Best Things to Do in Mexico City with Kids
Looking for the best things to do in Mexico City with kids? Mexico City might just be one of the most underrated family destinations in the world. From ancient Aztec ruins to one of the largest urban parks on the planet, Mexico City delivers cultural depth, incredible food, and genuine adventure for families.
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Where to Stay in Mexico City with Kids
Budget: Camino Real Polanco México
Located in the upscale Polanco neighborhood, the Camino Real is a classic Mexico City hotel with generous rooms, multiple pools, and excellent service at a reasonable price point. Polanco is one of the safest and most walkable neighborhoods in the city, and it puts you within easy reach of major attractions. CHECK RATES HERE
Mid-Range: Kimpton Virgilio Polanco
Situated in the heart of Polanco, Kimpton Virgilio is a fantastic mid-range option for families. The location is excellent for reaching both Chapultepec Park and the historic center. Spacious rooms, a rooftop terrace, and reliable service make it a stress-free base for exploring the city with kids. CHECK RATES HERE
Luxury Splurge: Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City
Four Seasons Mexico City consistently ranks as one of the best hotels in Latin America, making it a wonderful choice for families. It is a peaceful oasis in the middle of one of the world’s busiest cities. The hotel is within walking distance of Chapultepec Park, and the service is impeccable. A true splurge, but an unforgettable one. CHECK RATES HERE
How to Get Around Mexico City with Kids
Mexico City is one of the largest cities on Earth, but thankfully, the best family-friendly attractions tend to be in distinct neighborhoods. Here’s how to navigate it with kids:
Uber or DiDi apps: The easiest and most reliable way to get around with children. Ride-share apps are safe, widely available, and surprisingly affordable. This is the recommended option for most family outings.
On Foot: Pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods like Condesa, Roma, and Polanco are lovely to explore on foot, with plenty of parks, cafés, and shady tree-lined streets. Chapultepec Park is best on foot or by bike (you can rent these inside the park).
Public Transportation: Mexico City has an extensive metro system that is cheap and efficient. It can get crowded during rush hour, so aim for off-peak travel. The metro connects the historic center to Chapultepec and many other main attractions.
One Key Tip: Don’t try to cram too many neighborhoods into a single day. The traffic in Mexico City can be brutal, and rushing between distant attractions will exhaust everyone. Choose one or two areas per day.
Top Things to Do in Mexico City for Families
Mexico City has more museums than almost any other city in the world, and an amazing variety of family-friendly activities. Here are the best things to do in Mexico City with kids:
1. Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Park)
No trip to Mexico City with children is complete without a full day in Chapultepec Park. This is one of the largest city parks in the Western Hemisphere, at over 1,700 acres, and it’s packed with world-class attractions. Plan to spend at least a full day here, if not two.
The park is home to the Chapultepec Zoo (one of the best free zoos in Latin America), Papalote Museo del Niño (see below), and the magnificent Castillo de Chapultepec, the only royal castle in North America. Kids will love climbing up to the castle and taking in the views over the city.
Within the park, there are also multiple playgrounds, a lake where you can take a boat ride, and plenty of wide open green spaces for running around. Street vendors sell everything from sweet treats to toys. Visit during the week to avoid the weekend crowds.
Tip: The park has three sections. Section 1 (closest to Polanco) is where most of the attractions are. Start early and let the kids set the pace.
2. Papalote Museo del Niño – Papalote Children’s Museum
Inside Chapultepec Park is one of the best children’s museums in all of Latin America: Papalote Museo del Niño. This museum is built around interactive exhibits, and kids absolutely love it. Plan to spend three to four hours here.
Highlights include a giant human body exhibit, sections on local wildlife, a bubble-making station, an animation studio, and a beautiful garden. There’s also a food court on-site when you’re ready for a break.
Tip: Buy tickets in advance online where possible. Visit on a weekday when it’s less crowded with school groups.
3. Xochimilco Floating Gardens
For a one-of-a-kind family experience, a family trip to Xochimilco is essential. In Aztec times, the Valley of Mexico was a vast lake system connected by canals and waterways. The only remaining glimpse of that pre-Hispanic world is found in Xochimilco, in the south of the city.
Families can board big, colorful wooden boats called trajineras and float along ancient canals surrounded by greenery, mariachi bands drifting past on other boats, and food vendors selling quesadillas, fruit, and drinks.
The chinampas (artificially created islands lining the canals) date back to the Aztec era and were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
This is one of those experiences that kids will talk about for years. Go on a weekday morning for a more relaxed, quieter experience on the water.
Tip: Xochimilco is far from the city center. An organized tour or a pre-booked Uber is the easiest way to get there with kids. Once there, you can hire a trajinera by the hour.
4. Teotihuacán Pyramids
The ancient city of Teotihuacán, about 30 miles northeast of Mexico City, is one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the world. The massive Pyramid of the Sun (one of the largest pyramids on Earth) and the Pyramid of the Moon sit along the dramatic Avenue of the Dead, flanked by the ruins of temples, palaces, and plazas.
It’s about a mile from the entrance to the main pyramids, but it’s kept interesting by minor temple ruins along the way. There are also tunnels running under stairways that kids love to explore. There’s also a wonderful archaeology museum at the entrance.
Note: Climbing the pyramids has been restricted in recent years, so check the current rules before your visit.
Tip: Arrive when the site opens (around 9:00 AM) to beat the heat and the crowds. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks. It’s cash only at the entrance. For something truly unique, consider booking a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Teotihuacan Pyramids.
5. El Centro Histórico
The historic center of Mexico City, El Centro Histórico, is one of the most unique urban spaces in the Americas. Many of the buildings have stood for more than five centuries, and the sheer scale of the Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución), one of the largest public squares in the world, is breathtaking.
Must-sees in the area include the Metropolitan Cathedral (the largest cathedral in the Americas), the Palacio Nacional (National Palace) with Diego Rivera’s famous paintings, and the ruins of the Templo Mayor, the Aztec temple discovered beneath the city streets in 1978. The adjacent Templo Mayor Museum is excellent for older kids and teenagers interested in history.
Bring a camera. The architecture here is extraordinary, and a walk through the historic center is a living history lesson.
6. Acuario Inbursa
Located in the upscale Polanco neighborhood, Acuario Inbursa is the largest aquarium in Mexico and one of the most impressive in Latin America. Kids can marvel at sharks, penguins, piranhas, and many other sea creatures. There’s also a sea laboratory across the street with interactive displays focusing on jellyfish and stingrays.
The aquarium sits directly in front of the iconic Museo Soumaya, the eye-catching silver building that houses one of Mexico’s finest art collections. If your kids love art, you won’t want to miss this world-class museum.
Tip: Book tickets online in advance to skip the queue, especially on weekends.
7. KidZania Mexico City
KidZania is a global edu-entertainment concept that originated in Mexico City. Children can role-play as doctors, chefs, firefighters, and dozens of other professions in a miniature, child-sized city complete with a functioning economy. It’s best for kids between the ages of 4 and 10.
There are two KidZania locations in Mexico City – Santa Fe and Cuicuilco. Plan on three to four hours for a full visit.
8. Lucha Libre
For an unforgettable cultural experience that the whole family will love, don’t miss a Lucha Libre wrestling show. Mexico’s flamboyant masked wrestling tradition is as much a theatrical spectacle as a sport, and it’s an absolute blast with kids.
Arena México in Colonia Doctores is the largest arena in the city, and hosts shows on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday nights. The Sunday evening show (starting at 5:30 PM) is the most family-friendly option. Tickets are inexpensive and can often be purchased at the door shortly before showtime.
9. Museo Nacional de Antropología
The National Museum of Anthropology is one of the greatest museums in the world, and it’s an absolute must for families visiting Mexico City. The museum’s extraordinary collection covers thousands of years of Mesoamerican civilizations – Aztec, Maya, Olmec, Toltec, and more – across 23 exhibition halls.
The famous Piedra del Sol (Aztec Sun Stone), often mistakenly called the Aztec Calendar, is the centerpiece of the Mexica Hall. For kids who have studied Mesoamerican history in school, seeing these artifacts in person can be quite meaningful.
The museum is located inside Chapultepec Park, making it easy to pair with a day out. Admission is free on Sundays for Mexican citizens; international visitors pay a modest entrance fee.
10. Frida Kahlo Museum (La Casa Azul)
The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as La Casa Azul, or “The Blue House”, is one of the most iconic cultural sites in all of Mexico. This cobalt-blue colonial home is where Frida Kahlo was born, lived most of her life, and died. Her art, personal belongings, clothing, and jewelry are all on display throughout the colorful rooms and courtyard garden.
Is this a fit for every family? That depends on your kids. Younger children may struggle to connect with the personal-history format, but tweens and teenagers can appreciate her deeply moving works. The house itself is visually stunning, and the surrounding neighborhood is a wonderful place to explore before or after your visit.
Tip: This is one of Mexico City’s most popular attractions, and tickets sell out well in advance. Book online as early as possible. It is closed on Mondays.
11. Six Flags México
For families with older kids and thrill-seekers, Six Flags México is Latin America’s most visited theme park. It’s located just south of the city on the edge of Tlalpan Forest. The park features major roller coasters, including Superman and Batman: The Ride, a full DC Universe-themed section, a water park, bumper cars, and plenty of rides for younger children. Book tickets online in advance for the best prices.
12. Mexico City Food Tour
Mexico City’s food scene is world-class, and a guided food tour is one of the best ways to experience it, especially if you’re visiting with teens.
Rather than finding the best spots on your own, a knowledgeable local guide takes you through neighborhoods, local markets, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants that most visitors never find. Expect to sample everything from tacos and tamales to artisan popsicles, rich hot cocoa, and locally roasted coffee along the way.
Two standout operators for families are Eat Like a Local, which focuses on authentic market and street food experiences, and Bike and Munchies, which combines a cycling tour of the city with food stops. Both tours are highly rated.
Best Parks in Mexico City for Kids
Bosque de Chapultepec is the city’s crown jewel. It offers nearly 1,700 acres of green space, museums, a zoo, a castle, and a lake in the heart of the city. It’s the first place to go with kids and deserves at least a full day.
Parque México in the Condesa neighborhood is a smaller, charming park beloved by locals. Surrounded by beautiful Art Deco apartment buildings and lined with cafés, it’s ideal for a relaxed morning stroll with younger children.
Parque Bicentenario is a lovely, modern park great for a half-day with the family away from the tourist crowds. This is a beautiful space built on the site of a former oil refinery, located in the Azcapotzalco neighborhood. The park has walking trails, children’s playgrounds, and small lakes where kids can feed the fish with bread from nearby vendors.
Where to Eat in Mexico City with Kids
Mexico City has one of the richest food cultures on the planet, and children are welcomed everywhere. Here are some kid-friendly food experiences not to miss:
- Churrería El Moro – El Moro has been making churros since 1935, and they’re considered the best in the city. You’ll be treated to hot, crispy dough dusted in sugar. The hot chocolate for dipping is extraordinary. There are multiple locations across the city.
- Street Tacos – Mexico City is the taco capital of the world, and even the pickiest kids are sure to enjoy tacos al pastor, carnitas, or quesadillas from a market stall. La Ciudadela market in the historic center is a great place to graze. Mercado de San Juan is excellent for fresh produce (the mangoes are considered to be among the best in the world).
- Dulcería de Celaya – Located in the historic center, Dulcería de Celaya has been selling traditional Mexican sweets and candies since 1874. Stepping inside the gorgeous old shop feels like traveling back in time. Kids will love picking out sweets from across Mexico. This is a wonderful souvenir stop.
- Mercado de Coyoacán – The covered market in Coyoacán is an authentic, colorful experience for the whole family. Browse stalls selling tostadas, fresh juices, tamales, and Mexican street food classics. Afterward, wander the cobblestone streets of the neighborhood, it’s one of the most beautiful ones in the city.
2 Days in Mexico City Itinerary
Day 1: Chapultepec Park and the Historic Center
Morning: Head to Chapultepec Park when it opens. Start with the Chapultepec Zoo, then make your way to Papalote Museo del Niño for the rest of the morning.
Lunch: Grab a bite from one of the park’s food stands, or head to a café in nearby Polanco or Condesa.
Afternoon: Head to El Centro Histórico. Walk the Zócalo, visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, and peek into the Palacio Nacional to see Diego Rivera’s incredible murals. End with a stop at Dulcería de Celaya for traditional sweets.
Evening: Churros and hot chocolate at El Moro before heading back to the hotel.
Day 2: Xochimilco and Coyoacán
Morning: Make the trip out to Xochimilco. Board a trajinera and spend two to three hours floating the canals. Bring snacks and enjoy the mariachi boats drifting alongside you.
Afternoon: Head to Coyoacán for lunch at the Mercado de Coyoacán. Wander the colorful cobblestone streets, visit the main plaza, and browse the crafts market.
Evening: Relax back in the hotel before a farewell dinner at one of the excellent restaurants in Condesa or Roma Norte.
Day Trips from Mexico City with Kids
Teotihuacán
The ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán are the top day trip from Mexico City and absolutely worth it. Hire a private driver or join a guided tour for the easiest family experience. Budget around 30–40 minutes of travel each way.
Valle de Bravo
About two hours west of Mexico City, Valle de Bravo is one of Mexico’s most beautiful small towns. It’s a wonderful escape for families who want a break from the craziness of the city. There are water sports, hiking, and excellent restaurants. HERE IS THE TOUR WE RECOMMEND
Grutas de Tolatango (Waters of Tolatango)
For a truly spectacular day trip, the hot springs of Tolantongo are unlike anything else in central Mexico, and kids absolutely love them. Grutas de Tolantongo is a dramatic canyon carved by a turquoise-green river. It’s dotted with natural thermal pools and is located 3 hours from Mexico City.
Families can soak in the tiered hillside pools overlooking the canyon, wade through the warm river, and explore the grotto caves. It’s an all-day outdoor experience that combines the thrill of a water park with the wonder of a natural landscape. Older kids especially find this one unforgettable.
Tip: Tolantongo requires reservations, and weekend slots fill up fast. Book online well before your trip. The drive is about three hours each way, so an overnight stay at one of the on-site cabins is worth considering. Bring water shoes, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.
Cuernavaca
Known as “the city of eternal spring” for its year-round mild climate, Cuernavaca is about an hour south of Mexico City and offers a relaxed pace that makes for a welcome contrast to the capital. The Jardín Borda botanical garden is lovely, and the town’s famous weekend markets are a hit with kids.
About the author: This article was originally written by Katja Gaskell of Globetotting, a former resident of Mexico City. Additional content was added by Kirsten Maxwell.
