The best things to do on a family trip to Mexcio!

Over the past few years, my family has explored many awesome destinations across Mexico. From the Baja California Peninsula to the Yucatan Peninsula, we’ve discovered some incredible spots for your next family trip to Mexico!

In this blog post, I’ll divide Mexico into three regions and highlight the top activities, ensuring your family has an incredible family trip to Mexico!

Baja California Peninsula

Embark on unforgettable family memories by driving down Baja or flying into San José Del Cabo on the West Coast. Discover kid-friendly hotels like Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos in San Jose Del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, ideal for the whole family. For the best places to EAT in Baja California check out this blog post!

Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos Baja California

Enjoy a free stay at Hyatt Ziva by using credit cards for everyday purchases. Learn more in our post!

Hyatt Ziva offers numerous amenities, including kids clubs, perfect for keeping your little ones entertained. Plus, if you’re usually around water, the resort’s water park and water slides provide an added bonus for endless fun!

The kids’ club swimming pool area features an expansive water park playground with bucket splashes and thrilling water slides, offering endless fun for both kids and adults. Additionally, there’s a separate shallow pool for younger children who are still learning to swim.

Tours and attractions to look out for include

Cabo Fun

They’re a prominent tour operator in the region, and we’ve relied on them for our excursions. Trustworthy and well-established, they’re a legitimate choice in Cabo. Also, check with your all-inclusive resorts, as they may have exclusive partnerships offering better deals through their concierge.

Whale Shark Tours

Check out our separate blog post detailing our whale shark tour experience. Lasting a few hours, you’ll witness many whale sharks in La Paz Bay, where they gather during winter to give birth!

Embark on your adventure in the morning when the waves are calm, ensuring a smoother experience. If winds subside later, extend your day to swim with sea lions. Keep watch for sea turtles as you explore the area. For a step-by-step guide for the whale shark tours check out this blog post!

Whale Watching

Experience the magic of whale watching along the Baja California Peninsula and Pacific Coast. Each winter, whales migrate from northern latitudes to Mexico’s warm waters, where they birth their young in the tranquil bays and coves.

Embark on a thrilling whale watching adventure in Mexico! From grey whales to humpbacks, and even orcas and blue whales in the Sea of Cortez, the opportunities to spot these magnificent creatures are endless. Join us for an unforgettable experience!

Sunset Boat Tour

Explore the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas with boat rides! Choose from various motor boat options that offer trips to the beach before or after admiring the arch’s beauty.

Embark on a thrilling boat ride with a Pirate Ship Sunset Dinner and Show aboard the Buccaneer Queen in Los Cabos! Enjoy a sunset cruise to The Arch of Cabo San Lucas, perfect for children of all ages.

As you experience the ultimate sunset cruise aboard the pirate ship, the night will be complete with fire-dancing shows and an open bar for adults. Indulge in dinner on select cruises and enjoy an unforgettable evening at sea!

Wild Wet Fun Water Park

Wild Wet Fun Water Park is one of the only theme parks in the Los Cabos area. We have wanted to visit the water park in the mountains for a while now and is the perfect place to escape the bustle of the city for a long day in the water park. This is one of two water parks in the Cabo area. 

The water park boasts numerous water slides and nine distinct themed areas, providing ample entertainment for families. It’s a fantastic spot for quality time, complete with food options like any other theme park.

Cañón de la Zorra

For a family adventure to a remote waterfall in Baja, this spot is a must-visit. We drove our truck from La Paz and back in a day, navigating a well-maintained dirt road that’s easily manageable even in a rental car.

The entrance fee was minimal, and the hike down to the creek was stunning. The water originates from a spring further up the mountain. We chose a quiet day to visit, so it wasn’t crowded, making for a truly enjoyable experience.

As we left, we took a moment to observe the animals on the property. The goats, though in a pen, were curious and approached us. Meanwhile, the geese and peacocks roamed freely. The turtle pond was particularly popular with kids, as it was teeming with them.

Todos Santos Baja California

Todos Santos is a charming destination known for its warm hospitality and attracts many winter vacationers from the USA and Canada.

Indulge in luxurious resorts, savor delicious meals at top-notch restaurants, and enjoy live music at various bars and eateries for an unforgettable family getaway in Todos Santos. We stayed at the Mucho Bueno hotel, if you want to read more on the hotel check out this blog post!

If you want to find the BEST beaches in Baja check out this blog post!

Tropic of Cancer Memorial

If you’re traveling between Los Barillas and San Jose Del Cabo, make a quick stop at the Trópico de Cáncer memorial. It’s a great place for snapping some pictures and stretching your legs. Plus, there’s a bathroom available.

This pit stop marks the latitude where the sun is directly overhead during the June solstice. It’s a nerdy, sciencey stop, perfect for enthusiasts. While not one of the main tourist attractions, it offers a unique experience for those interested.

World Class Surfing in Baja

Baja offers numerous spots for surfing and water sports. Shipwrecks, Cerritos, and Scorpion Bay are popular surf destinations. Winter swells from the north dominate the Pacific Ocean, while Scorpion Bay is ideal for south swells.

Water Sports in Baja California

Los Cabos offers a plethora of water activities. One of our favorites is watching windsurfers ride the gentle waves along the beautiful beaches in the South Cape area.

Addy, our friend Cammi, and I had a blast snorkeling at the Cabo Pulmo Reef one afternoon from our sailboat. It’s part of the UNESCO world heritage site network, and we saw a massive school of Trevally fish along with colorful reef fish.

Sport fishing is a popular activity in the area, with the best time to catch certain fish species varying throughout the year. For Marlin, October is prime time, while Yellowtail can be caught all winter. Tuna is available year-round on the Pacific Coast, with certain months offering better chances.

Riding Camels Baja California

You and your family can embark on a unique adventure riding camels on the beach, a one-of-a-kind experience between Todos Santos and Los Cabos. Your kids will love exploring the coastline during this memorable tour, unlike anything else in Mexico or North America.

During our camel safari, we spotted horses in holding pens, indicating horseback riding is also available at this location. While camel rides offer kid pricing, it seems horseback riding does not, based on online information. 

La Paz Mexico

Explore La Paz’s vibrant city center and malecón area with your family. Take a sunset stroll along the boardwalk for stunning photo ops and enjoy the white-sand beaches. Discover multiple parks along the 5-mile stretch, perfect for family fun.

Experience the family-friendly atmosphere and vibrant culture of La Paz, often overlooked compared to Los Cabos. We had a blast at the La Paz Carnival, immersing ourselves in Mexico’s lively traditions and vibrant culture.

Mainland Mexico

Mainland Mexico offers a wealth of historical sites to explore. Our journey from La Paz to Mexico City, then onward to Leon, revealed surprising and memorable sights. Starting from Leon, we drove to Mexico City, soaking in the rich historical sites along the way. We absolutely loved it!

Biosphere Reserve Mainland Mexico

Exploring the biosphere reserve, home to millions of Monarch butterflies, was a highlight for both kids and adults alike. This UNESCO World Heritage site ensures preservation for generations to come.

You’ll have a blast admiring the butterflies! Take your time on the trail. The butterflies are everywhere. Enjoy gazing at these beautiful creatures throughout your journey!

After hiking or horseback riding up to the main attraction, local families near the entrance offer tasty bites. We savored homemade dishes cooked over a wood stove by a local family and is one of the best restaurants in the area.

Participate in a Temazcal Experience

We stayed at a gem of a resort called Agua Blanca Hotel. We enjoyed our free time here and the following day we got to climb an ancient pyramid. 

The temazcal was a unique experience for the entire family. Just inform them a day in advance so they can arrange everything for your visit.

Participating in the sweat lodge event was a great way to dive into Mexican culture. It promotes blood circulation, and soul cleansing, and offers therapeutic benefits.

We were warmly welcomed into the ceremony, which lasted about 90 minutes. If the heat becomes uncomfortable, you’re free to leave at any time during the sweat lodge experience.

Zona Arqueológica de San Felipe-Zirahuato

After stumbling upon a sign for ancient ruins, we stayed at a nearby hotel and visited the ancient archaeological site the next day. Welcomed warmly by the caretaker, we explored the fascinating archaeological site and learned its history!

Exploring the pyramid was a major highlight, immersing us in Mexican culture. If you’re nearby, don’t miss this unique experience, especially since climbing San Juan Teotihuacán’s pyramid was restricted during our visit.

Grutas Tolantongo

Grutas Tolantango offers a family-friendly experience with amenities like hot spring areas, water slides, and soaking pools. It’s an unforgettable experience perfect for all ages to enjoy especially the small children.

Before heading to Grutas Tolantango, we stayed in Ixmiquilpan, Hidalgo, the nearest town. The scenic drive through the Sierra Madre Mountains provides stunning views en route to the hot springs.

Remember to bring cash when visiting Grutas Tolantongo, as it’s cash-only. The closest ATM is located in the city of Ixmiquilpan, so make sure to withdraw cash beforehand.

San Miguel de Allende Mainland Mexico

Exploring the local markets in San Miguel de Allende is a must for trying local cuisine. With its 17th-century Spanish charm, the town offers a delightful blend of smells and flavors that you won’t want to miss.

The cobblestone streets and vibrant colonial buildings in San Miguel de Allende are perfect for Instagram. Every corner is a photo opportunity, and we even got a snapshot with Herieth Paul!

Mexico City

Exploring Mexico City on a family vacation offers endless possibilities. We aimed to visit the Frida Kahlo house, but prebooking tickets is key for this attraction.

Another must-visit in Mexico City is  Bosque De Chapultepec, a sprawling park with the National Museum of Anthropology and Chapultepec Castle. With lakes, a botanic garden, and sports facilities, it’s a perfect spot for families.

Puerto Vallarta Mainland Mexico

Puerto Vallarta is a fantastic spot for a Mexico family vacation. Enjoy whale watching tours in Banderas Bay during the winter months. We were fortunate to join some sailboat friends for day sails, giving us a close encounter with humpback whales.

At Paradise Village Beach Resort and Spa, dive into worry-free beach resort living. Lounge on their beach with ample chairs and umbrellas. Enjoy a massive swimming pool, a lively party pool, a serene relaxation pool, and the ocean for a refreshing swim.

Yucatán Peninsula

Playa Del Carmen

Discover the allure of this beach town with its array of all-inclusive hotels and gorgeous beaches. The white sand shores are absolutely breathtaking. With five Hyatt locations, you’re guaranteed some of the best options for your family getaway.

Riviera Maya

Explore the renowned Riviera Maya, celebrated for its proximity to Chichen Itza, pristine white sand beaches, and enchanting cenotes. With perfect weather year-round, it promises an unforgettable vacation experience anytime you visit.

Isla Mujeres

Experience the essence of Mexican island life in the Yucatan at this perfect spot. With Playa Norte rated as one of the world’s best beaches, you’re in for an unforgettable beach day.

Playa Norte, the main beach on the island, boasts some of Mexico’s best blue water, rivaled only by Playa Balandra in Baja. With abundant warm weather, it’s the perfect spot for your next family vacation.

More things

For even MORE things to do in Mexico with your family check out this blog post!