10 Things to do in Cancun with Kids

Are you wondering if Cancun is a good destination for your family holidays? 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! 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 holidays, I have compiled for you a list of the best things 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 a trip to Isla Mujeres from Cancun is one of the essential activities if you travel to Cancun, as this jewel of the Mexican Caribbean is only 15 km from the city and is an excellent way 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. On 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 in 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-archaeological park whose location, between underground rivers and cenotes, makes it one of the most attractive and impressive places to visit during your family holidays and a destination that 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.
  • Snorkelling, 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 information

  • 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 will find 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.

It is also ideal for families travelling with babies, as it offers spaces to rest while other members of the family have fun on the slides.

Useful information

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

Book tickets for Ventura Park

4. Have a fun day out at Croco Cun Zoo

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

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

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

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

Useful information

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

Book tickets for the 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 favourite galleon of families visiting Cancun for holidays, as the kids enjoy the show much more than any adult and feel like real pirates on this show ride which 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 learn about some of the most characteristic pirate legends of the area.

This plan will undoubtedly delight young and old alike as, to top it all off, the night ends with a fireworks show over the waters of the Caribbean Sea. Not to be missed!

Useful information

  • Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes.
  • Timetable: the boat departs at 17:30 h.
  • Price range: From 110 € for adults. From 49 € for children.

Book tickets for the Pirate Jolly Roger show

6. Spend a family day out 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 the marine biology of Cancun by snorkelling, 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 advisable to book the full day.
  • Price range: From 113€.

Buy the Cancun All-Inclusive Pass

7. Explore the 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 breathtaking to say the least.

This is an ideal excursion to do with children, because besides beautiful beaches and good food, Cancun is a perfect destination to access Mexico's historical past and learn about the original cultures of this part of the Americas.

You can also take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the Chen Ha cenote, followed by a buffet lunch- a must!

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 are free of charge.

Book your excursion to the Tulum Ruins

8. Discover the Extreme Adventure Eco Park in Cancún

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 travellers packages to visit the Extreme Adventure Eco Park that include round-trip transportation from downtown Cancun and of course entrance fees to the park.

It is a perfect adventure for families travelling to Cancun with teenagers or children from 4 years old, as activities include buggy rides through muddy landscapes, zip-lining through the Mayan jungle, horseback riding, paddle boarding through the cenotes, snorkelling and much more.

Useful info

  • 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 choose just one? If you ask me, I would say: reserve a space in your itinerary to visit Playa Delfines.

Located at 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, a pristine area free from the presence of buildings and restaurants except for a small public bathing 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 of charge.

10. Get to know Cancun's Interactive Aquarium.

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

The 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.

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

Useful information

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