10 Things to do in Cancun with Kids

Are you wondering if Cancun is a good destination for your family vacations? Without a doubt it is! Today I'll tell you about 10 exciting activities you can do in this tropical paradise.

Katherine Betances

Katherine Betances

7 min read

10 Things to do in Cancun with Kids

Cancun | ©

Although Cancun is known worldwide as a tourist destination for its effervescent nightlife, don't be fooled! Both the resort and its surroundings are equipped with numerous entertainments that make it the perfect destination for families.

Among all the fun things to do in Cancun during the vacations, I have compiled for you a list of the best ones to share with the kids. Have a good trip!

1. Take a tour to Isla Mujeres from Cancun

Isla Mujeres| ©dronepic
Isla Mujeres| ©dronepic

Taking an excursion to Isla Mujeres from Cancun is one of the essential activities if you travel to Cancun, since this jewel of the Mexican Caribbean is located just 15 km from the city and is an excellent plan to get away from the hustle and bustle and spend the day in the middle of nature.

The trip is done by catamaran and there will be stops to snorkel in an amazing coral reef. In Isla Mujeres the guide will explain the culture and history of the area, but there will also be free time to explore the terrain on your own.

At that time you can enjoy and relax on the beach, or rent a golf cart and head to the Tortugranja, a beautiful turtle sanctuary that your kids will love.

Useful Information

  • Duration: Between 8 and 10 hours.
  • Price range: From 44 € for adults. 35 € for children under 12 years old.

Book your Isla Mujeres excursion from Cancun

2. Visit Xcaret Park on the Riviera Maya

Xcaret Park| ©Ben & Gab
Xcaret Park| ©Ben & Gab

In Mexico's Riviera Maya you will find Xcaret Water Theme Park, an eco-archeological park whose location, between subway rivers and cenotes, makes it one of the most attractive and impressive scenarios to visit during your family vacations and a destination your children will not easily forget.

Among the fun activities you can do in Xcaret Park with children are the following:

  • Watching localbirds and chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
  • Snorkel taking advantage of the existence of some ceremonial lagoons.
  • Walk through labyrinths.
  • Enjoy a traditional Mayan show.

By the way, Xcaret Park is one of the attractions you can visit for free if you buy the Cancun All-Inclusive Pass, so I recommend you to get it as soon as possible, you will thank me!

Useful info

  • Duration: All day.
  • Price range: The entrance to Xcaret costs 106 €, while the Cancun All-Inclusive Pass costs 92 €.

Buy the Cancun All-Inclusive Pass

3. Visit Ventura Park in Cancun

Ventura Park in Cancun| ©Viator
Ventura Park in Cancun| ©Viator

Visiting Ventura Park will guarantee you hours of family fun, suitable for all ages, as it is the only water park in the Cancun area.

Among the many attractions you can find are its incredible slides to slide down, go-kart races, roller coasters, state-of-the-art laser tag games, ziplining and swimming among dolphins, among many others.

In addition, it is ideal for families traveling with babies, as it offers spaces to rest while other family members have fun on the slides.

Useful information

  • Duration: All day.
  • Price range: From 51 € for adults. From 39 € for children under 12 years old. Children under 4 years old are free.

Book tickets for Ventura Park

4. Have a fun day at the Croco Cun Zoo

Croco Cun Zoo| ©Carola Bakker
Croco Cun Zoo| ©Carola Bakker

Founded in 1988, the Croco Con Zoo opened as a crocodile breeding reserve but is now an interactive conservation zoo that seeks not only to breed but primarily to protect these splendid reptiles.

I encourage you to book tickets for Croco Cun Zoo because they include skip-the-line access, which is very useful when traveling with children, and interaction with some of the animals, which you can even feed.

Also, if you are interested in going deeper, you can choose to take an hour-long guided tour that will allow you to soak up knowledge about the local flora and fauna.

Useful information

  • Duration: As long as you want, I recommend dedicating at least one morning.
  • Price range: From 36 € for adults. From 25 € for children. Adults over 60 years old also have a discount: from 22 €.

Book tickets for Croco Cun Zoo

5. Join the pirate adventure of the Jolly Roger

Jolly Roger Pirate Show| ©Mgungen
Jolly Roger Pirate Show| ©Mgungen

The Jolly Roger is definitely the favorite galleon of families visiting Cancun for vacation, as children enjoy the show much more than any adult and feel like real pirates on this ride with show that includes dinner, dancing, show and open bar.

Booking tickets for the Jolly Roger Pirate show you will sail along the coast of Cancun aboard the Jolly Roger galleon and you will learn some of the most characteristic pirate legends of the area.

No doubt this plan will delight both adults and children because, to top it off, the night ends with a fireworks show over the waters of the Caribbean Sea. Not to be missed!

Useful information

  • Duration: 3 h 30 minutes.
  • Schedule: the boat departs at 5:30 pm.
  • Price range: From 110 € for adults. From 49 € for children.

Book tickets for the show Pirate Jolly Roger

6. Spend a family day at Xel-Ha Park in Cancun

At Xel-Ha| ©kique93
At Xel-Ha| ©kique93

Rated as one of the best things to do in Cancun, Xel-Ha is considered one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world: it is an enchanting seascape, worthy of a tropical paradise where you can enjoy crystal clear waters and lush vegetation.

You can do all kinds of activities such as discovering exotic fish and Cancun's marine biology by snorkeling, exploring the mystical cenotes of the Riviera, enjoying typical Mexican dishes in its restaurants, exploring the jungle and much more.

Useful information about Cancun

  • Duration: It is recommended to book the full day.
  • Price range: From 113€.

Buy the Cancun All-Inclusive Pass

7. Explore Tulum Ruins from Cancun

Tulum Ruins| ©Jeff ShapedBox
Tulum Ruins| ©Jeff ShapedBox

Book an excursion to the Tulum Ruins from Cancun and you will discover imposing ruins located on a cliff from where it is possible to get spectacular views of the waters of the Caribbean Sea. The scenery is, to say the least, breathtaking.

It is an ideal excursion to do with children, because in addition to beautiful beaches and good food, Cancun is a perfect destination to access the historical past of Mexico and learn about the original cultures of this area of America.

You can also take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the Chen Ha cenote and then enjoy a buffet lunch. Unrepeatable!

Useful information

  • Duration: 12 hours.
  • Price range: From 64 € adults. From 47 for children under 12 years old. Babies from 0 to 4 years old do not pay.

Book your excursion to Tulum Ruins

8. Discover the Extreme Adventure Eco Park in Cancun

Inside the Park| ©mycancuntours.com.mx
Inside the Park| ©mycancuntours.com.mx

Extreme Adventure is an ecological park focused on family fun located in the heart of Puerto Moralejos, in an area known by locals as La Ruta de los Cenotes, just 15 minutes from downtown Cancun.

Due to its accessible location, several local tour operators offer travelers packages to visit the Extreme Adventure Eco Park that include round trip transportation from downtown Cancun and of course the entrance fees to the park.

It is a perfect adventure for families traveling to Cancun with teenagers or children from 4 years old, as the activities include buggy routes through muddy landscapes, zip lines in the Mayan jungle, horseback riding, paddle among the cenotes, snorkeling and much more.

Useful information

  • Duration: One full day.
  • Price range: From 80€.

Buy the Cancun All-Inclusive Pass

9. Visit Dolphin Beach in Cancun

Dolphin Beach| ©Eugene Rapp
Dolphin Beach| ©Eugene Rapp

Visiting Cancun and not taking the time to fully enjoy its idyllic beaches is a real sacrilege. Now, among so many beautiful beaches of white sand and blue waters, how can you decide on just one? If you ask me, I would say: reserve a space in your itinerary to visit Playa Delfines.

Located a short distance from the Hotel Zone, getting there is quite simple. Upon arrival you will find one of the most serene areas of Cancun, an unspoiled area free from the presence of buildings and restaurants except for a small public restroom area.

Often ranked among the best beaches in Cancun, Playa Delfines offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Ocean and a children's playground to keep the little ones entertained for much longer.

Useful Info

  • Duration: As long as you wish, but try to avoid the hottest hours of the day.
  • Price range: Free.

10. Visit the Cancun Interactive Aquarium.

Cancun Interactive Aquarium.| ©Guilhem Vellut
Cancun Interactive Aquarium.| ©Guilhem Vellut

Cancun Interactive Aquarium is an attraction located in La Isla Shopping Village, one of the best shopping areas in Cancun.

Seeing the aquarium will take less than 1 hour of your itinerary, but you can extend your visit by scheduling other complementary activities that the place offers to visitors, such as feeding sharks or swimming among dolphins. Both are highly recommended and great fun for children.

Although Cancun is a vacation destination famous for being a sunny paradise, take into consideration that, during the rainy months, it is convenient to have alternatives for indoor family activities. The rainy season in Cancun runs from May through October.

Useful information

  • Duration: 45 minutes.
  • Price range: From 15€.