Family Fun in the Riviera Maya

While family-friendly resorts line the beaches of the Riviera Maya and many offer entertainment options designed specifically for its youngest guests, the destination’s appeal extends beyond its extensive network of hotels.

Step off the property and families will find a number of fun activities that appeal to children of all ages from cultural attractions and eco-parks to museums and shopping.

Eco-parks

First and foremost are the region’s many eco-parks. Families can take their pick from Aktun Chen, Xplor, Xel-Ha, Xcaret and more. Each caters to kids and adults alike with ziplines, snorkeling, tubing, lazy rivers, swimming, shows, dining and more for a full day of fun.

Stunning Sights

The Riviera Maya also offers many cultural and archaeological sights, including Mayan ruins, the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and Rio Secreto.

Tulum National Park encompasses the 13th-century Mayan ruins that overlook the sea, including the clifftop Castillo, built as a watchtower, and the Templo de las Pinturas. Coba is another Mayan archaeological site farther inland in the jungle with pyramid-shaped temples. Travelers can also take a day trip to the pre-Hispanic city of Chichen-Itza.

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is a natural attraction in Tulum that became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Visitors can book tours to the biosphere and see the area’s tropical jungle, mangrove forests and turquoise waters.

Rio Secreto is another natural sight worth visiting. It is an underground river near Playa del Carmen that dates back millions of years and is filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Families can enjoy tours that explore the underground waterways with a guide.

Museums and Aquariums

The Riviera Maya isn’t all beaches and eco-parks. There are a number of entertaining museums ideal for families.

Escape the sun for the with a stop at Playa del Carmen’s 3D Museum of Wonders, the first 3-D museum in the Americas and full of illusional artwork.

There is also a Frida Kahlo Museum Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen. Families can expect to see images from her life and work with guides in each room to explain the museum’s themes. A visit to the museum is ideal for families with older children and teens.

In the heart of Playa del Carmen along Fifth Avenue, L’Aquarium explores the region’s underwater inhabitants. There are three floors of fun and is home to more than 200 marine species.

Playa del Carmen's Fifth Avenue

Families looking to infuse a more urban experience into their beach vacation can head to Playa del Carmen’s famous Fifth Avenue. The bustling neighborhood is filled with bars, restaurants and shops and can provide families with a taste of the Riviera Maya’s vibrant culture.