Cancun Family Vacation Ideas: Attractions, Activities & Things to Do for Vacation
Cancun has a reputation as a spring break destination for college kids, or a tropical getaway for couples, but did you know that it also offers plenty of fun and excitement for traveling families? From outdoor adventure to cultural attractions and beyond, there is so much to do in Cancun with families. If you’re looking for some ideas for your next vacation, consider checking out some of our favorite family-friendly Cancun attractions, including:
- Xcaret Park
- Extreme Adventure Park All-Day Pass
- Jungle Tour Speedboat Adventure
- 90-minute Surf Lesson
- Cancun SubSee Explorer
- Moonlight Snorkeling Bioluminscence Tour
- Interactive Aquarium Cancun
- FlowRider at Aquaworld
- Cancun Wax Museum
Save on Admission to Family Attractions
Regular admission to many of these attractions are available with the Go Cancun® Card. Save up to 45% on combined admission prices versus paying at the gate. Learn more about Cancun passes, attractions, and prices.
Xcaret Park
A great combination of outdoorsy and cultural attractions, Xcaret Park is another ideal way to spend a fun-filled day with family. Come here to swim along tropical beaches, or explore a Mayan village. Tour an underground river, and enjoy fantastic musical and dance performances. The possibilities are practically endless at this massive cultural park! Getting In: Xcaret Park tickets are included with the Go Cancun Card.
Extreme Adventure Park All-Day Pass
This will be one amazing day for the entire family. Head to Extreme Adventure Park to spend hours upon hours engaging in the best outdoors activities that Cancun has to offer. First, you’ll snorkel the world’s second-largest great barrier reef off the coast of Puerto Morelos. Then, you’ll get to explore the charming town of Puerto Morelos, lounge on the beach, and sample some local cuisine. Next, head out to the Mayan jungle to enjoy an exhilarating ride aboard an ATV for about an hour. Afterwards, enjoy a bit of zip-lining. Finally, you’ll get the chance to soak in an authentic Mexican cenote (a natural pool). What a day! Plus, with round-trip transportation included, it’s totally stress-free! Getting In: Extreme Adventure Park All-Day Pass tickets are included with the Go Cancun Card.
Jungle Tour Speedboat Adventure
Is snorkeling on your bucket list? Take the kids along for this very family-friendly water activity and explore the natural world while having fun. Go on a speedboat through the Nichupté Lagoon en route to Punta Nizuc, part of the second-largest barrier reef outside of Australia. Because the boat is under your control, it’s a nice opportunity to snorkel at your leisure, and simply enjoy the sun and water. Getting In: Jungle Tour Speedboat Adventure tickets are included with the Go Cancun Card.
90-minute Surf Lesson
Families with older kids will appreciate the opportunity to learn how to surf in the tropical paradise of Cancun. This lesson from 360 Surf School is a smart choice. Get some on-beach guidance from experienced and certified surf instructors, then head out to the open ocean for an experience none of you will ever forget. Parents will also appreciate the fact that guides will be present in the water for the duration of the lesson, so there are practically no safety concerns. Getting In: 90-minute Surf Lesson tickets are included with the Go Cancun Card.
Paradise SubSee Excursion at Paraiso Nizuc
This delightful attraction combines the best elements of a submarine and a glass-bottomed boat, offering underwater views alongside informative narration. You’ll get the chance to see the Cancun Underwater Museum, too, an art project featuring amazing statues out of marine clay. These statutes help to facilitate the growth of coral, which is an important help to this endangered species. The SubSee is a great option for kids who don’t feel comfortable with swimming or snorkeling, but still want to see under the waves. Getting In: Paradise SubSee Excursion at Paraiso Nizuc are included with the Go Cancun Card.
Moonlight Snorkeling Bioluminescence Tour
When else will your kids get the chance to truly immersive themselves in the strange beauty of the ocean? Take a moonlight snorkeling trip that showcases the biodiversity of the Great Mayan Reef. You’ll snorkel three different spots for a total of one and a half to two hours. Find different creatures at each spot, including night-swimming critters like octopus, lobsters, and crabs, as well as the ever-popular sea turtles. Finally, you’ll enjoy a magical bioluminescence experience unlike anything else when the lights go out and you see the world underneath the waves illuminated. Getting In: Moonlight Snorkeling Bioluminescence Tour tickets are included with the Go Cancun Card.
Interactive Aquarium Cancun
The Interactive Aquarium Cancun is a must for the animal-loving families. Boasting over 140 different species of aquatic creature, this modest but impressive aquarium provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the biodiversity of the world’s oceans. Different themed areas provide unique experiences to visitors, so there’s always something to suit kids of all ages. We especially recommend the iPad Zone, where kids can utilize their favorite technology to learn more about marine life. Getting In: Interactive Aquarium Cancun tickets are included with the Go Cancun Card.
Cancun Wax Museum
A visit here is a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a bit of culture. Come see fascinating wax replicas of some of the most famous people from different walks of life. Featured figures include everyone from Barack Obama to Queen Elizabeth II to Amy Winehouse. Snap photos of your favorites, and get some fun family photos for your holiday cards! Getting In: Cancun Wax Museum tickets are included with the Go Cancun Card.
Remember to Save on Admission to Family Attractions
If you’re planning a family vacation to Cancun, don’t forget to snag an all-inclusive Go Cancun Card for your trip. You can save up to 45% on admission prices and enjoy the best of Cancun. Happy travels!