Quintana Roo is Mexico's easternmost state, stretching along the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and encompassing world-famous beach resorts, ancient Maya ruins, and the second-largest coral reef system on Earth. From the glittering hotel zone of Cancun to the bohemian clifftop ruins of Tulum and the tranquil island of Isla Holbox, the state offers an extraordinary range of experiences. Beneath the jungle floor, thousands of cenotes—natural freshwater sinkholes—create one of the world's most spectacular cave-diving and snorkeling environments.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Akumal Bay Sea Turtle Snorkeling
Snorkel with wild green sea turtles in the shallow waters of Akumal Bay. Life jackets available for young children. The turtles are gentle and completely accustomed to visitors in the bay.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park
The ultimate family theme park experience in the Riviera Maya—underground rivers, animal habitats (jaguars, flamingos, manatees), Maya ruins, snorkeling, and the spectacular Mexico cultural show at night. One of the best family days in Quintana Roo.
Duration: Full day
Cenote Swimming (Gran Cenote or Cenote Azul)
Swimming in crystal-clear freshwater cenotes is a highlight for children who love the underwater environment. Gran Cenote near Tulum has easy access, visible fish and turtles, and snorkel gear rental.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Isla Mujeres Golf Cart Tour
Renting a golf cart and exploring the tiny island of Isla Mujeres is a wonderful family adventure—finding secret beaches, photographing iguanas and pelicans, and swimming at the world-class Playa Norte.
Duration: Half day
Xel-Há Natural Aquatic Park
An all-inclusive natural snorkeling park where freshwater meets the sea—perfect for families with children who want to snorkel safely in a beautiful natural setting with lifeguards, equipment included, and all food and drinks covered.
Duration: Full day
Tulum Archaeological Zone
The clifftop Maya ruins with sea views are genuinely exciting for older children—exploring ancient temples, spotting iguanas among the ruins, and swimming at the beach below the cliff makes this an educational and fun half-day.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour (Holbox)
Swimming alongside whale sharks—the world's largest fish—is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for older children. The sharks are completely harmless filter-feeders, and the experience of swimming next to a creature the size of a bus is unforgettable. Minimum age typically 8+ and good swimmers required.
Duration: Full day
Xplor Adventure Park
The ultimate adventure eco-park with the longest zip-line circuits in the Riviera Maya, amphibious vehicle exploration, and hammock splash pools. Minimum height requirements apply for zip-lines. Teenagers in particular love this park.
Duration: Full day
Cancun Interactive Aquarium
The Cancun aquarium in the Hotel Zone features shark feeding shows, dolphin encounters, tropical reef tanks, and interactive touch pools suitable for young children. A good option on a cloudy day or for families with very young children.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Cobá Ruins & Jungle Bicycle Ride
Riding rented bicycles through the jungle paths of the Cobá archaeological zone is a fantastic family adventure—spotting toucans and iguanas, exploring ancient ball courts, and climbing the jungle pyramid. Very accessible and children love the bicycle element.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Moon Palace Cancun
One of the largest and most comprehensive family all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, with a massive water park (Wha! Waterpark), 15 restaurants, a dedicated kids club (Playroom), and teen activities. The scale and variety make it one of the best family resorts in Mexico.
Family features: Wha! Water Park, Playroom kids club (ages 4-12), teen lounge, family suites with connecting rooms, adults-only areas for when parents need space
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
A luxury all-inclusive with exceptional food (8 restaurants including a kids-friendly casual option), a dedicated kids spa, and activities that educate children about the Maya culture and local environment.
Family features: Explorer's Club kids program, spa treatments for children, family suites, beach, jungle, and cenote experiences included
Iberostar Selection Cancun
A well-run all-inclusive on Cancun's Hotel Zone beach, popular with families for its calm beach location, Piratas kids club, multiple pools including a kids pool, and reliable food at numerous restaurants.
Family features: Piratas kids club (ages 4-12), family rooms, adjacent to beach, multiple pool complex, entertainment program nightly
Viva Wyndham Azteca
A great-value all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen, well-regarded for families with children's clubs, animation programs, and all-inclusive convenience at a more affordable price point than the ultra-luxury options.
Family features: Kids club, family rooms, multiple pools, beach access, all-inclusive dining
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
All-inclusive resorts are the simplest option for families—children eat for free or reduced rates and the variety eliminates daily meal planning
Most restaurants in tourist areas welcome children; high chairs are available at family restaurants and some beach clubs
Kids menus are available at international and upscale restaurants; at local Mexican restaurants, the menu is naturally child-friendly with quesadillas, rice, beans, and simple tacos
Be cautious with spice—many Mexican dishes use habanero which is very hot even in small amounts; always ask about heat level
Fresh fruit stands and coconut vendors are excellent for hungry children between meals—inexpensive, fresh, and healthy
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Book all-inclusive resorts for the most stress-free family experience—fixed cost with supervised activities
The UV index in Quintana Roo regularly exceeds 11—reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen must be reapplied every 90 minutes for children
Early mornings are the best time for archaeological sites and wildlife activities—children are fresh and the heat is manageable
Most eco-parks (Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor) have minimum age/height requirements—check before booking
December and March are school holiday peaks—book 3-6 months in advance for family-friendly resort space
Consider bringing your children's snorkel and mask in the correct size—rental equipment can be poor quality at some smaller operators
Pharmacies (Farmacia del Ahorro, Farmacia Similares) are abundant throughout the state for children's medications and first aid supplies