By Melissa Alvarado Sierra | Published on August 11, 2023
Cozumel is a world apart, a paradisiacal slice that enamors all visitors with its Caribbean panache and historic streets. There's much to do and much to see on a Mexico vacation, but a lot can be done during a short visit to Cozumel. Snorkeling and diving in Cozumel is a must to get to know this region's gorgeous waters. The best spots for families are Paradise Reef, El Cielo and Chankanaab.
If you're looking for a day at the beach, look no further than Palancar, a haven of sun and sand, and one of the most family-friendly attractions in Cozumel. The area has a beach club renting snorkeling gear for a great price (around $10 each), an eatery, and a wonderful and shallow underwater world you can explore with your kids.
A cultural hub in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mérida merges history and modernity and welcomes visitors of all ages to its many plazas, museums, lanes and markets. A place your family will be able to see as well as taste, Mérida is a colorful and soulful destination that will quickly become a family favorite.
A popular stop for families is the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, a world-renowned museum dedicated to the ancient Maya culture with an impressive collection of more than 1,200 artifacts, like sculptures from Ek' Balam and Chichén Itzá. The building housing this collection is a work of art in itself. Inaugurated in 2012, the building resembles a ceiba tree, a sacred Maya symbol of connectivity with heaven and the underworld.
For a taste of daily life in Mérida, take your family to Plaza Grande. The large and leafy square is dotted with benches and has space for the kiddos to play. Expect food carts, live music and performances, and artisan creations, especially during the weekends.
Add Kohunlich to your list of kid-friendly places in Mexico. This archeological site rests inside a dense jungle. Dating from the Preclassic period (A.D. 100-200), the site is home to a pyramid known as Templo de los Mascarones, featuring eight masks. The structure's design is reminiscent of the Olmec tradition of using exaggerated facial features. Another set of ruins your kids will enjoy exploring is 27 Escalones or the 27 steps, which holds what is left of a large residential area. The family can play pretend here and try to discover buried artifacts.
Family-friendly Mexico is calling your name. Book a cruise today.