Aguascalientes is one of Mexico's smallest and most industrialized states, a compact highland territory in the country's central Bajio region. Named for its thermal hot springs, it centers on the historic, walkable capital of the same name, famous for the exuberant Feria Nacional de San Marcos, Baroque colonial architecture, and the legacy of Day-of-the-Dead cartoonist Jose Guadalupe Posada. Beyond the capital, the state offers the Pueblos Magicos of Real de Asientos and Calvillo, an emerging wine region, and a strong charreria and rodeo tradition.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Isla San Marcos Park
A large shaded park built around a central lake in the heart of the Feria Nacional de San Marcos neighborhood, with pedal-boat rentals, playgrounds, walking paths, and food vendors; a relaxed year-round green space that becomes the epicenter of the fair each April and May
Duration: Half day
Museo Interactivo de Ciencia y Tecnologia de Aguascalientes
A hands-on science and technology museum with interactive exhibits covering physics, robotics, and natural phenomena, designed for children to touch, build, and experiment - a strong wet-weather or hot-afternoon option
Duration: 2-3 hours
Feria Nacional de San Marcos Rides & Midway
During the mid-April to early-May fair, a full carnival midway with rides, games, and family entertainment fills the fairgrounds alongside agricultural expos and free live music - the single biggest family draw of the year, though it also brings the year's largest crowds
Duration: Half day to full day
Parque Rodolfo Landeros Gallegos
One of the city's largest green spaces, with jogging and cycling paths, playgrounds, open lawns for picnics, and shaded areas - a favorite weekend spot for local families to let children run and ride bikes
Duration: Half day
Balneario Ojocaliente Thermal Water Park
Historic thermal spring pools on the edge of the city offering warm mineral water swimming for children and adults alike, with a mix of indoor and outdoor pool areas - a classic Aguascalientes family outing dating back over a century
Duration: Half day
Balneario San Pedro Thermal Water Park
A family-oriented thermal water park with warm pools, water slides, and grassy picnic areas on the city's outskirts, popular with local families on weekends for a full afternoon of swimming
Duration: Half day
Expoplaza & Downtown Plaza de la Patria
The central plaza and adjoining Expoplaza shopping and dining area offer open space for children to move around, fountains, occasional free live entertainment, and easy access to ice cream and snack vendors between sightseeing stops
Duration: 1-2 hours
Casa de la Cultura Kids Workshops
The municipal Casa de la Cultura regularly runs free or inexpensive children's art, music, and craft workshops in a historic building setting, offering a hands-on cultural activity beyond museum-going
Duration: 1-2 hours
Puente Colgante & Guava Orchards, Calvillo
A day trip to Calvillo lets children cross the scenic hanging pedestrian bridge over the Rio Calvillo and visit working guava orchards, giving families a taste of the countryside and the region's signature fruit
Duration: Half day
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Fiesta Americana Hacienda Aguascalientes
A hacienda-style hotel with expansive grounds, pool, and family rooms on the edge of the city, offering a resort feel with easy access to the historic center by car
Family features: Outdoor pool, family rooms, garden grounds, restaurant, parking
Quinta Real Aguascalientes
An upscale colonial-style hotel near Expoplaza with spacious rooms and a relaxed courtyard atmosphere, a comfortable base for families wanting a quieter, more residential feel close to shopping and dining
Family features: Spacious rooms, courtyard pool, on-site restaurant, central location
City Express or City Junior Aguascalientes
Reliable mid-range hotel chain with multiple locations around Aguascalientes city, offering simple, clean family rooms and pools at accessible prices, a practical choice outside Feria de San Marcos dates
Family features: Family rooms, pool, breakfast options, easy parking, budget-friendly
Holiday Inn & Suites Aguascalientes
A north-side hotel with connecting rooms and suites, an outdoor pool and a breakfast buffet included on most rates, a short drive from the Altaria shopping centre and its cinema
Family features: Connecting rooms, suites with sofa beds, outdoor pool, included breakfast, free parking, cots on request
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Aguascalientes Airport
A modern airport-side hotel with suites sleeping four, an indoor pool and free hot breakfast, useful for families arriving on late flights or heading out on day trips by car
Family features: Suites sleeping four, indoor heated pool, free hot breakfast, laundry, free parking, airport shuttle
Hotel Francia Aguascalientes
A historic hotel directly on the Plaza de la Patria with large family rooms, putting the cathedral basilica, the Jardin de San Marcos and the main museums within a few minutes' walk and removing the need for a car
Family features: Large family rooms, central plaza location, restaurant, lift access, cots on request
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Restaurants and mercados across Aguascalientes warmly welcome children at any hour, and high chairs are commonly available
Gorditas and birria are inexpensive, filling local staples that most children take to quickly - try them at Mercado Juan de Montoro
Guava-based sweets and paletas (popsicles) from Calvillo make a fun, kid-friendly treat during or after a day trip
Aguas frescas (fruit waters) are a mild, sugar-light alternative to soda that most children enjoy
During the Feria Nacional de San Marcos, food stalls and casual dining fill quickly at peak hours, so families with young children may prefer earlier meal times to avoid the busiest crowds
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.