A trip to Mexico City with your family can be an opportunity to soak up culture and history that appeals to travelers of all ages. But it can also be a scary and disorienting experience, especially when your Mexico City travel involves little ones. Read on to make your Mexico City travel experience a success.
You may not know it, but the capital of Mexico is bursting with child-friendly attractions, from the ancient pyramids at Teotihuacan to the engaging hands-on activities at Papalote Museo del Niño. The city’s vibrant street life, expansive parks and colorful markets are a captivating experience for curious young minds.
For those worrying about transportation in this traffic-heavy city, navigating this sprawling metropolis is easier with convenient options such as Uber, especially when you bring your own car seats. To make the most of your visit, consider timing your trip to coincide with cultural festivities like the Day of the Dead parade in early November, which offers a memorable and educational experience for the entire family. With careful planning, Mexico City can be a wonderfully enriching destination for your next family vacation.
Planning your trip
When traveling to Mexico City with kids, choosing the right time to visit, securing comfortable accommodations and understanding local transportation can make your trip enjoyable and stress-free. Knowing what you would like to see and when is the first step to booking your Mexico City travel.
Best time to visit
Mexico City flourishes with pleasant weather and numerous festivals between March and May. This period is perfect for outdoor activities without the heavy rainfall that June brings.
Accommodations for families
Opt for family-friendly hotels or vacation rentals with amenities like kitchenettes and extra space. Renting an entire condo on Airbnb or a similar site means you will have access to a laundry machine, baby equipment and often, amenities like pools and gyms without the hassle of a big hotel. La Condesa, Roma Norte and Polanco are neighborhoods that offer a safe environment and proximity to attractions.
Transportation tips
For convenience, consider private transportation or ride-sharing apps. Driving around Mexico City is not for the faint of heart, so hiring a driver or booking Uber is a very easy and accessible choice. Bring your car seats from home, as most Mexican cars are not equipped with them. Public transport is also an option; the buses and metro system are efficient and economical, but avoid rush hours to skip the crowds.
Top attractions for kids
Mexico City offers a diverse range of activities for children of all ages, ensuring an enjoyable and enriching experience for your family. Sometimes, kids just love doing whatever it is that you do. Consider taking them to a cooking or chocolate tasting class, or visiting places you love, like museums or restaurants and sharing your passion with them. But if you’re looking for attractions geared towards little ones, you’ll have plenty to do during your Mexico City travel.
Amusement parks
Six Flags México is a thrill-seeker’s paradise with coasters and family-friendly rides. For younger kids, La Granja Las Americas is a park focused on farm animals with plenty of activities, toys and exhibits.
Museums and educational spaces
Kids and adults will love exploring the rich history and culture showcased at Museo de Arte Popular, especially the vibrant folk art. For interactive learning, Papalote Museo del Niño is a children-centric museum that emphasizes hands-on exhibits and experiences.
Public parks and playgrounds
Bosque de Chapultepec offers green spaces for play and houses the city’s largest zoo and castle. The large Alameda Central provides historic walking paths and weekend activities for families. Parque de Espana and Parque Mexico are two other parks worth visiting, with plenty of impressive children’s playgrounds.
Markets
The massive Mercado Lagunilla is a treasure trove of clothing and textiles that will delight kids. It’s a great place to buy kids’ suits, elaborate dresses and all manner of costumes. At the artisanal market Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela, you’ll find quality handicrafts and souvenirs from various makers across the country.
Music
Kids react positively to music and dance — and Mexico City has those in spades. Take your little ones to see a performance at the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, which will captivate them with its fun songs and colorful costumes. Then, try to catch a Mariachi sighting at Garibaldi Square around noontime, but be wary of pickpockets and avoid this area at night.
Family-friendly dining
In Mexico City, you can enjoy diverse dining options that cater to families, ensuring that even the youngest diners are satisfied with traditional Mexican food. For an authentic taste of Mexican flavors that kids love, opt for El Cardenal restaurant, known for its affordable local dishes and convivial vibe. Kids will delight in the freshly made tacos and quesadillas, while adults can indulge in more adventurous dishes like homemade salsas, “chapulines” or fried grasshoppers and an omelet with “huitlacoche” — a Mexican delicacy made of special fungus that grows on corn.
Safety and health
When traveling to Mexico City with children, prioritizing their safety and health is essential. You’ll find robust medical services and should adhere to specific safety tips to ensure a worry-free visit.
Medical services
Mexico City is equipped with high-quality hospitals and clinics. In case of an emergency, the Mexican Red Cross offers ambulance services, and pharmacies are widely accessible for any needed prescriptions.
Safety tips
There are a few simple safety tips that can make your Mexico City travel a success. These are the things to remember:
- Always keep a close eye on your children, especially in crowded areas.
- Use reputable transportation services to navigate the city.
- Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local police and your home country’s embassy.
Wrapping up
Travel is an eye-opening experience that can bond a family together. Rather than going to another all-inclusive resort, Mexico City offers a true insider’s perspective on life in this vast country. With plenty of art, music and good food, there is truly something for everyone in this metropolis — so don’t be afraid to go there with your kids and share your thirst for adventure with them.
Ksenia Prints is a food writer, blogger, photographer and recipe developer from Montreal, Canada. She blogs over At the Immigrant’s Table, a food blog showcasing healthy, beautiful international recipes for adventurous home cooks. She loves to highlight ethnic cuisines and immigrant cultures by working with chefs from relevant countries and adapting those recipes to gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, sugar-free and other dietary restrictions.