Long sandy beaches, some of the most delicious food in the world, and fascinating cultural heritage… what’s not to love about Mexico? But it’s often hard to plan a trip when you’re traveling with a baby. To help you craft the itinerary, here’s a guide to five best baby and toddler-friendly destinations in Mexico that’s perfect for a family trip.
Safety first
Before we get to the fun part, let’s talk safety first. Here are a few basic precautions to take note of while in Mexico, especially when visiting crowded cities and tourist spots.
Think twice before you pack expensive jewellery and watches on the trip. Street crime and pickpocketing are a serious problem in Mexico, particularly in big cities. It’s best to carry all your cash and valuables in a money belt hidden underneath your clothes. That way you don’t have to watch your bag the entire time, which we all know can be difficult with small children.
Remember never to drink tap water in Mexico. Avoid ice made with tap water and cheap watered-down drinks. You shouldn’t need to worry about it at the resorts but stay cautious when eating out.
However, don’t let this stop you and your kids from enjoying delicious street food. Do a little bit of research beforehand, ask around for trusted vendors or use TripAdvisor reviews, staying informed is key.
Another security threat we often forget about is cybercrime. Many parents don’t realize that public Wi-Fi is often unencrypted and can be intercepted by hackers to steal your passwords or credit card details. If you want to safely browse the internet at the airport, your hotel or a local café, you should always use a VPN while traveling to encrypt your traffic. This way, hackers and scammers won’t be able to pry on your online activity.
Now, on to the best baby-friendly destinations.
Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya is what you picture when you’re dreaming of a tropical holiday: turquoise colored water, charming fishing villages, and lush jungle. The nearly 100 miles of coastline is dotted with family-friendly resorts, making it the perfect destination for your first Mexico holiday with a baby.
If you’re traveling with kids aged four and older, we recommend staying at Barceló Maya Palace, a 5-star hotel with an incredible Kid’s Club and a mini waterpark for children. Bringing a baby along? Rosewood Mayacoba will arrange an in-room babysitter for you an at an hourly rate while your older kids attend a pizza workshop or a Mayan storytelling session. And if you’re traveling with an ever-grumpy teen, choose Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya. This resort caters to babies and kids of all ages, but it has a special treat for often overlooked teenagers – a teens-only club with video games, pool, table hockey, DJ lessons and movie nights.
Los Cabos
Los Cabos gained its international fame thanks to the striking landscape: azure waters, dramatic rocks, and picture-perfect beaches make for some breath taking vistas. Located at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, Los Cabos consists of two capes: San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.
San Jose del Cabo is a much quieter, laid-back town with a beautiful Mission of San Jos del Cabo Anuiti at its center. The vibrant Cabo San Lucas is where you go to get lost in the markets selling embroidered clothes, aromatic spices, and local delicacies. There’s plenty of family fun to be had at Los Cabos. Head to the lively Playa El Medano for a game of volleyball or take your kids for an unforgettable cruise on the pirate ship, Buccaneer Queen.
Want your baby to get VIP treatment? Stay at Grand Velas Los Cabos, a luxury resort with a Baby Concierge service where you’ll receive a highchair, crib, stroller, baby bathtub, and a baby bouncer for your exclusive use. For children aged three to twelve, pick Dreams Los Cabos – the Explorer’s Club will teach your kids about science and nature through supervised play.
Cancun
This iconic resort with dreamy beaches needs no introduction. From fascinating archaeological sites to the adrenaline-pumping activities at Xcaret eco-park, there’s something in the area for all family members.
If you’re traveling with kids of different ages, Club Med Cancun Yucatan will get you covered with three age-appropriate kid’s clubs. Your children can enjoy a range of activities from cooking classes to snorkeling. Babies are going to love Crown Paradise Resort and Spa Cancun with a Baby Paradise club and an impressive waterpark for older siblings.
Oaxaca
Need a break from the beach? Head to the charming colonial town of Oaxaca. Oaxaca is perfectly walkable and can be explored at a leisurely pace. Start at Zocalo, the main square, where your kids will marvel at the jugglers, musicians, and grasshopper merchants. Or maybe catch a breather at Paseo Juarez el Llano Park, a quiet park with fountains and loads of green areas. Don’t miss the Tourist Trolley. This old streetcar is a family favorite and will take you on a hilly ride around the old town.
Stay at Holiday Inn Express Oaxaca-Centro Historico for a great location in the historic center and two pools.
Mexico City
The vibrant and sometimes overwhelming Mexico City might not jump out at you as a family-friendly destination. But you’d be surprised how many activities catered to kids you can find in the capital. From the interactive science museum, Papalote Museo del Niño, to Six Flags theme park, there’s enough to fill a couple of days with fun.
Stay at Four Seasons Hotel for an exclusive hotel experience in a mini-me version: kids get child-sized robes and toiletries plus a welcome treat of warm milk with cookies. Love a room with a view? Pick St. Regis Mexico City located in a skyscraper overseeing the city. You’ll find a kid’s club, an indoor playground, and babysitting services here so you can enjoy a night out and sample Mexico City’s excellent cuisine.
