Cancun is one of the most beautiful places to visit, especially with my family. It has incredible attractions, stunning beaches, and fun activities for kids and adults alike.
Planning a trip to Cancun with my family was exciting but overwhelming, with so many options to choose from.
I want to share some of the best things to do in Cancun for families that can make your trip unforgettable.
1. Explore Cancun’s Beautiful Beaches as a Family
Cancun is famous for its stunning white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. A visit to the beach was a must for our family vacation.
Most beaches are safe for families, with calm waters perfect for swimming.
Playa Delfines
One of the best beaches we visited was Playa Delfines. It’s known for its beautiful views and relaxing atmosphere.
There is a large open area where the kids played, and we set up a family picnic. The famous “Cancun” sign is also located here, making it an excellent spot for some family photos.
Playa Tortugas
Another great Cancun beach for families is Playa Tortugas. Its shallow waters are safe for kids to swim in, and there are plenty of activities, such as beach volleyball and snorkeling.
We loved that nearby restaurants made grabbing a bite quickly without leaving the beach.
Cancun Beach Activities
We enjoyed various beach activities, such as building sandcastles, snorkeling, and relaxing under an umbrella.
Parasailing was an exciting option for families with older children, providing a bird’ s-eye view of Cancun’s fantastic coastline.
2. Visit Interactive Museums and Cultural Sites
Cancun offers several interactive museums and cultural sites, perfect for families who want to learn more about the area’s history and culture.
Mayan Museum of Cancun
The Mayan Museum of Cancun was great for learning about Mayan history.
It featured informative and easy-to-understand exhibits, displays of artifacts, and kid-friendly learning areas.
This museum offered a perfect mix of education and entertainment for our family.
El Rey Ruins
We also visited the El Rey ruins, which are a must for our family.
Cancun is rich in Mayan history, and El Rey was a great place to introduce the kids to ancient cultures without traveling too far.
The site is not too big, making it perfect for young kids.
We walked among the ruins, saw the ancient stone structures, and even spotted iguanas living there.
3. Family Adventures at Cancun’s Eco and Adventure Parks
Cancun has several eco and adventure parks that are ideal for family fun.
These parks offer a mix of nature, adventure, and cultural experiences that appeal to all ages.
Xcaret Park
Xcaret Park is a natural theme park located just outside of Cancun.
It offers a blend of fun, nature, and Mexican culture, making it a perfect choice for everyone. [Check out booking options]
We enjoyed swimming in underground rivers, exploring tropical wildlife, and watching cultural performances.
The park also had an aquarium, butterfly pavilion, and even a Mayan village.
One of the highlights was the evening show, which featured traditional music, dances, and stories from Mexico’s history.
Xel-Ha Park
Xel-Ha Park is a natural wonder known for its snorkeling opportunities, lazy rivers, and natural pools. It was an excellent choice for our family since we enjoy water activities.
The park provided a safe environment for the kids to explore the underwater world, and there were plenty of places to relax for those of us who just wanted to take it easy.
Ventura Park
Ventura Park is an amusement park with rides, zip lines, and water slides perfect for our family.
It offers various activities for all ages, from thrilling rides for older kids to splash zones for younger children. You can book here.
4. Water Sports for Families of All Ages
Water sports are a big part of the Cancun experience, and families have plenty of options.
If you are a water lover, check out The 10 Most Exciting Water Activities to Try in Cancun.
Snorkeling
Cancun has excellent family-friendly snorkeling spots, such as Isla Mujeres and Xcaret.
These areas had calm waters perfect for beginners and younger children, allowing them to see colorful fish and underwater life.
Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
A glass-bottom boat tour was a great alternative for families with young children or older adults who may not want to snorkel.
We enjoyed seeing Cancun’s vibrant marine life without getting wet, making it easy and enjoyable for all ages.
Swimming with Dolphins
Swimming with dolphins was a unique and memorable experience for our family.
We visited Dolphin Discovery, and the kids loved it.
The professional trainers ensured the experience was safe and enjoyable for everyone.
5. Discover Cancun’s Kid-Friendly Animal Encounters
Cancun has a variety of attractions where families can interact with animals in a safe and fun environment.
Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA)
The Cancun Underwater Museum, or MUSA, is a unique attraction where we saw underwater sculptures.
We visited by snorkeling, and seeing how art and marine life combined beautifully was fascinating.
Croco Cun Zoo
Croco Cun Zoo is an interactive zoo where we had the opportunity to feed and pet different animals.
The kids loved getting close to animals like monkeys, parrots, and crocodiles.
Interactive Aquarium Cancun
The Interactive Aquarium Cancun was another fantastic spot for us. We touched starfish, fed stingrays, and even swam with dolphins.
The touch tanks were a big hit with the younger kids, as they got to experience sea life up close. It was an educational and exciting experience for everyone.
6. Day Trips and Excursions Near Cancun for Families
Cancun is surrounded by several unique destinations that are perfect for family day trips.
Isla Mujeres
We took a day trip to Isla Mujeres, a small island just off the coast of Cancun. The calm waters and laid-back vibe made it ideal for our family.
The ferry ride itself was fun, with stunning views of the ocean. Once on the island, we rented a golf cart, which was a great way to explore as a family.
Chichen Itza and Valladolid
A day trip to Chichen Itza was a must for our history-loving family. It’s one of the most famous Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico.
We joined a family-friendly tour, which provided a mix of education and entertainment.
On the way back, we stopped by Valladolid, a charming town where we experienced local culture and cuisine.
Tulum
Tulum is known for its beautiful beaches and well-preserved ruins.
It was a wonderful day trip for our family. We explored ancient Mayan history while enjoying stunning coastal views.
We opted for a guided tour to make the most of our visit.
7. Explore Cancun’s Family-Friendly Dining Options
Cancun has a variety of family-friendly restaurants that offer something for everyone.
Themed Restaurants
The kids loved dining at themed restaurants like The Pirate Dinner Cruise and Captain Hook.
These spots offered entertaining shows alongside the meal, making dinner fun for the whole family.
Local Mexican Cuisine
A trip to Cancun wouldn’t be complete without tasting authentic Mexican dishes.
We found many restaurants with family-friendly environments where we could enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine.
Trying new foods together was a fun experience for all of us.
Dining Spots with Play Areas
Some restaurants in Cancun cater specifically to families by providing play areas for children.
These spots allowed us to relax and enjoy our meal while the kids had fun in a safe environment.
Conclusion: The Best Things to Do in Cancun For a Family
There you have it, my list of best things to do in Cancun with families.
Cancun has so much to offer for a family vacation. Whether we were relaxing on the beautiful beaches, exploring exciting theme parks, or discovering Mayan history, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
By planning our activities, we ensured our family experienced the best of what Cancun had to offer.
The key to a great family vacation is finding activities everyone can enjoy together, and Cancun certainly has plenty of them.
One thing to always remember if you are alone or with your family is to be aware of scams.
Here is a great article: Top Scams in Cancun to Watch Out For.
So pack your sunscreen, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to create unforgettable memories with your family in Cancun!
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