorts or hotels along this stretch of sand, just white sands and turquoise waters.

Parking at this beach is free and there are lifeguards on duty.

You can rent chairs and umbrellas. There are clean restrooms and a playground perfect for children who might get tired of swimming or playing in the sand.

There are times when the waves are rough, so exercise caution when swimming here.

A beautiful, expansive view of the Caribbean Sea and large colourful letters that spell the word ‘CANCUN’ makes this a perfect place to snap a family photo.

Playa Delfines is at Punta Nizuc – Cancún 335, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico.

11- Relax At All Ritmo Water Park

All Ritmo Waterpark is a fantastic place for kids offering several activities perfect for adults and kids.

Several waterfalls and waterslides provide thrills that will cool you down.

There is a mini-golf course, a playground, tennis and ping pong.

A restaurant onsite and lounge chairs scattered around the park makes this a great place to relax all day.

All Ritmo Waterpark is complimentary for resort guests, while visitors pay $25 per adult and $15 per child under 12. Children under 4 are free.

All Ritmo Water Park is at Km. 1.5 Puerto Juárez, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico.

12- Set Sail On A Captain Hook Pirate Dinner Cruise

Set sail on a pirate ship for a night of family-friendly fun on the Captain Hook Pirate Dinner Cruise.

This fantastic cruise provides a wild night of entertainment and food that will please every member of the family.

An open bar provides parents with fun cocktails to drink while on board, and a nice dinner offers options for everyone.

Contests and dancing entertain kids and adults all night.

With exciting sword fights and cannon fire, the pirate show keeps everyone on the edges of their seats.

Purchase a bottle of alcohol to upgrade to VIP seating for priority boarding and a better view of the show.

Captain Hook Pirate Dinner Cruise is at Blvd. Kukulcan km.5-Km 5, Kukulcan Boulevard, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Skip the line and take the kids on this super-fun cruise now.

13- Go On A Cruise

Several dinner cruise options from Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Playa del Carmen combine activities like snorkelling, cocktails and watching the sunset.

Some of these experiences can be private for a small number of people, or you can join a larger cruise.

Cruises can last from three hours to all day, and activities may include snorkelling and gourmet dining.

14- Shop And Eat At Parque Las Palapas

No family trip to Cancun would be complete without shopping for souvenirs and Parque de las Palapas is a popular spot to hang out with kids and spend the day shopping for Mexican souvenirs at reasonable prices.

There’s a playground at the park and some activities for children available during the day.

In addition to the shopping and playing, there are many food vendors at this park day and night.

The food is excellent and inexpensive. Try the tacos, burritos, beer and churros.

Parque Las Palapas is at 77500, Tulipanes LB, 22, Cancún, Q.R., Mexico.

15- Meet The Animals At Croco Cun Zoo

Croco Cun Zoo is a small interactive zoo with guides that conduct tours through the facility.

You are introduced to the animals in either English or Spanish and the zoo offers interactive experiences.

You can touch and sometimes hold animals like baby crocodiles and snakes and feed the parrots and monkeys.

Children learn all about the animals they interact with from knowledgeable guides during the one-hour tour.

There is a cafeteria onsite and tickets are reasonably priced. Children aged five and under are free, ages 6 to 12 are $24, and adults are $34.

Croco Cun Zoo is at Km 31, Carr. Cancún – Tulum, 77580 Puerto Morelos, Q.R., Mexico. Skip the line and book your tickets here.

16- See Marine Life On A Glass Bottom Boat Tour

A glass-bottom boat tour is the perfect family adventure for children who are not strong swimmers or too young to snorkel in the ocean safely.

These tours offer the chance to observe coral, tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays and sharks without getting wet.

The boats are guided through a shallow coral reef area to allow visitors the same view they would have if they were snorkelling.

Some tours combine a boat tour with a sightseeing tour on land and a shopping trip to a market.

Kids aged three and under usually travel free on these tours. Find out more about what you might see on a glass-bottom boat tour.

17- Go On A Mayan Jungle Tour

Experience a blend of culture and adventure on a Puerto Maya jungle adventure.

The tour starts with a traditional Mayan ceremony and show, followed by a speed boat ride along a jungle canal in the Nichupte Lagoon.

After snorkelling on the Nizuc Reef, there’s a feast of Mayan cuisine, including tacos, ceviche and tostadas.

The Mayan market at Puerto Maya Cancun is a great place to visit before leaving as it has artisanal crafts and art for sale. Book your tour here.

18- Go Snorkelling At Playa Tortugas

Of all the public beaches along the Riviera Maya, Playa Tortugas is one of the most popular.

Located within Cancun’s Hotel Zone, this beach is close enough for resort guests in the area to access and hang out.

You can rent umbrellas and beach chairs by the day and there are plenty of eateries in the area that dish up ceviche, tacos and beer.

While Playa Tortugas does get crowded, that does not detract from its pristine white sands, gentle waves and excellent snorkelling opportunities.

The calm waters at this beach make it an ideal place to swim and snorkel with children.

Adventurous tourists can bungee jump above the waves at the end of the pier that extends into the ocean.

19- Tres Rios Ecopark

The Tres Rios Ecopark is south of Cancun, where three rivers join before flowing into the ocean.

This confluence is a scenic natural area in the lush jungle protected from development.

In addition to the winding rivers and jungle, several cenotes are in the 326-acre (131 ha) eco-park.

Many plant and animal species are within the jungle, mangroves, and coastal dunes in Tres Rios.

Families enjoy day trips from Cancun or staying overnight at one of the resorts next to the park.

Several restaurants around the park serve food all day.

Day-trippers only need a few hours to explore the jungle wildlife and enjoy a swim in the cenotes.

Tres Rios Ecopark is at Carr. Cancún – Tulum km 54, 77760 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico.

20- Explore Garrafon Natural Reef Park

A ferry ride from Cancun to the southern tip of Isla Mujeres will land you in Garrafon Natural Reef Park.

Families visit this park because it has something for everyone to enjoy, regardless of their age.

Snorkelling on the coral reef, kayaking, paddleboarding, and ziplining are fun activities for older children.

Lounging in the sand in beach chairs or hammocks, hanging out next to the beach bar or snack bar, swimming in the infinity pool, or playing on the playground are additional options for families with younger children.

Visitors to Garrafon can also hike to the nearby cliffs of Punta Sur that overlook the ocean.

Along the scenic path to the beautiful overlook, people will find a Mayan temple, a temazcal or steam bath, and a cave.

Garrafon Natural Reef Park is at Kilómetro 6 Carretera Garrafón Lt 9, 77400 Q.R., Mexico. Find out more about touring Garrafon Reef and swimming with the dolphins.