The answer can be found in one of the many family-friendly hotels in Mexico, where you can enjoy nature, the beach, and the sun with your loved ones. A destination that offers relaxation for all ages—and also invites you to discover the art and culture of the city. A place where dream vacations come to life.
Riviera Maya, Cancún, Cozumel, Mexico City, Riviera Nayarit, and Chiapas all share a strong connection to the land, even in urban settings, and a deeply multicultural spirit. Read on to learn more about each of these family destinations, so all you have to do is focus on living the experience.
Paradise beaches for the whole family in the Riviera Maya
Akumal Beach
Akumal Beach, whose name means “place of turtles,” is a favorite nesting ground for several species of sea turtles that return to its shores every year to lay their eggs. It might just become one of your favorite places, too.
5 kilometers of soft sand invite you to slow down and forget about the clock. Bit by bit, you’ll leave routine behind and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. Thanks to its calm waters, Akumal is a safe and peaceful spot for swimming with children, building sandcastles, or taking long seaside walks.
Located just 35 kilometers from Playa del Carmen, it’s an easy escape with a tranquil atmosphere. Explore family-friendly hotels in the Riviera Maya and continue your journey up the coast, discovering more of Mexico’s stunning shoreline.
Playa Paraíso
Playa Paraíso is the kind of beach that comes to mind when you picture a postcard-perfect coast. With turquoise, crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful fish, fine white sand framed by palm trees, and a laid-back, indulgent atmosphere, it’s a magical setting—ideal for scuba diving or raising a cocktail as the sun sets. It’s also home to some of the best hotels in Mexico.
Iberostar Selection Paraíso Maya Suites sits right on Playa Paraíso, within a five-star resort designed entirely with your comfort and enjoyment in mind. With family-friendly Junior Suites, dedicated sports facilities, endless entertainment, and six pools (including a lazy river, waterslides, and a wave area), this All-Inclusive hotel in the Riviera Maya feels like home—only better. Themed restaurants, a wide-ranging activity program for all ages, and spacious areas for sports and play make it a place where every member of the family can truly unwind.
Xcacel Beach
Combine your stay at a beach hotel in Mexico with a day trip to unspoiled areas like Xcacel Beach, a marine reserve with limited, controlled access. Its sand dunes, covered in native vegetation, act as natural barriers that shield the coastline. Nearby, you'll find mangroves and palm groves—perfect for exploring on foot or by boat. This excursion also includes the chance to swim in an authentic cenote, Xcacelito, located just steps from the beach. If you're looking for more inspiration for your trip, be sure to check out these family-friendly activities in the Riviera Maya.
Natural wonders and jungle adventures in Chiapas
Mexico’s biodiversity
The Lacandon Jungle, also known as the Chiapas jungle, is a remarkable showcase of Mexico’s biodiversity. Spanning 1.8 million hectares, it stretches across the state of Chiapas, near the municipalities of Las Margaritas and Altamirano. Its powerful rivers—such as the Jataté and Perlas—along with its climate and geography, create the ideal environment for a wide range of species to thrive. You’ll find mahogany, various types of pine, oak, bari, and red cedar, along with more than 300 bird species, 70 land and aquatic mammals, freshwater fish, reptiles, and countless insects.
It’s a place where, if you’re lucky (and from a respectful distance), you might spot the majestic jaguar, cross paths with the elusive ocelot, or hear the call of the scarlet macaw echoing through the trees.
As you explore, remember the importance of approaching nature—and its inhabitants—with respect and responsibility, especially in protected ecosystems. Choosing sustainable hotels in Mexico not only supports conservation but also helps your children develop a deeper understanding of the environment and the role we all play in caring for it.
Mayan ruins nestled in the jungle
The Chiapas jungle has been inhabited for over a century by the Lacandon people, an Indigenous community from the Yucatán Peninsula and descendants of the Maya—hence the official name Lacandon Jungle. Originally settled along the shores of Lake Miramar, they held their ceremonies on an islet known as Lacan-Tun (“big stone”).
Since ancient times, the Lacandon have lived in harmony with their surroundings, following rhythms and cycles closely tied to nature and coexisting with the animals and plants that share their home. Their Mayan heritage is reflected in archaeological sites that radiate the same spiritual energy as Chichén Itzá, set amidst lush, vibrant vegetation. Among these are the ruins of Palenque, Bonampak, Yaxchilán, and Toniná—each one offering a window into an ancient world still alive in tradition and landscape.
Family fun in Mexico’s theme parks
Xcaret
Mexican culture and traditions are central to the experience at Xcaret, the eco-archaeological theme park in Cancún. It’s also a hub of adventure and interactive fun, perfect for families seeking active, quality time together during the holidays. With aquatic attractions, kids’ workshops, underground rivers, saltwater lagoons, lush trails, sports areas, music and dance shows, archaeological sites, museums, restaurants, and monuments, this park offers endless ways to enjoy Mexico.
Xel-Há
From Riviera Maya to Riviera Nayarit, family hotels in Mexico offer access to places like Xel-Há, a nature-based adventure park in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Home to diverse flora and fauna, the park features a stunning natural inlet, underground rivers, and coastal ecosystems. Kids will love the multi-adventure zone, and everyone will be amazed by the water attractions, especially the lighthouse with a spiral slide, now an iconic symbol of the park. Activities like snorkeling in cenotes, swimming alongside rays and manatees, and hiking nature trails will turn your visit into an unforgettable memory.
Culture and history in Mexico City
Papalote Children’s Museum
Mexico City’s Papalote Museum, also known as the Children’s Museum, is a dream come true for young explorers. Located in Chapultepec Forest, its interactive installations and exhibits in technology, art, and science are designed to inspire the imagination of children and adults alike. Highlights include family-friendly films and 360º immersive shows at the Domodigital Banamex. A visit here guarantees your family a fun and meaningful souvenir to take home in your suitcase.
Chapultepec Forest
After visiting the Papalote Children’s Museum, a walk through Chapultepec Forest—Mexico City’s green lung—is almost a must. This expansive urban park, often compared to Central Park, spans 866 hectares, making it the largest in Latin America and the fourth largest in the world. Located in the heart of the city, it’s home to cultural centers, museums, walking and picnic areas, sports facilities, three lakes, and more than 100 monuments.
It also contains archaeological sites of significant historical and cultural value, which is why it’s currently being considered for inclusion on Mexico’s list of UNESCO World Heritage candidates.
Frida Kahlo Museum
The enduring artistic and personal legacy of Frida Kahlo (did you know there’s even a tequila named after her?) continues to inspire new generations at her former home, now the Frida Kahlo Museum. The museum houses a permanent collection featuring some of her most iconic works, personal documents, everyday items, and part of her wardrobe. Temporary exhibitions also explore her life and highlight other local and international artists. Located in the Blue House, where Frida lived with her husband Diego Rivera, the space reflects the vibrant, expressive world the couple shared and worked in. Kids will love discovering the colorful universe of this groundbreaking Mexican artist.
Whale watching in Baja California
Some family plans are simply unforgettable, like spending a few days in Baja California Sur watching whales in the wild. These magnificent creatures, once endangered in Mexico, can now be observed ethically in their natural habitat thanks to ongoing protection and conservation efforts. Between December and April, whales migrate close to Mexico’s shores, offering a rare and awe-inspiring experience. The best way to see them is on a guided boat tour, often paired with snorkeling or diving for those seeking a more immersive adventure.
Cancún: Mexico’s must-visit destination
Cancún has a special kind of energy that captivates both kids and adults. Alongside its deep connection with nature and rich cultural heritage, the whole family can unwind and recharge with wellness activities, sports, and—naturally—the sea. In this corner of the Mexican Caribbean, boredom simply isn’t an option.
By staying at Iberostar Selection Cancún, one of the top family resorts in the area, you'll step into a world of endless beachfront fun. This five-star property offers family-friendly rooms, suites, and villas, all within a resort committed to sustainability. With its Star Camp kids’ program, 10 All-Inclusive restaurants and bars, a golf course, extensive sports facilities, a full-service spa, and 10 pools featuring a water park, this is a place where every member of the family will find something to love.
Riviera Nayarit: a paradise for little explorers
Traveling to Riviera Nayarit, the most mystical region of Mexico, will redefine the way you experience a vacation. Its idyllic beaches—perfect for snorkeling, diving, or surfing—its mangroves and tropical landscapes along the Sierra Madre, and its charming fishing villages like Sayulita, San Pancho, or Cruz de Huanacaxtle offer a glimpse into everyday rituals and a way of life deeply rooted in tradition. Altogether, they create a journey that is both transformative and enriching.
Iberostar Selection Playa Mita is one of those family-friendly resorts that leaves a lasting impression. Located in Punta Mita, at the heart of Mexico’s Pacific coast, this five-star resort blends outstanding service with authentic cultural experiences and a commitment to sustainable tourism. The legacy of the Wixárika and Cora peoples can be felt in everything—from the entertainment and wellness offerings to the locally sourced décor and gastronomy based on responsibly caught seafood and fresh, regional ingredients.
Cozumel and the world’s largest coral reef
The world’s second-largest coral reef system reaches the shores of Cozumel, shielding them from storms, filtering the water, and preserving the area’s ecological balance. This is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which includes Cozumel Reefs National Park and Palancar Reef, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. In this magical island setting, you’ll find endless opportunities to dive, snorkel, and observe marine life responsibly—all while reconnecting with your family and with nature.
Here you'll find Iberostar Waves Cozumel, one of the most highly rated family resorts on the island. This five-star hotel sits right across from the reef and is completely free of single-use plastics, like all Iberostar properties in Mexico and around the world. It also features a coral nursery, which guests can visit to learn about conservation efforts. There, the hotel’s in-house scientific team works to protect these delicate marine ecosystems and ensure the future health of our oceans.
