Cancun and the Riviera Maya
Cancun is located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, on the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The Riviera Maya describes the coastal area directly south of Cancun all the way down to Tulum, roughly 80 miles south of Cancun.
Why go to Cancun or the Riviera Maya with kids?
Cancun and the Riviera Maya are known for their white, sandy beaches and beautiful turquoise ocean waters. It is a very popular tourist destination, especially for Americans. Most American cities offer direct flights to Cancun, and because of its location, the flight times are typically on the shorter side. This is ideal if you have young children because anyone who has flown with children knows that the shorter the flight, the better! From Cancun, it’s an easy drive to the many resorts in the area.
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Mexico is also a very affordable place to travel, allowing you to get plenty of luxury for very little money. Because it is such a popular place for families, there are many resorts that cater to them, offering unparalleled experiences for both young and old.
What are the best resorts for families in Cancun and Riviera Maya?
Dreams Playa Mujeres: A family-friendly, all-inclusive resort in picturesque Playa Mujeres, Dreams Playa Mujeres offers spacious suites, a water park, multiple pools, and a private beach. Kids can enjoy the Explorer’s Club, while teens have the Core Zone for fun activities. Parents can relax at the Spa by Pevonia® or savor gourmet dining with kid-friendly options. Daily entertainment, diverse restaurants, and 24-hour room service cater to all ages.
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Hard Rock Riviera Maya: This resort has a fun atmosphere and tons for families to do. From fantastic food, lots of live entertainment, and a quality kids’ club, you and your family will feel like celebrities as you enjoy the all-inclusive luxury the Hard Rock has to offer. Kids of all ages will enjoy the waterpark, trampoline park, laser tag, HyperX gaming lounge, bowling alley, and more in the newly revamped Vibe City. Adults will love being able to access adults only restaurants and a nightclub that will make them feel young again.
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Iberostar Selection Paraiso Maya: This is the nicest family resort located in Iberostar’s sprawling Paraiso complex in the Riviera Maya. Kids will enjoy the lazy river, water park, and unlimited ice cream. Parents will enjoy the top shelf drinks and tropical views. This resort is also great if you have larger families - there are 2 bedroom family suites that allow the kids to have their own space while parents get some privacy.
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Nickelodeon Riviera Maya Resort: This Riviera Mayan resort is brand new and was made for kids! There is Nickelodeon theming throughout but not in a way that overwhelms. The kids will love the huge waterpark and all of the fun activities the resort has to offer.
When is the best time of year to go to Cancun or the Riviera Maya?
Winter is the most idyllic time to visit the area. In December, January, and February, temperatures usually hover around 80 degrees. The water tends to be calmer and clearer during this time as well. In late spring and through the summer, sargassum seaweed has been an issue in recent years. However, if you don’t mind the possibility of imperfect beaches, it can be the most affordable time to visit.
What should you do while in Mexico?
There are many, many ways to explore everything Mexico has to offer. Some of the top excursions for families include:
Taking a day trip to the island of Isla Mujeres: Located just off the coast of Cancun, a 15 minute ferry ride will bring you to a picturesque island full of restaurants, shops, and the most incredible beach Mexico has to offer - Playa Norte. It’s fairly easy to get to the island - take a taxi to Gran Puerto Cancun or Puerto Juarez and ride the ferry over or sign up for one of the many excursions offered to the island.
Swimming in a cenote: Cenotes are natural deep water wells or caves that are fed by underground rivers. The water is cold and refreshing, and the scenery is incredible. Many tour companies offer excursions that include visiting cenotes where you can swim in and even zip-line into the crisp, cool waters.
Visiting Ancient Mayan Ruins: In Mexico, experiencing culture can mean getting up close and personal with the ancient civilizations that used to preside over this part of the world. There are two popular places where you can visit Mayan ruins to learn about one of the most advanced cultures in ancient times - Tulum and Chichen Itza. Both locations are around 2 to 2 ½ hours from Cancun, but they are well worth the trip.