Kid-friendly destinations in Mexico

At the beginning of spring, our need for vacations and sunshine is strongly felt and it is therefore the ideal time to dive into organizing our next solar adventures as a family ! At Mapache, we cultivate a real passion for travel and a change of scenery (find our latest travel diary by clicking here ). We believe that discovering a new culture has many benefits, whatever our age :)

So when we heard that a large number of our clients were mothers of young children... We obviously wanted to share our love of Mexico with them from a very specific angle: that of "family friendly" travel. In other words: going on vacation to places where your children will feel like fish in water , since the environment will be conducive to family activities! In other words, a great solution to avoid a host of inconveniences linked to traveling with children , which can sometimes become a wonderful nightmare...

Since the end of the health crisis and the gradual reopening of borders, we can once again allow ourselves to dream of faraway destinations . A real boon for backpacking tribes who have been able to expand their list of countries to visit with the kids. We know that there are two teams when it comes to traveling with children... There are those who believe that they won't remember anything, so why spend so much money on it? And then there are those who are convinced that immersion in the heart of another culture and another way of life is the best possible school. In this article, we will therefore address this second team in search of new horizons to discover as a family.

What you need to know before going to Mexico with your children

Your decision is made, you finally dare to take the plunge: your next family trip will rhyme with long-haul flight and absolute escape . To realize this big project that you will remember for a long time, you have a destination in mind, Mexico! An excellent choice ;)

The great thing about this country is that it has a multitude of different landscapes and an extremely rich culture . This way, you increase your chances of planning a program that will please the whole family! A heavenly beach session, a stroll through local markets, tasting traditional dishes, hiking in the jungle, visiting archaeological sites punctuated by captivating stories... The range of choices is diverse because Mexico is full of things to see and do. You will simply have to adapt your trip according to your desires, but what is certain is that your tribe will not be bored in this magnificent sunny holiday destination.

You've made your decision, but you're still feeling apprehensive. We often hear that Mexico is a high-risk country and that traveling with children isn't recommended. This concern shouldn't be taken lightly, of course, but be aware that while some regions are not recommended for travelers, many parts of the country are not dangerous because they're very touristy! And these are the places we're going to talk about in this article. However, we encourage you to carefully check the latest safety information before booking your trip.

Another essential aspect to consider when planning your solar adventure is choosing the time of year to go . In Mexico, the rhythm of the seasons is modeled on that of France. So there are no big surprises: it's hot in summer and cooler in winter. Avoid the Christmas period (to find out everything about Christmas traditions in Mexico, click here ) because prices are very high and there are more local tourists, as well as Holy Week, which corresponds to the Easter period in Mexico. July and August are also not recommended because of the rainy season. For the rest of the year, you're spoiled for choice!

To travel to Mexico, you and your children will not need to be vaccinated. In fact, universal vaccines are sufficient. However, you will need to be very careful of mosquitoes and equip yourself accordingly (repellent spray, soothing cream, mosquito net, etc.).

Finally, to complete your quest for information, our team recommends reading blog articles written by families who have already traveled to Mexico . Nothing is more effective than these feedbacks which will provide you with concrete and practical tips! At the same time, don't forget to also prepare your little ones for this great trip. The best option remains books about this beautiful country: the Mayans, Frida Kahlo... There are many approaches so that your children can get an idea of ​​what they will discover in a few months or weeks (and for you, dear parents, you can find our favorite books on Mexico right here ).

Our top 3 family destinations in Mexico

In this article, at the risk of disappointing you, we're not going to provide you with a complete, detailed road trip plan for your upcoming trip. Instead, we're going to outline the ideal destinations for exploring Mexico with your family, to help you choose the vacation spot that best suits you.

As we researched, three regions quickly stood out for the variety of activities offered on site, but also for the exceptional flora and fauna and the safety of the places. We hope you enjoy reading and that this journey through words will guide you!

For a relaxing break in the heart of nature: the Yucatan Peninsula

If, like us, you dream of fine sandy beaches, coconut trees and translucent waters , this part of Mexico will contain all the treasures you are looking for to punctuate your journey to the ends of the earth. Indeed, the southeastern coast of the country is located in the Caribbean, which says a lot about the exotic landscapes on offer! Now that we have set the scene (absolutely heavenly, supposedly passing), how will you occupy your time with your family in the Yucatan Peninsula?

This destination is ideal for families because it offers several possibilities and allows you to easily vary between relaxing under the umbrella and visiting must-see places. Admit it, it's a great option when traveling with children and the program can change from one minute to the next depending on your mood ;)

Take advantage of the morning energy to dedicate the first hours of the day to adventure with a capital A, the kind your kids love! You can start by following in the footsteps of Mayan legends by visiting the most beautiful archaeological sites (remember to buy your tickets the day before and arrive early in the morning to avoid the heat). Then immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the cenotes , these unique water wells in which you can swim! Continue with a visit to the nature reserves that will please young and old alike for their wild and authentic spaces. To end the day, treat yourself to a beach and sandcastle session with a view of a truly postcard landscape .

For a city and cultural getaway: Mexico City

Children are naturally curious , they love to discover new things and that's why their thirst for knowledge will be fully satisfied in Mexico City! Make no mistake: although it's the country's capital, this city is not just about tall buildings and heavy traffic. Indeed, the cultural richness that Mexico City offers is definitely worth the detour thanks to its neighborhoods with unique atmospheres and its many museums. We recommend you visit the Casa Azul , former home of Mexican icon Frida Kahlo, or the Museo de Arte Popular to discover local traditions and crafts. There's something to feed the curiosity of the whole family!

It will also be an opportunity to wander the city streets in search of great restaurants and family-friendly cafes . Note that Mexican cuisine is listed as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity , which is another reason to introduce your kids to new flavors and stimulate their senses. You can also take advantage of the markets in the heart of Mexico City to do some shopping and bring back some lovely souvenirs.

Want to end this city trip on a green note? Don't hesitate to visit Chapultepec Park, which is the true lung of the city with its beautiful vegetation. Another equally pleasant option: a stroll around the canals of Xochimilco, whose nickname "Little Mexican Venice" leaves no room for doubt as to the atmosphere that reigns in this festive district. And if you really want to escape with your tribe, know that the archaeological site of Teotihuacan is only 1 hour from Mexico City .

For a charming vacation: the colonial cities of San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato

This last destination is a real gem! Of course, this is not the region that comes to mind first when we hear about Mexico. However, if you are one of those families who prefer total immersion in the local culture, you will be completely seduced by the ambient authenticity of these colonial cities. Start your getaway in Guanajuato , a resolutely colorful city in which we love to get lost thanks to its maze of cobblestone streets. On every street corner, new treasures from Mexican culture emerge. We take the plunge into local life , in the heart of this student city with splendid architectural elements and a bohemian environment . Before continuing your journey, don't forget to take the funicular to admire the colors of the city from above.

In the same spirit, we strongly recommend a visit to San Miguel de Allende , a city even more charming and flamboyant than Guanajuato. When we visited it, it immediately reminded us of a Mexican version of our villages in Provence . In other words, if you like typical places and the warm mood of holidays in the south, you will love San Miguel de Allende . Like Guanajuato, the city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your kids will appreciate the pedestrian city center and the pretty squares that will allow them to frolic at their leisure. Once evening comes, the mariachis will sing their legendary songs and you will finally be able to say to yourself: "I am indeed in Mexico."

This article is already coming to an end – we hope that it has allowed you to travel remotely and that it has made you want to discover these three kid-friendly destinations :)

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