If you’re planning a family trip to the Yucatán Peninsula, let me put Merida on your radar, because this historic city center, also known as the White City, surprised us in all the best ways. From colorful colonial architecture to vibrant cultural festivals and epic day trips, Merida is packed with family-friendly fun, rich history, and some seriously good eats. Here’s our list of the best things to do in Merida with kids in tow!

Explore the Magic of Plaza Grande

Your first thing to do in Merida? Head straight to the main square, Plaza Grande. Surrounded by historic buildings, shaded benches, and vendors selling cochinita pibil and helado (that’s ice cream, y’all!), this area is a vibe. On Sunday mornings, the square comes alive with live music, local artisans, and families just like ours soaking it all in.

For a closer look at Merida’s past, don’t miss the Museo Casa Montejo, the former home of Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo, and the Palacio de Gobierno, also known as the Government Palace, which features massive murals telling the story of the region’s history.

Day of the Dead & Las Catrinas Parade in Mérida, Mexico

Day of the Dead is one of the most vibrant and meaningful festivals you can experience in Mexico, and it’s a completely unique vibe when you’re exploring the Yucatán Peninsula. This tradition runs deep across the country, but the celebration here feels extra special, especially when you understand a bit about the region’s roots.

In Mayan culture, caves and cenotes are considered sacred entrances to the underworld. These are spaces for connecting with deities and ancestors. That spiritual energy truly comes alive during the Día de Muertos celebrations in Mérida.

One of our absolute favorite things we did as a family was attending the Desfile de Catrinas, or Las Catrinas Parade, held near the Grand Plaza, just a few blocks from our hotel.

The streets came alive with candlelight, music, and hundreds of people dressed in iconic La Calavera Catrina attire, complete with skull makeup and elegant black dresses. It’s both haunting and beautiful, and seeing our kids take it all in was something we’ll never forget.

There’s a stage with performances, plenty of local food and drink vendors, and a massive parade procession that follows. If you want a front-row seat, get there early and grab a spot near the stage. It’s a good reason to plan your Mérida trip in late October, festivities usually kick off around October 26 and continue through November 3 (sometimes even to the 6th or 8th!). 

For up-to-date details on parades, festivals, and celebrations, we always check Yucatán Today before our trip, they’re on it with the latest events and tips.

Visit the Cathedral de San Ildefonso

The Cathedral de San Ildefonso is one of the oldest cathedrals in North America and it’s absolutely breathtaking. Located right in Plaza Grande, it’s free to enter and offers a quiet break from the midday sun. There’s a local guide near the entrance who shared fascinating insights about the cathedral’s role in the city’s history.

Ride in a Horse-Drawn Carriage Down Paseo de Montejo

If you want to feel like you’re in a movie, hop into one of the traditional horse-drawn carriages lined up near the main plaza. Our kids loved watching the horses trotting down the iconic Paseo de Montejo, admiring the mansions built in the late 1800s. It’s the perfect place for a family photo and a great way to rest little legs while still sightseeing.

Monumento a La Patria

Monumento a la Patria is one of Mérida’s most iconic landmarks. Carved entirely from stone, it tells the story of Mexico’s history, from ancient Maya to modern times, through intricate, hand-chiseled detail. It’s a stunning stop, especially at sunset along Paseo de Montejo.

This spot sits in the middle of a busy traffic circle, so be careful when crossing! Sometimes a city police officer is stationed near the pedestrian crosswalk to help stop traffic so you can safely get an up-close view of Monumento a la Patria. The crosswalk is right in front of Colegio América de Mérida Teresiano, the big white building on the west side of the circle.

And don’t forget to snap a photo with the colorful Mérida letters in front of the McDonald’s nearby. It’s a classic tourist pic and the kids will love it.

Wander the Museo Regional de Antropología, Palacio Cantón

Want to get your kids (and yourself!) excited about Mayan culture before heading to the ruins? The Museo Regional de Antropología, also known as Palacio Cantón, was a highlight for us. The building itself is stunning, and inside you’ll find a curated collection that helps explain the region’s roots. It’s a great spot to get context before visiting nearby archaeological sites like Chichen Itza.

Visit the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya

If you’re exploring Mérida, don’t skip the Gran Museo del Mundo, it’s one of the most impressive and modern museums in the Yucatán Peninsula. This gorgeous, interactive space is a great way to dive into local culture, bringing Mayan history to life through artifacts, immersive exhibits, and multimedia displays that keep both adults and kids engaged. 

Families rave about the massive skeleton replica, hands-on exhibits, and the stunning architecture inside and out. Even though we didn’t get to go ourselves, it’s high on our list for next time and everything we’ve heard makes it sound like the perfect mix of education and adventure for families.

Relax at Parque de las Américas

If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon, Parque de las Américas (Park of the Americas) is a great place to let the kids run wild. There are playgrounds, fountains, and even live music on Friday nights. Grab some ice cream, kick back, and enjoy how the locals spend their evenings here.

Catch a Show at Plaza de Toros de Mérida

While bullfighting isn’t for everyone, the Plaza de Toros de Mérida is more than just an arena, it also hosts concerts, folkloric dance nights, and cultural shows that are family-friendly and rich in tradition. We didn’t catch a performance ourselves, but we did fly our drone over the arena and it’s absolutely stunning from above. If your trip lines up with one of their non-bullfighting events, it could be a great way to experience a different side of Yucatán’s local arts and culture.

Where to Stay in Merida: Boutique Hotels That Feel Like Home

We stayed in a charming boutique hotel that gave us total old-Mexico vibes with modern comforts. The best way to explore Merida is to stay somewhere central, close to the main square , so you can easily walk or take a carriage to all the best places.

If you’re looking for a more upscale stay, the Hyatt Regency Mérida is a great option. The views from the upper floors are incredible, especially from the Club Lounge on the 17th floor, where you can see all the way to Monumento a la Patria. Want to learn how we stayed here for free? Click here to find out how you can do it too, yep, even with kids!

Don’t Skip the Local Market (Especially for Cochinita Pibil)

Head to Lucas de Gálvez Market for the best intro to the city’s food scene. We grabbed fresh fruit, and the best cochinita pibil we had during our trip. It’s loud, colorful, and an awesome way to experience local culture.

Our Favorite Finds: Best Restaurants in Mérida

Mérida’s food scene is a flavorful mix of traditional Yucatecan dishes, cozy taquerías, and creative modern spots that bring new life to old recipes. From cochinita pibil and sopa de lima to wood-fired pizza and interactive dining experiences, there’s something for every taste, whether you’re a foodie or just traveling with picky eaters. The best part? You don’t have to go far to eat well in this city.

Le Petit Chef (at Hyatt Regency Mérida)

This immersive dining experience turns your dinner into a tiny Pixar-style show, complete with a miniature Chef cooking on your table via projection. Designed for families, it’s a memorable evening of multitasking diners and storytelling.

We did experience the dinner and show, and it was truly a wonderful experience for our family. The seafood-heavy menu might be a bit much for non-seafood lovers, but overall, the food was good, and I’d absolutely do it again just for the show. It’s a fun, unique evening that’s great for kids and adults alike.

K’u’uk

Named a culinary sanctuary of modern Yucatán cuisine, K’u’uk combines ancient flavors with avant-garde techniques. Set in a stylish mansion near Monumento a la Patria, its tasting menus and dedication to locally sourced ingredients make this a standout for fine dining lovers.

La Cubanita

Craving Cuban comfort food? La Cubanita in the Centro offers hearty, homemade meals like Cuban sandwiches, tamales, and fried plantains. La Cubanita has a laid-back, family-run vibe and even an attached art gallery. It’s a charming, budget-friendly spot perfect for relaxed lunches.

Trattoria La Pasta Montejo

Trattoria La Pasta Montejo brings traditional Italian charm to Merida’s Paseo de Montejo. Think wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas, over 30 kinds of homemade pasta, and even pizza fritta (fried pizza). Guests and locals alike rave about the quality, cozy vibe, and fast, friendly service.

Located right on Paseo de Montejo, it’s a colorful, inviting spot perfect for families needing a pasta break or a slice of Italy for dinner.

Take a Free Walking Tour for the Best Intro to the City

For your first time in Merida, a free walking tour is hands-down the best way to get your bearings. Many of them start in Plaza Grande, and we learned so much about the city’s colonial architecture, traditions, and secret food spots. Our local guide even pointed out the Palacio Municipal, another gem near the main plaza.

Escape to Celestún, a Perfect Flamingo & Mangrove Day Trip

If you’re in the mood for a magical day trip from Merida, make your way to the Celestún Biosphere Reserve, just a fairly short drive from the city. We hopped in the car and arrived in under two hours, rewarded by breathtaking coastal wetlands, dense mangroves, and tens of thousands of flamingos painting the water pink. 

Our local guide (who knew every bird by name) led us in a small boat through calm canals as we learned about the fragile ecosystem and saw spot the shy herons flitting above the shoots of mangrove trees.

The highlight? Floating into flamingo-flocked lagoons, camera-ready as the birds offered their signature poses in soft morning light. The boat glide back was quiet enough to hear the call of native wildlife a perfect complement to Merida’s buzzing local culture. 

We even stopped by the town to grab fresh cold drink and watch fishermen unload their catch, feeling like we got a behind-the-scenes peek at daily life near the Yucatán Peninsula coast.

This great place is also home to springs and pristine beaches if you’re in the mood to relax, making Celestún an absolutely perfect place to switch gears after sightseeing in Merida. The flamingos were the star of the show for our family but roaming the mangroves and waking up with nature was the full-evening memory. Good reason to add this to your itinerary!

Extend Your Trip to Playa del Carmen or Bacalar

If Mérida wins your heart like it did ours, you might be tempted to keep the adventure going. From here, it’s super easy to hop over to Playa del Carmen for some beach time, or head southeast to explore the crystal-clear waters of the Bacalar Lagoon, an ancient lake known for its unreal shades of blue. Our full post on things to do with your family can be found here. Whether you’re chasing sunshine or cenotes, Mérida makes a perfect base for exploring even more of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Take a Day Trip to Chichén Itzá or Other Maya Ruins

If you’re staying in Mérida, you’re perfectly positioned to explore some of the Yucatán’s most iconic sites including Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s just a couple of hours by car and absolutely worth the trip. Seeing these ancient Maya ruins with your kids? Totally unforgettable.

For something less crowded (but just as impressive), consider visiting Uxmal, known for its intricate stonework and jungle backdrop. Or head to the Celestún Biosphere Reserve for a combo of nature and culture, think boat rides, pink flamingos, and coastal beauty.

Short Day Trips from Mérida

We loved being based in Mérida, it’s vibrant, historic, and the ultimate launchpad for some of the best day trips in the region. Here are a few of our favorites that are easy to explore in a single day:

• Chichén Itzá – Iconic, awe-inspiring, and absolutely worth the hype.
  
• Valladolid – A colorful colonial town with incredible food and nearby cenotes.
• Izamal – The “Yellow City” glows with colonial charm and ancient ruins. You can climb a Maya pyramid right in the center of town, then grab ice cream near the convent. It’s quiet, beautiful, and full of history. Our full article can be found here.
  
• Iglesia de Uayma – A hidden gem just outside Valladolid, this candy-colored church is a photographer’s dream. Check out our post about this hidden gem here.
  
• Cenote Suytun – Yes, it’s that famous beam-of-light spot, and yes, it’s worth a photo stop.
  
• Celestún – Take a boat tour through the biosphere, spot flamingos, and enjoy the peaceful beach town vibe.
  
• Pomuch – Visit during Día de Muertos to witness the powerful and sacred tradition of bone cleaning, an experience you’ll never forget. Interested in the full article? Click here.
  

Should You Do All the Things to Do in Merida Mexico on Your Trip?

Whether you’re visiting Merida Mexico for the first time or returning for another round of adventure, this city is packed with charm, learning opportunities, and unforgettable moments. It’s truly one of the best places in Mexico for families, and we’re already dreaming about going back.