While many associate Cancun with drunk college students and spring break, it’s actually a perfect family holiday destination. With its white-sand beaches, bright blue waters, and near-perfect weather, there are many things to do in Cancun for the kids.
Basic Information
Cancun is on the Caribbean Sea and is in southeast Mexico. The Cancun you know today didn’t exist until the 1970s when the Mexican government decided to turn an island sandpit into Mexico’s next big resort destination. Over the decades, it has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and its economic capital.
Certain tourist areas accept US dollars, Euros, and the Pound, however, you will need to convert your foreign currency into Mexican Pesos as most places will need to be paid in pesos.
While the city is hot all year round, it is comparatively cooler between December and April. Unfortunately, this is also peak tourist season. Ideally, you would want to visit in late November or early May.
Mexico is allowing travelers to visit however you have to fly into the cities rather than drive across the border if you are coming from the States. Hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and many are operating at only 50-60% capacity.
You can find the latest updates on traveling to Mexico here.
Top Things to do in Cancun
From beaches to water parks, or snorkeling at the underwater sculpture museum to swimming with whale sharks, there are many water-related fun things to do in Cancun. If you prefer more land-based activities, you can go birdwatching, hiking, or head to the coolest interactive zoo on this side of the Pacific.
Ventura Park
This park is where the whole family can spend an entire day. WIth different areas or ‘worlds’ including Grand Prix, Fun World, Dolphinaris, Underworld, Aaah!Ventura, and Wet n’ Wild there are plenty of things to do for each member. There are specific play areas for smaller children and the park offers various packages which may include food and drinks.
Go behind the wheel at Grand Prix a beautiful seaside go-kart track, or date to go down Wet n’ Wild’s Kamikaze water slide. If you prefer adventure, head over to Aaah!Ventura and try out their ziplines and bungee swings or take the small ones to Fun World’s child-friendly activities. Play it safe and glimpse into the future with Underworld’s state of the art virtual reality activities.
The park is open from 10 am to 5.30 pm.
Dolphin Discovery
Dolphin Discovery is located on the south side of the island of Isla Mujeres which is a 30-minute ferry ride from Cancun. Surrounded by bright green trees, white sand, and deep blue water, this is one the best places to have a dolphin experience. Even better than the Dubai Dolphinarium in the UAE.
Here you not only get to swim with the dolphins but also have the opportunity to kiss, hug, and belly ride these wonderful, and intelligent marine creatures.
In addition to this you can also with sharks, sea lions, stingrays, and manatees in their natural habitat.
Jolly Roger Pirate Show
A 3 and half hour family-friendly pirate ship tour is a must for all families. The tour includes dinner and all you can drink. The pirate show departs from Playa Linda Pier and is available all year round. While the price for an adult may feel steep USD 100, it does allow 1 child per adult between the ages of 3 and 11 to enter free.
Try and book online to avail of the discount.
Printable Kid's Travel Journal
It’s time for your next family adventure―and kids will remember every second of fun-filled adventure. You went WHERE? is packed with journaling prompts and activities so that no memory goes unwritten. Young adventurers can write down everything they see, taste, hear, and more with prompts to guide observations.
Keep this travel journal at the ready to let kids create their very own souvenir for multiple family adventures
When you’re back home and bags are unpacked, your little adventurer can always open You Went Where? and relive every minute of every adventure.
Explore The Ruins
This is more for older children as the Mayan ruins are a long drive from the hotels. Learn about the ancient Mayan civilization with guided tours of Chichen Itza or explore the ruins at Tulum, which majestically overlooks the sea. It is best to go early and walk the ruins so you can spend time relaxing at the beach
Both are around 120-150 mins drive from Cancun.
Playa Delfines
This is the most famous viewpoint in Cancun and a popular Instagram destination. With the imposing Caribbean Sea behind you, it will be one of the best memories you will take back home with you.
Croco Cun Zoo
Located just 19 miles from downtown Cancun, is Crococun, an interactive conservation zoo that protects and promotes crocodiles. The tour lasts only an hour but is a great way to learn about local flora and fauna, spider monkeys, and crocodiles.
It is a memorable experience for families and the best bit is children from ages 0-5 are free!
Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA)
The Underwater Museum of Art or MUSA has more than 500 sculptures installed on the seabed and distributed over three galleries. The two galleries in Cancun – Punta Nizuc and Punta Sam are at a depth of 4 meters while the Manchones Gallery, in Isla Mujeres, is at 8 meters.
Mercado 28
Shoppers will love Mercado 28. Located in the city center and the icon of Cancun, you will find various Mexican souvenirs and handicraft work. Once you are done shopping, take a break and head over to Palapas Park which is a few blocks away from Mercado 28.
Palapas Park
Here you can enjoy traditional Mexican food at the local restaurants, watch musical groups or public and cultural shows. You can even buy snow to relieve yourself from the heat!
Money and Costs
Are things expensive in Cancun? How much does a trip to Cancun cost? The average Cancun trip cost is broken down by category here:
Food
You have a variety of food to choose from and a price range. You can get Tacos or an economical meal for M$200 – 250 while lunch or dinner in a local restaurant could cost you M$100 – 200 per person. A meal at an uptown restaurant would set you back M$700–1500
Accommodation
A budget hotel will cost M$600-800 per night, a double room in a mid-range hotel will cost M$800–1600, and a suite in a high-end hotel is M$1600–5000.
Transportation
A cheap way to get around Cancun is by the local buses. A journey will cost up to a maximum of M$50. If you plan on taking taxis for short trips, set aside M$25-50 for the fare. If you plan on taking a day trip out of Cancun, I suggest you rent a car. Prices range from M$500-700 per day.
Cancun is the Ultimate Family Vacation Destination
Considered the heart of the Mexican Caribbean with its beautiful beaches, amazing weather, and clear waters, Cancun has much more to offer than what I have mentioned. It’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Whether you come to enjoy the beach, the culture or the luxury hotels, there are plenty of reasons to visit Cancun.
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Hi Tarun, very nice article about travelling tips. Cancun in Mexico seems really amazing for a winter sun holiday destination. You made a good description what to do at this destination and what the prices are there. Anyway, because of winter, it is really a good decision to go to the south! Thanks for sharing with us.
Hi Luke – glad you liked it
Thank you for your informative article on Cancun,
Its around 10 years since I was in Cancun and I never realised there was so much to do with children in Cancun itself. My memories of Cancun are of the glorious sandy beaches and the bustling nature of the downtown area. Is it still possible to take advantage of reasonably priced trips to Chichen Itza and local sink holes as I remember these being memorable day trips from my last visit.
Nice article! I’m someone who is completely addicted to travel and I’ve actually never been to Cancun! It seems like they’re very popular in central Mexico and Central America. Having all the food and drink you can ask for seems like it would be paradise on the beach! Great article. Thanks for posting!
Oh my, Cajun, take me away. That sounds delish. Sun, warm temps, the ocean? What more can anyone ask for? I love how much one can do on 45 peso’s a day!
I do believe this is going on my husband’s and mines, bucket list. Is it for a younger generation? Or are retirees welcomed? lol
Thank you for this insight. I need to get away from this dreary winter weather,Laura
hi Laura,
Its Cancun – EVERYONE is welcome! doesnt matter who you are you are guaranteed to have a good time!
I must say that I like to go the Mexico City and I will surely visit it after the Christmas. My wife and I planned a trip in a New York but I see that Cancun is a far better place to visit. I have two kids and I am sure that they will like it too. I would especially enjoy in ship tour.
Well written article!! Not having traveled as I have a travel phobia, reading your blog has enticed me to explore Mexico!!
I love that you added tit bits of information and downloadable checklist for travelling. Your site is super easy to navigate and content is well written, quick to read!! My best is the inclusion of what you can get for under $50 helps a new traveler to plan and gives the comfort that they can do this!!
Thank you for such a fun to read and enticing blog. The way to write and have laid out your blog is sure going to get you a lot of visits (no pun intended 🙂 )
I will be following you on FB to learn more about fun destinations to visit once I make travel cash via WA 🙂
Thank you for sharing 🙂
Cancun is a lovely place, hoping ti visit it sometime early 2019 especially spending time at dolphin beach and watching the beautiful sunset. Are there any all inclusive packages there? Would you recommend travel agencies that could offer the all inclusive package? I dont want to over spend while there
Hi Euphrasia,
I am not a fan of travel agents or packages because they give you a set itinerary which 9 out of 10 times tend to show you the touristy places and you miss out on the actual culture of the place.
I recommend doing things yourself because you know what you are looking for and what your budget is and the experience is then more satisfying. You can book rooms through booking.com – I have a widget on the page that will give you options as per your requirements.
Similarly, if you need travel insurance you can get it through WorldNomads (widget on the sidebar) or check flights under my Nuts & Bolts Sections
Hello Tarun,
I love everything that has to do with visiting tourist destinations to travel with my family.
Here in Argentina, the summer vacation period begins at the end of December and ends in March.
Ideal to travel to Mexico and know the excellent beaches that Cancun has.
I will talk with my wife who is a lover of beautiful beaches like the one you promote.
Have an excellent end of the year and a better 2019.
Regards!
Claudio
Thank you for sharing with us this great post on Winter Sun Holiday Destination-Cancun,Mexico.To tell you the truth I like watching mexican movies and I wish I could meet Mexican actors one day.
I am so attracted by the view of Cancun and the price of passing holidays there.
It is a good place to spend good time with family and loved ones.