CHILDREN’S ATTRACTIONS
1. Wet‘n Wild, Cancún
Known as the number one fun center in the region, this water park has much to offer. In addition to the adrenaline-pumping rides that older kids love – the Wave Pool, Bubba Tub, Kamikaze, Double Space Bowl, and Twister, Wet’n Wild also has a Kids’ Park with rides and slides for young children, so that even the littlest members of the family can join in the fun.
2. Xcaret
The first and most famous of the eco-parks, Xcaret provides lots for kids to enjoy, in an easy, family-centered environment. The snorkeling river is a big hit, but children can also enjoy the zoo, butterfly garden, and forest paths. A part of the park has been created especially for children and has, amongst other things, water slides, hanging bridges, and tunnels.
Families snorkeling at Xcaret
3. Río Secreto
(984) 877 2377 • www.riosecreto.com
This amazing underground cave and river system is located just south of Playa del Carmen. Don a wet suit and helmet to explore the river that flows 82 ft (25 m) below the surface and see the many spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.
4. Crococún Crocodile Park
Highway 307, km 31 • (998) 850 3719 • Open 9am–5pm daily • Adm $32 (60yrs & above $22; under 5s free) • www.crococunzoo.com
Kids can see crocodiles (over 300 of them) at this small zoo with all-local wildlife. Multilingual guides give informative, entertaining tours, and there are opportunities to meet baby crocodiles, deer, monkeys, parrots, and less familiar animals such as tepezcuintles (an endearing, large spotted rodent).
5. Uxmal
A Mayan site that is well-liked by kids is Uxmal. Not only does it have lots of steps and temples for running around, but it is also home to many iguanas, which sit stock still until surprised, then dart off with sudden alacrity. Some are as big as crocodiles, but they’re all harmless.
6. Xel-Ha
(998) 251 6560 • Open 9am–6pm daily • Adm • www.xelha.com
This snorkel park (see Xel-Ha) is one of the Riviera’s big family attractions. Few kids are not enchanted by swimming and snorkeling in the coral lagoon, as well as by exploring its lush forest setting.
7. Punta Laguna
daily
Getting to see local wildlife (see Punta Laguna) in its natural habitat, rather than in zoos or nature parks, can take time and effort, but at this small reserve north of Cobá village guides lead the way and you can see spider monkeys jumping through the trees after just a little exciting exploration. Deer, wild boar, and lots of birds can likely be seen too.
8. Laguna Chankanaab, Cozumel
One of the most enjoyable and accessible places for even small children to be dazzled by a first introduction to snorkeling and the underwater treasures of the Cozumel reefs. The sea is very placid, and there’s coral and abundant sea life just off the beach. There’s also a coral lagoon in the same park.
9. Laguna Yal-Ku, Akumal
Open 8am–6pm daily • Adm
This winding rock pool of brilliant turquoise water right at the north end of Akumal’s Media Luna Bay is one of the natural coral inlets on the Riviera coast. Rarely crowded, it’s delightful for swimming and snorkeling with young children, with coral and colorful fish that are easy to spot.
Rock pool at Laguna Yal-Ku, Akumal
10. Playa Mia, Cozumel
Open dawn–dusk daily • Adm
Cozumel’s beach clubs offer all the fun of the sand and sea, plus restaurants and loungers in the shade. Playa Mia has the best choice of things to do for older children – snorkeling, beach games, kayaks, and banana boats – and it has a Kids’ Club for little ones.
Children playing at Playa Mia
