Traveling to Mexico with Children
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Traveling to Mexico with children can be a wonderful experience for them but also challenging for parents. Choosing hotels and planning the trip can be thrilling for them, creating lifelong memories. Cancun and the Riviera Maya feature many child-friendly hotels and resorts for an amazing experience. Children can have fun at both huge themed hotels and medium-sized hotels.
Passport and Visa Requirements
Vacation Checklist
Essential Travel Documents for You and Your Kids Before Visiting Mexico. Useful Links: | Mexico Foreign Affairs – Minors Travelling | U.S. Department of State — Bureau of Consular Affairs | Visa Requirements |
Planning the Trip
When traveling to Mexico with children, the first step is to plan ahead. Before booking, make sure the hotel is child-friendly, has activities, and is located near a beach or city. Many non-beachfront hotels provide complimentary beach clubs. Check the beach club’s transportation alternatives, as well as the departure and return times.
Trip preparation
Once your hotel is booked, prepare your luggage for Mexico. Let children help pack their own bags if they’re able. Pack:
Essential clothing:
- Pajamas and underwear
- Swimwear
- Shorts, t-shirts, and light shirts
- Jeans
- Light sweater (temperatures can drop to 16°C from December to March)
Footwear:
- Shoes
- Tennis shoes
- Flip-flops
Personal care:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
Important: Remember your child’s comfort item (like a special toy or teddy bear) if they sleep with one to ensure restful nights during your vacation.
Essential Travel Medicine Guide for Children in Mexico
Traveling with children’s medication? Follow these key steps:
- Calculate required medication doses for entire trip duration
- Purchase additional medication before departure if needed
- Know which medicines are available over-the-counter in Mexico:
- Cold medicine
- Cough remedies
- Stomach medication
Important: Mexican Prescription Requirements
- Antibiotics require prescription
- Controlled substances require prescription
- Bring medication names for local doctor consultation
Pro Tip: Write down medication names and dosages in case of emergency medical visits while in Mexico.
Tips for the trip
After you’ve handled the preceding points, the following stage is to plan activities for the children during the trip. Include toys, storybooks, coloring books, or select an age-appropriate movie or animated series for them to watch on an electronic device.
Beach Essentials
While sunscreen and insect repellent are crucial for your tropical getaway, buying them at home may force you to check your bags. These items often exceed airport security size restrictions and could be confiscated from carry-on luggage or kids’ backpacks.
Forgot to pack these essentials? No problem! Cancun and the Riviera Maya offer plenty of shopping options. Protect both your family and the environment by selecting biodegradable sunscreens and repellents. Money-saving tip: Skip the hotel shops and tourist malls, head to local pharmacies, convenience stores, or supermarkets for better prices. These shops also stock everything your kids need for beach fun, from flotation devices and beach balls to sand toys and swim goggles.
Transportation to the Hotel or Airport
If your holiday package includes transportation from the airport to your hotel, make sure to make your reservation in advance. They may only include arrival service; confirm in advance and plan accordingly. If transport isn’t included, arrange it locally with a company like Van Travel. You can travel with confidence because they will take care of your ground transportation from and to the Cancun International Airport. If your children need travel seats, please specify this when making your reservation to ensure their safety.
Activities for Kids
If the youngsters tire of the beach after a few days and want a change, Cancun offers several great options. They can enjoy visiting the Cancun Planetarium, exploring Kabah Park, or shopping at outlets in the hotel zone and downtown Cancun. Paid theme parks like Xcaret and Xel-Ha, the Aquarium at Plaza La Isla. Experience world-class attractions including the immersive eco-adventure parks Xcaret and Xel-Ha, along with the stunning marine exhibits at Plaza La Isla Aquarium. For additional entertainment, several resorts like the Nickelodeon Hotel and Ventura Park welcome visitors with daily admission passes, offering exciting activities for the whole family.
Essential Do’s and Don’ts for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
We highly advise avoiding visiting archaeological sites or museums when traveling to Mexico with children. Youngsters under eight may not understand what they see, dislike the trip, or grow bored within minutes, leading to tantrums or whining to leave. This activity exposes kids to light, heat, and, seasonally, mosquitos.
Ensure your children join hotel-organized activities. Many hotels offer wonderful kids’ clubs with safe, engaging activities. This way, they’ll be tired and ready for bed at night, excited for the next day’s adventure.
Safety Essentials Tips
- Verify Your Travel Insurance Coverage: Ensure your insurance covers international trips and includes your kids.
- Ask About Childproofing Options: Check with your hotel for room safety features tailored for children.
- Create Emergency Info Cards: Include key details like your phone number, hotel name, room number, and children’s names.
Evening Escape for Parents
After a day of family activities, couples deserve their own special moments. Unwind with your partner at an elegant lobby bar, dance the night away at a vibrant nightclub, or savor an intimate dinner at a romantic restaurant. Take advantage of professional childcare services offered by many resorts, allowing you to recharge and cherish quality time together. Remember, this vacation is just as much about your relaxation as it is about family fun.
We hope these recommendations for traveling to Mexico with children are helpful to you.
