Family Travels: 8 Things to Do in Mexico City With Kids

Mexico City is a vibrant and exciting destination for people from all walks of life. But as with any destination, planning an itinerary for traveling with kids takes extra effort. Fortunately, Mexico City has much to offer families with children of all ages!

From discovering the fascinating history of ancient civilizations to exploring Mexico’s rich culture to enjoying the adrenaline-pumping rides at amusement parks, there’s something for everyone. If you’re planning a visit to Mexico City with your kids, here are a few activity ideas to add to your itinerary.

 

1. Book an Xochimilco Tour

Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is well worth a stop while visiting Mexico City. While it can be touristy, this canal system features an assortment of beautiful agricultural sites. At the docks, you’ll find a myriad of colorful boats that you can rent out for a trip around the canals.

These boats, often used by the locals for birthday parties and other get-togethers, are a great method of transportation to spend an afternoon exploring the intriguing history of Xochimilco. These canals date back to the Aztecs, who built floating gardens around the lake of Xochimilco, which is the southern arm of the drained lake of Texcoco. Today, parts of these canals are an ecological reserve.

Sitting on a boat for a while might drive young kids stir crazy, but this activity is a fun addition to the itinerary for families with older kids.

2. Visit Papalote Museo del Nino

The Papalote Children’s Museum, or Paplote Museo del Nino in Spanish, is an entertaining experience for families traveling to Mexico City with kids. This dynamic museum features an array of interactive exhibits and activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, and imagination in a fun and educational environment.

The displays cater to kids of all ages, making it an engaging and inclusive experience for families with diverse interests and preferences. The exhibits in this vibrant blue building cover everything from science and technology to art and culture, each subject boasting intriguing interactive displays.

Whether your children want to immerse themselves in the LEGO area, delve into the inky depths of the ocean room, or explore the agriculture of Xochimilco, there’s something for everyone. You won’t even need to leave the museum to feed your brood – there’s an impressive food court ready to fill your bellies for an afternoon of exploring!

3. Spend a Day at Six Flags

Have a few adrenaline junkies in your clan? Spend a day at Six Flags Mexico, the most visited theme park in Mexico City. If you’ve been to Six Flags before, you’ll know what to expect. If not, there’s something for everyone.

There are massive roller coasters with breathtaking drops for those seeking an adrenaline rush and spinning teacups, bumper cars, and laser tag for those who prefer to steer clear of heights. The park is located just south of Mexico City at the edge of the Tlalpan Forest, so it’s not technically in the city, but if you have kids who want an adrenaline-pumping experience, it’s worth a visit.

4. Explore the Acuario Inbursa

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Inbursa Aquarium, or Acuario Inbursa in Spanish. This enchanting stop boasts a beautiful range of sea life, with more than 14,000 specimens of 350 species residing in its exhibits. From sharks and stingrays to jellyfish and seahorses, there’s much to see in Mexico’s largest aquarium.

It’s an interactive aquarium, which makes it a great experience for kids. It meshes science and tech into a fun experience, making learning about the fascinating underwater world entertaining. For example, there are VR experiences that allow you to navigate the deep sea, swim with sharks, and watch humpback whales!

When you’re done, visit the sea laboratory across the street for an interactive experience viewing jellyfish, stingrays, and seahorses.

5. Relax in Chapultepec Park

Enjoy a day in Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park, one of the largest and oldest urban parks in Latin America. It’s even one of the oldest urban parks in the world!

Known as the Bosque de Chapultepec, this 1,600-acre park is a sight to behold. Its sprawling acreage boasts a diverse assortment of activities and sights, from the Chapultepec Castle, situated atop a hill with outstanding views of Mexico City, to paddle boat rides on Chapultepec Lake.

Its diverse activities and sights make it a favorite among families with children, as there’s plenty of space to run around and plenty to do. If you have kids old enough to ride larger bikes, take a spin around the park on a biking tour. This is a great way to get some exercise and see the park without walking everywhere.

Or, if you and your kids appreciate history, take a tour through the Mexico City Anthropology Museum. This sprawling museum boasts nearly two dozen exhibition halls covering over three thousand years of history, from the Olmecs and Toltecs to the Maya and Aztecs.

The museum offers an English tour, but since it’s only an hour long, it barely covers the high points of the museum’s diverse historical offerings.

6. Visit the Teotihuacan Pyramids

If your kids love history, the ancient city of Teotihuacan is another place to add to your itinerary. The city, now nothing more than a handful of ruins, once stood among the largest urban centers in the ancient world. At its zenith, it took up approximately eight square miles.

Much of its history is lost to time, with little known about the city or its inhabitants. However, historians have pieced together the information that remains, shaping a guess of its history. They estimate approximately 100,000 people resided in the city, which flourished in its early years. About 1,400 years ago, the city began its decline, eventually fading into oblivion.

Over the years since its collapse, Teotihuacan has crumbled, many of the structures becoming nothing more than rubble. However, a handful of buildings still stand, including several impressive pyramid complexes that tower over the long-dead city.

Whether you go to immerse yourself in the fascinating remnants of the city or to simply see the towering heights of the Pyramid of the Moon or the Pyramid of the Sun, Teotihuacan is well worth visiting.

You can visit on your own in a self-guided tour or book a tour with a local guide. Choosing the latter is a great way to make the most of your visit and enjoy an educational and memorable experience.

Whether you visit on your own or with a guide, remember to bring plenty of water and dress for the weather. Wear plenty of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. There’s almost no shade in the Teotihuacan, so ensure you plan ahead and are ready for the unrelenting sunshine.

7. Savor All the Authentic Eats

While tacos, guacamole, and salsa might be the first things that come to mind when you think of Mexican cuisine, there’s much more to it. From tamales and chilaquiles to enchiladas and pozole, Mexican cuisine has much to offer.

If you and your kids enjoy familiar favorites, indulge in delicious burritos, tacos, enchiladas, or quesadillas. For example, sample Tacos al Pastor. These tacos are bursting with authentic flavors, packed with marinated pork, pineapple, onions, and cilantro atop a soft tortilla.

If you want to branch out with Mexican favorites, try tamales, a delicacy made with meats, cheeses, and vegetables wrapped in corn husks. If you’re visiting during the holidays, try Chiles en Nogada, a traditional culinary delight boasting poblano chiles stuffed with meats, fruits, and nuts, topped with a creamy walnut sauce, cilantro, and pomegranate seeds.

Quench your thirst with Agua Fresca, a mouthwatering beverage made with fresh fruit, water, and a splash of sweetness. Satisfy your sweet tooth with creamy caramel flan, spicy cinnamon cookies, or crispy churros (this one is a kid favorite!).

8. Visit Aztlan Parque Urbano

Opening in March of 2024, the Aztlan Parque Urbano is slated to be a worthwhile addition to a Mexico City travel itinerary. The park is situated on the grounds of an old amusement park called La Feria de Chapultepec, which was another popular stop for families with kids visiting the area.

However, the previous park has since been shut down, and the Azlan Parque Urbano has taken its place. Once complete, the park will have a museum, souvenir shop, food court, and various attractions. Rides include a Ferris wheel, carousel, bumper cars, and various roller coasters. Several attractions are under construction at the time of writing, but many rides and activities are expected to open in March.

In addition, the park will offer a multi-user VR experience and an immersive experience with a 720-degree projection covering the Mexica worldview and the history of the Tenochtitlan. While the park has yet to open, it looks to be an entertaining stop to add to your Mexico City itinerary.

 

Make the Most of Your Mexico City Vacation With Caravan

Planning a trip to a foreign country can be overwhelming, and when you add kids to the mix, planning can become even more complicated. From finding kid-friendly hotels to packing your itinerary with family-friendly activities, there’s a lot to plan for. That’s where Caravan comes in.

We make it easy by planning your trip for you—all you need to do is book the trip and show up! We welcome families with kids aged five and older and craft fun, engaging itineraries for people of all ages. So, if you’re ready to immerse yourself in the fascinating wonders of Mexico City and much more, book a trip today!

We offer three Mexico tours: Mexico’s Copper Canyon Train, Mexico’s Ancient Civilizations, and Mexico’s Colonial Cities. Our Ancient Civilizations and Colonial Cities tours start in Mexico City, allowing you and your family to experience the wonders and sights in the area. Ready to embark on a vacation? Call 1-800-CARAVAN or 1-312-321-98000 to book your excursion today.