We have been to Mexico several times, and it is a fun family vacation. We love the Mayan Riviera and I highly recommended it as a family destination! Here are some tips from our trips there over the years.
Plan things to do, but also not too much to do.
A vacation should be fun and action-packed, but make sure that you have down-time too. You don’t want the kids to be overtired and exhausted, which can lead to meltdowns and other issues. Remember that kids may not be as interested in things like historical trips, so find a good balance of activities.
Mexico is usually pretty hot and sunny, so you want to make sure that you are prepared. It is likely more intense than where you are coming from, especially if you are traveling to escape the winter doldrums. Be careful to avoid things like sunburns, overheating, and dehydration. Keep in mind that a lot of places in Mexico require a reef-safe sunscreen (which is safer for your health, too). Check out my post on that here.
Make sure you know what the temperature is going to be when you arrive in Mexico. Prepare for everything from hot days to cool nights. Bring more than one swimsuit, so that one can be dry when the other one is being worn. Proper water shoes are a good idea, and bring your own googles or swim masks for the kids. Having the right swimwear and gear is important to make sure that the kids can enjoy their time.
Be prepared with a variety of medicines. I always travel with things like Tylenol and stomach medicines. You don’t want to be out of the country and have to scramble for things like pain relievers. Whether you are traveling to Mexico, or somewhere else, I recommend a stomach relief product too, because having food you usually don’t eat (or overindulging) can cause stomach upset.
Being at your resort or tour group is probably the safest place to be in Mexico. But if you travel outside the resort, use your common sense. Keep your devices charged at all times so that you can communicate as needed. Check out services like Simify to make sure that you stay connected even while out of your home country. Sims direct gets your phone working no matter where you travel.
Enjoy the local culture
Mexico is an amazing place with so much rich history and beautiful places to see. This is a great opportunity for kids to experience the language, foods, history, and so much more, especially if you venture off the hotel property.
Oh, I want so much to visit Mexico, it is a dream destination for me, hope to get there soon with our kids. Look like you had a blast there with your kids.
I’m going to Puerto Viallarta this weekend and would love a few tips… I was going to bring all my money in cash because i heard it is expensive to cash traveler’s checks.. does anyone use those anymore anyways
I would really love to take my family down to Mexico. I’m a bit overwhelmed at the idea because of the warnings I’ve read. These are great tips to go by.
I remember the days of travelling to Mexico with kids. Although these days I might be a bit more concerned about safety. We always planned a mix of structured and lazy time in the hot weather. And were quite zealous about sun screen. Good tip about taking medicines with you … just in case.
We have traveled with the kids many years ago in hot places like Mexico. We combined our interests with theirs by including fun stuff like sea world and playing in beaches. Carrying a lot of water and sunscreen are definitely a must. Taking essential medicines is a good tip. Lovely blog post. 🙂
I’ve travelled with my daughter for many years, hence, I know the challenges – whether they are five or 15 😉 As a matter of fact, we also went to Mexico twice and it was actually a fun and easy place to travel with a kid since there are so many activities kids love. Also, the Mexican people were very kind.
It’s great that Mexico has so many fun activities for kids! I don’t have kids (yet), but still it was really helpful to get advice on what to pack and consider before a trip to Mexico. I’m looking forward to exploring the country someday myself. 🙂
We are thinking of taking the kids this summer, so this was very informative. Thanks for sharing!
Oh, I want so much to visit Mexico, it is a dream destination for me, hope to get there soon with our kids. Look like you had a blast there with your kids.
I’m going to Puerto Viallarta this weekend and would love a few tips… I was going to bring all my money in cash because i heard it is expensive to cash traveler’s checks.. does anyone use those anymore anyways
I’ve never been to Mexico, but I hope to be able to go and take my daughter, one day.
I would love to take my daughter to Mexico someday! I have been there, but she has not. These are great tips!
Oh wow!!! We have been talking about a family trip there. You pics look absolutely amazing!!!
We are planning to take a family trip this year. Thanks for the option of Mexico.
I would really love to take my family down to Mexico. I’m a bit overwhelmed at the idea because of the warnings I’ve read. These are great tips to go by.
I would so love to visit Mexico! It sounds like the most incredible place, and these tips are so helpful! xo
Makeup Muddle
This is a great post! I think I can apply it to plenty of locales besides Mexico!
I would love to visit Mexico with my children! Especially after reading this post. What an experience!
Great tips. When my kids are older I will definitely take them to Mexico. I’ve definitely had a lot of fun there.
Packing the right clothese is so key. I remember when I went to Goa with warmer clothes re was so miserable … It is similear weather they say.
I would love to travel some more this summer. I’m definitely planning our first family vacation some tropical and exciting. Thanks, for sharing.
Cannot wait to take a trip like this with my kids! It looks amazing!
Loved reading these tips! We have spent several years going to the Yucatan and love it, but never thought of taking our kiddos. Great suggestions!
This looks so fun-filled! Thanks for sharing your experience. These are brilliant tips!
Great tips! Although travel is not on our list for sometime at least. These can come handy later. Saving it for our next trip.
Very informative BL og thanks 😊
Great tips. You have me wanting to go on vacation now.
Great tips! We used to have two time shares in Cancun when I was a kid and we always had a blast exploring and swimming!
I remember the days of travelling to Mexico with kids. Although these days I might be a bit more concerned about safety. We always planned a mix of structured and lazy time in the hot weather. And were quite zealous about sun screen. Good tip about taking medicines with you … just in case.
Bringing medicine is such an important tip. I agree that kids won’t appreciate fully the history so it’s good to have fun activities planned.
We have traveled with the kids many years ago in hot places like Mexico. We combined our interests with theirs by including fun stuff like sea world and playing in beaches. Carrying a lot of water and sunscreen are definitely a must. Taking essential medicines is a good tip. Lovely blog post. 🙂
I’ve travelled with my daughter for many years, hence, I know the challenges – whether they are five or 15 😉 As a matter of fact, we also went to Mexico twice and it was actually a fun and easy place to travel with a kid since there are so many activities kids love. Also, the Mexican people were very kind.
It’s great that Mexico has so many fun activities for kids! I don’t have kids (yet), but still it was really helpful to get advice on what to pack and consider before a trip to Mexico. I’m looking forward to exploring the country someday myself. 🙂