Colima is Mexico's second-smallest state, a compact Pacific coast territory dominated by the twin volcanic peaks of Volcán de Fuego and Nevado de Colima. It pairs the whitewashed Pueblo Mágico of Comala with the resort and cargo port city of Manzanillo, self-styled the Sailfish Capital of the World, plus black-sand beaches, lime orchards around Tecomán, and a low-key colonial capital in Colima City.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Playa Miramar
Manzanillo's most popular family beach, with gentler waves than the open-ocean stretches and a long stretch of sand backed by casual seafood restaurants, making it an easy first-stop beach day for younger children
Duration: Half day to full day
Zoologico Ecologico Pilar Rosado (Colima Zoo)
Colima City's ecological zoo houses regional wildlife including jaguars and macaws in a shaded, walkable setting, a reliable half-day outing that keeps kids engaged without a long drive
Duration: 2-3 hours
Parque Regional Metropolitano de Colima
A large shaded city park with playgrounds, walking paths, and paddleboats, popular with local families on weekends and an easy, low-cost way to let children burn off energy
Duration: 1-2 hours
Comala Plaza and Nieves (Ice Cream)
The pueblo magico of Comala's whitewashed plaza is ringed by nieve (ice cream) stands and casual restaurants, with live music some evenings; short, walkable, and a favorite with children for the treats alone
Duration: 1-2 hours
Whale Watching Boat Tour (Dec-Mar)
Winter whale-watching tours depart from Manzanillo's marina and give older children a memorable, close-up view of migrating humpback whales, though the open-water motion suits kids past the toddler stage best
Duration: 2-3 hours
Laguna de Cuyutlan Boat Tour
A calmer, flat-water boat tour through mangrove-lined lagoon channels with birdlife and occasional crocodile sightings from a safe distance, gentler than open-ocean tours and well suited to younger children
Duration: 1-2 hours
Las Hadas Resort Pools and Beach Area
The whimsical, whitewashed Las Hadas resort has multiple family-friendly pools and a calm cove beach, a low-effort way to spend a relaxed afternoon between sightseeing days
Duration: Half day
Museo Universitario de Artes Populares
A compact folk-art museum in Colima City displaying regional masks, textiles, and pottery, short enough to hold children's attention and a gentle introduction to Colima's craft traditions
Duration: 1 hour
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Hotel Ceballos (Colima City)
A well-established hotel on Colima City's central plaza with a pool and easy walking access to the cathedral and museums, a comfortable base for families exploring the inland capital
Family features: Family rooms, on-site pool, central plaza location, restaurant on site
Barcelo Karmina Palace Deluxe Resort (Manzanillo)
A large all-inclusive beach resort on the Santiago Peninsula with multiple pools, kids' activities, and calm cove-adjacent swimming, a popular choice for families doing a Manzanillo beach stay
Family features: Kids' club, multiple pools, all-inclusive dining, calm swimming areas
Real Hotels & Suites Manzanillo
A mid-range hotel in Manzanillo's hotel zone within walking distance of Playa Miramar, a practical, budget-conscious option for families prioritizing beach access over resort amenities
Family features: Family rooms, pool, walkable to Playa Miramar, kitchenette options
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Pozole colimense and quesadillas are mild, familiar flavors that most children take to quickly
Mercados (public markets) in Colima City offer cheap, fast comida corrida lunches with familiar options like grilled meats, rice, and beans
Restaurants across Manzanillo, Colima City, and Comala are generally welcoming to children, and asking for a media orden (half portion) is common practice
Bottled water only for children; avoid ice from unknown sources and stick to sealed drinks or purified water at hotels and known restaurants
Pack simple snacks for boat tours and day trips to Comala or Cuyutlan, since food options at some stops can be limited to a few stalls
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Given the state's Level 4 US travel advisory, plan family visits around Manzanillo's designated tourist zones (hotel zone, Malecon, Las Hadas/Santiago Peninsula) and the Colima City-Comala inland corridor rather than independent travel into rural areas
Book whale-watching tours in advance during the December-March high season, and choose morning departures for calmer water and better visibility
Pack sun protection and light, breathable clothing for the coast, with a light layer for cooler evenings in Comala and the highlands
Mosquito repellent is worth packing for children during the June-October rainy season, when dengue risk rises
Strollers work reasonably well on Manzanillo's paved hotel-zone paths and Colima City's plaza, but are less practical on Comala's cobblestone streets, where a baby carrier helps
Arrange boat tours (whale watching, Laguna de Cuyutlan) through an established hotel or marina operator rather than an independent street-side offer, both for safety equipment and reliability with children aboard
Keep a printed or offline copy of the US Consular Agency Puerto Vallarta contact details and register the trip with the State Department's STEP program before traveling with family
Monitor tropical storm and hurricane forecasts if visiting June-November, and follow any hotel or local authority guidance if a storm approaches the coast